The Waterline
July 11, 2013
Vol. XXX No.27
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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
CNIC to Honor Gold Star Families with Designated Parking By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer In an effort to honor those who have given their all in the defense of our country and to those they left behind, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is implementing the Gold Star program to ensure family members of active duty fallen Sailors have continued access at all Navy installations. Since June 30 Navy installations have begun implementing designated parking spaces for Gold Star Family (GSF) members at various locations on base in order to recognize and honor these families. By providing Gold Star program members designated parking spaces, these Navy family members will be able to access resources and support
services without having to obtain an escort onto the base. Gold Star Family members’ designated parking spots will be available at Fleet Family Service Centers and commissaries, among other locations. Additional parking spaces may be designated at the discretion of the base commanding officer with consideration for expected use and parking space availability. Additional designated parking may be offered at locations such as military cemeteries, chapels, memorials and other locations as the base commanding officer deems appropriate. GSF member designated parking spots on installations will allow GSF members to attend on base ceremonies and events, memorials, museums, and visit with other Gold Star program members. While the details and issuance of Gold Star access
cards is still being finalized, family members of fallen service members can receive the paperwork to register for the program with the Department of the Navy’s Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) program. Naval District Washington (NDW) installations such as Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) and Naval Air Station Patuxent River have already begun implementing the GSF parking spaces. Though a seemingly small gesture, the sentiment is that of respect and honor. “Although a parking space seems like a trivial thing, when compared to what these family members have gone through, it’s one way of saying that they will always be a part of our military family,” said Capt. Frederick “Fritz” Kass, NSAB’s commanding officer. Historically, mothers of
fallen service members began calling themselves “Gold Star Mothers” during the First World War. Since 1936, the United States has been observing Gold Star Mothers Day on the last Sunday of September to honor these mothers. In 1967, Congress standardized the service banners and established the Gold Star lapel pins to issue to immediate family members of service members killed in combat, including those who have committed suicide in theater. The Next of Kin pin signifies a service-related death or suicide during active duty other than combat. In 2010, Congress designated Dec. 18 as Gold Star Wives Day. For more information on CNIC programs, visit http:// cnic.navy.mil/. For more news on events in NDW, visit www. facebook.com/NavDistWash.
U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel
A sign marks the reserved parking space for a Gold Star Family member, a family member of a fallen service member, outside the Naval Health Clinic at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Commander, Navy Installations Command instituted the reserved parking program for Gold Star Families at Navy installations June 30.
NDW Alcohol Awareness Brief Stresses Sobriety, Safety during Summer By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer Summer vacations and holidays are a great way to spend time with family and friends while the weather is warm. But when alcohol is in the mix, Naval District Washington (NDW) reminds its personnel to be safe and responsible while enjoying the season. Naval District Washington held an alcohol safety brief July 3 to remind personnel of the dangers of drunk driving during holiday weekends and throughout the summer. The brief, facilitated by Olivia Hunter, NDW regional community service program manager, placed an emphasis on sobriety when driving, and responsible drinking otherwise. “I’ve been giving this brief for while now, and the mes-
sage that has to be repeated is ‘Don’t drink and drive,’” said Hunter. “People hear that all the time, but they often miss the meaning. The message isn’t ‘Drink until you’re too drunk to drive,’ or ‘it’s okay to have a couple of drinks and drive.’ No, it’s ‘Don’t drink and drive.’” The safety brief included audience participation with “vision impairment goggles” to simulate intoxication. Participants were asked to walk a straight line, and then attempt to do so with the vision impairment goggles. “It was fun and educational,” said Miles Hoffman, management analyst for Naval District Washington. “The goggles made it hard to maintain balance, even under the most controlled surroundings. I’d say it was an accurate simu-
lation of intoxication, and definitely effective team training.” The alcohol safety brief was held just before the Independence Day holiday, but was meant to resonate through the season. During the “101 Critical Days of Summer,” the period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Department of Defense warns that personnel should keep safety in mind as more people are out enjoying the warm weather. “Alcohol has been a factor in 42 percent of the Sailor and Marine automobile fatalities during the last five years,” said Barbara Vandenberg, regional safety program director. “Our folks need to make responsible alcohol choices to prevent this
See Sobriety, Page 7
AFPAK hands Page 5 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone
U.S. Navy photo by Patrick Gordon
Cynthia Oliver, Naval District Washington (NDW) management and program analyst, attempts to walk a straight line while wearing vision impairment goggles, designed to simulate the effects of extreme intoxication, July 3. The demonstration was part of the NDW alcohol safety brief to stress the importance of responsible drinking and sobriety during the July 4 holiday and throughout the “101 Critical Days of Summer.”
INSIDE
Around Yard Page 2
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NSASP Conducts Joint Exercise with CBIRF By Andrew Revelos Pilot Staff Writer
Gunnery Sgt. Brian Webb, left, and Cmdr. Lisa Kelty, center, senior medical officer and battalion surgeon for CBIRF, discuss the evacuation of casualties with Firefighter Brian Smith, right, Naval Support Facility Dahlgren Fire Department, during a joint exercise June 12. Firefighter Chris Dodd listens in from a fire truck.
Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) participated in a joint exercise with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) on June 12 at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren. For CBIRF, the drill was one of the unit’s regular certification exercises (CERTEX), which certifies that one of CBIRF’s two Incident Response Forces (IRFs) are ready to be on call for real-world emergencies. For NSASP, participation in the exercise met one of the command’s two yearly Reliant Series training requirements. The training scenario, which unfolded in and around Building 217, was a daunting one. “A disgruntled employee took hostages during a conference,” said Don Brown, a contractor instructor for CBIRF. “FBI negotiators went in this morning but negotiations broke down. [Law enforcement] went in to get the suspect and he detonated a device which spread a cloud throughout the building and around the general area of the building.” The fictional authorities then called in CBIRF to respond. “[CBIRF] conducts a survey and rescue of all the casualties,” said Brown, summarizing CBIRF’s on-scene responsibilities. “They have to package up the casualties and transport them out without causing further casualties,
get them through the decontamination and medical tents, where doctors can stabilize them, and then pass them off to local hospitals.” Working together with local authorities is a vital skill for members of CBIRF and Brown appreciated the opportunity to work with NSASP first responders. “We haven’t been able to train on that level for a while, where they’re going to be meeting with each other on-scene and talking with each other,” said Brown. “What I’d like to see is them integrate in with us. The more people you involve the quicker it goes, the more lives you can save.” NSF Dahlgren firefighters were first on the scene and began spraying “contaminated” casualties, role-played by CBIRF Marines, with water from a fire truck. Members of the CBIRF Situation Awareness Team soon arrived and worked with the firefighters to come up with a response plan. The Marines received an important piece of information from firefighters during the hasty initial meeting: the pre-instant plan, which included the building’s rather complicated layout. The maze of rooms and hallways would prove just as challenging for CBIRF to clear as it is the police officers who regularly train in Building 217. “They’ll have an interesting time going through the structure,” said Brown.
See Exercise, Page 9
Around the Yard What alcohol safety tips can you offer to readers during the “101 Critical Days of Summer?”
Don’t drink and drive. Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Leonardo Correia NSA Washington Washington Navy Yard
The Waterline
Commandant, Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Markham K. Rich NDW Public Affairs Officer Edward Zeigler Waterline Staff 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.
Always have the number of a taxi company on hand. Chris Ward U.S. Navy Museum Washington Navy Yard
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.
Even though it’s cliché, don’t drink and drive. Cmdr. Galo Chaves CNIC Washington Navy Yard
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This Week in Navy History July 11
July 16
1798 - Reestablishment of Marine Corps under the Constitution. 1918 - Henry Ford launches first of 100 Eagle boats. 1919 - Pay Corps renamed Supply Corps. 1943 - Gunfire from U.S. cruisers and destroyers stop German and Italian tank attack against Army beachhead at Gela, Sicily.
1862 - Congress creates rank of Rear Admiral. David G. Farragut is named the first Rear Admiral. 1912 - Rear Adm. Bradley Fiske receives patent for torpedo plane or airborne torpedo. 1915 - First Navy ships, battleships Ohio (BB-12), Missouri (BB-11), and Wisconsin (BB-9) transit Panama Canal. 1945 - First atomic bomb test at Alamogordo, N.M.
July 12
1836 - Commissioning of Charles H. Haswell as first regularly appointed Engineer Officer. 1916 - USS North Carolina (ACR-12) is first Navy ship to carry and operate aircraft. 1921 - Congress creates Bureau of Aeronautics to be in charge of all matter pertaining to naval aeronautics. 1951 - Ninth Naval District forces assist in flood relief work in Kansas City through July 20. 1953 - United Nations Fleet launches heavy air and sea attack on Wonsan, North Korea; Marine Maj. John Bolt becomes first jet ace in Marine Corps. 1988 - Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci approves opening Navy’s Underwater Construction Teams, fleet oiler, ammunition ships, and combat stores ships to women. 1990 – Cmdr. Rosemary B. Mariner becomes first woman to command an operational aviation squadron (VAQ-34).
July 13
1863 - USS Wyoming battled Japanese warlord’s forces. 1939 - Appointment of Rear Adm. Richard Byrd as commanding officer of 19391941 Antarctic Expedition. 1943 - During Battle of Kolombangara in Solomon Islands, U.S. loses USS Gwin (DD433) while Japanese lose light cruiser Jintsu.
July 17 Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command
The Naval Magazine, Port Chicago was established in 1942 at Suisun Bay, Calif., as an ammunition trans-shipment facility. During the first part of World War II, it was rapidly built up to support the heavy explosives demands of the Pacific War. Port Chicago was the scene of a massive ammunition detonation July 17, 1944, which took the lives of over 300 persons, destroyed two cargo ships and wrecked or damaged structures at a considerable distance from the blast.
July 14
1813 – Marine Lt. John M. Gamble is the first marine to command a ship in battle (prize vessel Greenwich in capture of British whaler Seringapatam). 1853 - Commodore Matthew Perry lands and holds first meeting with Japanese at Uraga, Japan. 1882 - Sailors and Marines from four U.S. ships land to help restore order at Alexandria, Egypt. 1945 - U.S. warships bombard Kamaishi, Japan; first naval gunfire bombardment of Japanese Home Islands. 1950 - U.S. Marines sail from San Diego for Korean Conflict. 1952 - Laying of keel of USS Forrestal (CV-59), the first 59,900 ton aircraft carrier.
July 15 1870 - Act of Congress establishes Pay Corps, which later becomes the Supply Corps. 1942 - First photographic interpretation unit set up in the Pacific. 1958 - In response to request by President of Lebanon, Sixth Fleet lands 1,800 Marines at Beruit to support Lebanese government against Communist rebels.
‘Beetle Bailey’ Draws Attention to Post-Traumatic Stress
Courtesy photo
Fans of the long-running comic strip “Beetle Bailey” got a bit of a surprise, June 16, 2013, when its creator, Mort Walker, chose to set aside his usual military-inspired humor to draw attention to a more serious subject, as part of a public service campaign by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program. By Bob Reinert USAG-Natick Public Affairs Fans of the long-running comic strip “Beetle Bailey” got a bit of a surprise June 16, when its creator, Mort Walker, chose to set aside his usual military-inspired humor to tackle a more serious subject. That day’s three-panel strip showed Beetle Bailey experiencing the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder,
known as PTSD — including nightmares and trouble sleeping. The third panel reminds readers that “Post-traumatic stress can affect any Soldier.” That message from Walker helped kick off a public service campaign by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program to bring attention to the invisible wounds of
See Bailey, Page 10
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1858 - U.S. sloop Niagara departs Queenstown, Ireland, to assist in laying first transAtlantic telegraph cable. 1898 - Santiago, Cuba surrenders to U.S. Naval forces. 1927 - First organized dive bombing attack in combat by Marine Corps pilots against Nicaraguan bandits who were surrounding U.S. Marine garrison at Ocotal, Nicaragua. 1944 - Ammunition explosion at Naval Magazine, Port Chicago, Calif. 1975 - Docking in space of the U.S. Apollo (Apollo 18) and Soviet Soyuz (Soyuz 19) space craft. This was the first manned space flight conducted jointly by the two nations. Former naval aviator Vance D. Brand was the Apollo Command Module Pilot. The Apollo craft was in space for nine days and 7.5 hours. Recovery was by USS New Orleans (LPH-11).
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NSA Washington-JBAB Fleet Family and Fun Centralized Scheduling
Pre-Separation Briefings
Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) located on Joint Base Anacostia Bolling introduces a comprehensive centralized scheduling service for your individual appointment needs. One call to our screeners gets you an appointment for pre-separation briefs, employment services, clinical counseling, personal financial management, relocation, deployment and a host of other programs and services. MFSC is here to support you and stands ready to assist with every career and life change. Contact our Centralized Scheduling Center for individual, marriage and family counseling, individual resume assistance, financial counseling, relocation assistance or deployment/reintegration support. Please call 202-685-6019 to schedule an appointment.
Service members preparing to transition from military to civilian life are required by law to attend a pre-separation counseling briefing. The pre-separation brief is designed to make transitioning military members aware of all the services and benefits available to them and their family members under Transition GPS. These briefings will provide the information necessary to make more informed decisions. For your convenience the pre-separation counseling briefing is available through one-on-one appointments at Military and Family Support Center and can be made through Centralized Scheduling at 202-685-6019.
DEPLOYMENT READINESS/ FAMILY SERVICES Personal Financial Management (PFM)
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.
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
Program offers individual and family financial counseling, financial classes, and is responsible for the Command Financial specialist training in the Region (NDW).
FFR/MWR Phone numbers Fitness Centers Washington Navy Yard, bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2282/2829
Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) Ticket Office, WNY Bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2484 Travel Office, WNY Bldg. 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-8299
Food & Beverage Catering & Conference Center, WNY Bldg. 211 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3041/4312 Mordecai Booth’s Public House, WNY Bldg. 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 678-0514
Military and Family Support Center MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-6151 MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-0450
Other Important Numbers
Life Skills Education
FFR Administrative Office, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3659
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.
FFRP Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-4052
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.
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
MFSC HAPPENINGS Fitness Center Renovations - Phase 2
The first floor locker rooms will be closed during this phase of the renovation project. The fitness equipment on the first floor, the second floor locker rooms, and third floor group exercise area will be available for use. All group exercise classes will resume in the 3rd floor group exercise area at the beginning of Phase 2. The front desk and first floor laundry area will also be closed during this phase. Staff will be located on the first and second floor of building W-22 for assistance. For more information please contact the Fitness Center at 202-433-2829/2882 or visit their website site at www.cnic.navy. mil/nsawfitness.
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.
CMWR Ice Cream Socials WNY, Bldg. 22 Town Center/Fitness Center
- July 11 & 25 - Aug. 8 & 22 - Sept. 5 & 19
NEX Barbershop Rate Increase NEXCOM is dedicated to provide our service members with the best services possible. In this continuous effort to enhance these services the NEX Barbershop located at WNY Bldg 22 will need to increase the cost of haircut services from $9 to $9.25. Thank you for your service and patronage in support of NEXCOM’s
Managing Your Finances through Furlough July 17 | noon - 1 p.m. or 4 - 5 p.m. | WNY, Bldg. 101 Many families and individuals already feel financially stressed. Worries about the impact of current budgetary constraints can add to the tension. Join the Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) staff in an educational briefing to discuss: How to utilize a budget to track income, savings, expenses, and indebtedness; Family financial spending plan strategies to help bridge the possible 20 percent cash flow gap; and Stress Management tools and techniques.
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NDW News
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AFPAK Hands
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.
DSO Changes Walk-in Hours
Defense Service Office North has changed walk-in hours to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. DSO North is the local office for legal defense services. Attorneys are available to provide advice to service members regarding nonjudicial punishments, summary courts-martial, Article 138 and 1150 complaints, administrative separation processing, hardship discharges and suspect’s rights. Consultations are confidential. DSO is located onboard WNY in Building 200, Suite 1200. Service members should present in uniform.
NDW Drinking Water Reports Available
The 2012 Annual Water Quality reports for the Washington Navy Yard will be distributed in print and electronically prior to July 1. These reports have been prepared in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency Region III, the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority, and Naval Facility Engineering Command Washington. These routine reports are required by law, and are being provided to inform you about the quality of your drinking water. These reports are not being issued in response to a health threat. The water being served at the Washington Navy Yard met federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements in 2012. Copies of the reports will be available upon request. If you have any questions please contact Tawana Spencer, Public Works Department Washington Drinking Water Media Manager, at (202) 685-8007.
Wearing of Portable headphones, earphones, and Bluetooth devices:
The wearing of portable headphones, earphones, cellular hands-free devices, radios, recording devices or other portable listening devices while running, jogging, walking, bicycling, skating, or skate boarding in roadways and streets interferes with and impairs recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, and the approach of EVs. NSAW personnel are advised use of these devices while performing the noted activities aboard NSAW fence line installations is prohibited. (TRAFFIC OPNAVINST 5100.12J)
Photo courtesy of Capt. Karen Newcomb
Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Chatham and Navy Lt. Stephen A. Murray, Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, are pictured with Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) right, and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), left. The Senators visited HQ-ISAF in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Independence Day to conduct re-enlistment, promotion, and award ceremonies. In the evening Graham also attended a traditional American barbecue at HQ-ISAF with service members and additional members of the Congressional delegation visiting Kabul. Graham serves as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve JAG Corps. He also attended a breakfast at HQ-ISAF with JAG Corps personnel from all branches of service July 9 to discuss the importance of the rule of law mission in Afghanistan. Murray is an Afghanistan-Pakistan (AFPAK) Hand from Naval District Washington. He serves in the HQ-ISAF Rule of Law Office as a legal advisor to COMISAF. Chatham is the chief of the Rule of Law Office. Murray uses the Dari language skills that he gained during pre-deployment training to engage with Afghan partners at the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office to advance the rule of law mission. 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.
Healing Plaza Dedication Trumpets Integration Success By Bernard S. Little WRNMMC Journal staff writer As the sun reflected off a black marble wall with the gold etching, “Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), The coming together of the best of Army Medicine and the best of Navy Medicine to create the best of Military Medicine,” leaders at the Nation’s Medical Center and Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB), spoke of the success of this integration Friday before a crowd gathered for the dedication of the healing plaza in front of the America Building. Army Col. John Gaal, WRNMMC deputy commander for administration, called the ceremony “a celebration of a special place of healing and peace, [and] a testament to the commitment and fortitude of the staff of Walter Reed Bethesda who worked diliPhoto by Bernard S. Little gently to remain focused on patients while Leaders unite to unveil a bust of Walter Reed at the newly opened Healing moving into the future and honoring the heritage which shaped” the nation’s largPlaza in front of the America buildest military medical center. ing at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Friday. “Erecting buildings is easy,” said Capt.
Frederick “Fritz” Kass, NSAB commander. “Building a culture is hard, and it takes time. In a way, this garden represents the building of a new culture from two terrific original pieces. In a fitting way, we’re taking a moment to not only look backwards, but also together looking forward, and this ceremony is a way to mark our progress on that journey.” Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks, WRNMMC commander, agreed the plaza is “a tribute to the histories and legacies of the two great military medical institutions that came before us.” Those institutions, the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), integrated to form WRNMMC in September 2011. “This healing garden is really a visible symbol of this successful integration and our culture. We’re new and we’re moving forward as one team here together.” Stocks and Kass were joined by retired Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, former surgeon general of the U.S. Army and commanding general of WRAMC, to cut the
ribbon dedicating the plaza. The three, joined by WRNMMC Command Master Chief Terry Prince representing all enlisted service members at Walter Reed Bethesda, then unveiled the shiny, bronze bust of Maj. Walter Reed, which rest on a pedestal with the words, “Walter Reed ... 1851-1902 … Bacteriologist, Research Scientist … In Honor of His Great Work in the Fight for the Eradication of Yellow Fever … In Recognition Of The High Public Service of Major Walter Reed U.S.A.” The bust was created by Felix W. de Weldon, who also sculpted the Marine Corps War Memorial based on the photograph of five U.S. Marines and one Sailor raising the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during War World II. The memorial is located just outside Arlington National Cemetery. The bust of Maj. Walter Reed was originally part of the memorial dedicated in 1966 on the grounds of WRAMC. When WRAMC integrated with the NNMC to form WRNMMC, the bust was moved to its new home, but
See Dedication, Page 7
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21st Century Mahan: Sound Navy, Maryland Colleges Military Conclusions for the Forge Partnership for Retention, Recruitment Modern Era Book review
Reviewed by Cmdr. Youssef Aboul-Enein 21st Century Mahan: Sound Military Conclusions for the Modern Era edited by Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin F. Armstrong. Published by Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland. Paperback published in June 2013, 192 pages. First, I commend Armstrong for his intellectual courage to share his ideas on an important figure to not only the heritage of the United States Navy, but also a world-class strategic thinker. If the modern U.S. Navy has a prophet, then the name of Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan would top the list. He is best known for his famous book, “Influence of Seapower Upon History,” published in 1890. Mahan gave us the language and concepts such as seapower, sea lines of communication, and what we term today as maritime dominance and power projection. Armstrong bravely attempts to bring Mahan’s ideas into the 21st century, and this by no means is an easy feat. By the author’s own admission, Mahan wrote a dozen books and numerous articles and his book distills all these thousands of pages into chapters on management, leadership, globalization, command, and the use of history. The book opens with a mocking quote by Mahan’s superior officer Adm. F. M. Ramsey who wrote in
his 1893 fitness report, “It is not the business of naval officers to write books.” Mahan’s books and essays would be devoured not only by Theodore Roosevelt but was required reading for the Imperial Japanese Fleet, and it is said the German Kaiser had Mahan’s works at his bed-side. However, I do disagree with Armstrong’s observations on the modern treatment of Mahan, as he implies that it has become common for policymakers to discount the thinking and writing of Mahan. His observation may be a function of the circles the author and I serve in, for I have encountered officers at the National Defense University, the Naval War College Seminar and sub-cabinet level officials quite conversant on Mahan. While the book is critical of those who make light of Mahan’s ideas on the acquisition of territories to enable a fleet to project power
globally as taking America towards a path of becoming a colonial power, I believe it is fair to highlight the bankrupt ideology of racial social Darwinism that was prevalent among Mahan and his peers. Finally, the author implies that Mahan is discounted by some because his technology of battleships had long past. While I agree with the author that this is a shallow understanding of Mahan, those who have read only two of his dozen books, in particular “Influence of Seapower Upon History,” come away appreciating the oceans as an important vital battle space. Armstrong’s strength is his ability to force his readers to reexamine Mahan and his ability to synthesize the master’s ideas on the importance of Asia, preparing for conflict, and tensions between the fighter and the administrator. I hope the author will continue his writing and provoking fresh thought within our Navy. This is a fine read for those with an interest in maritime strategy generally, and Mahan specifically. Editor’s Note: Cmdr. Aboul-Enein is the author of two books on the Middle East. His third book, “The Secret War for the Middle East,” will be published in October and is co-authored with his brother. Aboul-Enein teaches part time at the National Defense University and is a frequent guest speaker in the D.C. area Naval War College seminar.
By Ellen Servetnick Naval Air Systems Command Cooperative Education program manager
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) leaders, along with officials from the University of Maryland (UofM) and College of Southern Maryland (CSM), honored the the first three graduating classes of the triad’s Southern Maryland Mechanical Engineering Partnership Program. With the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center being instrumental in developing the program into a regional resource, NAWCAD was able to quickly realize and gain its benefits. Since late 2009, NAWCAD at Naval Air Station Patuxent River has capitalized on agreements made with UofM and CSM in facilitating the Southern Maryland Mechanical Engineering Partnership Program (SMMEPP), with 19 of the program’s graduates employed as DOD civilians onboard Pax River. “We felt that having an undergraduate program resident in Southern Maryland would help address the Navy’s civilian recruitment and retention issues,” said Capt. Chris “CJ” Junge, vice commander for NAWCAD, adding that such an institution would serve the economic and cultural development of the region. Junge was a guest speaker during the ceremony. An awards ceremony in
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Class of 2012 graduates, from left, are: Stephen Bell, Chris Napier, Robert Tyler Pegg, David William Burch, Shawn Naraine, William Hudson McGinnis. Graduates Kat Cornet and Michael Jackson are not included in the photo. late May at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center celebrated the 19 graduates of the first three classes. Here are the graduates: Class of 2011 John Farnese, Christopher McDaniel, Christopher Rogers, Gary Showalter and Charles “Hank” Smith. Class of 2012 Stephen Bell, William “David” Burch, Katherine “Kat” Cornet, Michael Jackson, William “Hudson” McGinnis, Christopher Napier, Shawn Naraine and Robert “Tyler” Pegg. Class of 2013 Daniel Bonnet, Michael “Craig” Branson, Daniel Budzenski, Corey Golladay, Jonathan Shaner and Wesley Wathen. Farnese, a 2011 graduate, said when he learned of the program’s potential benefits while pursuing his associates in general engineering, he thought it too good to be true. “Smaller class sizes, the possibility for tuition assistance, a paid internship, and
job opportunity after completing the program how could I not take advantage?” Class of 2013 graduate Branson agreed that, although receiving those benefits weren’t a guarantee, they were some of the same points that helped sell him on joining the program. “Overall, the financial assistance and work experience won me over,” he said. Branson, Farnese and their classmates are now DOD employees for the Navy in fields related to the development and testing of new technology, enabling warfighters to fight, win and return safely. “I love providing support for our country and our Navy as well as expanding my knowledge in the field of engineering,” Branson said. Looking back, Farnese said, “The program is a great opportunity and put me in a career with the government, which is highly sought after by many.”
Spouse Organizations Connect Commands to Families By Lea Johnson Special to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jim Remington
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Ombudsmanat-Large Monika French is greeted by Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Commander Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra and Mr. Stuart Marshall, JBAB director of strategy for a day of informational meetings and visit with base ombudsman.
Most military spouses will never don a uniform, but what happens in the command often affects them as much as anyone. The Navy Family Ombudsman and the Air Force Key Spouse programs consist of a team of appointed spouses, volunteering to help bridge the gap between military leadership, service members and their families. “An ombudsman is a resource for families within the command. They welcome new families, disseminate information from the command, and direct families to support resources as needed,” according to Amy
Inselmann, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling ombudsman coordinator The Ombudsman Program was introduced to the Navy by former Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt on Sept. 14, 1970. Ombudsman is a Scandinavian term for an individual who investigates citizen’s complaints against the government. The term’s use in the U.S. military is slightly different. “The intent was to emphasize the importance of Navy spouses and establish a procedure that gave spouses the opportunity to present complaints, view points, and suggestions [to the command],” Inselmann said. The Air Force Key Spouse program was developed as a quality of life initiative and became standardized in
March 2009. It was modeled after the Navy Ombudsman program and works similarly. Inselmann said spouses may volunteer to be an ombudsman or key spouse. To become an official ombudsman representative, a spouse must first be interviewed by the command and then receive a letter of appointment to the position. New ombudsman must then complete Ombudsman Basic Training, which covers responsibilities, code of ethics, command relationships, crisis calls and disasters, deployment and mobilization. There are suggestions for how an ombudsman interacts with the families they represent, but ultimately expectations for the volunteers are established by the commander, Inselmann said.
“Ombudsmen are an asset to the commander. They help by being able to answer some of those questions that may otherwise be directed to a higher level,” she stated. “Commanders and Ombudsman work closely together.” Naval and Air Force instructions require every command to appoint an ombudsman or key spouse. The JBAB ombudsman team is seeking volunteers who may be interested in representing their command and families. “It would be ideal to have 100 percent participation in the program. That is my goal,” Inselmann said. For more information on the Ombudsman or Key Spouse program or to become a volunteer, call (202) 404-1640.
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Outstanding Physicians, Faculty and Students Graduate at National Capital Consortium
By Sharon Renee Taylor WRNMMC Journal staff writer
cFamily, staff and instructors filled the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Md., to watch more than 200 interns, residents and fellows graduate from 67 medical, dental and health-related training programs in the National Capital Consortium (NCC), June 21. The group completed internships, residencies and fellowships at Army, Navy Air Force, and Department of Defense medical treatment facilities throughout the National Capital Region. More than 12 select graduates, faculty and staff members from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic received special awards for excellence in teaching, practice and outstanding performance in Graduate Medical Examination (GME) programs. “We are truly proud of you,” WRNMMC Commander, Rear Adm.
(Dr.) Alton L. Stocks, told graduates at the Strathmore ceremony. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General of the United States Army Medical Command, Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, served as keynote speaker. Looking out into the sea of uniforms before her, she told the graduates any of them could work in the civilian world but they chose, “to wear the cloth of our nation and join a team of health care professionals that have the privilege to be able to focus on caring for those who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms.” “Don’t let this moment pass you by-enjoy every moment of it,” Horoho said. “It’s a day you should remember for the rest of your medical careers.” She congratulated the leadership of Stocks and Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical Commander, Maj. Gen. Steve Jones. “Under their leadership, along with the faculty and the staff of Walter Reed, of Belvoir, of the Uniformed Services University, GME programs were reaccredited
Photo by Sharon Renee Taylor
More than 200 interns, residents and fellows graduate from 67 medical, dental and healthrelated training programs in the National Capital Consortium during a ceremony at the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Md., June 21. in all fields of GME study,” Horoho said. “That’s a tremendous accomplishment,” said Stocks. “We are the largest academic medical education in the Department of Defense with over 700 trainees at any one time. We have 67 graduate medical education programs and 20 allied health care programs, all being supported by a faculty of over 1,200. Significant is
that our first time board pass rate is over 95 percent, which is far better than the national average for any program.” He explained graduates of NCC programs will embark to all corners of the globe: from the South Pacific to Europe, from Asia to the Middle East, and to military bases, ships and areas of conflict around the world. According to
the commander, more WRNMMC trainees are involved in active research protocols than at any other medical center in the Department of Defense. Stocks said many go on to present their research at national and international forums as well as publish in some of the most prestigious journals in the medical profession.
Navy Closer to Making Carrier Landings Safer Through JPALS By Rob Koon Program Executive Office of Tactical Aircraft Public Affairs Landing on an aircraft carrier is now safer, thanks to the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) team from the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213). JPALS is an all-weather landing system that uses a Global Positioning System and navigation systems to safely land both land- and seabased aircraft. JPALS completed its latest round of testing aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in late May. The 52-person team spent 11 days aboard the carrier testing the latest JPALS software with two F/A-18C Hornet aircraft from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, and an MH-60S helicop-
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tragic loss of lives.” This initiative to curb alcoholrelated incidents and injuries during the “101 Critical Days” coincides with the Navy’s new year-round “Keep What You’ve Earned Campaign,” which is designed to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors by celebrating the achievements in their Navy careers. In both cases, the message is clear: if you do drink, do so responsibly and safely. Because of the risk associated with alcohol use, particularly during the busy summer months, the Navy
ter from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21, based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. A modified Beechcraft King Air flying from St. Mary’s County Airport was also used as a test bed aircraft. “The Hornets flew 65 low approaches to touch-and-go or fullstop landings during our two weeks on CVN 77,” said Lee Mason, PMA213’s JPALS Ship System integrated program team lead. “The King Air completed 29 low approaches. So far, we are very pleased with the results. The system is expected to achieve tremendously improved landing accuracy.” With the completion of this two-week test period, the JPALS program transitioned into the second phase of integrated test, establishing the system requirements verification for JPALS, Mason added. “The data generated from this
two-week, at-sea period is undergoing detailed analysis by our experts. This analysis will, in turn, be used to validate and verify the system is accurate and working,” said Capt. Darrell Lack, PMA-213 program manager. Later this summer, JPALS is scheduled to complete additional at-sea testing to further refine the verification and validation effort and enable the completion of the operational assessment of the JPALS ship system, which is needed to progress to the program’s next milestone, Lack added. “JPALS will provide adverse weather, adverse terrain, day and night, and survivable precision approach and landing capability that supports service and multi-national interoperability,” Lack said. “It is particularly suitable for the F-35, future aircraft and unmanned air vehicle operations at sea.”
has various programs in place to remind Sailors of the importance of responsible drinking, safe practices, and resources should they need help with alcohol abuse. “Alcohol abuse not only affects your health but also your family, shipmates, and most importantly your naval career,” said Chief Electrician’s Mate Noli Manaloto, NDW alcohol and drug control officer. “The ‘Keep What You’ve Earned’ campaign is reminding Sailors that one bad decision while drinking alcohol could mean putting your hard-earned accomplishments to waste. If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, resources
are available such as the qualified self-referral agents, command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisors [DAPA], the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program [SARP], Fleet and Family Services Center [FFSC], your chaplain or your upper chain of command. Self-referral is the preferred method of addressing potential alcohol abuse at an early stage. There is help out there, and those who need it can seek it before it’s too late.” For more information on summer safety, visit http://safetycenter. navy.mil/. For more news on events in NDW, visit www.facebook.com/ NavDistWash.
U.S. Navy photo
One of two F/A-18C Hornets from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 lands aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during the recently completed round of Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) testing this spring. JPALS is an all-weather landing system based on differential GPS information for land- and sea-based aircraft.
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not unveiled until the plaza was completed. While the Maj. Walter Reed bust and a bronze healing fountain created by Vietnam Era Veteran Gerhard Ehlerding are located in the plaza’s center, a U.S. Navy Fouled Anchor bas relief welcomes patients, staff and visitors to the healing plaza’s northern edge, symbolizing the leadership role of “The Chief”
in the Navy and Navy Medicine. The bas relief was secured from a façade of the former Senior Enlisted Barracks, Building 12 at NNMC. The building was replaced in 2009 by the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. The black marble wall between the U.S. Navy Fouled Anchor and Maj. Walter Reed bust, also includes names of Medical Medal of Honor recipients, and paved alcoves around the plaza perimeter contain the emblems of the U.S. military branches.
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STEM Summer Camp Draws Students, Parents By John J. Joyce NSWC Dahlgren Division Corporate Communications
Courtesy photo
Students at the VDP STEM summer camp, sponsored by the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) use STEM skills to solve problems of Navy interest at the camp held June 26. Ninety-five students joined their mentors - 19 Navy scientists and engineers and 19 middle school teachers - to work in teams on STEM summer camp activities and projects impacting simulated naval robotic missions.
Parents listened intently as Navy and Virginia Demonstration Project (VDP) leaders spoke about the annual week-long VDP summer academy and its potential to transform their children’s outlook on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and positively impact students’ academic and career decisions. The VDP STEM summer camp, sponsored by the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) held Parent Day on June 26 and allowed students participants to wow their parents. Parents watched in amazement as their children - among 95 middle school students - used STEM skills to solve problems of Navy interest at the camp held June 24-28. The students joined their mentors - 19 Navy scientists and engineers and 19 middle school teachers - to work in teams on STEM summer camp activities and projects impacting simulated naval robotic missions. “This year the students displayed excitement and were engaged in all of the STEM events,” said Jane Bachman, VDP STEM Dahlgren Academy Director. “It was our first year at King George Middle School (KGMS) and our first year hosting a “Parent Day” for parents to see first-hand what their child is experiencing during the STEM focus week.” In addition to Dahlgren School, the participating middle schools included Fredericksburg City, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford school districts.
“Students worked hard on their STEM activities and excitement filled the air,” said Bachman. “Watching the team collaboration among the students is inspiring as they not only help their team members but other teams as well. Our junior mentors have been working hard and expanding their leadership skills.” Navy officials - including Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Commander Capt. Michael Smith - anticipate the students may one day use their STEM skills at Naval Warfare Center laboratories to design future technologies supporting U.S. warfighters and America’s homeland defense and security. The NDEP VDP goal is to increase the attraction of the Navy’s Warfare Centers and Shipyards as an eventual place of employment for students participating in the program. “STEM career information is packed into one week,” said Bachman, an NSWCDD lead scientist. “The goal of the academy is to provide middle school students with a variety of STEM activities as they interact with our Dahlgren scientists and engineers and STEM focused middle school teachers.” The program teams up teachers with practicing scientists and engineers from the mentor-rich environment at the Naval Warfare Centers. During the school year, science and math themes featuring robotics problems are integrated throughout the curriculum. Moreover, the College of William and Mary impacted VDP and the summer camp by developing a curriculum for students who learn about STEM at military bases and
providing training to Navy Warfare Center mentors. NDEP’s VDP process is more than students learning how to program robots or build, assemble and demonstrate the projects. It’s also about team building and is all inclusive. NDEP VDP originated under the Office of Naval Research N-STAR (Naval Research - Science and Technology for America’s Readiness), a science and technology workforce development program launched in 2004 by the Office of Naval Research. It was initiated to show a diversity of pre-teens and teens that math, science and engineering are fascinating, fun and socially relevant. Since its inception, VDP’s ultimate goal has been to establish educational outreach programs at other Navy research and development centers throughout the country. The initiative could eventually expand beyond the Navy and evolve into a national demonstration project encompassing all Department of Defense laboratories in a sustained effort to secure the long-term competitiveness of America’s science and technology workforce by hooking more kids on math and science at an earlier age. As a result, the number of students earning university degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology is expected to exponentially increase. “On behalf of the VDP STEM Dahlgren Academy Planning Team, we thank all of the students, parents, VIPs, mentors, behindthe-scene workers and KGMS for their participation and encouragement in our STEM program as we highlight STEM careers,” said Bachman.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Police Officers Train at Dahlgren
By Andrew Revelos Pilot Staff Writer
The Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) Police Department hosted police officers from Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) for advanced tactical training June 19-21 at Building 217. The training was intended to sharpen the officers’ skills in several areas, such as active shooter response. The mini-course included classroom time, practical application, night vision training, live-fire and time in the VirTra Systems simulator. Bob Brooks, chief of NSASP police, was impressed with the JBAB police officers’ performance. “We offered this course to all the bases in the region, however only JBAB was able to send interested officers,” he said. “The officers that attended from JBAB did an outstanding job and definitely represented their department well. I, as well as all of the other instructors, were very impressed with their abilities, professionalism and enthusiasm.” For the practical application portion of the course, the JBAB police officers conducted active-shooter response drills in Building 217. The facility’s maze-like layout, with multiple opposing danger areas, makes clearing it safely a challenge for any police officer, though training can be tailored to all skill levels. Capt. Patrick Gardner, a police officer assigned to NSA Washington, added realism to the drills by role-playing the active shooter. Gardner fired at the JBAB officers with a blank-loaded pistol as the officers made entry into the facility. In pairs, the
JBAB officers advanced, cleared rooms, eventually cornering the “bad guy” and taking him into custody. MACS Chris Merz challenged the JBAB officers with several scenarios in the VirTra Systems simulator. The system, with three large screens that fill the trainee’s field of vision, is no mere video game; the training program “reacts” to trainees’ actions and a threat feedback feature lets officers know when they’ve been “shot” via a wireless electrical impulse device. One by one, the JBAB officers went through the scenario, with Merz making significant but subtle changes in between drills. Each officer went through a scenario without threat feedback before returning for drills that incorporated the feature. One JBAB officer drew his weapon too late; his body contorted slightly as the virtual suspect “fired” and he received the threat feedback. Another officer, Cpl. John Reyes, completed his scenario without receiving any threat feedback, but he acknowledged the anxiety it caused with a relieved grin once he completed the drill. It is exceedingly difficult to replicate the stress police officers experience in real-life encounters with suspects, but the threat feedback feature comes close. “People understand that there’s a level of separation between them and a TV screen,” said Merz. “So what you have to do to make the training realistic is raise [the trainees’] level of anticipation, raise their heart rates. A person’s brain goes into a fight or flight response in stressful situations and police officers have to train for that. When you have an adrenaline rush, your senses can shut down; first audio, then visual and eventually
Sgt. Carlos Ansley, left, a police officer assigned to Joint Base AnacostiaBolling, takes a “suspect,” role-played by Capt. Patrick Gardner, a police officer assigned to Naval Support Activity Washington, into custody during training at Naval Support facility Dahlgren on June 20. common sense thinking. Officers have one thing to rely on in those types of situations and that’s training.” Virtual reality-based training helps police officers achieve that level of proficiency and does so economically. “The best thing about the system is that it allows us to minimize the amount of resources we have to expend in order to train officers,” said
Merz, who has taken a lead role in operating the system since it was acquired last year. “While live-fire training is important, we can shoot thousands of simulated rounds in the VirTra System and train officers to a level that is commensurate with Navy standards. The system can also be customized
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Joint Base Police Apprehend Fence Jumping Suspect by Joseph P. Cirone Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jim Remington
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) DOD Police Sgt. Carl Young, carefully scrutinizes the identification card of an individual attempting to gain access to JBAB. Like all Navy installations, security at JBAB is robust and multilayered, using a variety of methods to ensure the safety and security of the installation and its personnel, residents and visitors.
Pax Sailors Join Auxiliary Security Force By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
Twenty-three volunteer Sailors from tenant commands across Naval Air Station Patuxent River joined the ranks of the installation’s Auxiliary Security Force after certification and graduation June 25 from a 12-day training program. ASF are E-6 and below service members provided by tenant commands according to their military populations, and are used to augment Pax River’s security force. “They are trained in basic force protection and guard duties such as entry control and mission essential asset protection,” said Lt. Troy Niccum, Pax River security officer. “They do not perform law enforcement functions.” Police Sgt. James Williams, the security training officer who led the program, also explained that ASF can be called upon by the base commanding officer whenever extra security is needed — during times of increased force protection conditions, antiterrorism measures or when large crowds visit the base for public events. “While their primary function is ID check and access control at the gates, they can be utilized to protect buildings, personnel or the waterfront at the CO’s discretion,” Williams said. The ASF program combined classroom and physical training, provided exposure to lethal and nonlethal weapons, and taught mechanical advantage control hold (MACH) techniques that use a subject’s own body momentum to enable submission. “I’d done knee strikes before with the Marines,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Steve Fugate, “but the MACH maneuvers were new things for me. I learned a lot.” Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo from the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River agreed. “I learned how to fight better without hurting people; how to subdue without injuring,” he said. “This was a new experience and I’m excited to be part of it.” Another day involved the class being subjected to a pepper spray exercise where each participant was sprayed across the eyebrows and forehead. Next, they had to
U.S. Navy photo by PS2 Jheyson Giraldo
From left, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Casey Susany and Hospitalman Gregory Tate practice hand-tohand martial arts techniques during Auxiliary Security Force training at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on June 20. open their eyes and count the number of fingers being held up by instructors. “They wanted to make sure it went into our eyes and it was the worst feeling ever,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Casey Susany. “It not only burned my eyes, it also burned my skin. My eyes wanted to clench shut. I wanted to quit, but I mustered it up.” The exercise was meant to simulate a real-world scenario where, if it was necessary to use pepper spray and self-contamination occurred, the participants would know what to expect while still attempting to subdue a perpetrator, Williams explained. “It teaches us what we need to do under those circumstances,” Susany said. “Are we controlled? Are we still using voice commands and going through the proper procedures?” After the punishing exercise, Sgt. Williams gave the class its due. “They’re a class of fighters,” he said. “They maintained their control, focused on the threat, attacked the threat and achieved submission by handcuffing the threat.” The new ASF graduates will be required to stand two 12-hour shifts per month in order to maintain their proficiency and receive sustainment training.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) DOD Police apprehended a male suspect who was eluding members of the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Tuesday. At approximately noon, MPD officers approached the male suspect outside of the base perimeter in the area near JBAB’s Firth-Sterling gate to talk with him, for an unknown reason, he fled, according to police. With MPD officers in foot pursuit, the suspect hid in bushes along South Capitol Street, then scaled and jumped over a fence onto JBAB, eluding the officers. A “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) request was radioed by MPD to its forces and JBAB’s DOD Police Department. DOD police officers immediately began searching for the suspect and were joined by MPD officers entering the base. At approximately 12:15 p.m., JBAB DOD Police Investigator Shawn Weisman and Po-
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Sharing critical information continued at Dahlgren’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where base officials and CBIRF commanders coordinated the response. “Without coordination there would be chaos,” said Battalion Chief Tracy Hall, of the NSF Dahlgren Fire Department. “There must be coordination to make sure that everyone on the scene is on the same page as to what the exact situation is before them and what role each agency will have in mitigating the incident safely, whether those roles are separate tasks within an operation, or a joint effort on the same task integrating needed personnel to complete the task.” Accountability is always a primary mission for first responders, whether they are firefighters or members of CBIRF. Close coordination helped both organizations maintain that accountability. “It. assists with accountability of personnel on the scene, the span and control of those personnel and most of all, the safety of all personnel on the scene,” said Hall. Responding to large-scale emergencies is something for which both firefighters and members of CBIRF constantly train. For Sailors assigned to Dahlgren’s Branch Health Clinic, the exercise was not an everyday kind of drill. “We provided augmented medical support to the CBIRF Medical Team,” said Lt. Lesli Lucas, senior medical officer at the Dahlgren Branch Health Clinic. “We helped unloading medical equipment, set up of medical tents and most importantly, assisting in triage and administration of medical care to the many victims of the mass casualty [event]. Medical care included controlling bleeding, providing airway and cardiac support, providing IV
lice Sgt Daniel Johnson located and apprehended the suspect who was hiding under a parked van. The suspect, identified by MPD as Johnny Head, 40, of the District and just days away from his forty-first birthday, was taken into custody, processed at MPD’s Seventh District and charged with unlawful entry [to JBAB]. At press time, additional charges for a violation of probation were pending, according to police. Head will be arraigned in D.C. Superior Court, according to information available at press time. JBAB Commander, Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra, said, “This incident once again shows the level of professionalism, rapid response and dedication to duty put forth by our public safety personnel and the robust nature of our security operations, protecting the base and all of those who live, work or lawfully visit it.” “The excellent cooperation between MPD and our DOD Police Department continues to be unparalleled and is something that we are all proud of,” Calandra concluded.
fluids and critical medications of more seriously injured patients until able to transport the patients to local hospitals.” Lucas thanked Dahlgren Branch Health Clinic personnel who stayed behind at the clinic, which allowed the rest of the staff a chance to participate in the exercise. “The feedback from our staff was overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “They all felt it was valuable in helping to remind us of how suddenly we can be placed into these critical and emergency roles and the importance of regularly practicing and drilling to keep our skill set sharp.” Ed Patuga, training officer for NSASP, said there was great training value to be gained by conducting a joint operation with CBIRF. “We cannot overemphasize the importance of training with an outside agency like CBIRF,” he said. “Our first responders train and work together very well during exercises. They have done it so many times and know what each is capable of doing to protect the installation. However, incidents are not all the same and there could be a situation where the complexity of the incident exceeds the capability of our first responders. Such incidents require the use of additional resources and that may come in the form of outside agency support and coordination.” The challenging training scenario and the response it required served to prepare both CBIRF and NSASP for real-world events. “The joint exercise provided NSA South Potomac and CBIRF the opportunity to work together during a complex incident,” said Patuga. “We were able to see firsthand each other’s operations and capabilities, which are all good to know before an incident happens. Most important, we also identify areas of improvement to better facilitate integration and synchronization of activities should the need arise.”
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to train to evolving security needs; it allows for growth.” The time spent by the JBAB police officers in the simulator was only part of the mini-course, which covered a lot of ground in three days. Time was spent brushing up on other vital law enforcement skills, such as weapons retention. The police officers from JBAB appreciated the chance to brush up on their law enforcement skills. “It’s fantastic training with advanced technical equipment and very diverse instructors with lots of experience,” said Sgt. Carlos Ansley, JBAB police officer. “No matter what skill level you’re at, you’re going to come here and you’re going to get
Waterline quality training and learn something new, whether you’re a beginner or you’re an experienced officer. It’s very high-speed stuff.” Military law enforcement faces a threat environment that is always changing. Achieving and maintaining a high level of proficiency is important for every police officer, especially with regard to the active shooter threat. “It’s very needed training,” said Ansley. “Every officer on the street who’s carrying a weapon and responding to calls should have at least a basic level knowledge of this type of training, so they’re prepared. [Police officers] need to have the correct combat mindset and know what level of force to use, depending on the threat they are faced with. If it’s the highest level of threat, they need to be able to respond with the highest level of force. That’s the kind of training we get here.”
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Employees Invited to Participate in Indian Head Environmental Program Survey
Courtesy photo
Environmental cleanup continues at a number of sites on NSF Indian Head. This photo shows open excavation used during recovery work at a site adjacent to Mattawoman Creek where metal parts were discarded and covered with fill from the 1960s to 1980s, and which contained material potentially presenting an explosive hazard. It is suspected that drums containing solvents buried at the site degraded over time and caused contamination of shallow groundwater. From Naval Support Activity South Potomac Public Affairs Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) is inviting the workforce on Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, along with members of the local community, to participate in a brief, online survey regarding the installation’s Environmental Restoration Program. This survey and related community involvement activities undertaken by the Navy are intended to promote awareness regarding environmental topics and activities at NSF Indian Head. “If community members have not heard of the NSF Indian Head Environmental Restoration Program but are interested in this topic,
BAILEY
Continued from 3 war — post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury — during June, National PTSD Awareness Month. The Home Base program, founded in 2009, has provided clinical treatment for more than 600 veterans and family members, and has educated more than 7,500 clinicians nationwide about PTSD and traumatic brain injury, known as TBI. In a video he recorded, Walker, an 89-year-old Army veteran of World War II, discussed why he used Beetle Bailey to help shed light on this issue. “I feel so sorry for the veterans that have that post-traumatic stress,” Walker said. “I would do anything to help them — even one, even one, if I could.” In the three-minute video, Walker talks about growing up in the Midwest, becoming a cartoonist, and developing the Beetle Bailey characters based on his Army experience. “If you can make somebody happy, boy, I’ll tell you, that cures all kinds of problems that people have,” Walker said. “It’s my business, in a way, and I enjoy that part of it.” Beetle Bailey is one element of the Home Base campaign’s series of messages about helping Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families recover from those invisible wounds. Developed pro bono by advertising firm Hill Holliday, it features print, radio, online, and electronic billboards. See the ads here http://bit.ly/14lAndk and listen to the radio spots here http://bit. ly/11OiVfw and here http://bit.ly/12hXV46.
their participation in the survey is invaluable,” emphasizes Nicholas Carros, manager for the program. “Responses to the survey are confidential and will help facilitate future measures to improve environmental restoration communications and community interaction,” adds Carros. The online environmental restoration community survey can be accessed at http://fluidsurveys.com/s/nsf-indian-head-communityrelations-plan-survey/. The survey will be available through August 2013. “We want to do everything we can to encourage members of the community to stay informed and attend public meetings where the community has an opportunity to review and discuss environmental topics specific to NSF Indian Head,” says Carros. “There’s no greater honor than being of service to our veterans and military families,” said Mike Sheehan, Hill Holliday chairman. “We are honored to offer our resources, creativity and support to Home Base, and to raise awareness about post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Returning veterans and their families deserve every resource available to help them adjust to life back home.” Numerous media outlets contributed advertising space and time to the Home Base campaign. “These messages are timely and urgent,” said retired Brig. Gen. Jack Hammond, Home Base executive director. “Although the war in Iraq has ended and more troops are returning from Afghanistan, it is critical that we remember that for many veterans and their families, these wars have not ended and the return home has meant nightmares and difficulty sleeping, no longer feeling safe in everyday places, trouble concentrating, severe headaches and family stress.” “The clinicians and staff of Home Base and all of our veterans and family members are so grateful for the talent and generosity of Hill Holliday in creating this unique and very powerful campaign. We are also grateful for the generous contribution of Mr. Mort Walker, and especially to our media partners, who have recognized the importance of this issue and made the decision to step up in support of our returning veterans and families.” For more information about the Home Base program and its public service campaign, visit www.helpathomebase.org. To view Mort Walker’s video, go to http://bit. ly/19vbCBo.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
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Thursday, July 11, 2013