South Potomac Pilot by NSASP Public Affairs Office

February 1, 2013

SOUTH POTOMAC PILOT NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUTH POTOMAC DEFENSE COMMUNITY

Five NSASP police ofﬁcers graduate criminal justice training academy Link directly to the NSASP Facebook page on your smart phone

INSIDE:

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID SO. MD. NEWSPAPERS PERMIT #1

Dahlgren Pool Renovated Page 3

By Andrew Revelos Staff Writer Five police officers assigned to Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) graduated the Law Enforcement Basic course from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy at a Jan. 26 ceremony at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. The 10-month long course was conducted on nights and weekends and provides a level of training identical to classes taught during regular hours. The class afforded the officers a chance to improve their professional skills while meeting their full-time duties at Dahlgren. Capt. Brian Flanagan, Cpl. Bryan Mason, Sgt. Stephen Mullen, Cpl. Cecil Richards and Cpl. Joseph Walton each received a certificate recognizing them for the achievement at the ceremony. Robert Brooks, chief of the NSASP Police Department, was chosen by the 23 members of Class 123 to be the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony. Brooks was a familiar face to all of the students during the course, guiding the officers through several courses of instruction. His message expounded on one of the themes from the movie “Warhorse.” In the movie, the starring horse was valuable because it was capable of accomplishing many different kinds of tasks, from the glorious to the mun-

U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos

From left to right, Cpl. Cecil Richards, Cpl. Bryan Mason, Cpl. Joseph Walton, Capt. Brian Flanagan and Sgt. Stephen Mullen display their certificates of graduation at a Jan. 26 ceremony at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. All five police officers completed the Law Enforcement Basic course from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy. dane. Likewise, Brooks warned the graduating officers against becoming a “thoroughbred,” competent in only one aspect of law enforcement work. Instead, they should be warhorses. always training and always improving so that they are capable of

meeting any law enforcement challenge. Brooks emphasized all aspects of what it means to be a law enforcement ofﬁcer: training, ﬁtness, measured aggressiveness, and above all, honor. All of those “pillars” were in-

stilled in the police during the training class. “Realistic training is going to keep you guys alive,” Brooks told the graduates.

See Police, Page 2

Soldiers and Marines share skills in National Capital Region By George Markfelder, JFHQNCR/MDW Public Affairs and Sgt. Frances L. Goch, CBIRF Public Affairs Soldiers and Marines stationed in the National Capital Region (NCR) dug, cut and crawled through mounds of concrete, steel and just about anything else you can think of for 72 hours continuous earlier this month, keeping their rescue skills ready for any incident within the NCR. Soldiers from the U.S. Army 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company (911th TREC) and Marines from the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) conducted joint training Jan. 10-12 at the Downey Responder Training Facility (DRTF) on the Naval Sup-

U.S. Marine Corps photo by George Markfelder

Making his way along a labyrinth of conﬁning spaces at the Downey Responder Training Facility on board the Naval Support Facility Indian Head Stump Neck Annex is Lance Cpl. Tyler Pope, a technical rescue Marine with CBIRF-IRF A. Pope participated in a joint 72-hour technical rescue training exercise with the U.S. Army 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company earlier this month.

port Facility Indian Head Stump Neck Annex. “A joint exercise like this gives us conﬁdence that in a real world incident, our two units know the capabilities of each other and we can trust each other to do the job correctly and safely,” said Army Staff Sgt. John Cogley, Squad Leader for the 911th TREC 2nd Platoon, First Squad. “I have been at this assignment for more than three years, and this training gives my guys hands on experience with all of the tools they need to use to do their assigned tasks.” The DRTF is named after New York Fireﬁghter and former Marine Raymond M. Downey Sr. who died during his battalion’s rescue efforts at the World Trade Center on Sep-

See Skills, Page 8

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES E-mail nsasp_pao_dlgr@navy.mil or Call (540) 653-8153

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos

Max Colwell, a lifeguard at the Aquatics Center at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, walks past a freshly-painted wall Jan. 23.

NSF Dahlgren pool renovation completed

By Andrew Revelos Staff Writer

A patron at the Aquatics Center completes a lap of the pool. The new decking around the pool is visible in the foreground.

The Aquatics Center at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren opened its doors to the public Jan. 23 for an open house event highlighting recently-completed renovations to the facility. There are no changes to the programs offered at the Aquatics Center and the hours of operation for the winter-spring season remain the same. The renovations are the ﬁrst major improvements completed at the facility since the deck was resurfaced in 2006-2007 and the addition of a roof in 2001. Liz Kwasniak, aquatics manager at NSF Dahlgren, described some of the many improvements. “After a two month closure for renovations, the Aquatics Center has re-opened its

doors!” she said. “The facility looks bright and clean and new after the installation of a new deck surface as well as new ﬂoor surfaces in the locker rooms. Additional work done includes spot patching of the pool bottom, replacement of overhead lights as well as a couple lights in the water, a new coil for the system that heats the water and the air on deck, new sand was put in the ﬁlter and a couple fresh coats of paint went up.” Kwasniak thanked all who contributed to the renovation, including the hard-working members of the Aquatics Center staff. “A hearty thank you goes out to all involved in the renovation Blazer’s Ltd. and Public Works for the repairs, and the Aquatics Center staff for the some of the painting and a lot of cleaning.” Most of all, Kwasniak thanked her

customers for their patience while the pool was closed. “A huge thank you goes to the patrons that use the facility,” she said. “Your patience during this process has been extraordinary! We are looking forward to seeing all our regulars and a lot of new faces as well!” The schedule for the winter-spring season at the Aquatics Center is as follows: lap swim Monday-Friday from 0500-0700, 1100-1300, 1600-1800 and Saturday 0900-1100. Open recreation swimming is Friday from 1500-1800 and Saturday from 1100-1400. “Swim lessons and aqua aerobic classes are starting back up and the pool is available for pool parties,” said Kwasniak. “Please call the Aquatics Center at 653-8088 for more information.”

Police

Continued from page 2

The specifics of the training in the Law Enforcement Basic course reflected the broad swath of skills police officers will need during their careers. Students passed written tests and practical examinations on a variety of subjects, such as constitutional law, how to handle non-compliant subjects and how to safely operate police vehicles. In the case of the NSASP police officers, the training enhanced the skills they already put to use in their day-to-day duties serving Naval Support Facilities (NSFs) Dahlgren and Indian Head. Moreover, the officers chose to make time for the training despite their extensive professional and personal responsibilities. Mullen, a single father of two teenage girls, described the level of commitment necessary for squeezing the training into his already busy life. “It was a sacrifice. a lot of missing things with your children. A lot of times trying to prepare dinner at 2:30 in the afternoon so the kids had something to eat when I left at 4:30. Coming home at 10:30 or 11 at night and getting up again at 5 a.m. and starting the day again. It was a heck of a commitment. Would I do it again? Yes.” Though the training certainly complicated Mullen’s schedule, he used his perfect attendance record throughout the course to illustrate an important lesson to his daughters. “There were a few times when my children didn’t understand, but I wanted to persevere,” he said. “I wanted to show them that when you make a commitment, you keep your commitment.” Mullen, a 10-year veteran at the NSASP Police Department, summed up the level of training he received from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy. “The

Cpl. Bryan Mason (l.) receives the prestigious Charles Murray Jr. Top Performance Award for Achievement from David Vice, director of the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy at the graduation ceremony for Law Enforcement Basic Class 123 on Jan. 26. training was above and beyond what we’re able to do [in Dahlgren],” he said. “It was very intense. everything was real world. There was no downtime.” It was not the physical aspect of the training that Mullen found most difﬁcult, however. It was the mental challenge of keeping up with the fast-paced lessons about complicated matter of law and order. The many written tests forced Mullen to re-establish the academic mindset he last used as a student many years ago. “Trying to study and take notes, it was a heck of a learning curve,” he noted with a laugh. Despite those challenges, the NSASP police ofﬁcers were of a single mind when it comes to the motivation to constantly improve their skills. “This is a new world,” said Mullen. “The level of commitment to not just ourselves, but to

U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos

Robert Brooks, chief of the Naval Support Activity South Potomac Police Department, speaks as the guest of honor at the graduation ceremony for Law Enforcement Basic course from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy on Jan. 26. Brooks was selected for the honor by the 23 members of Class 123. the base and the department is a lot greater than it used to be. It’s a new world and we’re preparing for the challenges of the future.” One police ofﬁcer from NSASP was singled out for his particularly outstanding performance throughout the course. Cpl. Bryan Mason was recognized with the Charles Murray Jr. Top Performance Award for Achievement. Only one of those prestigious awards is presented per class.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

History in the Making

Naval Proving Grounds Historic District CARPOOL/VANPOOL WANTED Van or carpool desired from any rideshare parking area or Reston Town Center. Depart between 0600-0700, return from Indian Head between 160-1700. Call Moses, (301) 743-4180. Van or Car pool desired from Fredericksburg or King George to Indian Head, Monday thru Friday with one RDO, prefer 7-430, but hours can be negotiated. 703909-3380. Riders wanted to start a carpool from the Northern Neck (Lively/Lancaster), passing through Warsaw at 0605 and Montross at 0615, arriving at Dahlgren by 0700; leaving Dahlgren at 1600. Call Lea at 540-6536776 or 571-232-5412 (cell). From the Ferry Farm area to Dahlgren Bldg. 1500 area. Prefer early work hours. Call Mark, 540-653-2148. Riders wanted for van pool. Leaves from Richmond at Home Depot on Atlee-Elmont Rd. (exit # 86B off I-95) to Dahlgren. Call David at (540) 653-9203. Clinton, Md., to Dahlgren. Hours are flexible (0600 - 1700). Call Miranda at 703692-9590. Carpool/vanpool wanted from Montross area to Dahlgren. Can also take up to 3 or 4 riders from here if they would prefer me to drive. Call Doc at 252-670-6686. Early risers only.

Want to start a carpool? Need riders? “Commuter Clearinghouse” is a source for information on carpools or vanpools that already exist and need passengers, as well as a place for employees to advertise to start a carpool or vanpool. Whether you already operate a carpool or vanpool and are open to accepting new riders or need drivers, or if you are looking for a carpool or vanpool, provide us with information that might help you find or start a commuter opportunity, such as, where you will need to commute from and to, preferred schedule and contact information. You can send your information via e-mail to nsasp_pao_dlgr@ navy.mil or contact our office toll free at 866-359-5540, or DSN 249-8153, or 540653-8153.

FREDERICKSBURG RIDESHARING SERVICE GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing service that assists persons who are seeking daily transportation from Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George counties to employment locations in Dahlgren among other employment sites. Go to www.gwregion.org/gwride connect.

Editor’s Note: This is the second article in a series devoted to reviewing the rich history of Naval Support Facility Indian Head in relationship to the installation’s multiple historic districts - how they came to be and the unique missions and accomplishments realized by the Navy through the technical facilities and community that became one of the Navy’s earliest bases.

By Thomas Wright Cultural Resources Officer Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head has been a naval installation since 1890 when the Navy first established the Naval Proving Ground (NPG). The installation served as the Navy’s main testing and evaluation center for new guns that were produced at the Washington Navy Yard. Due to the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground’s unique contribution associated with energetic, explosives, research and development and production of these materials, the Naval Proving Ground is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It was developed by the Navy in 1890 to replace the proving ground located at Annapolis, Md. Its relocation to Indian Head was due in part to the increasing river traffic on the Severn River by Annapolis. The increasing range of naval guns also forced the Navy to seek an alternate location to proof naval guns being produced at the Washington Navy Yard. Locating the new proving ground at Indian Head also provided a more efficient means of transporting guns for proofing by using the Potomac River to barge the material from the Navy Yard to Indian Head, conduct the test, and ship it back to the Navy Yard within one day if necessary. The Indian Head Naval Proving Ground tested its first gun in January 1890. Gun proofing and explosives testing activities continued until 1921 after proving ground activities were relocated to a new site in Virginia, at first designated as the Lower Station of the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground and later renamed Dahlgren.

Isolation required self-sufficiency

The proving ground mission at Indian Head was to provide an isolated location for testing guns, ammunition and armor plates for Navy ships. Not only were new

An early photograph shows the dock at the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground site on the Potomac River. The view is looking south from where the current-day Dashiell Marina is located. The road climbing the hill is the present-day N. Dashiell Rd.

Floodwaters pour over a bulkhead into the Potomac River in front of the bomb proof facility and gun mounts at the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground. In recent history, the bomb proof was converted into the Building 62 conference center. guns proofed, the facility also proofed powder, projectiles, gun mounts and cartridge cases, as well as conducted experimental work. Scientists studied naval gun ballistics, armor plate penetration, fuses, explosives, gun mechanism and anti-aircraft guns. Famous ships whose armor, turrets and guns were tested at Indian Head included the battleships USS Iowa, USS Maine and USS Indiana. The Indian Head proving ground was located in the “valley” of 659 acres initially purchased land. This area encompasses the valley from NSF Indian Head’s presentday sewage treatment plant down the valley extending to Building 62. To prepare the site, the ofﬁcer in charge, Ensign Robert B. Dashiell, directed a team of 40 men to clear the land, drain the marshes and erect a dock where barges from the Washington gun factory could unload and load

weapons, ordnance material and support personnel. As the work increased, so did the need for manpower. The labor force nearly tripled in sized, from 40 in 1890 to 110 in 1891. These men were responsible for all of the construction at the site. Construction projects included housing, gun platforms, magazines, storehouses, railroad tracks between the wharf and the batteries, and a chronograph building. Due to the cost of transportation, all of the bricks used in building the facility were produced locally at a brickyard established at the Indian Head proving ground. Further land was cleared, with the lumber primarily used mainly for range backstops. The cleared land was then used for growing much of the corn, maize and hay, as well as the raising beef cattle in order to the support the installation. However, in the 1950s, signiﬁcant

erosion issues forced the installation to develop a reforestation plan for the station. Ens. Dashiell, always persistent in trying to obtain material and equipment required for the installation, spent three years requesting in his reports to the Chief of Ordnance for the “erection of cheap dwellings for the leading men and boat crews... for it is impossible to keep skilled labor here unless they have somewhere to live.” It was not until 1896 that those first brick houses were built from natural resources, obtained from the installation. For the next 24 years, efforts were made to meet the requirements of the growing installation needs. In 1920 the housing needs of the installation were finally fully satisfied when the construction of the Village Green was completed.

Fire suppression system first conceived

As it is now, fire was also a concern. Dashiell noted that the station water supply was not sufficient to meet either the domestic or mission needs. He reported in 1893 that all buildings were equipped with “full rain barrels, grenades and extinguishers and the station force has been organized and exercised as a fire brigade” but that the water supply was “utterly inadequate should a large fire get headway.” The idea of fitting all buildings with a fire suppression system was conceived under Dashiell. He recommended that an “artisan well be sunk to 200 feet and be fitted with

See History, Page 7

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

Chaplain’s Corner — Upcoming events at Dahlgren Chapel As I write this, the sun is shining and the air is clear. What more could we ask for in Virginia and Maryland? Life is happening all around us. We have made it through another year, and are rapidly moving into 2013 with all that it holds in store. As the book of Ecclesiastes tells us, there is a time for everything under heaven. So this year will be filled with times of joy and happiness, love and adoration, making new friends and saying so long to old ones, endings and new beginnings. But most of all, it will be filled with opportunities - for worship, fellowship, service and helping one another. This spring we are saying farewell to our Religious Program Specialist, First Class Petty Officer Nodeen Collingwood. She has served faithfully for more than four years at NSF Dahlgren and twenty years in our United States Navy. If you see her around base, congratulate her on a job well done. There are many happenings around the Dahlgren Chapel these days. Our AWANA Club that meets on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. continues to grow and flourish, with new children attending each week. Wednesday night continues to be a great evening of good food and fellowship with dinner at 5:15 p.m. Plan to come and have dinner with us and then stay for a time of Bible study starting on Wednesday, February 6. We will

Base Happenings Dahlgren USO Dine and Dash Dinner

The Dahlgren USO will hold a Dine and Dash Dinner on Tuesday, February 5 from 3 - 6 p.m. Dinner will include lasagna, salad, garlic bread and dessert. The dinner is open to all active duty Military personnel and their families. Come for free dinner on us!

VA Claims Agent at FFSC

One-hour private appointments are available with a Veterans Claims agent at the NSF Dahlgren Fleet and Family Support Center on Feb. 7 and 21. To make an appointment, call (540) 653-1839 or toll free (800) 5004947.

USO Bunco Night

The Dahlgren USO will hold Bunco Night on Wednesday, February 13th. Sign up to join us as we play Bunco at the USO Center. Event is limited to the ﬁrst 12 people who sign up (no children please). We’ll have snacks and drinks and prizes for the winners. This is an easy, noskills necessary, fun, dice game. If you can roll dice, you can play! RSVP to elizabeth@usometro.org. Save your spot today!!!

be studying “The Story,” which will take us on a journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. We will meet at the Chapel from 6 - 7 :15 p.m. If you have children, bring them along because dinner is for the whole family and we will have something for them as well at the Chapel Annex during the adult Bible study.

ASBP Blood Drive

Start the new year out right at our ﬁrst ASBP Blood Drive of 2013 on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Bldg. 1470 Conference Room. All blood collected beneﬁts military members and their families at home, overseas, in harm’s way and recovering from injuries. Give our troops the greatest gift of all, the gift of life - give blood!

NSF Dahlgren Black History Month Observance

A Black History Month Observance will be held on Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the UMW Dahlgren Campus off Rt. 301 in King George. Guest speaker will be Rev. Lawrence Davies, former Mayor of Fredericksburg, Va. All are invited to attend.

DMV2Go at NSF Dahlgren

The DMV2Go van will be at NSF Dahlgren on March 21 and May 20 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Parade Field Pavilion. With the latest technology, the DMV2Go offers multiple services including state ID applications and renewals, driver’s license applications and renewals, vehicle titles, license plates, decals, transcripts, copies of driving records, applications for disabled parking placards, and many more! Stop in and take care of your DMV needs quickly and easily!

Second Tour Thrift Store Needs Donations

Second Tour Thrift Store needs your gently used clothing and household items! The thrift store is located next to the USO on Sampson Road. All proceeds

What do you think of when you hear the term Radical? Well, from biblical perspective, Jesus was Radical in His time. When was the last time you were Radical for God? Maybe this sounds like a completely foreign idea to you. When we study the Bible and see how the early church lived and followed Christ, we can’t help but realize that we should be Radical in our lives and service to Him. With that, for the next 12 weeks, we will to be studying Radical, a small group study in our adult Sunday School class that meets in the Chapel Annex at 9 a.m. every Sunday. Come join us and get Radical for God. Are you looking for a great opportunity for a date night with your special someone? The Chapel has that opportunity for you. On Tuesday and Thursday, February 12 and 14 at 6 p.m., we are hosting a free showing of the movie “Fireproof” at the Base Theater. There will be free babysitting at the Chapel Annex during each showing. This event, like all Chapel events, is open to all who have base access. For more information or if you have any questions about anything that is happening at the Dahlgren or Indian Head Chapels, call 540-653-8297. Be blessed and keep on living life out loud. Serving God and Country, Chaplain Michael Geoghegan, Naval Support Activity South Potomac

are donated to charities in the Dahlgren/King George and surrounding communities, and provide scholarship funds to dependents of military personnel - past and present - stationed on Dahlgren. Please do not donate used personal items (under clothes, socks, etc.). We are open every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. - noon. Our Fall/ Winter stock is now available. Come see us on Thursday!

Black History Month Observance

A Black History Month Observance will be held Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. at the UMW-Dahlgren campus. Guest speaker will be former Fredericksburg mayor, Rev. Lawrence Davies. All are invited to attend.

Indian Head IH Spouses’ Club “Treasures” Thrift Store Needs Your Donations!

Plan today to visit the Treasures Thrift Store, located at 12 Strauss Ave. next door to the USO. The store is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of gently used items are currently being accepted. Want to earn up to $5 in free items from the thrift store every month? Volunteer! Stop by the thrift store during operating hours or email ihspouseclub@live.com for information. To publish information on your event or program under “Base Happenings,” contact NSASP Public Affairs at 540-653-8153 or email jeron.hayes@navy.mil.

NSA South Potomac • Office: 540-653-8153 • 540-284-0129 www.dcmilitary.com/dahlgren

The South Potomac Pilot Newspaper is published weekly by Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing, 7 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, Md. 20602, a private company in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of The South Potomac Pilot are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple-

Capt. Peter Nette

Commanding Officer, NSA South Potomac

Gary R. Wagner

Public Affairs Officer, NSA South Potomac

ments, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation

is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office, NSA South Potomac. News copy should be submitted by noon on Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 540-653-8153 or fax The South Potomac Pilot at 540-653-4269. Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-645-9480.

Jeron Hayes

Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry

NSA South Potomac Managing Editor

Andrew Revelos Staff Reporter

Copy/layout editors, The Gazette/ Comprint Military Publications

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

MWR Highlights

Dahlgren

Aquatics Center “Heart Healthy” Half-Off Aqua Aerobics Classes

February 1 - 28 In honor of American Heart Health Month, the Dahlgren Aquatics Center is offering buy one, get one half-off Aqua Aerobics classes! All passes, daily punch cards and monthly cards included. Patrons include all with base access. For more information, please contact the Aquatics Center at 540-653-8088.

Bowling Center Sunday $2 Games and $1 Shoes

Every Sunday in February from Noon - 6 p.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540-653-7327.

Craftech / Hobby Center Lunch Bunch Stained Glass Mosaics

February 6, 11 a.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. Join us and create a stained glass mosaic for your home in this lunchtime class. Cost is $10, which includes all supplies. Class size is eight. For more information, please contact Craftech at 540-653-1730.

Fitness Center Ballet / Jazz & Tap Classes

Classes begin February 4 Eligible patrons include all with base access. Off-base civilians will be enrolled on a space available basis. Cost: $50 for military and $60 for civilians. Jazz and tap classes focus on the building technique and using the foundation of jazz dance. You can also expect to see hip hop, funk and break dancing. Ballet and tap classes teach a combination of ballet and beginning tap technique. Register prior to ﬁrst day of class at the Fitness Center. For more information, contact the Fitness Center at 540-653-8580.

General Library Digital Learning Day

February 2, 10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. FREE Eligible patrons include all with base access. Learn about computers. We have classes from beginners to advanced. Computer basics (10 - 11:30 a.m.), Social Media (12 - 1 p.m.) and Making Your own Website (1:15 - 2:15 p.m.). For more information and to register, please contact the Dahlgren General Library at 540-653-7474.

Doodle-4-Google

February 5, 3:30 - 4 p.m. FREE Come and create your own Google logo and hope that Google will pick yours for its new design! All supplies are here to help with your creativity! Patrons include all with base access. For more information please contact the Dahlgren General Library at 540-653-7474.

Liberty Center

Liberty Regal Movie Trip - Fredericksburg

February 4, van leaves at 5 p.m. - FREE Cost: Free / Liberty Center Patrons Only: E1- E6 single/ unaccompanied active duty military. We provide the transportation to the Fredericksburg Regal Movie Theater, you choose the movie! For more information, please contact the Liberty Center at 540-653-7277.

Youth Activities Center YAC Valentine’s Dance

February 8, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. Celebrate Valentine’s Day early with your friends! For children, ages 9-14. All participants must wear tennis shoes. Cost: $4. For more information, please call the Youth Activities Center at 540-653-8009. Sponsored by NSWC Federal Credit Union.

Indian Head Library

Digital Learning Day

February 3, 12 - 4 p.m. at the Library Come to the Library and sharpen your computer skills. Classes are offered from beginners to the more advanced. Computer Basics Noon - 1:30 p.m. Social Media 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Create your own Website 3 - 4 p.m. This event is FREE and open to all eligible patrons. For more information contact the Library at 301-744-4747.

Doodle for Google

February 7 at the Library Stop by from 3:30 - 4 p.m. and create your own Google logo! Google will be picking a new logo design; hopefully someone from Indian Head can design the winner! All the supplies are here to help with your creativity! This event is FREE and open to all eligible patrons.

Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids

February 12, 5 p.m. at the Library Come join us in making Valentine’s Day cards for the ones you love. All supplies provided to create spectacular one-of-a-kind cards! FREE and open to all eligible patrons.

Fitness Center Couples Nutrition: A Healthy Relationship

February 9, 8:30 a.m. to Noon at the Fitness Center. Improving nutrition as a couple, real people making real changes. Course includes a Navy Nutrition seminar, plus testimonies from your WHFC couples who have made positive changes to their nutrition and have developed a “healthy” relationship together. $10 per couple, $8 per individual. Register at the Fitness Center by February 8. For more information contact megan.eicholtz@navy.mil.

Dodgeball Tournament

February 11 at the Gymnasium. 6-on-6 with a maximum of 10 players per team. Prizes will be awarded for the 1st and 2nd place teams. Open to all eligible patrons, $1 per

Dahlgren Movie Theater 540-653-7336 Hours of Operation Friday: 7 p.m. Showing Saturday: 7 p.m. Showing Price of Shows Civilians - $5 AD, Retired, Reserve, Family Members (E7 - above) $4 AD, Reserve, Family Members (E6 - below) - $2.50 Child (6-11) - $2 Child (5 and under) - Free Tickets for a movie shown in 3-D are an additional $1 Friday, February 1st, 7 p.m.: Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3-D (PG) Saturday, February 2nd, 7 p.m.: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Friday, February 8th, 7 p.m.: Guilt Trip (PG-13) Saturday, February 9th, 2 p.m.: Parental Guidance in 3-D (PG) Saturday, February 9th, 7 p.m.: This is 40 (R) player. Register at the Fitness Center front desk or by emailing megan.eicholtz@navy.mil.

Healthy Heart Week

February 11 - 15, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Fitness Center Information will be provided on topics such as blood pressure, adaptations to cardio conditioning, VO2 max, and heart rate training. Blood pressure screenings are available all week; just ask at the front desk. Don’t forget the Fitness Center sells heart rate monitors for $75. This event is FREE and open to all eligible patrons. For more information contact Megan Eicholtz at megan. eicholtz@navy.mil.

Happy Hearts 5K

February 14 at the Weight House Fitness Center Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate by participating in the Happy Hearts 5K! Race starts at 11 a.m., register at the Fitness Center by 10:30 a.m. on race day. Register as a couple or individually. $5 for civilians, FREE for military. Contact megan.eicholtz@navy.mil for more information.

Liberty

Liberty Poker Tournament Series

February 6, 6 p.m. at the Liberty Center. The Liberty center will be hosting poker tournaments on the ﬁrst Wednesday of every month. Prizes will be given at each tournament and snacks and drinks will be available. This event is FREE and open to all Liberty eligible patrons.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

Community Notes Dahlgren James and the Giant Peach

King George High School Theater department proudly presents “James and the Giant Peach,” Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2 at 7 p.m. Cost is $6 (ages 6 and under free!). Dinner before the show begins at 5:30 p.m. Menu choices include cheeseburger or hamburger, fries, drink, and dessert $6.50; chicken nuggets, fries, drink, and dessert $7; pizza roll, fries, drink, and dessert $7; hot dog, fries, drink, and dessert $6. There will also be a pre-show beginning at 6 p.m. with performances by all the bugs, and fun games and activities for the kids during intermission. Art Club will be face painting and the Theater Department will be selling luminaries to beneﬁt our charity project for this year, the Win 4 Wesley team.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

A&A Productions presents Lift Every Voice and Sign - A Celebration of Black History Through Music on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Colonial Beach, 619 Jackson St., Colonial Beach, Va. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for children 16 and under. For tickets, call (202) 427-3148 or email arts_aa@hotmail.com.

UMW Dahlgren Spring National Security Lecture Series

The University of Mary Washington’s Dahlgren Campus, in collaboration with the Joint Warfare Analysis Center and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber’s Military Affairs Council, is pleased to offer the third series of National Security Lectures this spring. The ﬁrst lecture in the series is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19, on the topic of “The Global Economics of Water.” To register for this event on line, go to http://dahlgren. umw.edu and click on the bright blue National Security Lecture Series announcement on the left-hand side of the web page. While there is no cost for the lecture (and refreshments will be available only at the Dahlgren Campus), advance registrations are requested. Additional lecture topics in the series will include Superpower Competition in Post Soviet Central Asia, China’s Growing Shadow in the Global Arena, and Political Islam and the Arab Spring. All lectures are held in University Hall on the UMW Dahlgren Campus and also will be video teleconferenced to a limited number of participants the Stafford Technology and Research (STAR) Center at Quantico, located at 800 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 315, Stafford, VA 22554. Please forward this email to interested individuals in your organization or professional network.

Love Thy Neighbor Food Donations

The Love They Neighbor Food Pantry in King George is in need of your help! We need food items donated for those in the county in need, and to supplement the newlyopened Soup Kitchen in the county. All donations can be taken to one of the following businesses: Descending Dove, Rocky Top, Unique House, Keller Williams, The Journal, KG Citizens Center, Hopyard Farm, Simply Bliss, Virginia Piano Gallery, Exit Realty or American Business Card Co. Items needed include oatmeal and pop tarts, breakfast bars, peanut butter and jelly, soup, canned tuna, salmon and chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, Tuna or Chicken Helper, pasta and sauce and personal items such as toilet paper, deodorant, soap and shampoo, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, diapers, and feminine products.

Dirty Lions Mud Run

The King George Lions Club is sponsoring a Dirty Lions Mud Run on June 29 at Eagle Bay off Rt. 218 in King George County. The event will feature both a 5K Dirty Lion Mud Run and a 1-mile Leo Mud Run. Both races will begin and end at the Eagle Bay subdivision. The 5K Mud Run will be professionally timed. The ﬁrst wave begins at 9 a.m. The 1-mile Leo Mud Run begins at 11 a.m. Awards for the 5K will include male and female overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Age groups will be 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up. Awards for the 1-mile race will include male and female 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall. Age groups will be 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13. Otherwise, ﬁnishing is reward enough! Event T-shirts will be guaranteed to all pre-registered runners registered before June 15. Late registrants may buy shirts if any are available on race day. Registration opens Feb. 1 at $35 for the 5K Mud Run ($40 if postmarked after April 15, $50 after June 1, $55 day of the race) and at $15 for the Leo Mud Run. Register on line at www.racetimingunlimited.org or www. dahlgrenlions.org, or pick up race forms at Virginia Runner in Central Park in Fredericksburg. Packet pick-up and late registration on race day will be from 7:30-8:45 a.m. for the 5K and until 10:15 a.m. for the Leo Mud Run. A separate registration is required for each participant. Incomplete or unsigned entry forms will not be accepted.

Indian Head Talk Baseball with Commissioner Robinson

Baseball season is right around the corner. Chat about the Blue Crabs, Southern Maryland’s home team, with Charles County Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1) and Blue Crabs General Manager Patrick Day at the Legends Club in Regency Furniture Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. All Charles County topics will be open for discussion. Commissioner Robinson will be having the meeting videotaped for online viewing. There will be no formal agenda and reservations are not required. Refreshments will be provided. Regency Furniture Stadium is located at 11765 Linus Drive in Waldorf. If you have any special needs in order to attend, contact Crystal Hunt, Public Information Ofﬁcer, at 301-645-0580 or HuntC@ CharlesCounty.org, or via the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

My Furry Valentine Adoption Event

Forget flowers and boxes of candy... come to the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville, Md. to pick out your very own “furry valentine.” The Tri-County Animal Shelter will be holding the “My Furry Valentine” adoption event from Monday, Feb. 11 through Thursday, Feb. 28. Come adopt a new pet for a sweetheart of a deal! Cats will be available for adoption for a reduced fee of $5 and adoption fees for dogs are reduced to $50. The Tri-County Animal Shelter is located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Shelter staff can be reached at 301-932-1713 or 800-903-1992. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. To view animals available for adoption, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/ES/AnimalControl or www. petﬁnder.com/shelters/MD112.html.

Lincoln Presentation at CSM

A presentation on Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief will be held at 7 p.m., Feb.12 at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry (BI), Chaney Enterprises Conference Room BI113, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. The Southern Maryland Civil War Roundtable will feature a presentation by CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried, author of nine books on the Civil War, on President Lincoln’s active role in directing the war effort. The presentation will cover Lincoln’s approach to directing the war effort, his successes and failures and how his personality helped to win the war for the Union. The roundtable is open to anyone interested in the Civil War. Annual membership dues are $30. For information, contact Dr. Brad Gottfried, Southern Maryland Civil War Roundtable president, at bgottfried@ csmd.edu or 301-934-7625.

“All That Jazz” Fundraiser

The Indian Head Center for the Arts will host its second annual “All That Jazz” fundraiser at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Jaycees center, 3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf. Tickets are $55 for singles and $100 for couples. The event will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction and music by Jennifer Cooper and GrooveSpan. Checks for tickets may be mailed to 4185 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head, MD, 20640. Call 301-743-3040, email info.ihca@gmail.com or go to indianheadblackbox.org.

Spring Adult Softball Registration

The Charles County Department of Public Works will hold registration for the up-

coming spring adult softball league from Monday, Feb. 25, through Friday, March 15. League play will start the week of April 21 at Laurel Springs Park and White Plains Park. Teams may register at the Department of Public Works (1001 Radio Station Road, La Plata) weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, interested teams should call 301-932-3470 or 301-8702778 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. or visit www.charlescountyparks.com.

The Musical Stories of Journeys

CSM Presents “The Musical Stories of Journeys” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry (BI), Chaney Enterprises Conference Room (Room 113), 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Dr. David Hildebrand offers audience members a mixture of mostly live musical selections, plus some recorded, accompanied by appropriate images as they take in the ballads and songs that tell the stories of American journeys throughout our nation. Sailors and commercial ﬁsherman travel the rivers and lakes singing shanties and ballads of longing for home. Political candidates go town to town, accompanied by bands and choruses performing their theme songs. Woody Guthrie sets the complaints of migrant workers to old, familiar tunes. The Civil War displaces soldiers into regions never seen, and the journeys of those who come from foreign lands to the United States as the land of opportunity bring their native tunes with them, then learn to sing here of their new experiences. Appropriate for high school age and above. Free. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301934-7828, or www.csmd.edu/arts.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

Ensign Robert Dashiell poses at the open breech of a large gun at the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground while serving as the installation’s ﬁrst commanding ofﬁcer from 1890-1893.

Ensign Robert Dashiell Building a ‘model proving ground’

Indian Head workers pause for a group photo on July 21, 1921 to commemorate the last armor plate ﬁring at the base before gun-prooﬁng activities were relocated to Dahlgren. The casement plate is from the German battleship Ostfriesland.

History: Navy grows dedicated proving ground

Continued from page 3 a wind generator, make a supply tank and run a system of water lines to all buildings for fire purposes.” This laid the ground work for future fire suppression systems. In 1897, the first “electric light plant” was built with a 22.5-kilowatt Westinghouse dynamo, and was installed in 1896. A larger plant was built to provide steam and power in 1900. This advancement supplied the installation with electricity and removed the risk of using kerosene lanterns, which proved to be a significant reduction in fire risk. In 1897, the Naval Proving Ground began firing down the Potomac River. It was soon realized that the Navy needed to purchase the land at Stump Neck in order to reduce the hazards presented to the civilian population nearby. There were several incidents where shells landed nearby or on civilian homes. In one instance, for example, the Irwin Farm was purchased to prevent the complaints of projectiles falling on private property on Cornwallis Neck, known today as the main installation. In the 1900 report to the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, Lt. Strauss identified the need for obtaining land down range. Lt. Strauss reported “it would be advisable to purchase ... the property to obviate the annoyance to people residing in the vicinity when shells pass close to this point.” As with any military testing fa-

cility, there has to be a complaint that involves a cow. There was an incident when the proving ground ﬁred a shell over the river to Virginia. A week later, a letter from the Skinner farm arrived complaining that the shell that landed in Virginia adversely affected her cow. It seems that the cow would no longer give milk. After a visit from Dr. and Mrs. Peterson, Capt. Lackey and the Peterson children, the Navy agreed to pay $30 for the sickly cow. The cow, known as Molly, was barged over from the Skinner farm and lived out her life on the installation, never once producing milk.

Smokeless powder factory expands mission

The first gun fired at the proving Ground was a 7-inch rifle in January 1890 with not only dignitaries but also the general public in attendance. Guns were first tested by firing up river (Potomac) into the large hill. Once the capability of the range was reached, testing moved to fire up the valley, then across the Potomac, and finally down river. With the range of the ordnance ever-increasing (up to 13,000 yards), the Navy found it necessary to buy the property at Stump Neck in 1900. This property also encompassed the small community of Winthorp, Md. As the Navy moved from black powder to smokeless powder in the 1890s, the Navy faced production shortages. Private indus-

try was hesitant to move toward the new technology. This left the Navy with only one alternative: to produce it on its own. As research advanced for the development of smokeless powder, much of the testing was conducted at the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground. In 1900, the Navy opened the first government-owned facility to produce smokeless powder at Indian Head. This was a major leap forward in warfare technology with less smoke being produced from a shell. It was quicker and easier to determine where the shell hit, and therefore faster and easier to adjust the gun sights. In combination with the new breech mechanism that Ens. Dashiell patented, this doubled the cycle times between loadings. The combination of these two new technologies advanced American naval power and dominance for generations. The role of the Naval Proving Ground lead to significant advancements in explosive, energetic, and research and development of systems associated with American naval needs. Based upon the unique contribution to Navy history, the Naval Proving Ground earned a signiﬁcant place in both Naval and American history by advancing the development of more efﬁcient manufacturing processes and new armament technology, much of which is foundational to today’s weapon systems and future weapon technology.

Robert B. Dashiell was 30 years old when he assumed command of the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground. In today’s Navy, he would be considered old for an Ensign. His age did not diminish his enthusiasm. Dashiell came to Indian Head with a vision and a plan, and a determination to achieve both. His goal was to build the “model proving ground,” and he started with 40 men, teams of mules and shovels. In order to complete the task at hand, Ens. Dashiell administered with a heavy hand. He often required his workers to work from dawn to dusk or until the job was complete. To Dashiell’s way of thinking, national holidays were not an excuse from work. He was noted as disliking “the law that allows the working man a holiday with pay.” Dashiell put in writing his one passion, that “you should remember that ALL work at this station is for ordnance, whether it be a brilliant armor test, or the careful preparation of the papers.” If a laborer got sick and could not report to work, Dashiell often fired them on the spot, noting that the area had an ample labor supply. Dashiell was committed to the Navy and to his work. He was known for inundating the Department of Ordnance with requests for medical supplies, manpower, materials, telephones, as well as mules and carts. In 1891, when heavy snow and ice prevented the communication with the Washington Navy Yard, Dashiell walked his way to Washington to communicate the installation needs. As a bachelor living in the isolated area of Indian Head, Dashiell would spend his weekends designing housing, writing reports, and contemplating the future of the proving ground. Providing housing for military personnel was of the utmost importance. Dashiell earnestly worked long hours to design these homes, several which are still in use. Building D1, was the first home on the installation and it immediately became Dashiell’s residence. However, not long after he moved in, Dashiell was re-assigned in 1893 to the Philadelphia Shipyard having won the praise of the naval establishment but the disdain of the local work force. During his personal time at the proving grounds, Dashiell worked on designing the rapid firing breech mechanism for large naval guns. In the late 1800s, naval designers were permitted to receive royalties for their designs. However, Dashiell’s design was very similar to that of Lt. Samuel Seabury, who had obtained a patent for his breech mechanism. Seabury filed a lawsuit against Dashiell and won in the Circuit Court. Dashiell appealed and the case was sent to the Supreme Court which ruled in favor of Dashiell. This situation brought to light the role of Navy inventors and the preferential treatment they received. After the Supreme Court decision, the U.S. Senate held a hearing on the case, which resulted in significant changes to how naval inventors and designers were to seek patents. At stake was not only the prestige of having a weapon or specific design named for the inventor, but the royalties that accompanied the invention. Capt. William Folger promised Dashiell $150 in royalties for each gun produced that used the young Ensign’s design. Hanging in the balance was not only the prestige of nomenclature but the thousands of dollars in monetary windfall resulting from the design. After leaving Indian Head in 1893, and serving on USS New York, Dashiell transferred to the Construction Corps and became an expert on dock construction. In 1899, Assistant Naval Constructor Robert B. Dashiell contracted spinal meningitis. He died March 8, 1899, and received full military honors at his burial at the Naval Cemetery in Annapolis.

Skills

Continued from page 1

tember 11, 2001. The facility is CBIRF’s main training site. “We have rope rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle extraction, trench rescue and structural collapse training capabilities and the exercise scenario being used allows instruction in each of those areas,” said Patrick Higgins, lead Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) instructor for CBIRF. “Working with the Soldiers of the 911th beneﬁts our training program, because if the call to respond to

The South Potomac Pilot an incident in the NCR comes, we will be working together.” The 911th TREC is the only unit of its kind in the U.S. Army. It is comprised of combat engineers trained in technical rescue tasks, specializing in rescue techniques for victims trapped in structurally damaged buildings. “I can’t speak highly enough about the resources CBIRF has at this facility,” said Army 1st Lt. Charles Robitaille, 911th TREC 2nd Platoon Leader. “If we need to respond to a real world incident, this experience of working with the CBIRF Marines will be invaluable. It will make interoperability so much easier.” On order, 911thTREC deploys and conducts technical rescue op-

erations in support of military and/ or federal contingencies in the NCR. The unit trains with state, local and federal agencies to include FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Teams and the Marines of CBIRF to develop and maintain the most advanced skills in the ﬁeld. “We can tunnel through an engine block if necessary with an exothermic torch, and that works at a crazy temperature around 3,000 degrees so it will cut through metal and concrete,” said Cpl. Nathaniel James a Technical Rescue Marine with CBIRF’s Initial Response Force B. “I’ve been with CBIRF for three years, and for me, I am getting a lot of satisfaction out of teaching the younger Marines and Soldiers.”

Friday, February 1, 2013

Spring Professional Development Program Offerings PMP Certification Examination Prep Course

UMW is offering four sections of our PMP Certification Exam Prep course in three locations for individuals interested in attaining their PMP credential or earning 35 PDUs toward recertification. You can choose from the Saturday morning class at the UMW Stafford Campus starting Feb. 16, the Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday evening class at the UMW Dahlgren Campus starting Feb. 19 or the Thursday evening class at the Stafford Technology and Research Center at Quantico (located in the Quantico Corporate Center) starting on Feb. 21. Classes meet for 3½ hours for 10 consecutive weeks and fulfill the PMI 35-hour education and training requirement. For more information and to register, go to http://dahlgren.umw.edu/professional-development-programs/.

SHRM Certification Examination Prep Course

The SHRM Certification Course will be offered for individuals interested in earning either their PHR or SPHR credential at the Stafford Campus starting on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The 35-hour course will be held on 10 Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 p.m. along with two 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday morning sessions. For more information and to register, go to http://dahlgren.umw.edu/professional-development-programs/.

UMW Center for Economic Education Teacher Training Workshop

On Tuesday, Jan. 29, the Dahlgren Campus is pleased to host our first workshop for high school economics, business, marketing and finance teachers who are teaching or preparing to teach the high school Economics and Personal Finance course. The course will be taught by Dr. Margaret Ray, Director of the UMW Center for Economic Education, and participants can earn six reaccreditation credits. For more information and to register, go to http://dahlgren. umw.edu/professional-development-programs/.

INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) Certification Tutorial

We look forward to offering the three-day (24 hour) program later this spring that will prepare participants designed to improve your knowledge and understanding of Systems Engineering fundamentals as well as prepare you for the INCOSE SE Certification Exam. Current plans include offering the course only at the UMW Dahlgren Campus, but if there is sufficient interest, the course can be conducted at the Stafford Technology and Research (STAR) Center at Quantico (Quantico Corporate Center). If you’re interested, please email Mark Safferstone at msaffers@ umw.edu so that we can keep you informed.

National Security Lecture Series Starts February 19

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This spring marks the third consecutive semester that the UMW Dahlgren Campus, in collaboration with the Joint Warfare Analysis Center and the Fredericksburg Chamber’s Military Affairs Council, will offer four national security lectures. This spring’s series will feature one new UMW professor and a National Defense University faculty member along with two returning lecturers. We also expect to video teleconference the four lectures from the UMW Dahlgren Campus to the Stafford Technology and Research (STAR) Center at Quantico (Quantico Corporate Center). You’ll see additional information and will be able to register shortly.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

2nd Saturday Series “Team effort” leads at Sotterley Plantation to 4-star NGIS rating During the first five months of the year, the public will have the opportunity to experience five unique tour experiences. Advance reservations only. $15 per person per tour. Purchase tickets online: www.sotterley.org. Walking required.

Slavery, resistance and freedom

Saturday, February 9 | 1 & 3 p.m. Slavery was a part of Sotterley’s history from the turn of the 18th century and lasted for over 160 years. Hear the voices and visit the places where African Americans lived and labored. Limited to 20 people per tour. Ages 13 & up. (Snow date 2/23/13)

From the ground up

Saturday, March 9 | 1 & 3 p.m. From the basement to the attic of Sotterley’s 1703 Plantation House there are numerous nooks and crannies rarely seen by most people. Presented by Sotterley’s Restoration Manager, this exclusive tour will reveal how the structure was built and what the various spaces tell us about the over 300 year history. Limited to 16 people per tour.

(Snow date 3/23/13)

A taste of history: How African American foods influenced our modern cuisine

Saturday, April 13 | 10 a.m. & 12 p.m. What did people eat during the 1700s? Come learn about the foods that were transported on slave ships during the 18th century and how they inﬂuenced not only colonial dishes but our modern day regional foods. Lecture and demonstration to be presented by the Director of Education of Historic London Town and Gardens. Limited to 60 people per session.

Women of Sotterly

Saturday, May 11 | 1 & 3 p.m. Discover the women of Sotterley. Whether it was the mistress of the house, the farm manager’s wife, the heiress, or the enslaved servants, the women of Sotterley were fascinating people who lived extraordinary lives. Limited to 20 people per tour.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

By Andrew Revelos Staff writer

Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren’s Navy Gateway Inn and Suites (NGIS) received a Four-Star Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt rating from the Commander Naval Installation Command (CNIC) NGIS accreditation program during the biannual accreditation of its facility, programs and services that took place in the closing months of 2012. The rating recognizes the NSF Dahlgren NGIS for services and amenities that exceed standards. The CNIC NGIS accreditation program examines lodging in several areas and categories and grades the services and amenities of more than 400 lodging facilities across the Navy. The program mirrors similar accreditation programs that measure civilian hotels against rigorous industry standards. The Dahlgren NGIS received a 94 percent, just shy of the 95 percent needed to achieve a five-star rating and earn the prestigious Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Award for Excellence in Lodging Management. “In the NGIS accreditation process you are inspected and will either not be rated or will receive a three, four or five-Star level accreditation,” said Tom Kubalewski, program director of Family Fleet and Readiness for Naval Support Activity South Potomac. “The Three-Star level means you are meeting the minimum standards. With Four-Star you are exceeding that and Five-Star states that you have captured the concept of stellar service for our customers. The Five-Star level rating also means that you have achieved the Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Award for Excellence in Lodging Management.” Kubalewski offered high praise to the hard working staff at the Dahglren NGIS for their accomplishment. “Achieving a Four-Star Accreditation rating from our higher headquarters is a major accomplishment and I couldn’t be prouder of our NGIS team,” he said. “Koko Moreno [site manager for NGIS in Dahlgren] and her leadership team continue to go above and beyond to ensure that our customers are provided with a place that offers true comfort, relaxation and a worry free environment. Most of our guests are either enlisted or officer students attending the Ae-

US Navy photo by Andrew Revelos

Koko Moreno, manager of the Naval Gateway Inn and Suites at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, is all smiles as she display the facility’s Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt four-star accreditation. gis Training and Readiness Center. Their living environment should be the last thing that they should have concerns with while they are away from their command and their homes and completing this mission-essential training regime.” Given the Navy’s current budget picture and the Dahlgren NGIS facility’s dated HVAC system that lacks room-based temperature controls, achieving the four-star rating is a triumph for staff, who made the most of all available resources in an effort to do right by customers. Moreno said a “team effort” from all NGIS employees in Dahlgren was responsible for the high rating. Moreno also credited patrons of the Dahlgren NGIS for providing constructive feedback to NGIS staff, as well as offering compliments about what they enjoyed about their stay. “We inspect our work every day, so we perform our job right every day,” added Moreno. The NGIS staff maintains strict standards of customer service. The goal, said Moreno, is to “exceed guests’ expectations. Not just meet their expectations. We have to go one step further. [We’re committed] to what we do and to what we

believe in.” Moreno thanked NGIS leaders and her staff for providing the support that helped the NGIS staff achieve the four-star rating. “I thank all my staff, Mr. Tom Kubalewski and Ms. LaDonna Sanders, our Regional NGIS Director,” said Moreno. “We could not have achieved this if we didn’t work together as a team. This was a true team effort.” For Kubalewski, the way the NGIS staff overcame obstacles they had little control over was a five-star effort in itself. “In all areas of our program we are proving Five-Star service and amenities -- our main issue for not achieving a Five-Star rating and the Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Award is that currently, a customer does not have the opportunity to regulate the HVAC in their room as they do with a room located in a commercial establishment,” he said. “We currently have a $10 million dollars project on the books to fix this issue in all of our buildings, but with current fiscal cuts and budget responsibilities we may not see this completed for several years.” Neither Kubalewski nor Moreno are resting on the achievement. “Our goal is to get five stars,” said Moreno.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

PilotClassifieds T H E

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LINER Ads All copy ads containing no special type or artwork. Ads are billed by the line with a 4 -line minimum. SEMI-DISPLAY Ads Ads that are typeset in a 1 or 2 column format. These ads may contain limited special type, logos or limited special borders. They are billed by the inch with a 2-inch minimum. DISPLAY Ads Ads contain logos, artwork and special borders. Ads are billed by the inch with a 2-inch minimum. Classified and Recruitment rates apply. All Private Parties Ads must be pre-paid Base personnel can run Free classified ads

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Friday, February 1, 2013

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, February 1, 2013

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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Know an outstanding caregiver or non-profit organization that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Wounded Warrior Caregiver of the Year Award presented by DCMilitary Family Life. Write a short essay about an individual or organization that has provided exceptional assistance to a Wounded Warrior during their time of need over the past year. Submissions will be collected and judged based upon their recent sacrifices and contributions made in order to care for Wounded Warrior(s). 1029205A

5 finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel appointed by Comprint Military Publications and all will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where the winners will be publicly announced. All finalists will appear in the June issue of DCMilitary Family Life magazine. Cash prizes will be donated to the winners and top finalists.

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