The Waterline
May 2, 2013
Vol. XXX No.17
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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Naval Support Activity Washington Holds Change of Command Ceremony By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kiona Miller
Cmdr. David Varner, left, stands at attention after being relieved by Capt. Monte Ulmer, right, at the Naval Support Activity Washington change of command ceremony April 26. Ulmer previously served as commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty-One (HSC-21) “Blackjacks,” and as air boss aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5).
Capt. Monte Ulmer relieved Cmdr. David Varner as commanding officer (CO) of Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW) during a change of command ceremony in Admiral Leutze Park at the Washington Navy Yard April 26. Varner, a native of El Reno, Oklahoma, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in general engineering. He became a naval aviator in 1995, later qualifying as an F/A-18 Hornet pilot. His commands included VFA-151 “Vigilantes,” VFA-125 “Rough Raiders,” and the Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. He has also served as the current operations section head at the National Airborne Operations Center. Varner assumed command of Naval Support Activity North Po-
tomac in Washington, D.C., in March 2010, and served in that capacity until September of that year. His command then merged with NSAW, where he has served as CO since. Under his leadership, the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) merger of North Potomac and NSAW was successfully completed. In his new position as CO of NSAW, Varner helmed a six-installation command, comprising more than 80 major tenant commands. During the ceremony, Varner thanked those who influenced him throughout his career, including his parents, Naval Academy sponsors, his first executive officer, as well as his wife and children. He also thanked those he has served with at NSAW, recognizing their hard work and dedication during his time as NSAW CO. “To the men, women and Sailors of Naval Support Activity Wash-
ington, I want you to know that as challenging as everyone said it is, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here with you,” said Varner. “I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to be called ‘skipper,’ and I have enjoyed being called it by you. You are all professionals. I am so much better for having done this job because of you, and I hope that I have made you better, because I know you’ve made me better.” During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, commandant of Naval District Washington, presented Varner with a Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award for his able leadership of NSAW from October 2010 to April 2013. Varner will be retiring with his family to Arkansas. Prior to coming to NSAW, Ulmer served as department head
See Command, Page 7
Naval District Washington Leadership Recognized by FEMA for Hurricane Sandy Response By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
Naval District Washington (NDW) leadership was recently recognized by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate, for their exceptional support of regional emergency preparedness efforts during Hurricane Sandy last October. Fugate sent letters of thanks to regional Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers (NEPLOs) Capt. Dean Blaha, Commanding Officer, NDW NEPLO; Capt. Dan Hable, FEMA Headquarters NEPLO; and now retired Capt. Michael VanBrocklin, commandant, Naval District Washington NEPLO. “Thank you for your outstand-
ing efforts in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center during Hurricane Sandy response and recovery operations,” Fugate wrote to the officers. “Your expertise, professionalism and sense of duty were instrumental in creating a unified response to save lives, minimize damage and set the conditions for a long-term recovery for over 8 million of our fellow citizens.” Fugate further thanked the NEPLO captains by adding that their help was part of the overall response effort by the Department of Defense (DOD) as a whole. In the letters, Fugate said that DOD rapidly provided over 50 largescale generators and 1.43 million gallons of fuel to ensure first responders and survivors could continue their missions and care for their families.
“Additionally, DOD executed 75 strategic airlift missions to transport 299 power restoration vehicles and 487 technicians to the affected area. Also, the department transported and operated over 100 large-volume pumps to dewater major transportation nodes including the New York City subway system,” said Fugate. “And, while all this was unfolding, the U.S. military delivered over 6.2 million meals and thousands of cots and blankets to ease the suffering of those affected by this catastrophic storm.” Blaha explained that he and his staff of NEPLOs were prepared for Hurricane Sandy because of their specialized Defense Support of Civil Authorities training and abil-
See Response, Page 6
Around the Yard page 2 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone
U.S. Navy photo by Patrick Gordon
John Gogoll, building manager for Naval Reactors at the Washington Navy Yard inspects the draining of water-inflated property protectors (WIPPs) Oct. 30, 2012. The WIPPs were used to protect against potential flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy. Naval District Washington leadership was recently recognized by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate, for their exceptional support of regional emergency preparedness efforts during the storm.
INSIDE
NAS Search and Rescue page 8
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
Chief of Naval Operations Testifies on FY14 Budget Priorities From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Peter D. Lawlor
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the Department of the Navy defense authorization request for fiscal year 2014.
The Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, and Commandant of the Marine Corps testified together April 25 before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on the Department of the Navy budget request for fiscal year 2014. The three naval leader’s testimony emphasized the realities of sequestration restraints on the fiscal year 2014 defense budget presented to congress earlier this month. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert delivered an opening statement that outlined the budget strategy and subsequent carryover from fiscal year 2013 as well as targeted the intended course for the next fiscal year. Greenert explained how Navy leadership
has made key decisions in light of fiscal ambiguities, placing an emphasis on the characteristic of the Navy’s forces mandate to operate forward where it matters, and that the Navy will be ready when it matters. “We organize, man, train, and equip the Navy by viewing our decisions through three lenses, or tenets,” said Greenert. “They are: Warfighting First, Operate Forward, and Be Ready. Regardless of the size of our budget or our fleet, these three tenets are the lenses through which we evaluate each decision.” Greenert laid out the fiscal year 2013 budget strategy along with the carryover structure to show how the current appropriations bill allowed for further investment in our Navy operations and maintenance. Greenert stressed that while there are certain “must pay” items that will be funded, there is also a commitment to conduct
training and maintenance for forces next to deploy and prepare to meet the fiscal year 2014 Global Force Management Allocation Plan (GFMAP). Greenert noted the aspects sequestration has played on the Navy’s budget planning, stressing that budget shortfalls were sure to carry over into fiscal 2014. This setback would reduce the Navy surge capacity of fully missioncapable carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups through fiscal year 2014. “Taken together, our O&M and investment shortfalls leave us a $9 billion carryover challenge for FY2014,” said Greenert. He added however, continuing sequestration would grow the carryover challenge from $9 billion to $23 billion. While this centers on O&M costs Greenert made clear
See Budget, Page 7
Around The Yard Now that baseball season is in full swing, how do you enjoy watching the game?
I like to get out Nationals Park early in the year. You lose a bit of the pennant race excitement, but you get to enjoy the nice weather.
I’m not really a baseball fan. Scott Tablett NAVFAC HQ Washington Navy Yard
I’m not much of a baseball fan. Durant Graves Public Works Department Washington Navy Yard
Miles Hoffman Management Analyst Naval District Washington
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
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. All submissions must also include the author’s name and office or telephone number where they can be reached. If you have further questions, call or contact the editor at (202) 433-9714, fax (202) 433-2158. 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
endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy, Naval District Washington or Comprint, Inc., of the products or services advertised. This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 9481520, a private firm in no way connected with DOD or the U.S. Navy, under exclusive contract with Naval District Washington. To place display advertising, please call (240) 4737538. To place classified advertising, call (301) 6702505. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The editorial content of The Waterline is edited and approved by the public affairs office of Naval District Washington.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
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This Week in Navy History May 2
1942 - Navy Capt. Milton Miles arrives in Chungking, China, to begin building an intelligence and guerilla training organization, Naval Group China. 1945 - Naval landing force evacuates 500 Marshallese from Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands.
1975 - U.S. Navy departs Vietnamese waters at end of evacuation.
May 3
1861 - USS Surprise captures Confederate privateer Savannah. 1898 - Marines land at Cavite, Philippines, and raise U.S. flag. 1949 - First Navy firing of a high altitude Viking rocket at White Sands, N.M.
May 7
May 4
1917 - Destroyer Division 8 arrives at Queenstown, Ireland, and are the first U.S. Navy ships to provide convoy escorts against German U-boats. 1942 - Battle of Coral Sea, first carrier vs. carrier battle, begins. 1945 - Japanese attempt to land on OkiOfficial U.S. Navy Photograph courtesy of the National Archives nawa repulsed; kamikaze attacks damage six U.S. Navy ships. Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku under attack by USS Yorktown (CV-5) 1961 - Pilot Cmdr. Malcolm D. Ross, planes, during the morning of May 8, 1942. Flames are visible from a bomb USNR, and medical observer Lt. Cmdr. Vic- hit on her forecastle. tor A. Prather, Jr., ascended in two hours to 1948 - VF-17A becomes first carrier qual- cues 440 Vietnamese refugees from disabled over 110,00 feet in Strato-Lab 5, a 411-foot hydrogen filled balloon launched from the ified jet squadron. craft south of Thailand. deck of USS Antietam (CV-36). This was the 1961 - Cmdr. Alan Shepard Jr. makes first highest altitude attained by man in an open U.S. manned space flight. Flight of Free- May 6 gondola. Tragically, Prather drowned dur- dom 7 (Mercury 3) which lasted 15 min1909 - Great White Fleet anchors in San ing the recovery. utes and 28 seconds reached the altitude of Francisco. 116.5 statute miles with a velocity of 5,134 1916 - First ship-to-shore radio teleMay 5 mph. Recovery was by HUS1 helicopter of phone voice conversation from USS New 1944 - USS Comfort (AH-6) is commissioned in San Pedro, Calif. It is the first ship to HMR(L)-262 from USS Lake Champlain Hampshire (BB-25) off Virginia Capes to Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels in be manned jointly by U.S. Army and Navy per- (CVS-39). 1980 - USS Robert E. Peary (FF-1073) res- Washington, D.C. sonnel
VA Expedites Decisions for Long-Standing Claims Courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Affairs Department (VA) is expediting compensation claims decisions for veterans who have waited one year or longer, VA officials announced this week. VA claims raters will make provisional decisions on the oldest claims on hand, officials said, which will allow veterans to begin collecting compensation benefits more quickly, if eligible. Veterans will be able to submit additional evidence for consideration a full year after the provisional rating, before VA issues a final decision. “Too many veterans wait too long for a decision, and this has never been acceptable,” VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. “That is why we are implementing an aggressive plan to eliminate the backlog in 2015. This initiative is the right thing to do now for veterans who have waited the longest.” Provisional decisions will be based on all evidence provided to date by the veteran or obtained on their behalf by VA. If a VA medical examination is needed to decide the claim, it will be ordered and expedited. “Issuing provisional decisions not only provides veterans with applicable benefits much more quickly, but also gives them an additional one-year safety net to submit further evidence should it become available,” said Allison Hickey, VA’s undersecretary for benefits. “Our door will remain open, and if a veteran has additional evidence, their case will be fast-tracked.” If any increase is determined to be warranted based on the additional evidence received, benefits will be retroactive to the date the claim was initially filed. The initia-
Official photo
tive protects the veteran’s right to appeal the decision. If no further evidence is received within that year, VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration will inform the veteran that the rating is final and will provide information on the standard appeals process. VA will continue to prioritize claims for homeless veterans and those claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients and veterans filing fully developed claims. Claims for wounded warriors separating from the military for medical reasons will continue to be handled separately and on a priority basis with the Defense Department through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System. Wounded Warriors separating through IDES currently receive VA compensation benefits in an average of 61 days following their separation from service. As a result of this initiative, metrics used to track benefits claims will experience significant fluctuations, officials said. The focus on processing the oldest claims
See Claims, Page 9
1038405
1779 - Continental Navy sloop Providence captures British brig Diligent off Cape Charles. 1934 - USS Constitution completes tour of principal U.S. ports. 1940 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt orders Pacific Fleet to remain in Hawaiian waters indefinitely. 1942 - Carrier aircraft sink Japanese carrier Shoho during Battle of Coral Sea.
May 8 1911 - Navy ordered its first airplane, Curtiss A-1, marking the birth of Naval Aviation. 1942 - Battle of the Coral Sea ends with Japanese retiring from area. 1945 - Victory in Europe Day, Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allies in World War II. 1963 - Navy ships evacuate 2,279 civilians from Haiti during crisis. 1972 - U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft mine Haiphong Harbor in North Vietnam.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
NSA Washington-JBAB Fleet Family and Fun 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).
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 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.
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
Fitness Center Renovations - Phase 1
Begins March 1 | WNY Fitness Center Phase 1 will include renovations to the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor gym area and locker rooms will be closed but the equipment and locker rooms on the 1st floor will be available for use. Racquetball court #2 will also be closed so please coordinate reservations for use of racquetball court #1 at the front desk. The 3rd floor group exercise room will also be closed and classes will be relocated to Building 73 on the indoor tennis courts. Two changing rooms will be provided in Building 73. Towel service will be suspended throughout the entire renovations. For further information 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.
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
AFPAK Hands: On the Ground
Group Exercise Schedule through May 31
Monday 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. - Pilates 11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. - Cardio Conditioning Tuesday 6:30 - 7:15 a.m. - Basic Training Challenge 11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. - Yoga 12:35 - 1:20 p.m. - Cardio Conditioning Wednesday 11 - 11:45 a.m. - Zumba 4:15 - 5 p.m. - Yoga Thursday 10:45 - 11:30 a.m. - Cardio Conditioning 11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. - Boot Camp Friday 11 - 11:45 a.m. - Lean & Mean
Latin Night at the Pub
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.
Lt. Cmdr. Jarrod Warren, center, with part of his drive team before he heads out on a mission. Warren, an Afghanistan-Pakistan (AFAPK) Hand from Naval District Washington, is currently deployed to Afghanistan and assigned to IJC DCOS STAB OPS Ministerial Outreach which has a mission to conduct ministerial outreach focusing on governance and development. Warren primarily engages with the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG), Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC) and Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). These three GIRoA entities work together to ensure good governance and associate services are provided to the Afghan people. Warren facilitates inter-ministerial coordination by ensuring their combined efforts are synchronized, as well as provides advice and assistance as required to support each ministries efforts. Depending on the assignment of a “Hand,” he or she will wear traditional military uniform, civilian gear or the clothing of the local Afghani population. The AFPAK Hands program was stood up in 2009 by then Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, to establish a cohort of experts that specialize in the complexities of Afghanistan and Pakistan language and culture. These members provide persistent engagement on regional issues while advising leaders and commanders throughout the levels of governance and command. An AFPAK Hand is committed to more than 40 months with the program. During those months, a service member engages in 10 months of training, nearly two years of deployment in-theater in Afghanistan or Pakistan, and one year out of theater in the U.S. For more information on AFPAK Hands visit http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/CA REER/LANGUAGE_CULTURE/Pages/AFPAKHands.aspx.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
NDW News
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E-6 Mercury Fleet Expands, Upgrades Bandwidth Capabilities
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.
From Enemies to Allies: An International Conference on the War of 1812 and its Aftermath
Registration is open for the premier conference on the War of 1812 highlighting the most current findings about Maryland’s unique contributions to the nation’s Star-Spangled heritage. The conference is scheduled for June 12-15 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. From Enemies to Allies commemorates the bicentennialof the War of 1812 and the resulting two-century special relationship between the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. This three-day conference includes field trips to Maryland 1812 sites, presentations by leading experts from three nations and networking receptions. Sessions include such subjects as “Privateers,” “The Enslaved Chesapeake,” “African-American Combatants,” and “Chesapeake Victims.” Registration includes a special reception and tour of “Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812” exhibit, continental breakfast, Friday lunch, shuttle service and a flash drive of presented papers. To register, visit www.starspangled200.com/FETA
‘A Taste of Summer’ NSA Safety Stand Down
Naval Support Activity Washington will be holding a safety stand down May 15 at the Washington Navy Yard, Admiral Gooding Center Building 22, 2nd Deck Auditorium from 9 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 3 p.m. Topics include stress management, energy conservation, financial strategy, and traffic safety. For more information, contact Vanessa Huguley, safety and occupational health specialist, at 202-433-6982.
2013 Special Olympics D.C. Summer Games Needs Volunteers for Military Day
The District of Columbia Special Olympics program has requested assistance to support this year’s summer games, which will be hosted by Catholic University May 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All branches of the military have been invited to come out on this day to volunteer. The kick-off event will be an all branch 4x100 meter relay. Each team will consist of two active duty military personnel and two Special Olympics athletes to compete in this event. Come out and support your branch of the military. Volunteers are needed to help set up tables, serve as athlete escorts, field events umpires, award presenters, athlete staging personnel, paramedics, and finish line personnel. The event will take place at Raymond Dufour Athletic Center at Catholic University, 3600 John McCormick Street, NE, Washington, D.C. For on-line registration go to www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw, scroll to Community Service and then click on-line registration. All questions can be directed to - Army - 202-685-0493 - Air Force - 202-404-2957 - Coast Guard - 202-372-4087 - Marines - 202-433-0016 - Navy - 202-433-6854
U.S. Navy photo
The E-6B Mercury’s capability to support U.S. leaders continues to expand with the latest internet protocol expansion. The upgrades to the aircraft’s secure local area computer network now allow the onboard battle staff members to operate virtually. By Rob Koon Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs Public Affairs An internet bandwidth upgrade being rolled out on the E-6B Mercury aircraft, the nation’s airborne strategic command platform, is expanding the jet’s capability to support the nation’s leaders in a crisis. The Internet Protocol Bandwidth Expansion (IPBE) upgrade was recently installed during a service life extension program (SLEP) overhaul on aircraft 410, which was delivered to the Navy on March 14. Aircraft 410, part of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 4 at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the third fleet E-6B airborne command post aircraft to receive this upgrade. The upgrade brings a more robust network capability while saving space and weight, said Curt Rosenbery, IPBE team lead for the E-6 Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) at NAS Patuxent River. “The IPBE upgrade is an expanded secure local area computer network for the aircraft currently consisting of two live feeds - an ultra-high frequency line of sight digital data feed used while operating over the U.S. and a commercial Inmarsat satellite feed for use when operating outside the U.S.,” Rosenbery said. To date, four aircraft have been outfitted with IPBE, one test aircraft located at Pax
River and three fleet aircraft belonging to VQ-4. Twelve more E-6Bs are scheduled to get the IPBE upgrade with the last installation scheduled for completion in mid-fiscal 2019, Rosenbery added. “The biggest benefit IPBE brings to the fleet is providing faster, more reliable internet access to information, both classified and unclassified, to the battle staff onboard the aircraft,” said Capt. Dana Dewey, PMA271’s program manager. “Now, the general officers and the battle staff have almost the same level of operational capability as if they were working in their regular offices.” Another benefit of the upgrade was the removal of more than 5,000 pounds of backup equipment from the aircraft. “We replaced that equipment with multiple racks of the IPBE servers and routers like those that run military computer networks,” Dewey said. “A fully integrated system with no requirement for carry-on equipment is our ultimate goal for the operational crews,” he said. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft that provides survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications between the National Command Authority and U.S. strategic and nonstrategic forces and airborne strategic command post mission. The aircraft is equipped with an airborne launch control system.
Cleaning Up NAS Patuxent River’s Environment By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni
An excavator at an environmental restoration site along Goose Creek releases a bucket of dirt into a soil sifter. The resulting clean dirt will be reused to backfill the site, a former waste dump. The concrete chunks piled in the foreground are from a demolished runway and will be sent off for recycling.
The 1970s forged the way for today’s environmental protection laws, but in 1943, when NAS Patuxent River was commissioned, the rules were quite a bit different. “There wasn’t much in the way of environmental protection back then,” explained David Steckler, remedial project manager with Naval Facilities Engineering CommandWashington. “When the base needed a landfill for its waste, it dug a hole in ‘the back 40,’ used it for waste disposal until it was full, covered it and a new landfill was dug.” Today, it is up to Steckler and Skip Simpson, base environmental coordinator with NAVFAC Public Works, to ensure that any Pax River land containing waste or hazardous material is cleaned up and declared safe before being turned back over to Pax River for re-use. Steckler focuses on prioritizing the environmental cleanups, budgeting, contractor oversight and regulatory interactions, while Simpson works closely with cleanup contractors and provides local in-
stallation oversight. Twenty years ago, after extensive research, 56 sites were identified as potentially needing attention. “Record searches were conducted, people who had been on the base for many years were interviewed and historical aerial photographs were also looked at,” Steckler said. “That’s how the sites were located.” Soil and groundwater samples taken at each site help assess the contaminants and risk, and prioritize the cleanup efforts. Feasibility studies offer methods of addressing the waste and contaminants, followed by recommendations for the most effective remedial action. All of this information is then disseminated to the public. Steckler said any concerns that may be voiced in the local community are taken under advisement. “We partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Maryland Department of the Environment,” Steckler said, “and everything we do is within the context of CERCLA [Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980]. There’s a lot of trust
between the local community and the Navy. People are confident we’re cleaning up our properties properly.” To date, only 11 sites remain open from the original 56 identified. At two of those sites, cleanup is currently underway, with another two sites due to begin this year. Some of the sites cleaned up were landfills where the Navy dumped trash and refuse and some of what is dug out is hauled away to CERCLA-approved landfills, but anything that can be recycled, is recycled. “At Site 3 along Goose Creek, we’ve already recycled 3,800 tons - or 7.6 million pounds - of concrete likely from former runways that were broken up and dumped, and the effort is still ongoing,” Steckler said. “At Site 4 along Shaw Road, we’ve already recycled 187 tons of concrete and 62,000 pounds of metal. We’re very proud of our recycling efforts, how they keep a lot of material out of landfills, and the reduced costs help save the Navy money.”
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John Quincy Adams Reviewed by Cmdr. Youssef Aboul-Enein John Quincy Adams by Harlow Giles Unger. Published by DaCapo Press, New York. 2012, 384 pages. Harlow Unger is the author of ten books on American history, over the years I have read his biography of Marquis de Lafayette, James Monroe, and his book on the Boston Tea Party. His latest book is a biography of sixth president of the United States John Quincy Adams, who led an extraordinary life of public service. Reading his biography is in large measure to understand such Presidents as Washington and Lincoln. John Quincy Adams served as a diplomat under George Washington and in the United States Congress beside a freshman congressman Abraham Lincoln. He lived with Benjamin Franklin in France, ate with the Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, and the British General who defeated Napoleon, Lord Wellington. He is the only U.S. president who resumed his service in Congress upon leaving the presidency. The biography begins with how John and Abigail Adams cultivated the education of John Quincy. It is through letters to his wife that we know much of how John Quincy was urged to master Greek, and to read “The History of the Peloponnesian War,” by Thucydides in the original ancient Greek. The younger Adams wrote to his father about Shakespeare at the age of ten and Abigail Adams wrote with pride to her husband of John Quincy being a post dispatch rider dodging British encampments between Braintree and Boston. The author highlights how when John Adams accepted his mission to France by the Continental Congress to join Ben Franklin, he had collected several boys of American colleagues who wanted their sons de-
livered safely to Europe. In 1781, Francis Dana was named American Minister to Russia’s Court of Empress Catherine II. John Quincy’s knowledge of French meant that Dana would take the 14 year old boy with him to Moscow as his personal secretary. He would travel not only in Russia, but Sweden, Germany, and Holland making him easily the most traveled American at the time. John Quincy kept a diary in his teens until his 80s. He would be denied initial admission to Harvard despite his accomplishments in Europe and Russia as a boy and early teen, the reason being he was too worldly. Yet he would persevere and eventually gain admission to the college. John Quincy attacked the reactionary activities of the French Revolution, even attacking Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, and one of the leading minds of the American Revolution. He penned articles for the newspapers, attacking French Revolutionary Minister to America Citizen Genet, who sought to use the mob and public opinion in an unsuccessful bid to pressure George Washington to side with France in her war with Britain. Washington would appoint John Quincy Minister to Holland based on his own merits, but it was Washington who had to
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ity to work as liaisons between the Navy and federal agencies during natural and manmade disasters. “In the early stages of Hurricane Sandy, we provided support to the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, as it did look for a period of time like Sandy might significantly impact the local D.C. community,” said Blaha. “In addition, Captains Dan Hable, Mike VanBrocklin and I provided support to FEMA at the National Response Coordination Center in South West D.C. We worked through this event to help ensure DOD support was provided when requested by state and local officials. Although the greater D.C. area was not significantly impacted, the areas along the east coast were dramatically affected. The support that DOD provided during this event was coordinated with FEMA, and our NEPLOs helped to make that happen.”
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Book review convince John Adams, first Vice President of the United States, to see beyond his relations and look at his son as an accomplished diplomat serving the United States. Eventually John Quincy would occupy his father’s post as American Minister to the Court of Saint James, presenting his credentials to the British monarch, as his father did earlier to King George III, with a young John Quincy attending his father’s accreditation. In 1809, John Quincy would argue the famous Peck case before the U.S. Supreme Court, a landmark contract case. Three decades later he would appear before the Supreme Court again in 1841, to argue the famous Amistad Case, setting free the Congolese leader Cinque and the slaves aboard the slave ship that mutinied against a Spanish slaving crew. Under President James Monroe, John Quincy would negotiate the Treaty of Ghent ending America’s involvement in the War of 1812. The book discusses the contentious election of John Quincy Adams versus General Andrew Jackson, and how both would be bitter enemies. The John Quincy Adams presidency would be dominated with internal improvements, and keeping America out of foreign entanglements. The book covers his term as Secretary of State, time in Congress, and his involvement in Massachusetts politics. He died in the United States Congress in 1848, fearing disunion over the issue of slavery. Unger writes in an excellent and flowing style, and the lover of American history will enjoy this biography. Editor’s Note: Cmdr. Aboul-Enein teaches parttime at the National Defense University’s Dwight D. Eisenhower School. He wishes to thank his Teaching Assistant, Ms. Kaitlin Dellicker of Boston University, for her edits that improved this column.
Though pleased that he and members of his staff were recognized for their efforts during the hurricane, Blaha also said that he and his NEPLO staff were a small part of the greater response effort during the storm. “Across the country many of our fellow NEPLOs participated, as well as many hundreds of other members of the Department of Defense,” said Blaha. “Each of them deserves the same accolades.” In spite of this modesty, Fugate let each of the three NDW NEPLOs know how much he and the FEMA staff appreciated their dedication to service when their country was in need. “The needs of those affected by Hurricane Sandy will not instantly fade,” said Fugate. “Indeed, many will have to rebuild from scratch. I want you to know, however, that your efforts in coordinating DOD’s contribution to the unified response have given them the best possible chance at a successful long-term recovery. Your actions, and those of your team, are a credit to the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense. Thank you.”
RECP Offers Medical Waivers
Is there a waiver policy if a member in my family has a medical circumstance that requires us to use more electricity? Yes, a waiver from the RECP can be requested if your family member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member (EFM) program and you can demonstrate the medical condition has a direct impact on utility usage. In addition, handicapped members outside of the EFM may also submit a waiver request for consideration. Each housing office will have procedures for submitting a waiver. Wounded Warriors are exempt from RECP. 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.
Student 2 Student Helps Military Children
U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
Members of Junior Student 2 Student at the Dahlgren School. By Andrew Revelos South Potomac Pilot Staff Writer April is the month of the military child and citizens around the nation are focusing on ways to improve the lives of military kids. On organization, the Military Child Education Coalition, made waves in 2004 when it introduced the Student 2 Student (S2S)-a peer-based program designed to help military high school students adjust to new schools and make new friends. In 2006, a similar program was created for middle school students: Junior Student 2 Student (JS2S).
Both programs function similarly; S2S members receive training from the Military Child Education Coalition and are paired with new students for orientation and special S2S activities. For those who never endured a change of schools as a child, the list of issues faced by new students is daunting. From not getting lost, to making friends, to keeping up with lessons, to avoiding bullies, the obstacles can pose serious challenges. The sheer number of school moves undertaken by many military children makes a program like S2S especially useful, though the program is also offered to non-military new students.
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Some of the hazardous materials found during cleanup efforts have included lead at the site of a former pistol range; asbestos tiles likely from demolished buildings; chemicals from an old dry cleaning facility and, occasionally, inert munitions. Cleanup efforts have also revealed some interesting items such as a Jeep buried at Webster Outlying Field; an airplane buried near Fishing Point; the front and rear ends of a large “deuce-and-a-half” cargo truck; headlights from a 1932 Ford; a driver’s license and military ID from the 1980s; an inline-8 engine circa 1950; and 71 old dog tags. “We’re cleaning up the dog tags and attempting to find out what we can about who owned some of them before they’re turned over to the Pentagon,” Simpson said.
Students at the Dahlgren School have embraced JS2S and membership has grown from three to nine since the school began participating in the program in May of 2012 at the suggestion of Lolita Gunter, school liaison officer for Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP). Gunter praised the program for not only helping meet the unique needs of military children, but also for teaching student member invaluable life skills: leadership, organization, public speaking and above all, kindness. “It’s really a good program,” she said. “The children really need
See Student, Page 9
Once a site cleanup is certified complete and the site is closed, it is returned to the base without restrictions on future land use. “At a few sites, where removing all the waste wasn’t feasible and we had to leave some in place, monitoring wells were installed,” Simpson explained. “The groundwater is then regularly tested to ensure that contaminants are not migrating from the site or impacting groundwater quality.” Steckler said the mission of environmental restoration is to protect human health and the environment. “If the base has an unhealthy environment or unusable land, it has an adverse impact on the ability of our Sailors and Marines to live and train,” he said. “Skip and I get satisfaction out of knowing that we contribute to the Navy’s overall mission by providing a clean and healthy work environment for the people who live and work at Pax, and by preserving and restoring our natural resources so that the base can reuse sites to effectively operate and train.
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with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Two (HC-2); officer-in-charge and maintenance officer of the “Desert Ducks” in Manama, Bahrain; executive officer, and later commanding officer, of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TwentyOne (HSC 21) “Blackjacks;” and most recently as air boss aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5); as well as billets at the Chief of Naval Operations, Information Operations Directorate; and United States Strategic Command’s Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike. “It is an honor and privilege to stand here today as the new commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Washington,” said Ulmer. “Having the ceremony here on the Navy Yard, the Navy’s oldest shore installation, especially in this park, is awe-inspiring. Though the mission of the installation has changed over the years, dating all the way back to 1799, the core mission of providing exceptional service to the warfighter continues today.” NSAW encompasses the Washington Navy Yard, Naval Support Facility (NSF) Naval Research Laboratory, NSF Suitland, NSF Naval Observatory, NSF Arlington and NSF Carderock. Located in the Nation’s Capital, the six installations host many Navy headquarters commands including Commander, Navy Installations Command and Naval District Washington headquarters.
U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Kiona Miller
Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard parade the colors at the Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW) change of command ceremony April 26.
From left, Rear Adm. Patrick Lorge, commandant of Naval District Washington, Cmdr. David Varner, commanding officer of NSAW, Capt. Monte Ulmer, retired Capt. Victor Steinman and Lt. David Malnar render a hand salute during the NSAW change of command ceremony, held at the Washington Navy Yard, April 26. During the ceremony Ulmer relieved Varner as the commanding officer of NSA Washington.
Retired Capt. Victor Steinman, speaks at the NSAW change of command ceremony. Steinman was the guest speaker at the event having served as Varner, outgoing commanding officer of NSAW, one of Varner’s first exec- addresses the crowd at the NSAW change of utive officers as a naval command ceremony. aviator.
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that other critical fleet operations would be subject to reduction as well. All panel members present at the hearing addressed the overwhelming theme of sequestration negatively affecting ongoing and future operations across the Department of the Navy. In his outlook for 2014, Admiral Greenert defined his strategy for Navy priorities. He maintained that the Navy would continue to forward deploy, and would continue nearterm investments to address challenges in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Additionally, Greenert stated that the Navy would continue to develop long-term capabilities, at the appropriate capacity, to address warfighting challenges in both regions. Overall, when looking at the 2014 budget, Greenert gave a clear view of what the Navy can expect for the investment of research and development in new technology, specifically when it comes to shipbuilding goals. With over $44 billion being invested in ships, submarines, manned and unmanned aircraft, weapons, cyber, among other procurement items and programs to include the delivery of 300 ships by 2019,
Greenert expects much greater interoperability and flexibility when it comes to the future of the fleet. Greenert expressed his commitment to grow manpower by 4,600 Sailors, stating these new Sailors would, “reduce our manning gaps at sea, enhance the Navy’s cyber capabilities, and improve our waterfront training.” Equally important were the CNO’s focus on critical readiness and safety degraders such as sexual assault, suicide, operational tempo, and at-sea manning. Greenert said this budget sets a course for the Navy to successfully meet the Strategic Defense Guidance laid out by the Department of Defense. Thanking his Sailors and Navy Civilians for the tremendous amount of perseverance, production, and patience throughout the fiscal unease, Admiral Greenert closed his testimony remarks by recognizing the need for the removal of sequestration in order to fully execute the Navy mission. “We again ask for your support in removing the burden of sequestration so that we can better train, better equip and deploy properly these brave men and women in our defense of our nation.” For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy.mil/local/cno/.
Lorge presents Varner with a Meritorious Service Medal for his performance as NSAW’s commanding officer from 2010 to 2013.
WNY Fitness Center Holds Bench Press Competition
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Gina Morrissette
Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Benjamin Salb, attached to the Naval History and Heritage Command, competes in the Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center Bench Press Competition April 25. Salb benched 325 pounds to win the 185-195 pound division (Welterweight). Men and women in weight classes from lightweight to heavyweight competed, with prizes awarded to first and second place winners in their weight classes.
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NAS Patuxent River Search and Rescue Joins Efforts in Chesapeake Bay Emergency By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs It was a brisk, windy Saturday morning as anglers, including a group of six trying their luck in a 25-foot fishing boat, headed out on the Chesapeake Bay for opening day of rockfish season. Battling waves of 3-5 feet, 2 miles from Point Lookout State Park on April 20, the boat’s owner/ operator made a phone call for help as the vessel began to take on water. At 8:30 a.m., not too long after that emergency call, communications with the vessel were lost - the boat had capsized. Hearing the chatter over the maritime radio, Pax’s Search and Rescue (SAR) crew were at the ready. “The nearest units capable of airborne water rescue are the Coast Guard units in Atlantic City [N.J.] and Elizabeth City [N.C.],” said Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Rowland, an NAS Patuxent River SAR pilot. “But that’s pretty far off. We’re the only ones with that capability in this area because we can handle the medical issues and have rescue swimmers who can come to the aid of persons in the water.” On that day, the four-person SAR water rescue crew included: pilot Rowland, with 14 years experience; copilot Lt. Daniel Lefler, with 14 years experience; crew chief Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class John McCracken, with eight years experience, and the swimmer, Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Tanner Williams, with three years experience. Expediting their preflight
checks, Lefler said Pax’s SAR crew were quick to join in the rescue efforts of Coast Guard St. Inigoes, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police Trooper 7 helicopter, and the Ridge and Valley Lee volunteer fire companies. It took the crew just 7 minutes from Pax to arrive on scene where they immediately saw the overturned boat among the floating debris. As they hovered to assess the situation, they decided to back off a bit to not impede the rescue operations below. The crew said they began surveying the scene’s surrounding waters, taking into consideration how winds and currents were shifting the wreckage and its items below. The crew focused in on some floating gear they noticed near the rescue boats earlier that had been carried off by the current. Hovering 70 feet over the gear, they decided to lower Williams, the rescue swimmer, to investigate. Donned in a dry suit with a thermal layer underneath, Williams dove into the 50-degree water. “I didn’t see anyone when I got in the water; just debris,” he said. “Then, I saw a nautical ladder with a life jacket wrapped around it.” But, after swimming to the ladder and inspecting the area around it, Williams found nothing. “Then, I looked underwater,” he said, “and there were rope lines descending down, but nothing attached them.” With his underwater visibility limited to just a foot, Williams began pulling the lines up. “One of [the lines] was actually attached to the victim’s ankle,” he
said. “As I started pulling, he started to come up with it.” Then, it was a matter of untangling the victim, getting him in the basket and up to the helicopter. “When you’re looking for someone out at sea, you know they’re going to be in some state of shock, but not to that extent,” McCracken said about the limp body they pulled from the water. With Rowland and Lefler at the stick, McCracken and Williams were in the back providing emergency medical care trying to revive the victim during the 15-minute flight to St. Mary’s hospital. “You just have to do what you’re trained to do,” McCracken said. Having the nearly year-long technical training school under their belt and continual training with hospital corpsmen on station, McCracken and Williams are skilled in performing basic lifesaving techniques, such as CPR, splinting, tourniquets and making head-to-toe medical assessments. But, none of the crew had ever experienced a rescue such as this. “We’ve done medivacs, but never an over water rescue,” McCracken and the crew agreed. According to Coast Guard St. Inigoes, the six on the capsized vessel were a couple, their teenage son and three friends, and not everyone wore a life vest. “Just like a seat belt, people think it’s not cool so they don’t wear it,” Rowland said about life vests. “All it takes is one time.” Officials are investigating the cause of the accident. Out of the six pulled from the water that day, two died.
U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler
Search and Rescue crews practice water recovery near the East Basin, skills they used during a mutual aid rescue April 20.
Navy Memorial Celebrates Year of Military Women By MC1 Brandie Wills Navy News Service
Courtesy photo
Chief of Naval Personnel Adm. Scott Van Buskirk speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the United States Navy Memorial to kick off the “Year of Military Women.” This was the first time the Navy Memorial has honored not only Navy women, but also the women who have, and still serve in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
The United States Navy Memorial hosted the official kick-off of the Year of Military Women during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C. This is the first time the Navy Memorial will be honoring not only Navy women, but also the women who have, and still serve in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Chief of Naval Personnel Adm. Scott Van Buskirk was the guest speaker at the event, and said he was honored to attend the ceremony, because he knows how essential women’s leadership and contributions have been to the Navy and the nation. “I know that first-hand, and I see that each and every day when I have the opportunity in my job to go out and meet the men and women who serve in our Navy and also in our Marine Corps,” said Van Buskirk. Senior leaders from each of the services, and members of congress
attended the event and were able to get the first look at the collection of original uniforms worn by pioneering World War I Yeoman (F) and female Marines. Among the most significant is a uniform worn by Capt. Mildred McAfee, the first director of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES, who commanded 82,000 women during World War II. Executive Vice President of the Navy Memorial Cindy McCalip said the memorial wanted to include women of all branches of service to highlight the common bond between all military women. “Women tend to support other women whether it be from one service or another service,” said McCalip, “so it’s important that we keep that connection going and we didn’t want to alienate any women in the military, so we’re trying to be very inclusive of all the services.” The exhibit highlights many of the women who made military history through their leadership and determination. “In our military, we judge leadership abilities by the capac-
ity to get the job done well,” said Buskirk. “Man, woman, people of color, white, Hispanic; that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you can meet the mission and you can get the job done. And as demonstrated day in and day out, our women aren’t just meeting that mission, they’re leading the way, going above and beyond.” Fleet Master Chief April Beldo said that events like Year of Military Women allow for the opportunity to recognize the past contributions of women to the armed forces. “If it wasn’t for those women who went before me, I would not be standing here today,” said Beldo. “This allows me to give honor and homage to the hard work that they did while they were serving.” Celebrations of the Year of Military Women will continue throughout the year and will include book signings, golf tournaments and symposiums. For more information visit www. navymemorial.org, or www.facebook.com/YearofMilitaryWomen.
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Waterline
Charting Your Career By Cynthia Hilsinger NMPDC Public Affairs Officer
Charting a career during uncertain times just got easier when Navy Medicine Professional Development Center (NMPDC) held a Speed Mentoring Fair recently for enlisted, officer, and civilian staff. A popular and growing program for NMPDC, this was the third quarterly speed mentoring event and the first with a mentor invited from outside the command. Capt. Lee Cornforth, NMPDC’s commanding officer, introduced Master Chief Maria Fernandez, senior enlisted leader for Deputy Commander for Administration at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “During this event, you can connect with many potential mentors that can help guide you, and not just here. Mentors can stay with you beyond today - perhaps the rest of your career and beyond. I stay in contact with mentors I met nearly 27 years ago at my first duty station. You are never too senior or too junior to benefit from mentors,” said Cornforth. “Mentoring exposes individuals to the different avenues to reaching goals, which should make it easier for individuals,” said Capt. Kathleen Michel, NMPDC’s executive officer, and mentor. Charting your career requires exposure to information and insights about programs and opportunities and mentoring is congruent with NMPDCs vision. NMPDC provides vision, oversight and execution for Navy Medicine’s continuum of learning, preparing medical department personnel for increased responsibilities as military and professional leaders and provides oversight for Navy Medicine staff education and training program functions. Civilian and military subject matter experts representing all medical staff corps and many specialties were available for questions and guidance at the fair. Civilian employees sought mentoring from William Robinson, Deputy Graduate Medical Education. “I gave my time in hopes that from my experiences and acquired knowledge that my colleagues, active and civilian will be bet-
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Continued from 6 it. I really want all schools to have this program.” When the program began at the Dahlgren School, six students stepped up to the challenge and became members of JS2S. Three of those original six members have since moved on to high school. The three remaining JS2S members and Stephen Burton, guidance counselor at the Dahlgren School, discussed the progress of JS2S over lunch April 10. “It’s a great leadership opportunity for these kids,” said Burton, who helps the Dahlgren School JS2S members run the program. “It’s a great way to develop the ability to interact with others in a positive way.” JS2S students use those skills to help new students in ways that an adult could not. “Military students are so transient in their school years that this is a program that allows students to help each other make those transitions,” said Burton. “It’s run by the students-they’re responsible for planning the activities, making the connections, all of it.” The original three members of JS2S still attending the Dahlgren School described
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NAVAIR’s Environmental Programs Department Wins SECNAV Award
U.S. Navy photo by Paula A. Paige
Photo by Cynthia Hilsinger
Chief Hospital Corpsman Albert Hance, left, offers advice to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Arnel Galapir during a recent mentoring session. ter able to achieve their career goals and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families,” said Robinson. Capt. Glenn Munro, Director of NMPDC’s Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS) and a mentor, spoke with participants at the fair on a wide variety of topics related to careers in dentistry and other clinical specialties. The NPDS is the only Department of Defense centralized site for postgraduate dental education which conducts dental specialty training and provides a wide variety of specialty dental care in its clinics. Navy Medicine Professional Development Center, located in Bethesda, Md., is the cornerstone of Navy Medicine’s professional development training and education mission; maintaining collaborative relationships with more than 100 military and civilian higher learning institutions while supporting 3,000 federal uniformed service, civilian, and allied foreign military members annually. For more information about NMPDC, visit: http://www.med.navy.mil/ sites/navmedmpte/Pages/default.aspx. their motivations for reaching out to other military children. “As a kid in the Navy, you move around a lot-I think the shortest [time] I’ve ever lived in one place is two years-so you don’t really get to know a lot of people in that short of time and you don’t get to keep them as you move on,” said Megan, self-described “shy kid” and member of Dahlgren JS2S. “With the skills you learn with JS2S, you can make friends faster.” Those skills begin with making new students feel at ease. “You learn how to make kids feel comfortable,” said Megan. “You introduce them around to people so that they know everybody.” Geoffrey, JS2S member, explained his reasons for participating in the program. “I thought it would be fun and I like helping people.” For Libby, JS2S member, her own experiences as a military child motivated her to participate. “It helps new students be welcomed to the base,” she said. “I know how it feels to be a military child. My dad was in the service for 20 years. I know how it feels to come to a base and not know anyone. If I can help one student feel more comfortable, [than] they can help other students also.” Helping other military children adjust to the Dahlgren School has been a rewarding experience for members of JS2S. “It’s a
The Naval Air Systems Command’s Environmental Programs Department (AIR 1.6) earned a fiscal 2012 Secretary of the Navy award for developing a software tool that helps users track and comply with environmental requirements. Members of the Environmental Programs Department include, from left, Herman Varmall, director of the Environmental Programs Department; Robert N. Hicks Jr., Programmatic Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Evaluation program manager; Paige Lehr, environmental policy program manager; and Nicholas Paraskevas, National Environmental Policy Act program manager. By Paula A. Paige Program Management (AIR 1.0) Public Affairs Building on its recent Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) recognition, the Environmental Programs Department at NAS Patuxent River, known as AIR 1.6, recently earned a fiscal 2012 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) award for developing a software tool that helps users track and comply with environmental requirements. The team, aligned under Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Program Management organization (AIR 1.0), captured the Environmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition, Small Program, Individual or Team award category for developing the Programmatic Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Evaluation Document Authoring Tool, known as PESHE DAT. Launched in 2007, the web-based tool standardizes NAVAIR’s Environmental Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) risk-assessment process and development of PESHE documents. Modules help acquisition managers and leaders ensure environmental requirements are properly assessed and managed at milestone events. good feeling, because I know those students are going to have new friends,” said Libby. “They have people to show them around and they don’t feel like they shouldn’t be here. They feel like they belong in this new environment.” “It’s nice to see the new kid feel comfortable and feel like they do fit in,” added Megan. “It feels good helping new students because we’ve all been in that situation. We move and we don’t know anybody,” said Geoffrey. “You just help the person out and they’re friends with everybody.” Word of the good deeds done by members of S2S at the Dahlgren School and elsewhere has put a spotlight on the unique needs of military children. The fact that military children are themselves looking out for one another through S2S has impressed educators, military parents and military leaders. “I’m very impressed at the leadership shown by the members of the Dahlgren School’s Junior Student 2 Student program,” said Capt. Pete Nette, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac. “As a father, I understand how difficult it is for military kids to change schools and make new friends. For other military children to step up and help their fellow students is awe-inspiring; they’re truly an exceptional group of young people and I thank them for their service.”
Additionally, hazardous materials and waste are tracked and managed as ESOH risks as well as the development of a sound National Environmental Policy Act strategy. “Environmental stewardship is a key component of NAVAIR’s daily operations,” said Vice Adm. David Dunaway, who leads the command. “Tools such as PESHE DAT not only support the program manager’s understanding and management of environmental risks, but also minimize the impact on fleet testing and training operations. PESHE DAT shows true innovation, customer focus and a commitment to environmental life cycle management.” The SECNAV Environmental Awards recognize Navy and Marine Corps ships, installations and people for outstanding performance in promoting environmental stewardship. All eligible SECNAV winners will advance to the 2012 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards competition. In a message congratulating the winners, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said, “Fiscal 2012 was a remarkable year for the Department of the Navy’s efforts to manage, protect and restore our natural and cultural resources. The tremendous successes showcased by all nominees are evidence of our continuing pursuit of environmental excellence.”
CLAIMS
Continued from 3 will cause the overall measure of the average length of time to complete a claim -- currently 286 days -- to skew, rising significantly in the near term because of the number of old claims that will be completed, they explained. Over time, they added, as the backlog of oldest claims is cleared and more of the incoming claims are processed electronically through VA’s new paperless processing system, VA’s average time to complete claims will improve significantly. In addition, the “average days pending” metric -- or the average age of a claim in the inventory -- will decrease, since the oldest claims will no longer be part of the inventory. While compensation claims are pending, eligible veterans are able to receive health care and other benefits from VA. Veterans who have served in recent conflicts are eligible for five years of free health care from VA. More than 55 percent of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are using VA health care, officials said, a rate greater than that of previous generations of veterans.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
Navy’s ‘Keep What You’ve Earned’ Campaign Promotes Responsible Drinking By MC2 Nathan Parde NSAB Public Affairs staff writer The Navy introduced a new campaign this month called “Keep What You’ve Earned” in honor of National Alcohol Awareness Month. Dorice Favorite, director of the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) program, said Sailors face many causes of stress during their military service and may turn to alcohol to deal with that stress. “From boot camp, to advancement exams, job training and deployments, the ‘Keep What You’ve Earned’ campaign recognizes these challenges and encourages Sailors to drink responsibly to maintain their successful careers,” said Favorite. Another effort to increase alcohol awareness, the Navy’s “Right Spirit” campaign was started in 1996 to improve the quality of life for Sailors and their families and ensure a safe and productive work environment. It introduced an alcohol abuse prevention program, the ‘0-0-1-3 Program,’ to discourage binge drinking and promote responsible alcohol use. The “Keep What You Have Earned” campaign is an extension of that program. 0-0-1-3 stands for: 0 underage drinking offenses, 0 drinking and driving incidents (DUI’s), 1 drink per hour, and 3 drinks per evening, said Master-At-Arms 1st Class Christopher Varga, Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s (NSAB) drug and alcohol program advisor (DAPA).
“Drink only what you can handle,” Varga said. “That’s part of being responsible. If you know that only one or two drinks affect you more, you may need to stick to that. Allow time in between drinks, and don’t binge drink.” To ensure that people come into work ready to work and do so safely, the Navy and NSAB are currently introducing alcohol detection devices to the fleet, Varga said. “Basically, this device is to deter people from alcohol abuse,” he said. “It is a compact device that comes with a mouthpiece. The Sailor will blow into the device utilizing the mouthpiece and the device will detect if the person has an amount of alcohol in their system, but not necessarily the blood alcohol content.” Standard operating procedures have already been established and distributed with the device, Varga said. “It will be randomly administered, similar to the current urinalysis program,” he added. “The details of the program were left open for command interpretation and are still being worked out.” For any service member who has an alcohol dependency, there are many resources available to them. “There are numerous places that offer help,” Varga said. “You can talk with the chaplain, or your medical physician. One of the greatest tools and assets that you have is the command DAPA. Walter Reed National Medical Center also has a command DAPA, as well as the tenant commands and USU
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Julie Matyascik
Charlie Ross, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program counselor, and Jennifer Dolehite, U.S. Fleet Forces Alcohol and Drug Control Officer, demonstrate how to use the alcohol detection device during a Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor/Urinalysis Program Coordinator forum at Naval Station Norfolk. (The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences). Any one of these people can be a great help and get you pointed in the right direction. It’s better to go that route than to have an incident happen and
be forced to go.” For information on the “Keep What You’ve Earned” campaign and the alcohol detection devices, visit the NADAP website at www.nadap.navy.mil.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Thursday, May 2, 2013