The Waterline
November 21, 2013
Vol. XXX No.47
www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw
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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Wounded Warrior Month: What you can Do to Help By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
In 2008, then Secretary of Defense Robert Gates designated November as Warrior Care Month in order to inform members of the military and their families and communities about the programs and initiatives currently being provided through the Warrior Care system and the forthcoming improvements. During the month, commands across the nation, including Naval District Washington (NDW), are doing their part to recognize wounded warriors and those who care for them for their service, sacrifices and achievements. “Providing assistance to seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and their families is a top priority for the Navy,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in a fleetwide message Nov. 8. “We take care of our own - including active-duty, Reserve and veteran Sailors and Marines.” Warrior Care Month is a joint-service event that recognizes wounded warriors and warrior families, while serving as an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available to service members should illness or injury occur unexpectedly. But many may ask themselves what they can do at the command, installation or individual level.
The Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor (NWW-SH) website, www.safeharbor. navylive.dodlive.mil, offers a number of options for all military and civilian personnel looking to help. Listed on their website are a number of ways to help raise awareness of Warrior Care Month, including links to talking points, social media materials and You Tube videos. People can also get involved in the NWW-SH Anchor Program, which matches Sailors and Coast Guardsmen in transition with two mentor volunteers – a peer mentor from a local Reserve component, and a senior mentor selected from a pool of community veterans and retirees. Another option is to attend local Wounded Warrior events. In NDW, several events have taken place, such as the fourth annual Navy Safe Harbor Foundation Veterans Day luncheon at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., Nov. 7, where U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, served as the keynote speaker and more than 10 Sailors and Coast Guardsman and their caregivers, were honored. Other events in the region include the joint-service wounded warrior seated volleyball tournament at the Pentagon Athletic Center in Washington,
See Warrior, Page 5
U.S. Navy photo by MCC Sam Shavers
Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks with Cpl. Joshua Lopez, a wounded warrior at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Navy leadership is encouraged to connect with Wounded Warriors and Wounded Warrior Program representatives to get the word out about Warrior Care Month and the programs available to wouded injured ill and transitioning warriors.
Proper Safety Makes Thanksgiving a Meal to Remember By Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
Yeoman 2nd Class (SW) Rebecca Dugas, a reservist attached to NOSC Baltimore, shops for a turkey at the commissary in Fort Meade, Md. Safe food preparation, as well as fire and travel safety, are important to remember during the busy Thanksgiving season.
A safety stand down at Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW) gave Naval District Washington (NDW) personnel insight on how to safely spend their holiday season Nov. 14. Featured among the topics was cooking and hosting safety. “The holidays can be a great time to get together with the family and friends, but it’s also really important to remember that this is a time of the year when a lot of accidents can happen, so it’s important to remember safety,” said George Revoir Jr., NSAW safety installation program director. Revoir explained safety measures should be taken in all aspects of Thanksgiving, even when cooking. Food preparation is important to consider during the holiday. Safe food handling habits and hand washing will prevent bacterial contamination of food while it is being prepared. When cooking a turkey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises using a meat thermometer to check that the thigh
Around the Yard, page 2 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone
and breast meat reaches at least 165 degrees at their thickest parts. This will ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked before eating. In addition to making sure food is prepared safely, safety officials advise all to consider the risk for injury while cooking as well. “We know that the kitchen can be a busy place, but it’s important to remember cooking safety so you don’t end up with spills, cuts or burns,” sad Revoir. He advises turning handles on pots and pans inward on stove to prevent accidental spilling; not leaving cooking food unattended; and not leaving foods that require refrigeration out too long to prevent spoilage. Revoir also mentioned the necessity of keeping children out of the kitchen while the Thanksgiving meal was being cooked. “If you’ve got children in the home it’s a good idea to find an activity to keep them occupied while you’re cooking to keep them out of the kitchen,” said Revoir. “This will prevent distractions and injuries while you’re working because it can be a very dangerous place. But keep them involved and
INSIDE
let them know that after the meal is cooked they can have an activity like decorating cookies or something, so they can be part of the plan and even cut down on the stress.” Revoir also touched on the importance of fire safety during Thanksgiving. Turkey cooking methods other than ovens, such as smokers and deep fryers, require more supervision and open space than a conventional oven to operate safely, and each cooking area should have a charged fire extinguisher ready in case of fires. “Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also a necessity in each house, regardless of the season,” said Revoir. “Test them monthly and change the batteries in them twice a year. More often than not, this is the first warning of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.” Often overlooked when considering safety, hosting responsibilities were covered in the NSAW safety stand down, as well. Revoir said that a good host will keep
NAS Commemorates USS Tulip, page 7
See Thanksgiving, Page 5
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Thursday, November 21, 2013
Harris Activates Hospital Ship to Support Philippines From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) are now on station and coordinating with the Philippine government. The U.S. Navy also has P-3 maritime aircraft already supporting the disaster relief effort led by the Government of the Philippines. The amphibious ships USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) are departing Sasebo, Japan, Nov. 14 local time. After picking up Marines, equipment and relief supplies in Okinawa, the two ships will arrive at the Philippines in approximately one week. USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) are also heading to the Philippines. This collection of ships and their complement of aircraft, to include much-needed helicopters, will provide food and water, the capability to move relief supplies to isolated areas, and to help move the badly injured for medical care. The U.S. Navy persistently trains with numerous Pacific nations and military units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to prepare for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. In 2012, Mercy participated in the annual Pacific Partnership mission, which included working with Philippine authorities in the vicinity of Tacloban, the area hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan. Because of the long-standing partnership between the two nations, the U.S., working through the Philippine government, is able to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis.
Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, directed the activation of the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Nov. 13 to be ready to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Berthed in San Diego, USNS Mercy has been in a reduced operating status, which is normal for a hospital ship. Harris’ activation order accelerates Mercy’s ability to attain full operating status to include moving necessary personnel and equipment to the ship. If ordered to deploy, Mercy would get underway in the next several days and could arrive in the Philippines sometime in December, joining other U.S. Pacific Fleet units already supporting Operation Damayan. On Nov. 11 Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and her escort ships to depart early from a liberty port in Hong Kong and make best possible speed for the Philippines. George Washington, USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) will arrive off the coast of the Philippines the evening of Nov. 14 local time. U.S. Pacific Fleet ships already operating in the Western Pacific were also immediately diverted. USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), and
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Michael Feddersen
In this file photo, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) sits off the coast of Samar, Philippines, during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s annual disaster preparedness response mission, Pacific Partnership, in July 2012. The role of U.S. military forces during any foreign humanitarian assistance event is to rapidly respond to host nations’ requests for support to help mitigate human suffering, prevent further loss of life and mitigate property damage. The U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team has a particularly
See Support, Page 8
Around the Yard What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
Not having to work. Edward Banks TPD Washington Washington, D.C.
The Waterline
Commandant, Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Markham 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, Washing-
Watching the Lions play, and those sweet potatoes with the marshmallows on top. Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Devin Spranger U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Washington, D.C.
ton 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
Watching the football game. Electronics Technician 2nd Class Nicholas Lee Washington Regional Corrections Unit Joint Base Anacostia Bolling
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.
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Thursday, November 21, 2013
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This Week in Navy History November 14
1846 - Naval forces capture Tampico, Mexico. 1910 - Civilian Eugene Ely pilots first aircraft to take off from a ship, USS Birmingham (CL-2) at Hampton Roads, Va. He lands safely on Willoughby Spit, Norfolk, Va. 1941 - Order to withdraw Marines at Shanghai, Peiping, and Tientsin, China. 1944 - Carrier aircraft attack Japanese shipping in Philippines sinking five ships and damaging one.
November 15
1882 – Lt. Cmdr. French Chadwick reports to American Legation in London as first naval attache. 1942 - Although U.S. lost several ships in Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, naval force under Rear Admiral Willlis Lee aboard USS Washington (BB-56) turns back Japanese transports trying to reinforce Guadalcanal. The Japanese never again try to send large naval forces to Guadalcanal. 1960 - First fleet ballistic missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN-598), leaves Charleston, S.C., on initial fleet ballistic missile patrol.
November 16
1776 - First salute rendered to an American flag, the Grand Union flag, flying from Continental Navy ship Andrew Doria, performed by Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, West Indies. 1856 - Barrier Forts reduction began at Canton, China. 1942 - Navy’s first Night Fighter squadron, VMF(N)-531, established at Cherry Point, N.C. 1963 - President John F. Kennedy aboard USNS Observation Island (T-AGM-23) witnesses launch of Polaris A-2 missile by USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619). 1968 - Operation Tran Hung Dao begins in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. 1973 - Launch of Skylab 4 under command of Marine Lt. Col. Gerald P. Carr. The missions lasted 84 days and included 1,214 Earth orbits. Recovery performed by USS New Orleans (LPH-11).
November 17
1917 - USS Fanning (DD-37) and USS Nicholson (DD-52) sink first enemy submarine, U-58, off Milford Haven, Wales. 1924 - USS Langley (CV-1), first aircraft carrier, reports for duty. 1941 - Congress amends Neutrality Act to allow U.S. merchant ships to be armed. Navy’s Bureau of Navigation directs Navy personnel with armed guard training to be
assigned for further training before going to armed guard centers for assignment to merchant ships. 1955 - Navy sets up Special Projects Office under Rear Adm. William F. Raborn to develop a solid propellant ballistic missile for use in submarines.
November 18
1890 - USS Maine (ACR-1), the first American battleship, is launched. 1922 – Cmdr. Kenneth Whiting in a PT seaplane, makes first catapult launching from aircraft carrier, USS Langley(CV-1), at anchor in the York River, Va. 1962 - USS Currituck (AV-7) rescues 13 Japanese fishermen from their disabled fishing boat, Seiyu Maru, which was damaged in Typhoon Karen.
November 19
1813- Capt. David Porter claims Marquesas Islands for the United States. 1943 – U.S. carrier force attacks bases on Tarawa and Makin. 1943 - USS Nautilus (SS-168) enters Tarawa lagoon in first submarine photograph reconnaissance mission. 1961 - At the request of President of Dominican Republic, a U.S. naval task force sails to Dominican Republic to bolster the country’s government and to prevent a coup. 1969 – During the Apollo 12 mission, Navy astronauts Cmdr. Charles Conrad, Jr., and Cmdr. Alan L. Bean are third and fourth men to walk on the moon. Cmdr. Richard F. Gordon, Jr., the command module pilot, remained in lunar orbit. During the mission lasting 19 days, 4 hours, and 36 minutes, the astronauts recovered 243 lbs of lunar material. Recovery was performed by HS-4 helicopters from USS Hornet (CVS-12).
Photo courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command
Civilian Eugene Ely pilots first aircraft to take off from a ship, USS Birmingham (CL-2) at Hampton Roads, Va. He lands safely on Willoughby Spit, Norfolk, Va.
November 20
1856 – Cmdr. Andrew H. Foote lands at Canton, China, with 287 Sailors and Marines to stop attacks by Chinese on U.S. military and civilians. 1917 - USS Kanawha (AO-1), USS Noma (SP-131) and USS Wakiva (SP-160) sink a German sub off the coast of France. 1933 – Lt. Cmdr. Thomas G. W. Settle and Marine Maj. Chester I. Fordney set a world altitude record in balloon (62,237 ft.) in flight into stratosphere. 1943 - Operation Galvanic, under command of Vice Adm. Raymond Spruance, lands Navy, Marine, and Army forces on Tarawa and Makin. 1962 - President John F. Kennedy lifts the Blockade of Cuba.
WRAP 2013 Holiday Sober-Ride Campaign
From NSAW Safety
The Washington Region Alcohol Safety Program (WRAP) Wants drivers to get where they are going safely this Holiday Season. If you or someone has had too much to drink, don’t let them drive. Take a free cab instead. Driving under the influence is as dangerous as playing “Russian Roulette” with a loaded revolver. Don’t gamble with your life, or the lives of others. WRAP’s 2013 Holiday SoberRide program will be offered from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly from Dec. 13, 2013, to January 1, 2014. To receive a free cab ride home, up to a $30 fare, please call 800-200-8294 (TAXI). AT&T customers may dial #WRAP from their wireless phones. Callers are financially responsible
for anything over $30. Callers must be 21 or older to use the SoberRide service. All requests for SoberRide service must be called to and dispatched from 1-800-200-8294. Do not call a taxi company directly for SoberRide service as the ride will not be covered under this program. Callers cannot reserve a SoberRide or schedule a pickup in advance. To receive a ride, you must call 1-800-200-8294 (TAXI) during the program hours. A SoberRide call operator will direct your request to the correct participating cab company. Participating Taxi Companies: Alexandria Yellow Cab (Alexandria) Barwood, Inc. (Montgomery County)
See Sober-Ride, Page 8
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Thursday, November 21, 2013
NSA Washington-JBAB Fleet Family and Fun Centralized Scheduling
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.
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
Pre-Separation Briefings
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)
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
Program offers individual and family financial counseling, financial classes, and is responsible for the Command Financial specialist training in the Region (NDW).
Food & Beverage
Life Skills Education
MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-6151 MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-0450
Provides presentations to help commands meet requirements, as well as enhance operational and personal readiness including parenting skills training, couples communication, anger and stress management, conflict resolution, Child Abuse Awareness, Spouse Abuse Awareness and suicide prevention. Trainings can be customized to fit needs of the command.
New Parent Support Program (NPS)
Assists new parents in coping with the demands of parenting and military life through parenting education and training and home visits to new parents prior to delivery and after delivery; information and referral for military and community resources; child development screenings and monitoring. All active duty members and their families who are pregnant and or have children in the home from infancy to three years old are eligible for these home visitation services.
Deployment/mobilization/readiness
Assisting Sailors and family members prepare for deployment, manage separations and reunite and reintegrate with families and community through services including the Family Accountability and Assessment System, Individual augmentee (IA) Indoc Course and Deployed Family Fun Days.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Provides assistance to service members with special needs children and family members with medical needs including resource referral to medical, counseling and educational services, support groups and care providers. Assists in finding duty stations where needs are met. Mandatory enrollment per OPNAVINST 1754.2D.
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 Other Important Numbers FFR Administrative Office, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FFRP Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MWR Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MWR Marketing Department, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Child Placement Office, JBAB Bldg. 414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Housing Office, JBAB Bldg. 414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty Program/Center, JBAB Bldg. 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Recreation/Equipment Rental, JBAB, Bldg. 928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, JBAB, Bldg. 602 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ton, D.C. 20374. We are available for drop off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may also drop off Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gooding Center lobby, in front of Temptations. Please place in the Toys for Tots box. For further information please call Naval Services FamilyLine 202-433-2333 during office hours.
Boys and Girls Club volunteers
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington needs volunteer coaches for their youth baseball league for 10-year-olds and 12-year-olds. For more information or to sign up, call 512-560-5548 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. or email Michael.martinez@afncr.af.mil.
Toastmasters Club seeks members
The Bolling Toastmasters Club is available for everyone on JBAB as a place to practice your leadership skills. Toastmasters clubs are where leaders are made, and leadership starts with good communication. The program is self-paced, and it works. The Bolling Toastmasters Club meets Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. at the JBAB Chapel Center. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Jim Queen at 301452-6931.
Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center Now Open Military and Family Support Offers The Washington Navy Yard Fitness Cen- Resume Review ter, located in W-22, has completed its renovations and is now open. Regular hours of operation is Monday through Friday from 5 am to 7 pm. Amenities include group exercise classes, cardiovascular equipment, free weights, racquetball courts, indoor tennis and basketball, nautilus equipment and personal training.
Toys For Tots
Naval Services FamilyLine is a toy drop off location for the Marines’ Toys for Tots. Please bring a new unwrapped toy to our office located on The Navy Yard by Dec. 5. The address is 1043 Harwood Street SE, Bldg 154 Suite 100; Washington Navy Yard, Washing-
Call for appointment | 202-685-6019 Military and Family Support Center offers a one-on-one resume review session for those that are job seeking. Knowledgeable staff will sit down with you and review your resume and assist you in developing a results-oriented resume. Having a solid and effective resume can greatly improve your chances of landing an interview. According to a recent study from TheLadders, recruiters spend just six seconds scanning your resume for certain information. Will your resume make it in those six seconds? Your resume should portray your skills, talents, career highlights and make you stand out from the crowd. Focusing on your accomplishments
(202) 433-3659 (202) 433-4052 (202) 433-4662 (202) 433-5912 (202) 433-3055 (202) 433-0346 (202) 685-1802 (202) 767-9136 (202) 404-7050
vs. simple job experience and using key words can open the door for an interview.
Download the Free “ABSalute” App
The JBAB Warfighter & Family Readiness Marketing Department developed a free smartphone application, bringing its resources to customers and employees on a mobile platform. Perfect for iPhone and Andriod devices. “ABSalute” is a fast and easy-to-use application designed to allow quick access to events and programs. Download the app and receive the latest information about MWR, as well as Warfighter and Family Readiness programs. The app features: - Facility finder including hours of operation, phone listings, and GPS capabilities - Upcoming special events and programs that can be added directly to your calendar - Outdoor Recreation and Capital Cove Marina equipment and boat rentals - Full dining facility menus - Quick links to the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon and Navy 5 Miler website, CNIC JBAB website, Naval District Washington (NDW) Facebook page and the current edition of the 411 magazine - Facility and Event Photos - Push notifications to alert users with the most current information.
Mordecai Booth’s Hours Change
Mordecai Booth’s, located on the ground floor of Building 101 on the Washington Navy Yard, has changed its hours. The new hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday, 2:30-8:30 p.m. Come on in and enjoy the same great service at a new time!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
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NDW News Follow NDW on Facebook and Twitter
NDW has a Facebook fan page in order to provide updated information to all NDW residents, tenants, employees (military, civilian, and contractors), and the American public. Show your support, “Like Us,” and become a fan to see exciting news relating to the Naval District Washington. www.facebook.com/NavDistWash Follow us on Twitter @navaldistwash - http://twitter.com/NavalDistWash NSAW has a Twitter page for the Washington Navy Yard to provide the public with up-to-date operating hours of the Navy Yard portion of DC’s Riverwalk. Follow us on Twitter @WNYRiverwalk - http://twitter.com/WNYRiverwalk.
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.
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)
Helmsmen Toastmasters Want to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Come to Helmsmen Toastmasters! Join us Thursdays,7:30-8:45 a.m., at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center (PLCC). Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. For more info, contact Annika L’Ecuyer (annika. lecuyer@pentagon.af.mil or 703-614-7160) or Elizabeth Femrite (elizabeth.m.femrite. civ@mail.mil or 571-256-8674). More information can be found at the Helmsmen Toastmasters website, http://helmsmen.toastmastersclubs.org.
NAVY 311 “NAVY 311” is the place to go for all types of information to help support Navy military, civilian, and retiree personnel and their families. Access NAVY 311 at 1-855NAVY-311 or (DSN) 510-NAVY-311. You can also email NAVY311@navy.mil or visit www.NAVY311.navy.mil.
Navy Wives Clubs of America
The D.C. Metro chapter of Navy Wives Clubs of America, Eleanor Roosevelt #37, hosts meetings every second Thursday of the month to discuss and plan volunteer activities in the local military and civilian communities. Military spouses of all branches are welcome to attend. For more information, email angeladowns@ me.com or visit www.facebook.com/NWCA37.
PAX Clinical Counseling Services
Clinical Counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing today’s military: family hardships, marital conflicts, parent/child issues, money concerns, frequent moves, health and environmental factors, and many other difficulties. Make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.
JBAB Cub Scouts
Attention all boys grades 1st through 5th interested in scouting. Please contact the JBAB Cub Scouts, Pack 343, at jbabcubscouts@yahoo.com for more information. Each den holds their own meetings each month along with one pack event. Boys will earn badges together and can work on individual achievements as well. Come join us for popcorn, camping and so much more
JBAB Girl Scouts
Calling all Girls! Girls registered in Kindergarten - 12th grade this fall and interested in joining should contact JBABgirlscouts@yahoo.com. The troop meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the community center on Chappie James Blvd at 6 p.m. Girl Scouts; building girls with confidence, character and courage for 100 years.
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3rd Annual Army-Navy Challenge Kicks Off From the Armed Services Blood Program
It’s that time of year again. The Army-Navy football game is right around the corner which means it is time for Army and Navy blood donors to face off once again in the annual Army Navy Blood Donor Challenge! During the challenge, which started on Nov. 14 and will continue through Dec. 13, 12 Washington metro area blood drive sponsors and donors at three blood donor centers compete against each other to see who wins bragging rights and a trophy for the most units collected for the Armed Services Blood Program. The winning service will be presented their trophy on game day during the third quarter, on the field. “We are certainly looking forward to the game,” said Air Force Col. Richard H. McBride, the Armed Services Blood Program director. “But, the real focus of the challenge is to increase awareness of the Armed Services Blood Program’s mission while staying true to the rivalry between the services on the field.” As a tri-service program, the Armed Services Blood Program relies on donations from all the services — Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force — to meet its mission of supplying blood to ill or injured service members, veterans and their family members worldwide. But the rivalry between the Army and Navy this year is a great way to encourage donations. The challenge will kicked-off Nov. 14 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Mitscher Hall, Annapolis, Md., from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by 11 locations in the Washington metro area with scheduled drives at: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md.: Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. *NSWC Carderock, Building 40, West Bethesda, Md.: Nov. 25 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. *OPM, Fort Meade, Md.: Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. *Sail Loft Building 105/112, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.: Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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D.C., Nov. 21, played by members of Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, and Department of Veterans Affairs. But Capt. Steve Hall, director, NWW-SH, said that simply talking about Warrior Care Month can help raise awareness, no matter who does the talking. “The most important thing people can do during Warrior Care Month is spread the word about Wounded Warrior support programs,” said Hall. “They can share in-
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the safety of themselves and their guests in mind when hosting a dinner or party during the holidays. “Take your role as host seriously,” said Revoir. “Ensure designated drivers are available, and if not, offer a place to stay. Provide plenty of food so guests don’t drink as much, and don’t push drinks on guests;
Building 9, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.: Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fort Myers Fitness Center, Fort Myer, Va.: Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. *Building 222, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dowell Community House, Dahlgren, Va.: Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Recreation Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.: Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Scales Army Reserve Center, 9020 Gunston Rd. (Building 2291), Fort Belvoir, Va.: Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, the Fort Belvoir and Pentagon blood donor centers will also be participating in the challenge: Pentagon Blood Donor Center, Washington, D.C., Room 2D1063: Dec. 2 to 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fort Belvoir Blood Donor Center, 9300 Dewitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, Va. 22060 (Fort Belvoir Community Hospital): Dec. 2-13 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several of the blood drives, marked with an asterisk above, are open only to individuals who have the proper identification and access to the facility. Please be sure to contact the blood donor center prior to the blood drive if you are unsure of whether or not you will be able to donate at that location. All blood types are welcome at any of the blood drives, so come out, donate and help ensure that your service takes home the prize. The winner will be announced Dec. 14, on the field of the much anticipated Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. To find out more about the Armed Services Blood Program or to schedule an appointment, please visit us online: www. militaryblood.dod.mil. To interact directly with some of our staff, see more photo or to get the latest news, visit us here: www. facebook.com/militaryblood, www.flickr. com/militaryblood and www.twitter.com/ militaryblood.
formation online, in community meetings, and in discussions with members of their command. Navy leadership is encouraged to make bedside visits, and to highlight wounded warrior support program at the chiefs’ mess or wardroom.” For more information about Warrior Care Month activities or wounded warrior resources visit http://safeharbor. navylive.dodlive.mil or www.facebook. com/navysafeharbor. For assistance in the NDW region for NWW contact Terronez at dante.r.terronez.mil@health.mil. For more information on events happening in NDW, visit www.facebook.com/ NavDistWash. it’s ok not to drink. Cut off alcohol a couple hours before the party ends and make sure your guests have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages like water and soda to drink.” Keeping these safety measures in mind will help all personnel have a safe and fun Thanksgiving holiday. For more information on holiday safety, visit www.safetycenter.navy.mil. For more information on events happening in NDW, visit www.facebook.com/ NavDistWash.
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Thursday, November 21, 2013
Masters and Cammanders: How Combined Federal Campaign four Titans Won the War in the kicks off at Dahlgren West, 1941-1945 Book review
Reviewed by Cmdr. Youssef Aboul-Enein
Masters and Commanders: How Four Titans Won the War in the West, 19411945 by Andrew Roberts. Published by HarperCollins, New York. 624 pages, 2009. It is easy to think in hindsight that British and American leaders worked as one to defeat the Axis forces in World War II. Newsreels of the period capture British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt in tandem on issues such as fighting Europe first before Japan, and the promulgating the Atlantic Charter. Andrew Roberts is a noted historian whose books are also a delight to read for its eloquence; he has written on Chruchill, Napoleon, and Wellington, including an excellent book entitled, “Churchill and Hitler.” His latest book looks at Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt as “masters,” and their respective military chief’s Field Marshall Sir Alan Brooke and U.S. Army General George Marshall. The volume is an important read for those wanting to immerse themselves in the complexities of merging two general staffs and what we would call coalition operations. Despite the mythology, Churchill and Roosevelt were politicians and each not only had disagreements over war objectives, but also had to placate the electorate of their respective nations. In addition, there were British senior
officers who had contempt for the American fighting soldier, and American generals who suffered from a fear of British manipulation. Yet despite these challenges and prejudices, the volume discusses 18 key allied wartime conferences designed to mitigate these differences and reach a compromise. These conferences with codenames like Modicum, Quadrant, and the final 1945 Potsdam Conference (Terminal), were vital not only for Churchill and Roosevelt but their staffs. Readers will learn how Operation Gymnast evolved into Operation Torch, the American landings in North Africa. One chapter will delve into how America almost involved itself in placing troops in Syria to relieve British pressure from Rommel in Egypt, and how candid discussions from General Marshall averted this plan. Reading each meeting you will see how the personalities of such figures as Admiral Ernest King, and
Admiral William Leahy and their British counterparts shaped the discussions. Some of the tension was not only between the two staffs, but among officers from both sides. Providing the right atmosphere for discussions is an art that should never be underestimated, such as when British Field Marshall Brooke and his staff were invited for talks in Williamsburg. The talks began with a few days of what we would today call an ice-breaker, tours of colonial Williamsburg and socials designed to make the American and British war planners relax and feel comfortable with one another. Today most nation to nation bilateral discussions at the level of the Defense Department and Joint Staff include a daily social event; in World War II this was uncommon. This is an excellent book for those wanting a deep understanding of the art of war planning, coalition building, and the mechanics of how two democracies were able to compromise and cooperate to defeat the Nazis. The author captures the sense of urgency in the discussions such as a deep worry on the part of the allies that Egypt and Middle East could be lost to the Afrika Korps. Editor’s Note: From 2002 to 2006, Commander AboulEnein planned and participated in over twenty bilateral level meetings while serving as Middle East and North Africa Country Director at the Office of the Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.
U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
BM1 Jesus Lopez, right, has a laugh after he dunked GSMC Terrance Rambeau at Dahlgren’s Combined Federal Campaign kickoff Oct. 8. By Andrew Revelos Pilot Staff Writer Furloughs and the sequester were not enough to keep federal employees and service members at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren from giving back to their communities at the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) kickoff Oct. 8. This year’s campaign was interrupted at Dahlgren due to the shutdown, but the campaign started back up and multiple events at Dahlgren offered charities a chance to discuss their work. One such charity, Loudon County based Project Horse, brought lots of smiles to children on base with miniature therapy horses Jack and Valentine. Base resident Chase, 4, was a little hesitant when he first saw the horses, but quickly warmed to the gentle animals and offered
them bits of grass as a snack. The rest of the project’s rehabilitated rescue horses have a similar effect on clients during therapy sessions. “Our programs are. designed to deal with mental, cognitive, emotional and behavioral issues,” said Darcy Woessner, executive director of Project Horse. “One of the major things our therapy horses do with any client-no matter what they’re dealing with-is providing self-esteem and confidence, just by building relationships and having some success working with the horses. And they build a sense of hope. We work with children on the autism spectrum. Horses are wonderful teachers of social skills-how to read body language and get along with others.” Jack and Valentine serve as the project’s ambassadors on its “Mobile Minis” unit. Though the therapy
offered by Project Horse does not involve riding, the horses have a unique way of touching people faced with a variety of challenges. “We work with kids and adults who have trauma histories,” said Woessner. “Horses are a gentle way to approach healing and building trust. It’s amazingly rewarding. We’re an all-volunteer organization and we do it because we believe in it and we’re passionate about it.” The charities were not the only attractions at the CFC kickoff. Sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity South Potomac wowed attendees with their best dish in a cooking contest. Patrons had a hard time deciding between the scrumptious offerings-chicken roulade, chicken and rice, stuffed chicken in bourbon sauce,
See CFC, Page 8
Team Collaboration Proves Rapid Response Capabilities By Andrea Hein Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Communication Support The Naval Aviation Center for Rotorcraft Advancement (NACRA) recently collaborated with the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) to successfully test a new mobile communications system at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Christine Liou and Tom Staley from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Pacific created the Network on the Move (NOTM) command and con-
trol system for both ground and air tactical vehicles. Liou and Staley conducted the ground-based testing inside a mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle at Pax River. Basil Moncrief, manager of the Extensible Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), said the testing had three objectives: - Validate and demonstrate the ability to integrate a NOTM staff vehicle kit into a UH-1 using off-the-shelf components such as standard tactical radios - Conduct late developmental testing of a new 50-W amp for the radios - Validate automated “healing” of a broken digital communications network
between ground vehicles via airborne node The NOTM system provides extended capability for command and control networking and data transfer applications in nonline-of-sight situations. The equipment is part of a staff vehicle kit, which is loaded onto aircraft and ground vehicle platforms and integrated into a flight certified rack. “If we lose connectivity between two ground vehicles, we can use a helicopter as a relay to heal a broken network on the ground,” Moncrief said. Marine pilot Capt. Alexis Harvey and communications officer Maj. Keith Kovats conducted the test operations in-flight on the
UH-1N “T-Rex” helicopter, communicating via laptop with Liou and Staley to prove connectivity capabilities. Team members from NACRA, MARCORSYSCOM and SPAWAR met all three objectives during the twoday testing period and tested distance limitations. Created in 2008, NACRA is responsible for short-term rapid response testing that relies on cross-competency collaboration rather than a program to advance rotorcraft design. The group supports advanced concepts such as NOTM and develops innovative logistical analysis that reduces cost and risk for helicopter programs.
U.S. Navy photo by David Sckrabulis
From left, test team members Basil Moncrief, Christine Liou and Tom Staley demonstrate the capabilities of the Network on the Move command and control system installed in a mineresistant ambush protected vehicle at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Liou and Staley created the system to improve battlefield communication.
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Regional Experts: Personal Protection through Language, Culture and Strategic Insight by Lt. Cmdr. Joshua A. Frey Special to The Waterline Most warriors commonly think of personal defense as the weapons they carry in their quiver. AFPAK Hands, however, also have their language skills and detailed knowledge of Afghanistan at their ready. Not unlike Shanghai of the China Hands’ era, today’s Afghanistan is rife with NATO forces, NGOs, international business companies and embassies, as well as terrorist, insurgent and criminal groups. Many AFPAK Hands gain their detailed knowledge of Afghanistan and Pakistan from their multiple deployments, but also from graduate training at National Defense University. In 2010, NDU created a graduate program for the AFPAK Hands at the College of International Security Affairs, where Hands earn a Masters in Strategic Security Studies focusing on South and Central Asia. The South and Central Asia Program (SCAP) is instructed by a cadre of professors whose experience ranges from universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and Yale, to former members of the National Security Council and Central Intelligence Agency. “The SCAP program prepares students to understand the sociopolitical nuances and capacity building requirements in Afghanistan and the region, enabling them to make a real difference in the lives of people they are dealing with,” says Dr. Hassan Abbas, head of the NDU SCAP program and author of several books on Afghanistan and Pakistan. The 13 month program pairs Hands with international counter terrorism fellows from around the world, drawing on additional realworld perspectives on counter insurgency and stability operations in civilian populations. The SCAP program also continued language
Courtesy photo
AFPAK Hands U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Allison Plank, and U.S. Navy Lt. Jen Langhenry, conduct a meeting about the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program in Farah with the Provincial Joint Secretariat Head. instruction in either Dari or Pashto as an elective, which sustained the 16 week language immersion obtained prior to the first deployment. Second time deployers receive an additional 16 weeks of advanced language immersion prior to their second deployment. Beyond Afghanistan, the AFPAK Hands program is a model for future programs that seek to combine language, cultural and academic knowledge with personal defense training to allow military personnel to operate in complex civilian communities and make a strategic impact. “It’s important to show up well
trained and equipped. It gives you more confidence to do your job,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kamyar PashnehTala. “Unfortunately nothing can prepare you for everything, especially the unexpected, but training like this greatly increases our chances of dealing with a variety of unexpected situations.” This article is part three of a three-part AFPAK Hands series. 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. *The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily the official policy or opinion of the Department of Defense.
About The Author: Commander Frey has served Afghanistan Pakistan Hands Program since September 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan from March 2011 to March 2012, where he served as Capacity Outreach Chief to the Government of The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the International Security Assistance Force’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications. He completed a Masters of Arts in Strategic Security Studies for South and Central Asia at National Defense University in June 2013.
NAS Commemorates USS Tulip By Connie Hempel Naval Air Station Patuxent River
U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel
Sailors from Naval Air Station Patuxent River read the inscriptions of the eight unknown graves near the USS Tulip monument in St. Inigoes after a remembrance event Nov. 8.
Many from Naval Air Station Patuxent River started their Veterans Day weekend honoring the Sailors who perished aboard USS Tulip 149 years ago when it exploded along the shores of St. Inigoes Creek near Webster Outlying Field. Joining the group from Pax were four generations of USS Tulip’s pilot, James R. Jackson. “It gives us a feeling of pride,” said the pilot’s great grandson, John Jackson. “Not just because the Navy felt it deserving, but also at each of the ceremonies so far, the enthusiasm of the naval per-
sonnel present was impressive. I have always been proud of our military and meeting them and having the conversations that we do just reinforces that pride.” This was the seventh annual event hosted by the air station and each year, Jackson, his daughter, brother and other family members travel more than two hours from Virginia and around Maryland to witness the event. A few locals were also in attendance. Jackson said that as more generations of family come, he hopes they learn to appreciate the life that they live and how much their ancestor’s actions affected the path their lives have taken. “The term ‘all gave some, some gave all’ is relevant to each individual,” he said. “Hopefully this will
grow to the point that the knowledge by family members won’t die out.” The USS Tulip monument rests on a half-acre off St. Inigoes Creek, near Villa Road, where eight of the ship’s Sailors washed ashore after the Nov. 11, 1864, tragedy. While burned beyond recognition, they are the only bodies of the 46 lives lost that were ever recovered. “Those Sailors, just like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are only known to God, but they will ever be known as shipmates lying next to each other, part of the brave crew of the USS Tulip,” said Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS Patuxent River executive officer. “We
See USS Tulip, Page 10
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CFC
Continued from 6 jerk chicken, rice pudding-but in the end, CS3 Tamika Lymon’s delicious sweet potato pie reigned supreme. Gas Turbine Mechanic Chief (GSMC) Terrance Rambeau and Cmdr. Elvis Mikel, executive officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, took turns providing a different kind of entertainment: sitting atop a dunk tank. Mikel trash talked those who attempted to dethrone him until BM1 Jesus Lopez put a threw a ball on target, sending Mikel plunging into the cold water. Lopez repeated his performance a few minutes later at Rambeau’s expense. New ways to donate in 2013 This year’s campaign offers donors new, easier opportunities to donate beyond the traditional pledge card. Government civilians and military members that would like to give to their favorite local, national and international charities can do so electronically through MyPay by choosing the CFC option that appears on the MyPay service screen. Donations can also be made by check, cash or credit card by using the online Nexus giving system. CFC keyworkers have
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been trained and will work to educate the workforce on the new options and can answer any questions regarding making a donation. All offer not only convenience, but aid in efficiency and accuracy of the pledge. Online givers will not Continued from 2 only be able to search for charities by name or category, but they’ll see a small bio for each to ensure they’ve chosen the successful history of working with international relief orgaproper charity. nizations and host nations to respond to natural disasters. Dahlgren’s CFC campaign is part of the Potomac ComOperation Damayan is part of the broader U.S. Governbined Federal Campaign that includes Quantico Marine ment effort to support the Government of the Philippines’s Corps Base, Ft. A. P. Hill and several other federal agencies. request for humanitarian assistance. This joint team effort The 2013 charity brochure along with information on do- includes coordination by the U.S. Department of State and nating can be found at www.potomaccfc.org. U.S. Agency for International Development, in constant The mission of the CFC is to promote and support phi- consultation with Philippine authorities. To date, Phillanthropy through a program that is employee focused, ippine and U.S. personnel have transported more than cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employ- 107,000 pounds of relief supplies. ees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/ CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual work- local/cpf/. place charity campaign, with almost 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits Continued from 3 throughout the world. Fairfax Yellow Cab (Fairfax County) Loudoun Yellow Cab (Eastern Loudoun County) Manassas Cab Company (Prince William County) Red Top Cab Company (Arlington County) Silver Cab of Prince George’s County (Prince George’s County) Yellow Cab of District of Columbia (District of Columbia) Yellow Cab of Prince William County (Prince William County) When waiting for a SoberRide, please watch for a cab from the participating taxi company in the area from which you are calling. “Sober Ride” will be Offered in D.C., Maryland (Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties), and Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, eastern Loudoun and Prince William). For more information, visit http://wrap.org/soberride/ index.htm.
SUPPORT
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For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,
visit www.dcmilitary.com
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Navy College Office Celebrates Veterans with Education Discounts By Ryan Hunter NSAB Public Affairs staff writer Rather than giving discounts for food or movie tickets, in celebration of Veterans Day, the Navy College Office at Naval Support Activity Bethesda (NSAB) gave discounts for college applications on Nov. 7. “Most colleges charge an application fee,” said Elizabeth Baker, the director of Navy College for the Washington D.C. area and greater Maryland area. “It’s usually $15 to $50 to apply to be an enrolled student. It’s not a cost covered by tuition assistance. Today, were celebrating veteran’s appreciation day, and as a bonus for our service members [the colleges affiliated with NSAB] are going to wave that fee.” The Navy College Office serves approximately 20,000 Sailors in the Washington D.C. area by helping them with their voluntary education needs. Located on the second floor of Building 17, the office serves primarily as a wealth of resources for service members seeking to further their education. “We have a combination of education specialists who give counseling for tuition assistance to active duty service members and other education services,” said Baker. Cherie Aker, the assistant director for military partnership for University of Maryland University College (UMUC) was in attendance for the event and spoke in depth with many students about their educational career paths with the school. “When a student walks in the office we take a look at their transcripts, [including] military credits and previous schools attended, then we evaluate them. We show them a degree plan and how the credits they have already completed would transfer to satisfy requirements within the degree. This
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way they have a clear picture of what they need to do,” said Aker. Also in attendance was the UMUC Director of Accessibility, whose office provides accommodating services for disabled students, as well as a representative from the school’s Vet for Success program who answered questions pertaining to benefits involving the Office of Veterans Affairs. In addition to providing educational counseling services, the Navy College Office also hosts other representatives from UMUC, Central Texas College and Southern Illinois University which hold classes on or off base, at distance learning partnership schools and online. “We offer associate degrees and several bachelor’s degrees, so people who want to go to school that are active duty can get voluntary education funds or tuition assistance and their service will pay for them to go to school,” said Baker. Many classes are taught at the 100 or 200 level with Central Texas College as general education requirements. These credits can then be transferred to other schools to satisfy educational prerequisites. Baker recommends them to any student who, “doesn’t know what they want to do, [since] every degree has general education requirements built into it.” Students looking to take 300 and 400 level classes can take classes through UMUC or Central Illinois University. According to Baker, Central Illinois University has a bachelor’s degree in health care management and UMUC offers classes in business and criminal justice. “It’s very popular and the population on base is very interested in getting those degrees,” she said.
Photo by Ryan Hunter
Hospitalman Fabrice Sonwadjatsa speaks with University of Maryland University College coordinator Aaliyah El-Amin about his military educational credits. Students who do take advantage of the classes offered on base benefit from a more personal teaching environment. “The teachers are all part-time adjunct faculty. They’re in the working world, so they’re right there in the field that they’re teaching and the average class is anywhere from 7 to 15 students. Class size is smaller than you would find at Shady Grove or College park, which I think is better for this base population,” said Aker. Although, tuition assistance and education funds are not available to them, civilians are also allowed to take part in these classes. “As long as they have base access, anyone is welcome to attend,” said Baker. Students and aspiring students, like Hospitalman Fabrice Sonwadjatsa, describe the office’s counseling services and offered classes as, “incredibly useful.”
After being transferred to NSAB, Sonwadjatsa was interested in going to medical school, but had little direction on what options were available to him. “I only had two schools in my head, UMUC and Montgomery College. When I came [to the Navy College Office], I got a list of about 30 to 40 colleges and universities around the Washington D.C. and Bethesda area that I didn’t even know about. [The office] got my file, pulled out my transcript and sent it to the college where I wanted to go.” Sonwadjatsa recommends the office as a great resource for anyone seeking to make use of their G.I. Bill funds. “It’s easy for [service members] to come here when we’re making the transition from the military. We don’t have a lot of time, but if you have 30 or 40 minutes and talk to someone here they can really help you out.”
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remember their sacrifice, upholding those tenets we hold dear in the U.S. Navy today: honor, courage, commitment.” USS Tulip, a Union gunboat, was one of many small ships assigned to the Potomac Flotilla during the Civil War. Its mission was to support Union communication, tow, transport and land Soldiers, and to maintain the Union blockade of Confederate ports. When the ship came in need of repairs to its starboard boiler, the captain was faced with a difficult decision: travel slowly from St. Inigoes to the Washington Navy Yard with just one boiler, and risk being an easy an easy target for enemy cannons and snipers; or make it a speedy voyage and risk igniting both the port and faulty starboard boilers. The captain’s fateful decision that day was heard 12 miles up the Potomac River as the starboard boiler exploded and the vessel sank near Piney Point and Ragged Point, Va.
Waterline “I’m sure a lot of the men thought it would be an easy mission,” Fleming said, “but as we all know, being in the Navy is also inherently dangerous, whether we’re working on aircraft, working on ships or being part of ship’s company, at any point, our lives could be snuffed.” And while USS Tulip may not be infamous for any battles, Fleming said its technology was revolutionary for the time. During the Civil War-era the Tulip’s boilers were considered advanced technology as steam engines, and screw steam vessels such as Tulip, were replacing sail power. “They were on the cutting-edge of technology,” Fleming said. “The Tulip was doing for America’s warships what Pax River does today for naval aviation.” The USS Tulip memorial is the nation’s smallest federal cemetery. It is located near Webster’s main gate. Directions can be found online at www.visitstmarysmd. com, click on Activities & Attractions, Special Themes/Interests, Civil War and then USS Tulip.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Where to Obtain Base Delay Info
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada
An effective way to get any Naval Air Station Patuxent River delay notification is through AtHOC, a system enabling users to receive emergency messages directly on their home and cell phones, TTY/TTD phones, pagers, faxes and personal or work emails. Register online at www.ReadyNavy.mil. By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer Don’t let the bright sunshine and blue skies of autumn fool you; winter, and the bad weather that accompanies it, is right around the corner. Be prepared by knowing how to obtain the information you’ll need on delays and alternative work scheduling at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The NAS Commanding Officer determines what course of action is taken in any emergency condition that results in changes to the installation’s normal operation and disseminates that decision via the appropriate chain of command. Tenant leadership then ensures employee compliance within his or her own organization. “An emergency condition is any situation that reduces or prohibits base operations at Pax River, such as severe weather,” explained the air station’s Emergency Manager Jerome Ray, “but it can also include power or utility failure, environmental incident or a threat to complex security.” In the event of an emergency situation during non-working hours, information is relayed as soon as possible to various sources for dissemination. “If there’s a mission essential or critical personnel only situation, others will still be able to access the installation,” Ray said, “so it is the responsibility of each individual to know how they are directly affected by any action taken, for their own personal safety.” Official sources regarding delays and alternative work scheduling include 301342-BASE, local radio and television stations, the installation’s website at www. cnic.navy.mil/patuxent or by signing up for AtHOC notices. AtHOC is a highly recommended and effective system whereby users can choose to have emergency messages sent directly to their home, cell phones, TTY/TTD phones, pagers, faxes and personal or work emails, but registration is required. To register, visit
www.ReadyNavy.mil, click on Stay Informed and then Wide Area Alert Notification from your NMCI or One Net networked computer, or email your contact information to the air station’s emergency preparedness personnel at jerome.ray@navy.mil or tommy.d.truong@navy.mil. “Notices are usually posted to the NAS Facebook page also, but that is not an official source,” said NAS Public Affairs Officer Connie Hempel. “Employees should really sign up for AtHOC messages, turn to local TV and radio stations, the Pax River website, or their supervisor if they’re concerned with whether or not they are to report to work on time due to adverse weather or some other event.” Additionally, Pax River employees must adhere to announcements specifically identified for Pax River, which includes Webster Outlying Field. “Sometimes employees here confuse the base’s employee reporting status with the dismissal or closure announcements of the federal government, Office of Personnel Management and Naval District Washington; and these do not affect Pax River,” Hempel said. Mission essential or critical personnel likely know who they are, but anyone in doubt should ask their supervisor and verify their situation before an emergency condition occurs. For details and definitions regarding emergency reporting and the use of administrative leave, refer to NASPAXRIVINST 12610.7G, Employee Reporting Procedures During Emergency Situations, which can be found on the My NAVAIR website, https:// mynavair.navair.navy.mil. Click on My Communities, Directives, NAS Pax Instructions and scroll until you get to 12610.7G. Employees without access to an NMCI computer can obtain a copy of the information from their supervisor.
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