waterline_041813

The Waterline

April 18, 2013

Vol. XXX No.15

www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw

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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

RECP to Provide Mock Billing, Other Services to Ensure Resident Savings

By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer

With the Navy’s implementation of the Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP), accountability for electrical consumption to each residence of Public Private Venture (PPV) housing will soon be the responsibility of residents. A major part of this program provides rebates for those residents who conserve energy. By incentivizing energy consumption, the RECP hopes to bring down energy costs and save money while conserving resources, as well.

“It’s important to note that you and your family will reap the benefits of the money that is saved by this program,” said Vice Adm. William French, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), in a video message to the fleet. “First with the refund from energy savings you and your family create by staying below the average normal usage rate. Second, the vast majority of the RECP cost savings will be reinvested back into the local PPV community to sustain high-quality

homes and neighborhood amenities such as playgrounds, facilities and landscaping.”

The program establishes liketype groups of housing and measures the average usage for each like type group every month. A 10 percent buffer is then added above and below the average to create a Normal Usage Band (NUB). Residents will receive monthly statements on how their usage compares to the NUB. Those using more than the NUB pay for the excess and those using less than the NUB will receive a rebate or credit for the difference between the NUB and their actual usage.

Before any of this happens, though, residents will be able to see exactly how much energy they are using in comparison to the NUB through a period called “mock billing.” This period is scheduled last from July 1 to Sept.

30 and will allow residents to monitor their home energy usage without having to pay for any excess energy usage in their homes.

“The mock bills are intended to show your actual electrical consumption and billing costs, and

how it compares with other homes in your like-type group,” said Julie Barnes, regional Navy Housing Program manager for Naval District Washington. “All billing costs will be based on the same electric rate charged for a particular housing area.”

Barnes recommends that residents review their mock bills, compare their monthly usage with the normal usage band, and consider adjusting their consumption habits as needed to minimize personal costs. “Individually, implementing energy savings tips result in small savings; but collectively, they can make a big difference in how much electricity is saved in a given month.”

Additionally, the RECP will have no impact on residents’ Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

According to CNIC, an allowance for normal utilities is a part of the BAH. BAH includes an allowance for utilities such as electricity, gas or other heating fuels, and water/ sewer. The BAH includes the cost of utilities based on averages from

See RECP, Page 8

Courtesy photo

An example of a “mock bill” residents of Public Private Venture housing can expect between July and September. The mock bills serve to let residents know how much energy they use compared to the Normal Usage Band for their area.

Earth Day Keeps Naval District Washington Environmentally Conscious Through Action

By Patrick Gordon Waterline writer

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kiona Miller

Employees located on the Washington Navy Yard participate in a base wide clean up during Naval Support Activity Washington’s Earth Day celebration in 2011. This year Naval District Washington will be celebrating with various events at commands including Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Naval Support Activity Carderock.

April 22 marks Earth Day for 2013, and many will use the day as an opportunity to make their homes, neighborhoods, and the planet a more environmentally cleaner place. Across the fleet, commands are showing that Navy blue and gold can combine to make green, and Naval District Washington (NDW) is doing its part as well.

Around the Yard, page 2 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone

“On Earth Day and throughout April the Navy and Marine Corps team – as well as individual sailors, Marines, civilian employees, and families – have the opportunity to take local action to demonstrate our commitment to protecting the environment,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Environmental) Donald Schregardus in a message to the fleet. “No matter where you serve, you can take action by participating in local cleanups, reducing waste, increasing

INSIDE

2013 Blessing of the Fleet at U.S. Navy Memorial, page 9

awareness of neighborhood recycling programs, saving energy, or planting indigenous trees in your area. The options are limitless. Everyone can find or create a way to take local action.”

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a grassroots effort to increase awareness of environmental issues. Since the 1990s, the De-

See Earth Day, Page 8

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Department of the Navy Releases Fiscal 2014 Budget Proposal From Defense Media Activity-Navy The Department of the Navy released April 10 its proposed $155.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2014.

This budget is part of the $525 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress on the same day.

Rear Adm. Joseph Mulloy, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget, briefed media at the Department of Defense budget press conference about the Navy and Marine Corps portion of the budget, which was a $4.2 billion decrease from last year’s baseline appropriation.

“So the bottom line (for military personnel), the Navy’s going to slow growth slightly over time. We’ve pretty much reached the point where, to be able to operate with the force we have and to be able to properly man and train, we need these forces,” Mulloy said.

This year’s budget submission was guided by the CNO’s tenants of warfighting first, operate forward and be ready.

Mulloy said the Navy is funding our forces operating forward, providing money to maintain and train those units getting ready to deploy, and investing in the people, ships and technology of our future force.

The budget includes a $49 billion request for operations and maintenance. This is an approximately three percent reduction, but it allows the Navy to maintain its commitment in the Middle East and the Western Pacific, consistent with the Defense Strategy.

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Arif Patani

The cover of the Department of the Navy’s fiscal year 2014 budget highlights book. The Department of the Navy announced April 10 a proposed budget of $155.8 billion for fiscal year 2014. This budget is part of the $525 billion defense budget President Barack Obama submitted to Congress the same day. The budget highlights book is available for download here: http://www.finance. hq.navy.mil/fmb/14pres/books.htm.

This year’s submission also supports readiness for our next-to-deploy ships and units who will be preparing for their deployments in FY14. The Navy has also increased its ship depot-level maintenance account to increase the scope and complexity of our maintenance availabilities.

The Navy has also requested $43.5B for ship, aircraft, weapons and other procurement for programs including Joint Strike Fighter, Littoral Combat Ship, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Following last year’s budget for FY13, this budget includes cuts and other initiatives that will ding across several years. The FY14 budget request does not reflect the future uncertainty associated with the implementation of sequestration as it is submitted as part of the President’s balanced deficit reduction plan.

To view the proposed FY14 DoN budget documents, visit http://www.finance.hq.navy.mil/fmb/14pres/books.htm.

To view the U.S. Navy Program Guide for 2013, visit: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/seapower/npg13/ top-npg13.pdf.

Highlights of the proposed DoD budget are outlined at http://www.defense.gov/news/2014budget.pdf. For more information and to view the entire fiscal 2014 budget proposal, visit http://www.budget.mil and download the “FY 2014 Budget Request Overview Book.”

To view budget-related transcripts, visit http://www.defense.gov/transcripts.

Around the Yard With Earth Day coming up, how are you keeping the region green?

Just by recycling at home.

Andy Greenfield SP164 Washington Navy Yard

The Waterline

Commandant, Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Patrick J. Lorge NDW Public Affairs Officer Edward Zeigler Waterline Staff Photojournalist MC2 Kiona Miller Writer Pat Gordon Copy Editor/Page Designer The Gazette/Comprint Military Publications Lorraine Walker All stories must be submitted by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. E-mail stories to: waterline.ndw.fcm@navy.mil or bring/mail to: The

Well, I just planted six fruit trees.

Carlo Ferrari Building 200 Washington Navy Yard

Waterline, 1411 Parsons Ave. SE, Suite 205, Washington Navy Yard, 20374.

Submissions should be free of military times and should contain the first and last names with ranks/rates, warfare qualifications, job titles and duty station/command of all persons quoted or referred to.

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This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, retirees, DOD civilians and their family members.

Contents of The Waterline do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy, and does not imply endorsement thereof.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute

I recycle almost everything at home using the big tubs.

John King Naval History and Heritage Command Washington Navy Yard

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The editorial content of The Waterline is edited and approved by the public affairs office of Naval District Washington.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

April 18

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This Week in Navy History

tric drive.

1918 - USS Stewart (DD-13) destroys German submarine off France.

1945 - In only U.S. use of guided missiles in WW II, two BAT missiles release at Balikiapan, Borneo.

1956 - Project Vanguard, earth satellite launching program, assigned to DCNO (Air).

1848 - U.S. Navy expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan, commanded by Navy Lt. William F. Lynch, reaches the Dead Sea. 1906 - Navy assists in relief operations during San Francisco earthquake and fire.

1942 - USS Hornet (CV-8) launches Lt. Col. James Doolittle’s Army bombers for first attack on Japan.

1988 - Navy destroys two Iranian surveillance platforms, sinks one frigate and one patrol ship, and severely damages a second frigate in retaliation for attack on USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58).

April 24

April 19

1783 - George Washington proclaims end of hostilities against Great Britain.

1861 - President Abraham Lincoln orders blockade of Southern ports from South Carolina to Texas.

1917 - Naval Armed Guard crew on board SS Mongolia engage and damage a German U-boat. This was the first engagement of U.S. naval personnel against the enemy in World War I. 1955 - USS Albany (CA-123) and USS William M. Wood (DD-715) begin to provide disaster relief to citizens of Volos, Greece, ending April 21.

April 20

1796 - Congress authorizes completion of three frigates.

1861 - Norfolk Navy Yard abandoned and burned by Union forces.

1914 - In first call to action of naval aviators, detachment on USS Birmingham (CL2) sailed to Tampico, Mexico.

1915 - First Navy contract for lighterthan-air craft awarded.

1942 - USS Wasp (CV-7) launches 47 British aircraft to reinforce Malta.

1947 – Navy Capt. L.O. Fox, supported by 80 Marines, accepted the surrender of Lt. Ei Yamaguchi and 26 Japanese soldiers and sailors, two and one half years after the occupation of Peleliu and nearly 20 months after the surrender of Japan.

1953 - USS New Jersey (BB-26) shells

Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command

“The Spledid Naval Triumph on the Mississippi, April 24th, 1862.” Adm. David Farragut ran past forts into Mississippi River during the Battle of New Orleans. Having fought past Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Union was unopposed in its capture of the city itself, which was spared the destruction suffered by many other Southern cities.

Wonsan, Korea from inside the harbor.

1964 - USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625) launches a Polaris A-2 missile from the surface in first demonstration that Polaris submarines could launch missiles from the surface as well as from beneath the ocean.

30 minutes later the submarine launched another Polaris missile while submerged.

April 21

1861 - USS Saratoga captures slaver, Nightingale.

1898 - U.S. at war against Spain.

1906 - Cmdr. Robert Peary discovered supposed Arctic Continent did not exist.

1972 - Moonwalk in the Descartes Highlands by Navy Capt. John W. Young, Commander of Apollo 16. He was the ninth man to walk on the moon. Lt. Cmdr. Thomas K. Mattingly II was the Command Module Pilot. During the 11 day, 1 hour and 51 minute mission, 213 lbs. of lunar material was collected. Recovery by HC-1 helicopters from USS Ticonderoga (CVS-14).

April 22 1778 - Capt. John Paul Jones of Ranger led landing party raid on Whitehaven, England.

1898 - U.S. warships begin blockade of Cuba.

1987 - U.S. Navy ordered to provide assistance to neutral vessels under Iranian attack outside the exclusion zone and that requested help.

April 23

1917 - Launching of USS New Mexico (BB-40), first dreadnought with turboelec-

1778 - Continental Navy sloop Ranger captures HMS Drake.

1862 - Battle of New Orleans; Union Navy under Adm. David Farragut runs past forts into Mississippi River.

1884 - USS Bear left the New York Naval Shipyard as part of the Greely Relief Expedition. USS Thetis would join the mission a week later, with USS Alert also joining on this mission. The Greely Expedition was marooned in the Arctic. Greely and six other survivors were found at Cape Sabine, June 23, 1884.

1906- Ceremonies at Naval Academy commemorate John Paul Jones; President Theodore Roosevelt delivers speech.

1917 - Destroyer squadron departs Boston for European service.

1959 - Organization of American States asks U.S. to establish naval patrols off east coast of Panama to prevent invasion of Cuban forces.

1974 - Naval forces begin minesweeping operations in the Suez Canal Zone.

1981 - RCA delivers to the Navy, NOVA I, the first production unit of the improved navigational satellite.

Share the Road Safely: Bicycle Safety Tips From the NSA South Potomac Safety Office

Courtesy photo

Bicycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road. As a bicyclist riding in traffic or on the sidewalk, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself.

Trucks and buses make wide right turns.

Never sneak in between a truck or bus and the curb or you could get crushed. Never assume that all drivers see your hand signals or will yield for you. Assume you are invisible to other road users and ride defensively.

See Bicycle, Page 10

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Bicycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road. As a bicyclist riding in traffic or on the sidewalk, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself. Vehicles on the road, especially large trucks and buses, may not see you on your bike. Crossing the street or making a turn can be dangerous in traffic if others do not see you or your signals. The tips below can help keep you riding safely.

Wear Your Helmet Before you get on your bike, put on a helmet. It is the best thing you can do to be safe.

Bikes offer no protection in case of a crash, so you need to wear your protection. Wearing your helmet may save your life if you are hit by or run into a large truck or bus. Remember, riding into a truck is equivalent to hitting a steel wall. Your helmet is your life.

Bikers Beware Always be aware of the traffic around you. This is especially important when riding in traffic with large trucks and buses.

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CAREER SUPPORT AND RETENTION The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Offers an array of services and benefits to transitioning service members, including computers setup for individuals to go online to different job banks, college and scholarship resources and career assessment tools.

Resume Writing Workshops are offered which includes Federal Resume Writing Interview Skills, information on veterans’ benefits and a professional resource library; Two TAP Seminars and one Executive TAP Seminar - five-day programs - are offered monthly sponsored by the departments of Labor and Veteran Affairs, and include information that will benefit the transitioning military member.

Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) Offers seven basic services, which include job search strategies, job readiness, resource information, job referral service, individual counseling assistance, career planning and links to education and volunteer opportunities.

Personal Financial Management (PFM) Program offers individual and family financial counseling, financial classes, and is responsible for the Command Financial specialist training in the Region (NDW).

NSA Washington-JBAB Fleet Family and Fun

Awareness, Spouse Abuse Awareness and suicide prevention. Trainings can be customized to fit needs of the command.

New Parent Support Program (NPS) Assists new parents in coping with the demands of parenting and military life through parenting education and training and home visits to new parents prior to delivery and after delivery; information and referral for military and community resources; child development screenings and monitoring. All active duty members and their families who are pregnant and or have children in the home from infancy to three years old are eligible for these home visitation services.

Deployment/mobilization/readiness Assisting Sailors and family members prepare for deployment, manage separations and reunite and reintegrate with families and community through services including the Family Accountability and Assessment System, Individual augmentee (IA) Indoc Course and Deployed Family Fun Days.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Provides assistance to service members with special needs children and family members with medical needs including resource referral to medical, counseling and educational services, support groups and care providers. Assists in finding duty stations where needs are met. Mandatory enrollment per OPNAVINST 1754.2D.

Improve your speaking skills with Helmsmen Toastmasters Join us Thursdays, 7:30-8:45 a.m., at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center. Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. For more info, contact Carl Sabath at carl.sabath@osd. mil, 703-695-2804, or Elizabeth Femrite at elizabeth.m.femrite.civ@mail.mil, 571256-8674. Remember, great Helmsmen say, “Yes!” To learn more about Helmsmen Toastmasters, visit http://helmsmen.toastmastersclubs.org

DEPLOYMENT READINESS/ FAMILY SERVICES Life Skills Education Provides presentations to help commands meet requirements, as well as enhance operational and personal readiness including parenting skills training, couples communication, anger and stress management, conflict resolution, Child Abuse

Thursday, April 18, 2013

FFR/MWR Phone numbers Fitness Centers Washington Navy Yard, bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2282/2829

Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) Ticket Office, WNY Bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2484 Travel Office, WNY Bldg. 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-8299

Food & Beverage Catering & Conference Center, WNY Bldg. 211 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3041/4312 Mordecai Booth’s Public House, WNY Bldg. 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 678-0514

Military and Family Support Center MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-6151 MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-0450

Other Important Numbers FFR Administrative Office, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3659 FFRP Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-4052 MWR Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-4662 MWR Marketing Department, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-5912 Regional Child Placement Office, JBAB Bldg. 414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3055 Family Housing Office, JBAB Bldg. 414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-0346 Liberty Program/Center, JBAB Bldg. 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-1802 Outdoor Recreation/Equipment Rental, JBAB, Bldg. 928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-9136 Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, JBAB, Bldg. 602 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 404-7050

and updates throughout all phases, please do not hesitate to ask the staff members at the Fitness center. You can also sign-up for email alerts by emailing your full name and email to nsaw.marketing1@gmail.com.

April Modified Exercise Schedule Monday 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. - Pilates 11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. - Cardio Conditioning

Fitness Center Renovations - Phase 1 Begins March 1 | WNY Fitness Center Phase 1 will include renovations to the

Bench Press Competition April 24-25 | 12 p.m. | Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center The NSA Washington Fitness Center staff is hosting a Bench Press Competition at the Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center. For more information on weight classes, competition rules and to register, please contact the Fitness Center staff at 202-433-2282 or visit the front desk.

Latin Night at the Pub Tuesday 6:30 - 7:15 a.m. - Basic Training Challenge

2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor gym area

11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. - Yoga

and locker rooms will be closed but the

12:35 - 1:20 p.m. - Cardio Conditioning

equipment and locker rooms on the 1st floor will be available for use. Racquetball

Wednesday

court #2 will also be closed so please coor-

11 - 11:45 a.m. - Zumba

dinate reservations for use of racquetball

4:15 - 5 p.m. - Yoga

court #1 at the front desk. The 3rd floor group exercise room will also be closed and

Thursday

classes will be relocated to Building 73 on

10:45 - 11:30 a.m. - Cardio Conditioning

the indoor tennis courts. Two changing

11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. - Boot Camp

rooms will be provided in Building 73. Towel service will be suspended throughout the

Friday

entire renovations. For further information

11 - 11:45 a.m. - Lean & Mean

May 9 | 4 to 8 p.m. | Mordecai Booth’s Public House Join in this Latin Celebration at the Pub! There will be a DJ, party specials and giveaways. For more information contact the NSAW MWR Marketing Department at 202433-5912 or nsaw.marketing1@gmail.com.

Washington Nationals Tickets Special order your Washington National Home Tickets now at the Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) Offices! Three of the four discounted ticket sections include food and beverage credit with your ticket.

For more information, contact the ITT Office at 202-433-2484 or 202-685-8298.

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Forming the Navy’s Test Pilot School

NDW News Follow NDW on Facebook and Twitter NDW has a Facebook fan page in order to provide updated information to all NDW residents, tenants, employees (military, civilian, and contractors), and the American public.

Show your support, “Like Us,” and become a fan to see exciting news relating to the Naval District Washington. www.facebook.com/NavDistWash Follow us on Twitter @navaldistwash http://twitter.com/NavalDistWash NSAW has a Twitter page for the Washington Navy Yard to provide the public with up-to-date operating hours of the Navy Yard portion of DC’s Riverwalk.

Follow us on Twitter @WNYRiverwalk http://twitter.com/WNYRiverwalk.

Volunteers Needed for Anacostia River Front Cleanup

Courtesy photo

Naval District Washington (NDW) will be joining forces with the Anacostia River Watershed Society and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) for a riverfront cleanup April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at 928 Arnold Ave. at JBAB. This family-oriented community event is open to everyone with base access. Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) will also sponsor Earth Day which will be full of family fun. Earth Day will include the Earth Day Poster Contest, 5K Run/Walk, USAF &USN Drill Team Performance and Blessing of the Fleet. For more details call MWR at 202-767-9136. To register on-line for this community event go to www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw, scroll to community service and go to on-line registration or call 202-433-6854.

A new exhibit on the War of 1812 opens at the U.S. Naval Academy

by Cmdr. Kimberly Himmer Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs

A special exhibit on the War of 1812 opened in Mahan Hall on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., April 1. Entitled, “Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812,” the exhibit will run through Nov 3. It focuses on the naval battles that were instrumental to winning what many call “The Forgotten War.” The war is often overshadowed in American history because it is bookended by the Revolutionary and Civil wars. However, the War of 1812 was our first test as a nation, and many national icons were forged during its battles. For example, Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner while witnessing the attack of Fort McHenry in Baltimore; and the naval motto of, “Don’t Give Up the Ship” were the final words of encouragement uttered by the dying captain of the USS Chesapeake, Captain James Lawrence, during the battle with the HMS Shannon.

Annapolis was largely spared during the fighting that lasted eighteen months within the bay. However, Baltimore fell and Washington, D.C., was burned during this time period. No major battles took place in Annapolis, but as Maryland’s capital, it still has deep ties to the naval battles that took place within the Chesapeake Bay. The new Naval Academy exhibit is part

Courtesy photo

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a model of a Naval war ship from that time period. of a larger, self-guided walking tour which takes participants to several locations on the Naval Academy grounds and through Annapolis’ historic district. It highlights the city’s contributions to the war, and shares artifacts and artwork showcasing the importance of these naval battles in forging our identity as a nation.

The British began their assault on the head of the bay in April 1813, so this month marks the 200th anniversary of the start of fighting in this region. Over the next two years, there will be a series of events and reenactments of famous battles throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Please visit www. starspangled200.org for more information.

Test pilot training began in March 1945 with Cmdr. Sydney Sherby establishing a test pilot training course, the basis for the school, and formalized classroom instruction began in 1948. The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River is one of only four major military test pilot schools in the world.

By Rusty Lowry USNTPS Technical Director World War II was well underway when the U.S. Navy decided to pull together their various aircraft activities at a single site on the tip of the Southern Maryland peninsula: NAS Patuxent River.

Just as aviation was racing ahead toward the new technologies of jet propulsion, radars, advanced weapon systems and ejection seats, Pax River assumed a leading role in aircraft flight testing.

Until this technological explosion, U.S. Navy test pilots were selected based largely on experience and longevity with little emphasis on educational background or specific training. That all changed in March 1945 when Cmdr. Sydney Sherby was called upon to create a “test pilot training course” which formed the basis for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Formalized classroom instruction began in 1948.

Beginning with “Class 0” that included all of the original test pilot training course participants, TPS has served the flight test profession for more than 75 years, graduating 142 classes of pilots, naval flight officers and flight test engineers.

One of four major military test pilot schools in the world, the school’s original 10 week training program was highly focused on flying qualities and performance testing with a flight line filled by aircraft ranging from piston powered F-8F Bearcats and F-4U Corsairs to the first generation jets such as the FJ Fury, the Navy’s version of the F-86 Sabre Jet. Aspiring test pilots of the era would devote approximately equal parts of their day to academic study, flying, and report writing as they learned the theory behind why aircraft flew; practiced that theory in flight to gather data from which to make conclusions; and then wrote a convincing report on the subject.

Today, the TPS flight line looks quite a bit different with helicopters and turboprop aircraft lined up alongside jets and the Navy’s few remaining radial engine tail-

draggers. Predictably, the course has also evolved and expanded to encompass almost an entire year of devoted work. In addition to the long-standing fixed wing airplane content, it grew to include rotary wing aircraft in 1961 and a specific airborne systems curriculum in 1975.

Modern day TPS students still find themselves devoting equal parts of their day to academics, flying and writing, though the subjects have expanded tremendously and now include airborne systems testing, unmanned aviation systems, digital flight control theory and supersonic flight. Most of the school’s aircraft have onboard instrumentation that can be downloaded directly onto student computers and used to support student observations and conclusions.

Almost all of a TPS student’s work is assessed and graded throughout the entire class, with instructors devoting a tremendous amount of time to careful coaching and lengthy student feedback sessions as they pass along critical observations and valuable flight test and program management skills.

In addition to staff feedback, some of the most lasting lessons learned by today’s students come from alumni visits to the school.

Many TPS graduates went on to highly successful military careers, became astronauts, served as corporate test pilots or were even elected to political office. However, their discussions with current students almost always focus on the tremendous satisfaction derived from learning about flight testing, the firm friendships formed with classmates, and the way the skills they developed at TPS served each of them well in their lifetime of assignments and decisions.

Regardless of the era or the technology, U.S. Naval Test Pilot School remains one of the hardest and most rewarding educational experiences available in the world.

TPS training demands complete attention from the student, and delivers a highly specialized set of skills that prepares the graduate for a career in flight testing and a special place in the history of naval aviation.

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Intrepid Sailors: The Legacy of Preble’s Boys and the Tripoli Campaign Book review

Reviewed by Cmdr.

Youssef Aboul-Enein

Intrepid Sailors: The Legacy of Preble’s Boys and the Tripoli Campaign by Chipp Reid. Published by Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland. December 2012, 320 pages.

Books about our naval heritage reveal several layers about the United States Navy. First, we are defined by the campaigns we have fought and deployments that we have undergone.

Whether it is Operation Enduring Freedom to the subject of this book, the Tripoli Campaigns that occurred two centuries ago, U.S. Navy Sailors have tackled terrorism and piracy since 1804.

Chipp Reid is a journalist who reports on Afghanistan and Iraq. His book is an extensive look at Commodore Edward Preble and the officers and men who demonstrated American resolve on the coast of Tripoli, in what is modern day Libya. They include Stephen Decatur, Richard Somers, Issac Hull, and Charles Stewart. The reader will experience the constant series of blunders that led Commodore William Bainbridge to run the 36-gun frigate USS Philadelphia aground. The book discusses how the crew and officers became prisoners of Yusuf Karamanli, who only a few months before had declared war on the United States in 1801. Karamanli headed towards the U.S. mission in Tripoli and chopped down our flag pole.

He was angry that Tripoli did not get the same level of tribute as Morocco and Algiers. Karamanli’s men taking over the USS Philadelphia changed the balance of power among the Barbary States. The book further de-

tails how Preble resolved to teach the Bashaw of Tripoli a violent lesson by sending Lt. Stephen Decatur and 61men aboard the renamed USS Intrepid, a captured ketch Mastico taken from Barbary Pirates. The men snuck under the noses of the Bashaw’s men and set the Philadelphia ablaze. The book goes into details of the operation, what we would today call a special operations mission from the sea.

Aside from the raid that made Decatur famous in annals of the U.S. Navy, Reid discusses the Second Battle of Tripoli in 1804, in which Preble’s fleet prepared a bombardment of Tripoli to get the Bashaw to release his hostages. Pages discuss the resupply, fumigation, water rationing, and health challenges of the period. Among the plans was one to send a fire-ship into Tripoli Harbor. It was not until Samuel Barron coordinated with William Eaton and the Bashaw’s exiled older brother Hamet Karamanli a land-sea assault on Derne that the Bashaw felt the plan was more trouble than it was worth. The hostages were released for $60,000 down from $3 Million.

Many of the officers of

the Barbary Wars would fight and distinguish themselves in the War of 1812, such as Isaac Hull in the defeat of HMS Guerriere, and Thomas Macdonough during the Battle of Lake Champlain.

My only critique of the book is that technically “Bashaw” is a lord, and not as highlighted in the book, “prince,” which is emir, although princes are given the title of Bashaw, however the Karamanlis are not Ottoman nobility but vassals of Constantinople. Bashaw is part of the Ottoman honorific ranks, which are Bashaw (lord), Bey (sir), and Effendi (Minor Functionary).

Living in the Washington, D.C., area you can visit the United States Navy Museum located at Navy Yard, an excellent way to connect with the period through artifacts and stories from the Revolutionary War to the present. The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis also has many artifacts and historical stories, most notably in their museum located in Preble Hall. Right behind the White House is the Stephen Decatur House, which is also a museum, and is open to the public, although check the website at http:// www.whitehousehistory. org/decatur-house/index. html, as major restorations of Decatur’s House began in January 2011 and tours maybe restricted .

Editor’s Note: Cmdr.

Aboul-Enein teaches part time at the National Defense University’s Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. He maintains a regular book review column in the Naval District Washington Newspaper, The Waterline. Aboul-Enein wishes to thank Ms. Dorothy Corley for her edits to this column.

Conservation Keeps Bills at Bay Does this program mean I have to pay a utility bill every month?

No. If your usage is within the Normal Usage Band you will not have to make any payments. Only if you exceed the Normal Usage Band will you have to pay and then only for the amount over the Normal Usage Band. If you are below the Normal Usage Band you will receive a rebate for the difference between the amount consumed and the lower end of the usage band.

NDW’s weekly RECP column will be providing you with tools and information on how to get smart with the Navy’s Resident Energy Conservation Program. RECP for electricity only is scheduled to start for NDW in October 2013. If you have specific questions regarding RECP, please email them to waterline.ndw.fcm@navy.mil and your question might just be featured on our column.

Shevchuk Becomes 37th Pax River CO

By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Witnessed by family, colleagues and community partners, Capt. Ben Shevchuk became the 37th NAS Patuxent River commanding officer during a ceremony on April 4 at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23’s hangar.

Shevchuk, who had been the installation’s executive officer since November 2011, said he looks forward to ensuring Pax River’s world-class workforce has an environment know they’re doing good work, and feel like they have “work worth doing.”

“Putting your best effort forward shows you’re interested in the outcome and your customers,” the Skipper said. “And when we commit to doing our best with integrity - doing what’s right even when no one is looking - that’s when we can succeed in the mission.”

Stepping in amid the

Photo courtesy of Dick Myers, The Bay Net

Capt. Ben Shevchuk, right, assumes command of the naval air station from Capt. Ted Mills, left, during a change-of-command ceremony April 4. current fiscal constraints, Shevchuk said he looks to teamwork throughout the installation to find solutions that will overcome challenges while being candid about the associated risks.

“We’re going to have to be creative, but we must also

be responsible,” Shevchuk said. “We have to get ahead of potential mishaps which means being brutally honest with the risks. I expect our staff to make it clear to

See Shevchuk, Page 9

Distracted Driving on NSAB

By Jeremy K. Johnson NSAB Public Affairs staff writer

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Emmanuel Rios

Chief Ship’s Serviceman Jeffrey C. Lara, left, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s command Drug and Alcohol Program advisor, and Cmdr. John M. Hakanson, the base command chaplain, take a look at the White Jersey Program banner on a destroyed car. The car was involved in a severe accident that resulted in a fatality and was relocated and put on display at the base in an attempt to discourage Sailors from driving under the influence.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to National Safety Council’s (NSC) website, the month-long observance was introduced as a resolution in 2010 by former Colorado Rep. Betsy Markey to honor 9-year-old Erica Forney, who was killed by a distracted driver in November 2008.

Naval Support Active Bethesda’s (NSAB) Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master-at-Arms Marty McQuagge says his biggest concern is

losing good Sailors to a bad practice. “Unfortunately, in this fast-paced world that we live in today, most people have taken for granted the inherent risks of operating a motor vehicle,” he said.

“Most don’t realize the tremendous responsibility they have when it comes to being in complete control of a 2,000 pound movable object. As a certified accident investigator I know too well the dangers of distracted driving.”

Distraction.gov is a website operated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). It offers detailed information regarding the dangers of focusing on

something other than the road while driving.

According to the site, “In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 416,000 injured in 2010.”

The DOT site also includes a list of laws across the country targeting distracted driving. In the District of Columbia and Maryland, for instance, all

See Driving, Page 10

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Craniofacial Clinic Making a Difference, One Smile at a Time

By Sarah Marshall WRNMMC Journal staff writer

Before his first birthday, Kade Leyran had two surgeries, one for his cleft lip, and the second to repair his palate. Between operations, he underwent dental work and his parents had to keep up with a daily routine requiring them to do at-home treatments – on top of their baby’s typical needs.

The parents of the 1-year-old, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kevin Leyran and Grace Leyran, said the last year has been challenging, but their lives were made easier thanks to Walter Reed Bethesda’s Craniofacial Team, which has been there for their family every step of the way, the corpsman explained.

“They’ve really helped us through Kade’s first year. We can’t ask for more,” said the Sailor, who works in radiology at the medical center.

The Craniofacial Team began more than 20 years ago at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), said Air Force Lt. Col. Kerry Latham, team leader.

Shortly after WRAMC integrated with the former National Naval Medical Center, in September 2011, the team moved to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) where it has continued its services, she said.

The multidisciplinary team has grown over the years, and hopes to continue expanding, Latham said.

Made up of staff members who work in various areas of the medical center, each specialize in treating cleft lip and palate, along with other craniofacial conditions, such as craniosynostosis – a birth defect that causes the bony plates on a baby’s head to close earlier than normal, forming an abnormally shaped head. Team members work in Plastic Surgery, Ear Nose and Throat, Genetics, Speech Pathology and Audiology. They also specialize in Dental, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Social Work, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Psychology, Developmental Pediatrics and Neurosurgery.

Once a month, the team meets in the ENT clinic, located in the America Building, explained Latham, who went on to discuss why its members are involved

with this special team in addition to their obligatory duties.“They’re so passionate about taking care of these kids and helping families,” she said. “Every person on the team is so critical and contributes so much. Everybody bends over backwards. I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with, simply because they enjoy their work.”

About 150 families are currently enrolled in the program, Latham added, and many are children, but the team is open to see patients of all ages. The team will see adults with a history of cleft lip or palate, who are now active duty or a dependent, to address any future or further needs, she said.

The team may also begin to work with the family of a child with a craniofacial disorder as early as utero, Latham added.

When Grace Leyran was about 18 weeks pregnant with Kade, she and her husband learned their son would likely be born with a cleft lip and pallet. At that time, they met with the team, which helped put Photo by Sarah E. Marshall their minds at ease. Ever since, the Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kevin Leyran holds his 1-year-old son, Kade, all smiles. The team has supported their family, corpsman and his family say they are grateful for the outpouring support from the medical they said. center’s Craniofacial team.

After Kade’s birth, the infant had a check-up with a team mem- overnight after many craniofacial they’re going through, and their Anderson also expressed his ber almost every week. He had procedures, she added. individual needs. The families are appreciation for the collaboradental work, referred to as “baby “Their recoveries are amazing. really appreciative that we have a tive team and being a part of such braces,” that constantly needed They’re resilient. The kids do fantas- special place for their little ones “outstanding care.” adjusting to help align his palate, tic. They’re so impressive,” she said. with facial differences.”

“The opportunity to work with prior to surgery.

The multidisciplinary craniofaLatham added the goal is to so many skilled and talented Kade is not expected to need cial team also ensures convenience make sure the timing is right for people, to help military families further operations, his parents for the patient and their family, everybody. and their children, is always tresaid, but perhaps additional dental Latham added. Team members “We do everything to try and work. Regardless, the toddler will align their schedules, so patients make sure we’re communicating, mendously rewarding and worthcontinue working with the team as can meet with as many specialists making it the best experience for while.”

Latham agreed, and said, “We he grows, so the team can moni- as possible during a single trip to the [patient],” Latham said. tor his development, the Leyrans the medical center. This also enAddressing many of their pa- take care of such amazing families explained, while watching their ables the team to streamline sur- tients’ needs in a single, unique and kids. It’s a really special relababy crawling around the Pediat- gical interventions, so more than setting is what ensures unified tionship we all develop.” ric waiting area, reaching for toys. one procedure can be performed communication, plans and treatShe added the team strives Each patient is different, devel- during the same operation, and ments, said Navy Capt. Arne An- to constantly stay in touch with oping and improving at different anesthesia is only administered derson, who works in Develop- families, and provides them direct rates, Latham said. Some children once. Using this approach, a child mental-Behavioral Pediatrics at phone numbers and email adwith facial disorders may deal with may undergo cleft palate surgery Walter Reed Bethesda. Involved dresses for every member of the social issues, at some point, while while an audiologist inserts ear with the team for the last several team, should they have any quesothers may require jaw surgery, or tubes, during the same operation, months, Anderson helps monitor tions about their care. need ear tubes because of frequent she said. progress and screens for any po“We invite people to always stay ear infections, she explained.

“A lot of these families have a tential developmental and behavplugged in with us,” she said. “We “We want to watch them grow. We lot of different visits. It’s so much ioral concerns. want to get to know them,” Latham easier if they can come and see “The team is special because want to make sure – even when said. “We need to keep seeing them, all the different doctors at one it brings together a tremendous they [change duty stations] or move [and] see how they’re doing.” time, instead of having to make amount of resources and expertise – that we’ve got that connection.”

For more information about the After surgeries, each patient 15 different appointments in one in one setting to maximize care also heals differently, though month,” she said. “It shows we and benefit for the family and pa- craniofacial team, contact Lt. Col. children usually only need to stay have an appreciation for what tient,” Anderson said.

Latham at kerry.p.latham@health.mil.

Reptile Discovery Brings ‘Snakes Alive’ to USU MC2 Nathan Parde NSAB Public Affairs staff writer

Photo by MC2 Nathan Parde

Bruce Shwedick, director of Reptile Discovery Programs, brought more than a dozen snakes to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, including the only venomous snake local to the Washington D.C. area: the copperhead.

Hundreds of medical students, staff and their families attended a “Snakes Alive” presentation at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) recently.

Bruce Shwedick, director of Reptile Discovery Programs, has traveled the world nearly four decades to learn about various reptiles, and brought more than a dozen snakes

to the campus to teach medical students how to treat snake bites and the effects of venom.

“Mr. Shwedick brings these snakes here as part of our tropical medicine curriculum,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Hickey, Army Medical Corps, USU Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics.

“The students are given educational programs on the medical management of snake bites, and this [presentation] compliments that by giving them more familiarity with the epidemiology of

the snakes: where they live, what their biology is like, why people get bitten … This has implications for both global public health and force health, and the medical care of troops who are deployed to overseas areas where these snakes are endemic.”

Hickey added the medical community rarely is able to receive this type of training until they face a situation in the field.

See Snakes, Page 10

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Royal Navy Visits Dahlgren Training Center

By Kimberly M. Lansdale Center for Surface Combat Systems

Members of the Royal Navy (RN) Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) team recently visited the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS).

Capt. Don Schmieley, CSCS’s commanding officer and Cmdr. Christopher Simmons, Aegis Training and Readiness Center’s (ATRC) executive officer were their hosts.

“We provided them an overview of CSCS and our role as a leader in surface combat systems. We discussed our training strategy and possible opportunities for combined training in the future,” Schmieley said.

“This visit continues to re-

inforce the USN and RN’s partnership that has remained resilient for many years, and which creates a strong, global naval presence in support of the Maritime Strategy.”

The FOST team wants to create a realistic and robust training environment, such as the U.S. Navy’s. Training would include, individual and collective instruction, and end in a full mission rehearsal that seamlessly interoperates with the U.S. Navy as partners in a full spectrum of war fighting capabilities.

During their visit they saw firsthand how the U.S. Navy trains its Sailors and discussed a joint strategy paper and potential exchange opportunities.

While at ATRC, the FOST team was shown how the learning center uses a blend-

ed learning solution that includes standard classrooms, hands-on labs, simulations, as well as computer-based and interactive courseware training to prepare Sailors in the operation, maintenance, and employment of various systems associated with the Aegis combat system found aboard the Navy’s Aegis cruisers and destroyers.

The Royal Navy officers were especially interested in the three - phase advanced warfare training (AWT) pipeline.

“We discussed our current AWT continuum which results in a completion of skills training and building additional proficiency,” Simmons said. “Phase 1 is the Self-Assessment and Groom Training (SAGT) where the specific shipboard system skills are taught by

instructors to students using shipboard equipment.

Phase II consists of Individual Operator Training (IOT) conducted onboard ship, focused on training operators at their watch stations. Phase III is a follow on to Phase II where students build on the individual operator skills in a watch team environment. We wanted to emphasize to them that this training ensures Sailors are self-sufficient in the maintenance and operation of shipboard equipment, as well as working in a Command Information Center (CIC) team to fight the ship.”

The visit was coordinated through CSCS’s International Programs directorate.

“CSCS International Pro-

See Visit, Page 9

U.S. Navy photo by Daryl Roy, ATRC

Aegis Training and Readiness’s Director of Training Readiness Craig Morrison explains to members of the Royal Navy (RN) Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) team how ATRC Sailors are delivered instruction through a blended learning solution that includes hands-on labs.

DoD Program Helps Service Members Transition to Teaching reers as teachers in public From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs schools where their skills,

U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Eli J. Medellin

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jessica Reed, assigned to the security force at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, reads a Dr. Seuss book to children at McGaugh Elementary School as part of Read Across America Day. The Trrops to Teachers program is available to help eligible current and former military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

RECP

Continued from 1 residents living in the private sector who are directly responsible for paying for their utilities. The RECP is intended to encourage residents to achieve normal usage and to reward them for conservation beyond normal expectations.

Residents who conserve and stay within the normal range will incur no out-of-pocket utility expenses.

CNIC recommends that those who wish to conserve make easy changes around the house. Simple adjustments to home thermostats to minimize heating and cooling, and wise use of hot water, lighting and appliances can also contribute sig-

nificantly to energy savings.

In cases where utility consumption is high, residents can also request that their property manager perform an energy audit to identify energy saving strategies specific to their home.

Residents are also reminded to keep up with any fees incurred through overusage. Those with a past due account will receive delinquency notice letters and a late fee. Extreme delinquencies can result in a notice to vacate housing and can potentially affect a resident’s credit. The PPV partnership will work with residents to arrange payment plans if help is needed making payments.

For more information on the RECP, visit www.cnic. navy.mil/recp or www.LincolnRECP.com.

Placing veterans in the nation’s classrooms to serve again is the goal for the Troops to Teachers program, officials said April 12.

“We are here as a counseling and referral asset to help eligible veterans transition into second careers as teachers,” said Cliff Yager, director, Troops to Teachers for Tennessee and Northern Alabama, during a Transition GPS briefing at Naval Support Activity Mid-South.

The purpose of the Department of Defense program is to help eligible current and former military personnel begin new ca-

EARTH DAY Continued from 1

partment of the Navy has typically celebrated Earth Day annually with themes, “green” installation events, participation in community and educational outreach activities, and articles or other information products that highlight local Earth Day events and ongoing Navy and Marine Corps environmental and energy programs.

The Navy takes a particular interest in Earth Day. In addition to helping further its year-round green energy initiatives and con-

knowledge and experience are most needed.

Veterans possess many of the qualities that make a good teacher; a sense of service, leadership, discipline, maturity and life experience, said Yager. He added that studies show that beginning teachers who are military veterans score much higher in peer assessments and assessments from principals and superintendents than their peers coming to the classroom straight from college.

“It is partly understandable because you are not only talking about an older more mature group of individuals, but people who

have also had other life experiences,” said Yager.

Yager and other Troops to Teachers representatives from across the nation recently met to discuss their role in assisting service members and veterans.

In addition to counseling and referral, state Troops to Teachers representatives help applicants identify teacher certification requirements for the state they wish to teach, programs leading to certification and employment opportunities in their state.

Additionally Yager and other state representatives will reach out to service members earlier while they are still on active-duty and identify

education requirements so that interested service members may begin working toward their teaching certifications before leaving the service, enabling a smoother transition into teaching.

“If a service member thinks that they might want to be a teacher, they should contact Troops to Teachers and register for the program,” said Yager. “We can help them with that decision process, investigate whether teaching is right for them and we can help them walk through the process.”

Service members can learn more about Troops to Teachers and locate a state representative at www. proudtoserveagain.com.

servation, the day’s events help to build relationships with local communities near Navy commands through joint events and activities. In NDW, many events are taking place on or around Earth Day in celebration of the Navy’s efforts to stay green.

Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) in conjunction with the Anacostia River Watershed Society will hold a riverfront cleanup April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The JBAB Morale Welfare and Recreation will also be sponsoring Earth Day-related events including a poster contest, 5K run/walk, U.S.

Navy and U.S. Air Force Drill Teams performance and a blessing of the fleet.

Naval Support Facility Carderock will hold an Earth Day event April 23. Included will be posters and information booths set up all day in Building 40, a tree planting event at the south end of the parade field from 9 to 11 a.m., and an invasive species education and removal event from noon to 1 p.m.

The Washington Navy Yard will hold a commuter fair from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as well as an invasive species education and removal event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., both in the lobby

of Building 22 April 24.

“Luckily, the easiest and most effective earth day programs can be accomplished at little or no expense,” said Schregardus. “Picking up trash at a local park, clearing debris from a beach, or volunteering with a local environmental project can all be done on a shoestring budget. Bring your coworkers, friends, shipmates, and fellow Marines and increase your impact exponentially at no extra cost. Make a difference this year.”

For more information on Earth Day events in NDW, visit www.facebook.com/ NavDistWash.

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2013 Blessing of the Fleet at U.S. Navy Memorial

U.S. Navy photos by MC1 David A. Frech

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard prepare to pour water from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes into the fountains of the outdoor plaza at the Navy Memorial during the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard post the colors during the 2013 Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington.

VISIT

Continued from 8 grams is focused on providing allied forces quality training to enable them to develop ready teams capable of operations that maintain and expertly em-

SHEVCHUK Continued from 6

the chain of command what issues we face.”

Managing a 70-year-old installation that’s nearly 14,500 square miles, in three Southern Maryland locations, he knows how easy it is for demands to keep piling on. Staying connected to family is key to a work-life balance.

“My wife calls and says she’s ‘the voice of reason’

A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard pours water from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes into the fountains of the outdoor plaza at the Navy Memorial.

ploy surface combatants,” explained Dr. Darrell Tatro, director of CSCS International Programs. “The USN and RN have been global partners for many years and with visits such as this, we learn from each other and strengthen our global partnership.”

and she’s right,” he said.

“You have to take the time to be connected with family and friends. I don’t want to let that slip away.”

Shevchuk will be the naval air station’s commanding officer for approximately 18 months. After that, executive officer, Capt. Heidi Fleming, is expected to fleet up as commander. She has previously served at NAS Patuxent River as the commanding officer of Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1.

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ICYCLE Pax River Holds Military Child Field Day B Continued from 3 Check Your Brakes Always check your brakes so that you are prepared to stop. Also remember that a truck requires more space to stop than you do on your bike. Never assume that a truck will be able to stop quickly if you get in the way. You may have to get out of the way to save your own life.

Ride With Traffic Avoiding a crash is the safest way to ride.

Ride on the right side, with the flow of traffic.

Riding against traffic may cause you to miss traffic control devices, such as traffic signs and stop lights. Be especially careful when

U.S. Navy photo by Connie Howard

To kick off April’s Month of the Military Child celebration, military kids were invited to join NAS Pax River’s Month of the Military Child Field Day April 1. The field day boasted activities, such as a parachute game, a bounce house, dizzy bat and more. All month long, MWR is offering various discounts and events for military youths.

DRIVING

Continued from 6 handheld device usage is prohibited while driving. In Virginia, handheld devices for experienced drivers are permitted, but texting is prohibited.

NSAB Chief of Police Lt. Col. Jack Bieger said the practice of driving with handheld devices while on the installation is prohibited and is considered a primary offense, meaning drivers can be pulled over just for being seen on a cell phone while driving.

“If you need to take an important call, do like you would anywhere else and pull over someplace safe in a parking lot or out of traffic to answer it, and then continue you on your way,” he said.

He said that if a citation is issued under Navy regulations, it will result in a $50

SNAKE

Continued from 7 “Without this sort of opportunity, most physicians never really gain any direct experience with the management of snakes and understanding why it is that people get bit and what they are doing. So, this is a useful opportunity for us to give people experience that they otherwise wouldn’t get at any other medical school.”

Shwedick and his brother have been coming to USU for more than 30 years, and the medical students and faculty look forward to the presentation each year, said Hickey.

“This program is really one of the highlights of the academic year for many of our medical students. Every year it is an interesting opportunity to learn something new and go outside of the typical medical training and teaching that we do here.”

Ensign Ethan Bernstein, a first-year medical student, said he is terrified of snakes, but thought the presentation might help him to overcome his fear.

“I’m not sure if it was entirely successful on that level,” said Bernstein, “but the information is useful and gives a better appreciation of these animals. And as much as I’m afraid of them, I’m also very impressed by the animals. They are gorgeous.”

Shwedick introduced the audience to the 12 snake families, five of which contain venomous species. He also explained why tropical climates can breed more dangerous snakes.

“The warmer it is, the more active they are: they will eat and grow faster. In the case of venomous snakes, their quantity of venom is greater and the toxicity may also be greater.”

Shwedick has traveled to numerous sites across Africa, Asia and Latin America to gather information for his presentation on snake bite epidemiology.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

riding near or around trucks and buses. Use caution and pay attention to trucks. Watch for their signals because the driver may not see you or be able to stop soon enough in an emergency situation. However, you should to be prepared in case the truck’s signals don’t work or the driver doesn’t use them.

That is why you, as the bicyclist, need to watch out for yourself. For a bike rider, the safest bet is to always be aware of the traffic around you.

Beware Of The No-Zone Beware of riding too closely to a large truck. Large trucks have blind spots in the front, back and on the sides, which make it difficult for the driver to see around them. If you ride in these blind spots, truck drivers cannot see you and your chance for a crash are greatly increased.

fine. “And it’s actually more than that because there’s is also a $25 processing fee,” he added.

So-called hands-free devices are permitted, but NSAB Safety Officer James Ganz says even those carry a risk. “‘Inattention blindness’ is the same for both handheld and hands-free units. The distraction caused by focusing on something other than driving exists whether or not a phone is actually held to the ear, or conversation occurs through some sort of hands-free device such as Bluetooth. According to several studies, the processes and mental images that are associated with sight are over-ridden by images that are associated with words being spoken/heard or keyed.

For your own safety, refrain from all types of cell-phone use while your car is in motion (this includes being stopped at a red light).”

“It’s helpful when we learn about venomous snakes to learn about their biology and their geography. We’ll talk about the occurrence and effects of their bites and we’ll meet venomous snakes from all over the world.”

From anacondas and copperheads, to rattlesnakes, vipers, pythons and cobras – Schwedick then brought out each type of snake and discussed their behavior and the risk and severity of their bite.

A snake bite “may not be as problematic (for the masses) as malaria and many other tropical diseases,” he explained, “but for that one patient that is facing a life threatening or altering condition, being able to provide a proper medical treatment for a venomous snake bite is very important.”

Shwedick said his hope in bringing this program to USU each year is that he can help medical students broaden their knowledge in this specific field. Having the opportunity to present to those medical students makes him feel like he is serving his country.

“If I were to live my life over again, there’s no doubt in my mind that I would join the service,” he said. “So, this is how I have been serving for three decades now: by helping our military medical students be better prepared for treating venomous snake bites.”

When asked if there was one thing that he would like medical students to take from his presentation, Shwedick answered: “Become familiar with the venomous snakes in the areas of operation you become assigned to; become familiar with the ones that do most of the biting; and become familiar with the symptoms of envenomation and the effective methods of medical treatment so that you are prepared when you are faced with that situation some day.”

For more information about Reptile Discovery Programs, visit www.reptilediscovery.com or for information about USU, visit www.usuhs.mil.

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