The Waterline
May 23, 2013
Vol. XXX No.20
www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw
www.facebook.com/NavDistWash
waterline@dcmilitary.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
HURREX/Citadel Gale Prepares Personnel for Hurricane Season By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
Hurricane season is fast approaching, running from June 1 to Nov. 30. As Naval District Washington (NDW) completes its HURREX/Citadel Gale 2013 exercise May 24, the lessons learned from this year and years past will provide invaluable knowledge as to what the region and its personnel can do should a hurricane strike. “HURREX/Citadel Gale is conducted annually to provide afloat and shore-based commands an opportunity to exercise hurricane preparedness and installation restoration plans prior to the onset of hurricane season,” said Larry R. Nelson, director of training and readiness for NDW. “The concept of operations for the exercise affects the Navy as a whole because it engages military and civilian personnel in preparedness scenarios that are based on realistic natural weather threats to our Navy installations.” This engagement provides a variety of
scenarios consisting of three artificially constructed tropical cyclones that will develop and intensify to hurricane strength, which will threaten the U.S. East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean coastal regions. “NDW installations have chosen exercises that are designed to specifically challenge, test, and measure objectives that are unique to their geographical area,” said Nelson. “For example, NDW installations will train in the following areas personnel evacuation, building collapse, recovery plan, emergency family assistance center establishment, flooding, recovery workshops, and mass casualty all to prepare for this year’s hurricane season.” But as effective as these exercises are in preparing NDW installations for a hurricane, leadership stresses the importance of hurricane preparedness by personnel and their families out in town as well. They advise personnel to be prepared prior to the
See Prepare, Page 10
Photo by Gary Younger
Winds caused waves to batter the sea wall at Naval Air Station Patuxent River during 2012’s Hurricane Sandy. As Naval District Washington (NDW) completes its HURREX/Citadel Gale 2013 exercise May 24, the lessons learned from this year and years past will provide invaluable insight as the region refines hurricane plans.
Battle of Midway: The Turning Point From Naval District Washington Public Affairs
U.S. Navy photo
Ensign George Gay (right), sole survivor of VT-8 at Midway, standing beside his TBD Devastator on June 4, 1942 before the Battle of Midway. The other crewman pictured is one of his rear gunners.
Around the Yard page 2 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone
“Rock ‘em and sock ‘em and don’t lose your shirt,” is how Naval District Washington Historic and Heritage Command historian Robert Cressman characterizes tactics of service members who fought and defeated the Japanese in the Battle of Midway June 4-7, 1942. The United States military obliterated Japan’s naval strength during what would be touted one of the most decisive battles in naval warfare history. But what were the key elements that led to the historic success at Midway? “Intelligence, competent commanders, the decision to take a risk and the willingness to give subordinates the freedom to fight,” said Cressman. Prior to the Battle of Midway, Japan had been successful in the spread of imperialism capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific. The Battle of Midway was the turning point shifting momentum to the United States. Midway, a naval base and refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights located in the North
INSIDE
Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo, was a significant strategic target. “If the Japanese could capture Midway then they could attack Hawaii anytime,” Cressman said. The Japanese planned to capture Midway to lure the U.S. carriers that had roamed unimpeded between February and April, into decisive battle and destroy them. The object was to destroy what the Japanese considered its most dangerous element, its carriers. But the Americans were waiting. They had gotten wind of the plan, thanks to cryptologists who broke the Japanese code. “We were at a disadvantage because they had more carriers than us but we found them before they found us,” said retired Navy Capt. John W. Crawford who received the deciphered message from cryptologists while aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5). The message revealed the bearings and location of the Japanese fleet. “It was miraculous. Our intelligence solved the problem and predicted time of
Prince Harry Meets Wounded Warriors page 6
See Midway, Page 9
Waterline
2
Thursday, May 23, 2013
2012 Sailors of the Year Advanced to Chief Petty Officer By MC2 Thomas Rosprim Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
The 2012 Sailor of the Year winners were meritoriously advanced to Chief Petty Officer during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial May 16. Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Mark Ferguson was the guest speaker at the pinning ceremony hosted by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens. Electronics Technician 1st Class Cheyenne Shasky, U.S. Fleet Forces Sea Sailor of the Year; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Joseph Santos, U.S. Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year; Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Brian Denike, Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year; and Cryptologic Technician Networks 1st Class Shannon McQueen, Chief of Naval Operations Shore Sailor of the Year were each presented their Chief Petty Officer appointment letter from the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) prior to having their anchors pinned to their collars and combination covers placed on their heads. “It is an honor to be here to recognize the performance and achievement of our four Sailors of the Year for 2012. This recognition highlights your professional and personal dedication. You represent the diverse talent, knowledge and experience of our Navy today. Congratulations and continue your hard
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Thomas L. Rosprim
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens, center, and the four 2012 Sailors of the Year cut a cake after the 2012 Sailor of the Year pinning ceremony. The Sailors of the Year were meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer by Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark E. Ferguson.
work and continue to lead,” said Ferguson. Before the anchors were pinned on the Sailors of the Year, MCPON Stevens spoke about the importance of remembering how they represent the many Sailors who are working hard, staying out of trouble, and being good and decent people. “Being a Chief Petty Officer is not for the weak of heart. You must be all in, all the time,” said Stevens. He added, “Continue to look forward, lead by example and make positive impacts on our great Navy.” Families, friends and shipmates traveled from around the world to attend the ceremony and share the highlights of their accomplishments and achievement on advancing to Chief Petty Officer. “I am humbled beyond belief by the support from my command,” said McQueen. She found out after the ceremony that four buses filled with junior Sailors and over fifty Chief Petty Officers took the metro to witness the ceremony. Throughout their week-long visit to Washington, the Sailors of the Year and their families toured historic sites and enjoyed special events held in their honor. “I enjoyed having my family with me to experience all of the festivities,” said Santos. He also offered advice for Sail-
See Advance, Page 9
Around the Yard What are your plans for the Memorial Day Weekend?
There’s a couple of bike races coming up in town and in Baltimore, so I’ll probably be doing that.
I’m going to do what I do every weekend; go home to Charleston, South Carolina. It’s beautiful there.
I’ll be celebrating with my wife. I’m going to fly back to Iowa to relax and maybe watch some fireworks.
Daniel Bowling Building 96 Washington Navy Yard
John Bell Hines PDW Washington Washington Navy Yard
Operations Specialist 3rd Class Charles King Rock Island Arsenal Davenport, Iowa
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.
Waterline
Thursday, May 23, 2013
3
This Week in Navy History May 23
1850 - Navy sends USS Advance and USS Rescue to attempt rescue of Sir John Franklin’s expedition, lost in Arctic. 1939 - USS Squalus (SS-92) sinks off Postsmouth, N.H., with loss of 26 lives.
1952 - Tests from May 26-29 demonstrate feasibility of the angled-deck concept conducted on simulated angled deck on USS Midway (CV-41). 1990 - USS Beaufort (ATS-2) rescues 24 Vietnamese refugees in South China Sea.
May 24
May 27
1917 - First U.S. convoy to cross North Atlantic during World War I leaves Hampton Roads, Va. 1918 - USS Olympia (C-6) anchors at Kola Inlet, Murmansk, Russia, to protect refugees during Russian Revolution. 1939 - First and only use of Vice Adm. Allan McCann’s Rescue Chamber to rescue 33 men from sunken USS Squalus (SS-192). 1941 - Authorization of construction or acquisition of 550,000 tons of auxiliary shipping for U.S. Navy. 1945 - Fast carrier task force aircraft attack airfields in southern Kyushu, Japan. 1945 - 9 U.S. ships damaged by concentrated kamikaze attack off Okinawa. 1961 - USS Gurke (DD-783) notices signals from 12 men from Truk who were caught in a storm, drifted at sea for two months before being stranded on an island for 1 month. USS Southerland (DD-743) investigated notified Truk, and provided provisions and supplies to repair their outrigger canoe. The men would be picked up on June 7 by the motor launch Kaselehlia. 1962 - Launch of Aurora 7 (Mercury 7), piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Malcolm Scott Carpenter, who completed three orbits in four hours, 56 minutes at an altitude up to 166.8 statute miles at 17,549 mph. He was picked
1805 - Naval forces capture Derne, Tripoli; raise U.S. flag over foreign soil. 1813 - American joint operations against Fort George, Canada. 1919 - Navy NC-4 completes trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland to Lisbon, Portugal.
May 28 Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
USS Squalus (SS-192) Salvage Operations. Scene on the after deck of USS Falcon (ASR-2) during the early stages of the salvage operations 30 May, 1939, showing congested conditions. View looks to port, with men assisting a diver toward the left. Officer behind them, in center, appears to be Cmdr. Allan R. McCann. up by HSS-2 helicopters from USS Intrepid (CVS-11). The capsule was recovered by USS John R. Pierce (DD-753).
May 25
1952 - USS Iowa (BB-61) bombards Chongjin, Korea. 1973 - Launch of Skylab 2 mission, which was the first U.S. manned orbiting space station. It had an all Navy crew of Capt.
Charles Conrad Jr., Cmdr. Joseph P. Kerwin, and Cmdr. Paul J. Weitz. During the 28-day mission of 404 orbits, the craft rendezvoused with Skylab to make repairs and conduct science experiments. Recovery by USS Ticonderoga (CVS-14).
May 26
1944 - USS England (DE-635) sinks fifth Japanese submarine in one week.
1813 - Frigate Essex and prize capture five British whalers. 1917 - First underway fueling in U.S. Navy, USS Maumee (AO-2) fuels six destroyers in North Atlantic. Lt. Cmdr. Chester W. Nimitz served as Maumee’s executive officer and chief engineer. 1957 - first of 24 detonations in Operation Plumbbob nuclear test. 1980 - 55 women become first women graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy.
May 29 1781 - Frigate Alliance captures HMS Atalanta and Trepassy off Nova Scotia. 1991 - Amphibious Task Force in Bangladesh redeployed for cyclone relief.
Navy Announces Results of FY13 Senior Enlisted Continuation Board From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
Results from the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) performance-based board for continuation of senior enlisted (SECB) were posted in Bupers Online (BOL) for individual Sailor access, according to NAVADMIN 129/13, released May 16. More than 8,000 active and Reserve senior enlisted Sailors reviewed by the FY13 SECB were selected for continuation. The FY13 board convened Feb. 25 and considered 8,384 active duty, full-time support and Reserve candidates with more than 19 years of service and three years’ time-ingrade for continuation who met eligibility guidance outlined in NAVADMIN 375/12. Of these eligible senior enlisted, 3,093 candidates were selected for continuation; 291 candidates were not selected for continuation or are in a hold status. Senior enlisted considered by the FY13 board are classified in one of three categories in BOL: S - Selected for continuation. N- Not selected for continuation. H- Not selected for continuation - In a hold status. Sailors not selected for continuation must transfer to the fleet reserve or retire by Nov. 30 and will have access to the Navy’s Transition GPS Program. Like Perform to Serve for junior enlisted, and the Selected Early Retirement Board for officers, the senior enlisted continuation board is a force management measure, allowing Navy to retain the best Sailors while
meeting current and future planned endstrength controls. The senior enlisted continuation board is a performance-based board, meaning there are no quotas. The board is directed to select or not select as many senior enlisted for continuation as they deem appropriate within the guidance provided in the precept. Continuation of candidates with no documented substandard or marginal performance indicators in their record is presumed. The precept can be found on the “Enlisted Continuation” page under the “Boards” section of the NPC website. Commands may request operational waivers to mitigate severe operational impact resulting in potential mission failure, according to the message. Operational waivers are limited to a maximum of three months and must be submitted by June 30 is outlined in the NAVADMIN. The message also outlines procedures for commanding officers to request a readiness appeal that will vacate the member’s selection for non-continuation. The readiness appeal must focus on the negative impact to the unit or Force readiness if the Sailor is separated, not for the convenience of the Sailor. These appeals must be routed through the administrative chain of command to the TYCOM. If the TYCOM does not recommend approval the request is disapproved. If the TYCOM recommends approval the request must be submitted to Navy Personnel Command PERS 833 by June 30 for routing to the Chief of Naval Personnel
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Thomas L. Rosprim
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens speaks to the Navy’s 171st Senior Enlisted Academy during a visit to Naval Station Newport. MCPON met with the class to follow up on a task he challenged them with on a previous visit and further discuss the concept of developing leaders from his ‘Zeroing in on Excellence’ initiative. for final disposition. Formats for operational waivers and readiness appeals can be found at http:// www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ enlistedcontinuation/Pages/default.aspx. For more information about the SECB,
read NAVADMIN 375/12 and visit www.npc. navy.mil or contact NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or CSCmailbox@navy.mil. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.
Waterline
4
Thursday, May 23, 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.
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.
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
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
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.
FFR/MWR Phone numbers
MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-6151
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.
Group Exercise Schedule through May 31
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
Burke Retires at Washington Navy Yard
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
Summer Party at the Pub
June 20 | 4 to 8 p.m. | Mordecai Booth’s Public House Celebrate the first day of summer at the Pub! There will be a DJ, drink specials and giveaways. For more information contact the NSAW Marketing Department at 202433-5912 or nsaw.merketing1@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.
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Peter D. Lawlor
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert congratulates Chief of Naval Operations Deputy of Warfare Systems Vice Adm. Bill Burke after presenting him with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal at Burke’s retirement ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. Burke retired after nearly four decades of honorable naval service.
Waterline
Thursday, May 23, 2013
NDW News
5
Atlantic Test Ranges Employee Wins DON Award
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
Retirement Planning for Federal Employees The Human Resources Office-Washington is sponsoring “Retirement Planning for Federal Employees” seminars. This seminar will give attendants the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, tools, and techniques for a successful transition to retirement. Learn what your benefits are and how you can use them to your advantage. This training is for Federal employees with 5-10 years or less until retirement eligibility. Training will be held at the Washington Navy Yard, Bldg. 22, Admiral Gooding Center, June 1213, and Aug. 28-29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuition cost is $150 per person. Spouses can attend at no cost. To register, submit an approved SF-182 (Authorization, Agreement and Certification of Training) to Janie Harens, janie.harens@navy.mil, or call (202) 685-0078.
Courtesy photo
Fred Hancock, second from right, receives the 2012 Department of the Navy award for Technical Excellence at a T&E Facility or Range, presented by, from left, Amy Markowich, director of the Integrated Battlespace Simulation & Test Department AIR 5.4; Mary Lacey, deputy assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation; and Gary Kessler, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division executive director and NAVAIR deputy assistant commander for Test and Evaluation AIR 5.0A. By Jennifer Amber Atlantic Test Ranges Business Communications Fred Hancock from the Atlantic Test Ranges (ATR) Optical Systems Branch at Naval Air Station Patuxent River recently received the Department of the Navy award for Technical Excellence for his quick solution to F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) tailhook concerns. As the Metrology/Survey Team Lead, Hancock provided a quick solution for JSF tailhook and cable dynamics testing. The Navy has a distinctive requirement to perform aircraft carrier operations. This called for the need to measure bounce characteristics of the aircraft’s tailhook and to analyze the dynamics of the arresting cable during aircraft roll-over. There were many challenges in supporting this effort. Foremost, there was no implemented method for measuring and calibrating video instrumentation for the accuracy requested by the F-35 test team. The JSF test team wanted the data measured to a 0.1 inch accuracy - there was no method for measuring and calibrating video instrumentation so precisely.
Using his technical expertise, Hancock devised several geomatic solutions for capturing data with a high level of accuracy by creating what is now known as “opti-gate.” Hancock used off-the-shelf gates that are commonly put in place for crowd control fencing, and created an array of visual and laser targets used for calibration and tracking. He measured the exact position of each target on a series of gates and then connected the gates in a straight line down the center of the runway. This provided the ATR Survey and Optical teams with a highly effective and accurate series of reference points. In addition to measuring the JSF hook bounce characteristics, ATR needed to measure the movement of the arresting gear cable. Hancock designed a series of stickers that, when applied to the cable, gave exact reference points to the cable’s location in ‘space,’ allowing for very precise measurements. Because of Hancock’s innovation, reliable measurements were extracted, JSF program engineers received real-time data required to make critical decisions, and the program was able to proceed with its flight test schedule for this critical requirement for JSF Navy carrier operations.
NAWCAD Scientists Forge New Path for Underwater Optics By Andrea Hein NAWCAD Communications Support
U.S. Navy photo by Adam Skoczylas
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division engineer Dr. Linda Mullen demonstrates a laser used in underwater optics at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on March 6. Mullen patented a new encoding method for laser imaging, which offers possibilities for both fleet and commercial use.
Scientists from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) recently brought to light a new approach for underwater optics that could enhance fleet activities, such as detecting underwater mines and sea floor mapping. NAWCAD engineers Linda Mullen and Alan Laux at Naval Air Station Patuxent River invented a method to encode a laser with a radar signal to improve the performance of underwater imaging systems in murky water. “We program the laser with information about how the laser is scanning the object,” Mullen said of the project, which was developed two years ago and patented in February. “Therefore, the light reflecting off the object and the surrounding environment contains all the information needed to accurately create an image.” A typical underwater laser imaging sys-
tem has the transmitter and receiver on the same platform. Mullen and Laux tailored their imaging system by placing the transmitter and receiver on separate platforms. The remote receiver wirelessly collects the radar-encoded laser light from the transmitter and translates the information, while an image processor turns the digitized signal into an image. “It’s a new way of thinking about things,” Mullen said. “In acoustics and radar, they’ve been doing these kinds of approaches for a long time. This is very new for optics.” Their method allows for better image quality and larger operating ranges than traditional underwater optical imaging systems. With the separate platform approach, the receiver can potentially be airborne, shipboard or on another underwater stand - a first for optics imaging. It also makes it possible to use a smaller platform, which allows the light source to get closer to the object in question without stirring up as much sediment. Less sediment means bet-
ter visibility, an important factor in activities such as minesweeping, which depends on the ability to detect mines without inadvertently triggering them. Commercial uses for the technology exist as well. During one recent test, Maryland law enforcement officials expressed interest in using the technology to help with search and recovery efforts. Underwater laser imaging has the advantage of approaching objects from a single direction and has fewer limitations in shallow water than traditional sonar. “There are scenarios when you have to start thinking out of the box,” Mullen said. Otherwise, you are going to be limited. You won’t be able to get to see what you want to see.” NAWCAD is actively pursuing industry partners to assist in the commercialization of this technology. Call the NAWCAD Technology Transfer Office at 301-342-1133 to discuss opportunities to collaborate or license the technology.
Waterline
6
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Military Strategy: The Politics and Techniques of War Book review
Reviewed by Cmdr. Youssef Aboul-Enein Military Strategy: The Politics and Techniques of War by John Stone. Published by Continuum Books, New York. 2011, 196 pages. Being in the profession of arms one can spend a lifetime thinking about military strategy, bringing about a variety of disciplines to understand the ever evolving nature of tactics, military operations, and strategy. How has technology changed military strategy? Have conflicts like Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom infused itself in the culture of the United States military creating a new generation of leaders, much like those who were shaped by Vietnam? John Stone, a teacher at the Department of War Studies at King’s College in London, looks into how strategy was derived from a peculiar set of political and military
considerations in this book, and he argues the balance between the political and military has led to success. It is an examination of the formulation of military strategy under varying political and technical conditions. The book begins appropriately with a definition of strategy, and it is important to grasp what Stone defines as strategy so you can fol-
low along as he takes you through the Wars of the French Revolution to the current war on terrorism. The author defines strategy as “the instrumental link between military means and political ends.” He further refines this definition by saying at its core strategy involves the translation of political goals into one or more subordinate objectives within the capabilities of the armed forces. The book is a way of refreshing the works of the classical Prussian war theorist Carl von Clausewitz, who’s “On War,” has shaped modern western military thought. Stone’s book is not for those wanting to delve into strategy as an exercise of all elements of national power (diplomatic, military, and economic), but a pure focus on the influence of the military option in strategy. The first chapter opens
Buffer Determined by Group, Not Temperature What if there is an extremely hot summer/cold winter? Your electricity bill is based on the process of determining the average usage for neighbors in your like- type group. If your group uses more electricity because it is hot, the group’s average usage for the month will be higher, and the buffer zone will be higher as well. The same principle applies during cold weather. 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.
See Review, Page 8
Prince Harry Meets Wounded Warriors, Walter Reed Staff By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has hosted celebrities, heads of state, sports stars, and on May 10 royalty, as Britain’s Prince Harry paid a visit to encourage wounded warriors and learn about the cutting-edge treatments being used to care for them. The prince, who visited Arlington National Cemetery earlier in the day, arrived at the bustling Bethesda hospital in his British Army camouflage uniform to hear about the technologies being used to treat wounded warriors, particularly amputees. A British Army captain who has deployed twice to Afghanistan, Harry mingled easily among the wounded warriors in the hospital, talking with several individually to ask about their injuries, their treatment and their prognosis for leaving the hospital and moving on with their lives. Visiting the computeraided rehabilitative environment lab, Harry cheered on Army Spc. Corey Garmon during his first session on a large, round contraption that looks like a cross between a treadmill and carnival tilt-a-whirl. The prince leaned on a bar surrounding the device
as Garmon, who lost both legs to an improved-explosive-device blast in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in July 2012, walked along a rolling stone path through a forest - all virtual and projected onto a giant screen in the darkened room. “We’ve got nothing like this back in the U.K.,” he told Garmon, who received his prostheses in November. But Navy Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks, the Walter Reed commander who accompanied Harry throughout his visit, said much of the discussion focused on ways the American and British militaries share medical expertise and how they might collaborate closer in treating wounded warriors. In fact, one of the devices the staff demonstrated to Harry, a mechanical hand, is manufactured in the United Kingdom, Stocks noted. “He was very interested in our technology and how we can work together in the future,” the admiral said. “But the thing he was the most interested in was meeting with the warriors and the families. He has deployed himself, so he feels that bond, and that was obvious.” Harry visited the hospital’s Military Advanced Training Center, where dozens of wounded warriors were undergoing their rehabilitative regimens under the watchful eyes of their caregivers.
The prince walked through the room, shook hands with the patients, posed for photos when asked to, and spoke with them quietly, individually, about their wounds and recovery. He laughed with them, occasionally grimaced when they described their injuries, and became, as one Soldier said, “just like one of the guys.” Army Staff Sgt. Tim Payne, a 30-year-old 10th Mountain Division Soldier who lost both legs during a dismounted patrol in Kandahar in Afghanistan in July 2011, praised the treatment he is receiving. “The care they have given us here is fantastic,” Payne said he told the prince. “You really can’t beat it, anywhere.” An avid swimmer who does much of his rehabilitation in Walter Reed’s pool, Payne said he also told Harry he hopes one day to swim the English Channel. “He said I’m crazy,” Payne laughed. “But overall, he seems like a really nice guy, and I think it’s really nice that he took the time to come visit us.” Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Bo Reichenbach, a Navy SEAL who was medically retired after losing both legs above the knee to an IED in Afghanistan’s Oruzgan province in July 2012, said he was impressed that
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Prince Harry visits with Army Master Sgt. Cedric King, injured by an explosive device in Afghanistan on July 25, 2012, during the prince’s visit to the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 10. the prince was so interested in hearing his story. “He seemed like the kind of guy who would really like to spend more time talking with us,” Reichenbach said of the prince. “He was really interested in being here with us and talking about our health care. And we told him that we all want to be here, because for us, this is the best place.” Back at the darkened computer-aided rehabilita-
tive environment lab, Harry watched as Garmon negotiated his platform as it sped up, slowed down and occasionally tilted to simulate rolling hills. To add to the challenge, Garmon was instructed to use his arms to bat away sinister-looking virtual birds that headed toward him from the screen. “One hundred, huh?” Harry challenged him, giving the thumbs up as Dr. Chuck Scoville, head of the
department of rehabilitation, explained the lab’s function and the scoring system used to measure patient progress. Harry laughed and yelled out a few “heys” as Garmon swatted at the “birds,” then congratulated him for tallying a 72-percent hit rate during the session. Garmon told Harry he’s
See Prince Harry, Page 9
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Waterline
7
Walter Reed Bethesda Holds Weeklong Celebration of Nurses By Sharon Renee Taylor and Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Journal staff writers
Described as the “unsung heroes of the health-care delivery team,” nurses were celebrated last week at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) during Nurses’ Week. “What you do every day often goes unnoticed because you do it so well and so right,” said Rear Adm. (Dr.) Alton L. Stocks, WRNMMC commander, kicking off the weeklong celebration during a candlelight ceremony in the medical center chapel, May 6. “I personally thank you for that effort, and the dedication and devotion you have for patients and everyone here at the Nation’s Medical Center,” Stocks added. He pointed out that Nurses’ Week is an international celebration which coincides with the birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12), credited as being the founder of modern nursing. She gained prominence for her care of wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Rear Adm. Elizabeth Niemyer, deputy chief, Wounded, Ill, and Injured, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and the 23rd director, Navy Nurse Corps, was guest speaker at the candlelight ceremony. Echoing a quote from Florence Nightingale, Niemyer said nursing is a science and an art, and the combination is needed to excel. “We need to keep the care in nursing, which requires the application of both art and science through theoretical concepts, scientific research, conscious commitment to the art of caring, and purposeful effort to include caring behavior with each and every patient interaction, and interaction with each other.” Also during Nurses’ Week, the Walter Reed Bethesda community celebrated its extraordinary nurses during a DAISY cer-
Photo by Bernard S. Little
Joyce Stocks, the wife of Walter Reed Bethesda’s commander, Rear Adm. (Dr.) Alton L. Stocks, lights candles celebrating nurses during Nurses Week at the Nation’s Medical Center. emony on May 8 in Memorial Auditorium, and on May 9, Niemyer was joined by her counterparts from the Army, Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service at a program for junior nurses at the Nation’s Medical Center. Along with Niemyer, Army Maj. Gen. Jimmie O. Keenan, commanding general of the U.S. Army Public Health Command; Air Force Maj. Gen. Kimberly A. Siniscalchi, assistant Air Force surgeon general, Medical Force Development and assistant Air Force surgeon general, Nursing Service; and Rear Adm. Kerry Paige Nesseler, assistant surgeon general, chief nurse officer, U.S. Public Health Service, spoke to junior nurses com-
pleting the clinical nurse transition program, and visited patients recovering at WRNMMC. “This is really exciting for me,” Stocks said. “We’ve got four nurse corps chiefs from the services: Army, Air Force, Navy and Public Health Service, in one place at one time, which I think is a testament to your commitment to be here,” he added. “Everyone in here is America’s sons and daughters,” Keenan said of patients at the medical center. “We have the honor and privilege as nurses every day to be able to take care of America’s sons and daughters. What matters is that we’re all part of team, and that we walk together to take care of
America’s sons and daughters,” she added. Niemyer spoke about pride in nursing and strides in joint environments. She told the WRNMMC nurses, “You are setting an incredible pace,” and called joint military health care “the way of the future.” “It doesn’t matter what color the uniform, the profession of nursing and the energy around what you’re doing is evident,” Niemyer said to the WRNMMC nursing team. “It’s really about attitude and how you choose to respond,” Siniscalchi added, reflecting on her own career. “Success has been about 25 percent of what’s happened to me and 75 percent how I responded to it,” she explained. “You can’t always control what a day will bring, but you can control your attitude and it’s always on display . That will set the work environment for your patients, and your attitude can often determine how the team does. “Use the strength of each service. There’s strength in diversity. Build on the strengths that your sister service colleagues bring, and build and foster relationships. None of us succeed in isolation,” said Siniscalchi. She encouraged each nurse to lead, step outside of their comfort zone and take on jobs that they’ve never done before. “Challenge yourself . build your own leadership tool kit,” she said. “In the end you’ll find yourself stronger, and a better leader, taking risks.” Nesseler cited the resiliency of WRNMMC nurses, and their ability to deliver quality care and innovation in patient care. “You should all be so proud of what you do,” she said. “In light of the care you provide to others, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and to focus on your own health. Are you taking the best care of yourself?” She encouraged the nurses to maintain their resiliency with rest, healthy food, regular exercise, and urging them to schedule medical appointments for themselves, as well as “have a little fun and relaxation.”
Marines Show Their Natitude at MLB Marine Appreciation Day By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff Writer
Photo by Jim Dresbach
Marine Corps Staff Director Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams (second from right) joins Marines from H&S Bn. at Nationals Park on Marine Day, May 8. The Henderson Hall Marines ran out onto the field as the “Starting 8.”
United States Marines are accustomed to taking to water and invading beaches and enemy-controlled river banks. May 8’s mission was a bit more leisurely but still multi-purposed. The assignment was to converge on the northwestern bank of the Anacostia River in the name of goodwill and participate in pre-game ceremonies at Nationals Park on Marine Day as the Washington Nationals faced the reigning American League champion, the Detroit Tigers. Following a 55-minute rain delay, an announced crowd of 34,893 met the Marine pre-game lineup, which included Marine Corps Staff Director Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, who threw out the first pitch, and Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall Sgt. Major Craig D. Cressman, who delivered the game ball to Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman. “Excited and humbled,” were the words Cressman used an hour before walking to the field. “This is an honor. The best thing is I get to see Marines on the field; I’m really happy about that. They say it’s raining, but Marines are amphibious by nature.”
Before the 2013 season, the District of Columbia’s major league baseball club held a joint military appreciation day, but home dates on the Nat’s schedule this year will hold branch-specific military nights or days. “We have these branch days, we have the Marines out today, and everyone is so appreciative,” said Shawn Bertani, the team’s community relations senior director. “We’re offering an opportunity to thank [them]; we’re offering an opportunity to showcase the Marines, and that hardly seems like enough compared to what they’re doing for us. This is one small way to say thank you.” Even as Nationals players mentally prepared for the interleague contest against the Tigers, Bertani noted they were very aware and receptive of the evening’s Marine tribute. “By virtue of them playing in the nation’s capital, they get that right away. They get that early on,” she said of the player’s appreciation of the service branches. “We believe in supporting the huge military community we have in D.C. We bring to them opportunities to have one-on-one interactions with various members of the military.” One once-in-a-lifetime opportunity the club provides for face-to-face interaction
See Appreciation, Page 9
Waterline
8
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Boxer Show Visits Navy Yard during Military Appreciation Month
Nasby poses with Military Working Dog handlers at the Washington Navy Yard.
U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Kiona Miller
Capt. Monte L. Ulmer, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Washington, answers questions during an interview with Brandon Nasby, radio host of The Boxer Show aired on 98.7 WMZQ-FM, as part of a week-long special for Military Appreciation Month held at the Washington Navy Yard May 15. The Boxer Show highlighted the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, the U.S Navy Band and the Military Working Dogs during its four hour morning show which airs in various states throughout the country.
DARCARS CJDR of Marlow Heights
2013 Chrysler Chr ysler Town Town & Country Countr y Touring Touring
2013 Dod Dodge ge Car Caravan avan DD37028
D47031
Sav ings Savings uupp to $4,100 $4, 100
Sav ings Savings uupp to $6,200 $6, 200
Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, College Grad, Retail Trade Assist)
2013 Dod Dodge ge Da Dart rt SE
Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, College Grad, Retail Trade Assist)
2013 Ram 15 1500 00 Qu Quad ad C Cab ab
DD35027
Sav ings Savings uupp to $7,500 $7,5 00
MSRP $18,885 $1 8,885
Sa le Price Sale P rice $$15,988 1 5,988
Plus taxes, tags, and freight Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (VW Conquest)
Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, Returning Lessee, Trade Assist)
2014 Jeep J eep Grand Cherokee Cherok ee La Laredo redo
J eep Wrangler Wra ngler Unlimited UUnlim nlimited ited Sport Sp ort 2013 Jeep
MSRP $33 $$33,490 33,490 ,490
Sav ings Savings uupp to $$3,900 3 ,9 ,900 00
E71516
Sa le Price Sale P rice $$29,888 2 9,888 Plus taxes, tags, and freight Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, Returning Lessee)
Prices include all applicable Rebates and Incentives (Military, Returning Lessee, College Grad)
See what it’s like to love car buying
1036176
5060 Auth WayMarlow Heights, MD 20746
Sales: (888) 845-0392
Service: (888) 845-1528
Parts: (888) 856-5760
Nasby poses with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team who performed during the live broadcast of The Boxer Show on the Washington Navy Yard.
U.S. Navy Band bluegrass group Country Current performs live during The Boxer Show on the Washington Navy.
REVIEW
ated the position of Quartermaster General for himself and centralized executive power to sustain an undivided national effort in World War I. Ludendorff argued that Clausewitz’s dictum, “war is a continuation of politics through other means,” should be jettisoned and replaced with his view that war and politics are meant to serve the preservation of people. You can already see the seeds of how Hitler would view warfare, and Ludendorff would be a Nazi supporter, taking part in the 1923 failed Beer Hall Putsch, and published “Der Totale Krieg” (On Total War) in 1935, he would die in 1937. When does military strategy consume national strategy? Think of the correct balance needed for victory. The last half of the book deals with the evolution of military strategy where the United States plays a dominant historical role from World War II, the Cold War, to the War on Terrorism. In the war on terrorism chapter, Stone warns of the need to understand the political, historical, and social contexts in which an armed force is expected to operate. Is it enough to simply win the war, but in the 21st century how shall we conclude the peace? When an insurgency is prolonging the struggle and conditions of instability is that victory? The book concludes by reminding readers that although technology, conditions, and the type of adversary may change, we should never lose sight of Clausewitz’s warning of the continuation and primacy of the political in war. Editor’s Note: Cmdr. Aboul-Enein teaches part-time at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He wishes to thank the National Defense University Library for providing him a quiet place to read and write this book column.
Continued from 6 with the French Revolution, and how the existing political order in Europe would be redefined creating a space for the development of new types of military techniques. The preservation of the revolution from the mass assault by Europe’s monarchies drove the French to develop the levee en masse (mass formations of forces derived from the citizenry infused with nationalistic fervor). This provided large quantities of forces which then required new techniques on maneuver and organization in the battlefield. France’s adversaries were locked into training standing armies, relying on mercenaries, or - if desperate - forced conscription. Napoleon would see the potential of maneuver, combined ground arms, and re-organization of forces into self-sustaining divisions to pull off victories. However, Stone is highly critical of Napoleon, and makes the argument that in the end he was unable to translate his stunning victories into a political compromise needed to preserve his empire. The French Emperor become mired in a guerilla war in Spain, alienated Tsarist Russia, and placed his own family as crowned heads of Europe. A chapter delves into the evolution of total war, the mobilization of an economy and the importance of the national will to out-produce an adversary. The book does not mention the importance of the American Civil War in offering the first glimpses of this trend and instead delves into the First and Second World Wars. The book discusses how Erich von Ludendorff cre-
Waterline
Thursday, May 23, 2013
ADVANCE
Continued from 2
ors. “Just do the right thing, keep your head up, be humble and always be yourself.” The families of the Sailors of the Year were very proud and excited to be a part of the festivities. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” said Gordon Heap, brother to McQueen. Heap is a soldier who flew from Kuwait to attend the ceremony. The Sailor of the Year program was established
PRINCE HARRY
Continued from 6
receiving “awesome” care at Walter Reed that helps him heal both physically and mentally. “Once you leave here, you are good to go,” he told the prince. Stocks said he wishes more people could have the chance to experience what Prince Harry saw at Walter Reed. What makes it so special, he said, are the medical caregivers who connect with families from the day they arrive until the day they leave, the families who stand
APPRECIATION Continued from 7
with fans is with the Starting Eight. The Starting Eight is the team’s pre-game custom of allowing fans to meet and greet a Nationals player at their respective field position. On Marine Day, the Starting Eight consisted of a lineup complete with Devil Dogs. Gunnery Sgt. David Charlton, H&S Bn. Henderson Hall Motor Transportation staff NCO, was a member of the evening’s Starting Eight. He was paired with Nat catcher Kurt Suzuki near home plate and was greeted by the umpiring crew of Hunter Wendelstedt, Jerry Layne, Alan Porter and Greg Gibson. “Hey, that was quite a surprise; the umpires turned around and said thank you for your sacrifice,” said Charlton, who
in 1972 by the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet to recognize an individual Sailor who best represented the evergrowing group of dedicated professional Sailors at each command and ultimately the Navy. When the program began, only the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors were recognized. Within ten years, the Sailor of the Year program was expanded to include the shore establishment and Navy Reserve Sailors.
MIDWAY
Continued from 1 arrival and distance of the Japanese fleet,” Crawford said. “I was astonished.” Retired Marine Corps Maj. Albert Grasselli, a Pearl Harbor survivor, was a member of Marine Air Group 21 stationed at Ewa Marine Air approximately 15 miles west of Pearl Harbor during the Battle of Midway. Grasselli was one of the first designated aerial navigators in Marine aviation history. “During the main battle I flew ammo from Pearl Har-
by their loved ones and the wounded warriors themselves. “The people here are amazing,” Stocks said. “I believe it would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in America to spend a day or two on this campus,” he said, “and see the spirit of these families and the spirit of these warriors” and their determination to move forward in their lives, whether in the military or as full members of society. “It is truly amazing, and not one that I have spoken to has any regrets,” Stocks said. “They are so proud to have served their country.”
was a first-time visitor to Nationals Park. “It was an awesome experience and something I’ll never forget. Meeting the catcher [Kurt Suzuki] and to see how appreciative and how sincere they were was awesome.” As he came to the mound, Williams was loudly applauded for his 40 years of service to the Corps. He then delivered his pitch to Nationals utility infielder Chad Tracy. The lieutenant general confessed that like any pitcher, he warmed up before his appearance. “I have been practicing a little bit; I have to admit,” he said. “I did throw a few back in the tunnel there. I had to at least make sure I could get it headed in the right direction.” The other military branch recognition dates courtesy of the Nationals include the Army (June 20); The U.S. Coast Guard (Aug. 5) and the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 19.
For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com. 1038652
bor to Midway,” he said. “We shot a couple of ships and airplanes but we also got hit badly.” Grasselli navigated 24 planes safely into Midway where he witnessed the devastation. “The Marines on Midway and American carriers got hit. We lost 80 percent of our pilots in air to air combat.” Because of the significant American losses, Grasselli didn’t know right away that the U.S. had been successful in quashing the Japanese ambush plan at Midway. “I guess I knew when what was left of the Japa-
9
nese Fleet started sailing away,” said Grasselli. The bravery of the U.S. service members cost Japan four irreplaceable fleet carriers, while only one of the three U.S. carriers present was lost. The base at Midway, though damaged by Japanese air attack, remained operational and later became a vital component in the American transPacific offensive. The Battle of Midway put an end to large scale Japanese expansion in the Pacific. Every year, naval commands worldwide honor the
sacrifices made by U.S. service members at the Battle of Midway. Naval District Washington (NDW) will host the commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the historic Battle of Midway June 4, 2013 at the United States Navy Memorial in downtown Washington, D.C. The Battle of Midway Commemoration event is free and open to the public. For more information on the Battle of Midway or to learn about U.S. Naval History go to the Naval History and Heritage Command website http://www. history.navy. mil/.
Waterline
10
Thursday, May 23, 2013
NAVAIR Wounded Warrior Program Helps Maryland Veterans Find Jobs By Emily Funderburk Total Force Communications
Photo courtesy of Lt. Cmdr Dave Shutter
NAVAIR Wounded Warrior Team Outreach Coordinator Sonny Fann.
For many unemployed wounded veterans, perseverance is key to the job search. Eric Mitchell, of Waldorf, Md., is a U.S. Air Force veteran who was wounded while deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn in 2008. He left the service in April 2012 and continues to search for full-time work. His quest led him to attend a wounded warrior community outreach event Feb. 21, a joint effort between Naval Air Systems Command and the State of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. While there, Mitchell and 12 other veterans learned about NAVAIR and other employers, finetuned their résumés and received one-onone guidance on their career goals. This is the second workshop NAVAIR’s Wounded Warrior Program has hosted with DLLR. Their partnership began in February 2012. Wounded warriors often face barriers to civilian employment, such as the stigma of mental health or a lack of education or selfconfidence, according to information from the nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project. As of February 2013, the unemployment rate for all veterans is 6.9 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate for respondents to the 2012 Wounded Warrior Project survey in the labor force was 17.5 percent. Nearly 5 percent of them said they would like to work but had become discouraged about finding work. Trisha Mandigo, a wounded warrior who is currently screening with hiring managers in NAVAIR’s Security Department, hopes to join the command later this year. She had spent more than a year looking for her next career after leaving the Navy, where she served in the cryptology field. Sonny Fann, the NAVAIR Wounded Warrior Team outreach coordinator, coached her on revising her résumé to highlight her experience related to the security field. “Veterans acquire a breadth of skills over their years in the service, and in many cases, they just aren’t aware of how valuable their experience really is,” he said. Mandigo said employers should consider hiring veterans because, “we have diverse skills,
PREPARE
Continued from 1 start of the hurricane season, particularly those that live in areas prone to hurricane impact. “To be most prepared for destructive weather in the NDW Region we recommend that personnel have and rehearse an individual or family preparedness plan; update their information in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System [NFAAS]; and self-register/update their information in the NDW Wide Area Alert Network and alerting systems of local civilian jurisdictions where they live and/or work to get timely information on destructive weather threats,” said Thompson Gerke, senior operations planner for NDW. “It is also important that personnel be familiar with the applicable NDW installation destructive weather plan and understand their role and responsibilities in their command’s or activity’s internal destructive weather plan.” For making an emergency plan, the Navy provides helpful information via the Ready Navy website at www.ready.navy.mil. “Ready Navy provides valuable preparation information, such as making a plan,
and we’ve already proven that we can perform demanding jobs in different environments.” “I believe that if a military member is willing to put themselves in harm’s way, then this is the best example that a veteran is willing to sacrifice for the country,” Mitchell said. “Imagine what sacrifices the member will give for the employer.” While the February workshop specifically targeted Southern Maryland wounded warriors, Fann and Lt. Cmdr. David Shutter of NAVAIR’s Wounded Warrior Program hope to conduct the events quarterly and expand their efforts to reach veterans across the state. “Even if you find one candidate, that’s a great return on investment,” Fann said. “NAVAIR disabled veteran outreach events, like those with DLLR, provide an immense opportunity to give back to the local community. There are many unemployed disabled veterans with the training, education and skills needed for NAVAIR positions. The placement of these well-qualified candidates helps mitigate relocation costs and long-term retention challenges, since they are already embedded in our community.” Despite the current Navy civilian hiring freeze, Fann and Shutter encourage wounded warriors to continue to apply for federal jobs. They advise veterans not to understate their military experience on their resumes, as those skills can also translate to the civilian workplace. Mitchell advises job seekers: “Be patient when looking for a job, and don’t quit just because you don’t fit that particular employer’s needs. Also, no matter your injury, keep trying to push yourself, no matter what.” Since October 2010, NAVAIR has placed 575 wounded warriors in open jobs or developmental programs. NAVAIR’s Patuxent River and Cherry Point, N.C., sites are among the top locations where the Navy Dept. has hired veterans in fiscal year 2012, according to department hiring statistics. The next wounded warrior workshop will be held May 29 at 8 a.m. at the DLLR Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning on 175 Post Office Road, Waldorf, MD 20602. For more information, contact Alan Crawley at 301-374-1144 or acrawley@ dllr.state.md.us. For more information about NAVAIR’s Wounded Warrior Program, email navairwoundedwarrior@navy.mil.
building a kit, and how to get involved with community hurricane preparedness events,” said Nelson. “Additionally, following your local weather updates and ensuring compliance with preparedness guidance is an essential part of the process. Advanced preparedness is the key to having an advantage over an in climate weather situation.” Many other resources are available, and NDW personnel are encouraged to use them in an effort to be proactive about safety during hurricane season and throughout the year. To access the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System [NFAAS], visit https://navyfamily.navy.mil/ The Naval Safety Center has information on preparing for destructive weather which can be found at www.public .navy.mil/ navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/fm/ hurricane.doc. More information on Navy Family Emergency Preparedness can also be found at www.cnic.navy.mil/CNIC_HQ_Site/WhatWeDo/FamilyLine/FamilyPreparedness/ index.htm. To learn more about or register with the Wide Area Alert Network, visit http://www. cnic.navy.mil/NDW/About/WAAN/index.htm. And for more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Waterline
11
12
1038581
Waterline
Thursday, May 23, 2013