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SUMMER 2022 / Volume 2 / Issue 4 LIBERTYLIFEMEDIA.COM
Supporting the Military, Veterans, and their Families across The Liberty Coast
Pro-Military Media Matters Women Of USS Wyoming On Our Front Porch Wave Wave Therapy Therapy
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Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMT and their Families.
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Living the Liberty Life
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S LAPTOP
SUMMER 2022/VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 4 FROM THE
PUBLISHER’S LAPTOP
5 PUBLISHER’S CUT
Task Force Gator Most Valuable Boomer Bravo Zulu A Force Multiplier, Then and Now Let Them Hear Your Voice
6 END OF THE ORION ERA
16 LIBERTY LIFE FEATURE:
The Women of USS Wyoming Make History
16 RECRUITING ENLISTED WOMEN SUBMARINERS
18 KEEPING THE
BOOMERS AT SEA
22 NAVAL AIR STATION CECIL FIELD, A LOOK BACK.
A
hhh, summertime on The Liberty Coast! Thank you for picking up the summer print issue of Liberty LifeSM.
8 THE LIBERTY COAST:
24 ON OUR FRONT PORCH
While we publish daily online, on social media and weekly in our newsletter, each print issue is a special collection of on base, in town and always pro-military stories, news and views.
8 SWIM CALL
26 NEWS & GOUGE
On Base. From Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, we share the story of USS Wyoming’s history-making enlisted women Submariners, revel in USS Alaska winning yet another Omaha trophy and meet the commander charged with keeping our “boomers” at sea. On NAS JAX, we welcome back Space-A travel, bid farewell to the Navy’s P-3C Orion and embrace the Poseidon and Triton.
Florida Veterans Hall Of Fame Class of 2021
12 SAVING LIVES ONE WAVE AT A TIME
Ukraine Families Find Refuge On The Liberty Coast
Cover Photo: USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) Photo by Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, U.S. Navy (Released)
Publisher
Advertising Sales
Joe Snowberger, U. S. Navy Mustang (Ret)
Sam Taylor, Pro-Military
(904) 476-7861 Publisher@LibertyLifeMedia.Com
(904) 860-2465, SamTaylor1342@Gmail.Com
In Town. We present stories about a Veteran-led “wave therapy” program, a Green Beret Veteran, a ground-breaking Air Force Women Veteran and how the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have come to The Liberty Coast’s front porch.
LIBERTY LIFE STAFF: Art Director Susan Jones
Liberty Life Media welcomes editorial, photographic and calendar contributions. Submit stories, events, people, milestones and military/ Veteran discount offers at
US Army Veteran Spouse
Contributor
Christina Swanson US Army & Navy Civilian Employee
Liberty Life Online
Automotive Advertising
Staci Edwards Manager@AutoSourceWeekly.com
We offer a look back at NAS Cecil Field and welcome all the new commanding officers arriving on The Liberty Coast during the summer change of command season.
www.LibertyLifeMedia.Com Please share and recycle issues. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. 31 5th Street, Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233-5307 Copyright © Signals Publishing, Inc 2020 President•Sam Taylor•SamTaylor1342@Gmail.Com
Want to be a Liberty Life pick-up location? Email SamTaylor1342@Gmail.Com
WE STILL HAVE THE “NEED FOR SPEED”
T
he movie sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” is finally on the big screen this summer. The original movie was known for fast war planes, island-size aircraft carriers, pilot competition, love stories, volleyball and the music. The original “Top Gun” soundtrack LP and cassette sold more than 9 million copies in the U.S. and spawned three hit singles, including Kenny Loggins’ hit, “Danger Zone.” The seguel’s love theme, “Hold My Hand,” was written and performed by Lady Gaga.
Pro-Military. We hope you’ll enjoy the introduction of four of our Veteran neighbors who were recently inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame - all of whom honored the spirit of their nation’s flag during and after their military service. Summer is also the season of the American flag with numerous flag-centric events like Clay County’s military appreciation luncheon. Flags will be framed with bagpipers, granite walls, wreaths and tears on the last day of May as communities set aside time to remember, and honor, the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Our Star Spangled Banner sure looks good flying from the USS Orleck museum ship in Downtown Jacksonville. Go see for yourself, as she opens for tours sometime this summer. Even better, volunteer at JaxNavalMuseum.Org. Old Glory will be flying this summer in celebration of liberty and its own birthday, Flag Day. In 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the original flag of the United States on June 14th. On the same day, two years earlier and 245 years ago, the U. S. Army was formed. That’s a lot of birthday candles. Liberty is also celebrated on Juneteenth (June 19th). The summer flag parties peak mid-summer with Independence Day barbecues and fireworks. Or maybe, those are Liberty Life Media birthday parties. American flags will be prominent with the Coast Guard’s birthday (August 4) and on Purple Heart Day (August 7), as we honor those wounded in the service of our country. While we enjoy the summer, Servicemembers, Veterans and their families, many on fixed incomes, are struggling to find affordable housing and many are now facing homelessness. Inflation is making it hard to afford the prices of almost everything. Dial the United Way’s 211 helpline to reach the Mission United program to connect with resources and services. Enjoy this print issue of Liberty Life and more news online. Send your stories and events to us, Pro-Military Media Matters. Here is to Living the Liberty Life!
Joe Snowberger Lady Gaga performs the song “Hold My Hand” on the soundtrack of “Top Gun: Maverick.” (photo: Lady Gaga) 4 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
Retired Navy Mustang Publisher
Publisher’ Cut T
oo Much News, Too Few Pages. There is a lot of on base, in town and pro-military news happening across The Liberty Coast, Florida’s largest community of military Servicemembers, Veterans and their families. It stretches from Kings Bay to the Matanzas Bay, up the Ocklawaha and the St Johns rivers and across Kingsley Lake. Result? Too many stories, events, opinions and introductions to pro-military businesses to fit in the pages of each print issue of Liberty Life.
Sharing the Rest of the Stories
The Publisher’s Cut. We can’t have that. Scan the QR codes next to each storyline to enjoy these good reads online at LibertyLife Media.Com.
Lady Liberty surveying her domain. Photo: Released.
Task Force Gator. A Florida National Guard unit started out on a deployment to Europe last December to train with our allies. Then the Russians invaded Ukraine. Read how their deployment of training transitioned into a real world crash course to help Ukraine defend itself.
Andrew Burton/ Reuters
SUNDAY MAY 29TH 8PM ON JAX PBS 7.1 (Comcast 440)
Most Valuable Boomer. Commissioned in 1986, USS Alaska is the seventh Ohio-class TRIDENT nuclear powered fleet ballistic missile submarine and the fourth United States Navy ship to bear the name of the territory or the state of Alaska. She also needs a bigger trophy case to display yet another Omaha Trophy. Bravo Zulu (BZ). “BZ” means well done. Behind the gates of the numerous military installations on The Liberty Coast are many high-performing Servicemembers. Scan here and read about some of them.
(HSM-40/Facebook)
On Our Front Porch. Traveling from Ukraine to Poland, on to Paris, to Mexico City, to Tijuana, to San Diego and then Florida, 137 Ukrainian warfighter’s families - mothers and their children have made it to safe harbor in Jacksonville. A Force Multiplier, Then And Now. Constantly training, in combat to catch the bad guys and teaching foreign internal defense, after 19 years as a US Army Special Forces Green Beret, it can be hard to disengage. One Soldier’s journey to find disengagement led him to help others do just that, one wave at a time. One Of The First Women. “You want to be in a man’s world so here you are,” is how Teresa Cluff was greeted by some after she joined the US Air Force in 1974 as an aircraft mechanic. Read her experiences.
Tune in to the annual broadcast of America's national night of remembrance. The multi-award-winning event honors the military service of all our men and women in uniform, their families and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
A CAPITOL FOURTH Monday, July 4 at 8PM on Jax PBS 7.1 (Comcast 440)
The 42nd edition of America's Independence Day celebration features performances by top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway, capped off with patriotic classics
USAF Veteran Teresa Cluff
Let Them Hear Your Voice. Contribute to a leading resource that is used to better understand the issues facing those who serve our nation. Blue Star Families 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is open.
and a spectacular fireworks display over the Washington, DC skyline.
MORE INFO AT JAXPBS.TV LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
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Making Your Special Day Memorable.... At a Historic Chapel Setting with Military Emphasis
Memorials Services & Weddings Renew Wedding Vows Christian Seminars
End of the Orion Era
by Joe Snowberger
W
The end of the Navy’s 60 year P-3C era. (NavalNews.Com)
ith a mission to staff, train, equip, and operate combat-ready Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance (MPR) Forces, ready to deploy to any corner of the globe, Patrol and Reconnaissance WING 11 is busy. Especially as our national policies change in response to global circumstances, like Ukraine. Wing 11’s website states their MPR assets include the P-3C, P-8A and MC-4Q aircraft. That’s in addition to a few thousand human assets, the professional naval aviators and Sailors that operate and maintain the aircraft. Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the homebase for the wing’s headquarters, the aircraft maintenance and training facilities. The end of one era and the beginning chapters of a new era have begun. FAREWELL ORION, WELCOME POSEIDON. The P-3 Orion aircraft and her numerous variants served our Navy and many other countries for some 60 years. Poseidons at NAS JAX.(Navy Photo: Released) It’s very distinguishable four turboprop engine rumble flying over The Liberty Coast will be missed.
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All active-duty patrol squadrons in the Navy have converted to the P-8A which replaced the P-3C except VP-62, a reserve squadron at NAS Jax. The end of the Navy’s Orion era on The Liberty Coast will occur in June as those planes are flown to the aircraft boneyard. All is not lost, just yet, for P-3 Veterans and enthusiasts as a Keystone Heights aviation company operates Orion aircraft from the city’s airport. They train the pilots of foregin militaries that are still flying the P-3. Additionally, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol operates a couple of P-3B Orion variants from Cecil Airport. The Airborne Early Warning aircraft, (with the frisbee radar on top), and the Long Range Tracker aircraft, fly drug interdiction and homeland security missions all over the globe. In place of the P-3, the Navy reserve and training squadron will receive the P-8A Poseidon aircraft by April 2023. The P-8 is a military version of the Boeing 737 with modified wings, a bomb bay to carry torpedos, and a rest room, but doesn’t have drink service. Yes, it is true, the P-3s did not have a traditional bathroom for its crews. That’s another story. MORE TRITONS. By late 2024, 25 of the Navy’s high altitude, very long range, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) will be flying from The Liberty Coast. The MC-4Q Tritons are slated to begin flying their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from Naval Station Mayport’s Administrator David L McDonald Field in late 2024. The single Triton that is operating here now will be joined by a second MC-4Q that is being transferred from its operations out of Guam. The Triton is “flown” remotely by pilots from the mission control center at NAS Jacksonville. The pilots are attached to the Unmanned Patrol Squadron ONE NINE (VUP 19), nicknamed “Big Red.”
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The Liberty Coast
FLORIDA VETERANS HALL OF FAME: Class of 2021 by Joe Snowberger, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)
F
our Selected From The Liberty Coast. Florida Governor and Veteran, Ron DeSantis and his Cabinet recently inducted 15 Veterans into the 2021 Class of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame (FVHOF). The FVHOF honors military Veterans who, during - or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the State of Florida.
He founded the Jacksonville Semper Fidelis Society and created the Northeast Florida Vets4Vets movement. The latter grew from a small gathering of Veterans and a box of donuts to a regular gathering of over 500 Veterans, many military and Veteran groups and a buffet lunch at Jacksonville’s Veterans Memorial Arena.
Four of the honorees are well-known across The Liberty Coast for their very active civic engagement, public service and Veteran advocacy. Liberty Life is pleased to offer a sharp hand salute of gratitude and a brief overview of their many contributions and dedicated service.
Former State Representative Stan Jordan, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired).
Daniel V. Hughes, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired).
Stan Jordan has served Duval County, the state of Florida or the nation for his whole life. An Andrew Jackson High School and Jacksonville University graduate, Jordan rose through the ranks to colonel during his 39 year Army career.
Daniel Hughes enlisted and served in Korea as a Recon Marine. The medically retired Marine is now a Palm Coast resident.
Jordan has also served the families of Duval County as both chairman and military liaison of the school board during multiple terms. There he influenced a provision to give WWII and Korean conflict Veterans, whose education was interrupted, a high school diploma. Elected, multiple times, to the Florida House of Representatives (House), Jordan led numerous Veteran support initiatives at no cost to the taxpayer. His legislation created military license plates that raised millions of dollars for additional Veteran homes in Florida. Annually, the House sponsors a Military Appreciation Day that honors all who have served, and are serving. Working closely with Congress, Jordan was influential in obtaining funding for scholarships to children of Servicemembers who are missing or captured. Also an advocate for establishing the Jacksonville National Cemetery, he sponsored the benchmark legislation that made it a crime to disrupt or desecrate military funerals.
Ray Quinn, SGM, USA
Ray A. Quinn, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Retired). Ray A. Quinn enlisted in the Army as an infantry soldier, transitioned to the Florida Army National Guard and served in uniform for 30 years. Bob Adelhelm, LtCol, USMC
Robert “Bob” Adelhelm, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired). Bob Aldelhelm served in the Marine Corps for 22 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. He served as an Amphibious Recon Marine Instructor, training, mentoring and leading Marines. Retiring from active-duty at the USMC’s Blount Island Command, he chose to live on The Liberty Coast in Jacksonville. Bob’s passion for honoring and advocating for Marines and all Veterans has literally left a lasting and permanent mark. Bob directly influenced the establishment of three monuments. One, honoring the Marine Corps, is located at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Another honors Marines and the Navy Corpsmen who accompany them into harm’s way. The third remembers the 220 Marines killed in Beirut in 1983. As a vocal advocate of all Veteran issues, Bob has a legacy of gathering Veterans together to be informed and connected.
With a reputation of saying “yes” to every community or Veterans’ initiative regardless of the commitment, “Sergeant Major” (as he is known) chose to continue a life of impactful service for Veterans and all Floridians. Retired Brigadier General Michael Fleming commented, “Ray is a role model for not only military members, but all Floridians who want to serve their community, state, and nation.” Sergeant Major has served with the Adjutant General of Florida, was appointed as a St. Johns County Commissioner and was a member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council, assisting with the creation of the Hall of Fame. A founding member of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County, Sergeant Major remains immersed in its many initiatives. This includes his composed and effective leadership in fundraising for the annual Wreaths Across America Program, ensuring that every St. Johns County Veteran who passes, is properly honored. He voluntarily conducts a graveside service for every Veteran that has no family.
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Daniel is known in Veteran’s circles as a Veteran’s Veteran. Major John Haynes, a Veterans Hall of Fame member wrote, “This disabled Veteran has personally provided aid and assistance to hundreds of widows, helping them file benefits claims with the VA at a time of grief and utter loss for the widow.”
Rep. Stan Jordan, Col, USA
David Hughes, Cpl, USMC
Among so many other contributions, like the very successful Florida Eagle Scout Program, this Veteran breathed life into the creation of the Jacksonville National Cemetery and pursued it for over 24 years. He wrote countless letters, made many trips to Tallahassee and Washington D.C., and led the teams and fundraising efforts that built the first phases, the memorial center and the bell tower. The comfort and inspiration that his tireless work over 24 years gives to the families that visit their loved ones at the cemetery, is priceless. Our salute does not do justice to these servants. To read these and past honoree’s full citations visit FloridaVeteransHallOfFame.Org.
SWIM CALL Jumping Off a Navy Ship, On Purpose!
Recently, this Sailor, and many others of the crew of Mayport-based USS Farragut (DDG-99) enjoyed a swim call in the Gulf of Mexico. A rare treat, Swim Call is a Navy tradition allowing Sailors to take a breather and enjoy the open ocean as their own private swimming pool. To see more of the fun, scan the QR Code.
Photo: OS2 O’Connor, Facebook
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Realizing how much surfing has helped them get out of their head, they wanted to save others needing mental and emotional relief. There are various surfing events during the year in Florida and there was a Veteran-focused surfing group called the Florida Military Surf Club. They could not find such a group in Jacksonville. That’s why they created Task Force Hydro1 (“Hydro One”) with Van Rickley as the director and Yui as the Vice-President. It’s the only water sport group serving active duty military, Veterans and first responders through surfing, paddling (stand-up, canoe or six-man outrigger) and more. First created in April 2021, and earning non-profit status in August, Task Force Hydro1 is experiencing incredible membership growth with already more than 100 members. No doubt because it offers a supportive and inclusive familybased community, they continually add more ways to experience the water and even be creative, as they are now offering free board shaping classes.
SAVING LIVES ONE WAVE AT A TIME
The Task Force Hydro1 team are from left, PR Manager Bri Sanchez, Army Vet; Leo Yui, Navy Vet; and Director Ricky Van Rickley, Army Vet.
by Christina Swanson
A
s the sun’s vibrant rays glistened on the water over the Atlantic Ocean and onto Hanna Park beach, a steady stream of folks trekked over the sand toward the waiting waves – some Veterans and some not. And yet all were there for this liquid therapy called surfing. “Surfing has saved my life like no other therapy because when I go in the water, I have to surrender myself to mother nature,” explained Leonardo Yui, Navy Seabee Veteran, who medically retired in 2018 after 14 years of active duty. “With the waves in control, it forces my focus on the present moment, clears my mind, and gives me an amazing rush of excitement of the unknown.”
Task Force Hydro1 participants including co-founder Leo Yui, center.”
Suffering from PTSD and brain trauma, Yui cannot go more than two days in a row without surfing or his agitation and depression start to build up to where even his wife, Marlit, tells him, “You need to go surf.” And yet, he only began surfing as an alternative suggestion from his therapist in 2019. During a rare phase when he surfed three consecutive days, he recalled waking up on the fourth morning smiling “for the first time in a long time.”
Local Veterans Launch Ocean Activity Therapy Program They meet every third Saturday at the Dolphin Plaza at Hanna Park at 8:00 a.m. If there are few waves or bad weather, they take the opportunity to share thoughts, which sometimes, may be needed more than anything else. “I want this group to be something people can depend on, no matter what,” said Van Rickley. “Our main goal is to provide a therapeutic outlet with nature,” explained Van Rickley. Because building things with your own hands is another way to refocus the mind, this group is also learning the craft of making your own custom board. Now that’s a special rush! Several professional shapers, who run their own surfboard shops, have volunteered to teach those interested. They had their first course last Fall with their first Veteran getting to see the final result at their January 2022 Saturday meet-up. Of course, as members get to know each other, they can meet any day or time to surf or paddle. Task Force Hydro1 has made that easy by creating three chat groups on the app “WhatsApp.” Group 1 provides the latest surf report and lets folks link-up throughout the week. Group 2 is a community chat where members can share anything, especially if someone is struggling. Group 3 is for outrigger canoe paddling classes and meet-ups. Also, last Fall, they got a group together who wanted to learn competitive outrigger (six seat boat) paddling and competed in the 19th annual NISH POMBO PADDLEFEST MIAMI 2021 at Virginia Key Beach Park in November. With only a month’s worth of practice, they won second place in the category of mix group (male/female). They enjoyed it so much that Van Rickely has purchased a six-seat outrigger canoe for the group to enjoy. As their facebook site states, “Our growing community…is here to provide support to help combat suicide and PTSD.” Check out their “water saves lives” community by going to TaskForceHydro1.Org.
Also experiencing PTSD and focus issues from brain trauma, Ricky Van Rickley, a 27-year Army Veteran, with 19 years as a Green Beret, has also learned that water sports is the best balm to calm him. Although surfing recreationally since a kid, he seriously returned to surfing in 2012 and began taking this nature pill more often after retiring as a warrant officer in 2019. “Control is key in the military where there is always a plan a, b and c before execution,” said Van Rickley. “In the water the ocean dictates to you and you are powerless, and yet this is what saves us.” TASK FORCE HYDRO1. Both Van Rickley and Yui met while surfing at Mayport. They began talking with Van Rickley, sharing some surfing techniques with Yui. Van Rickley has surfed to heal and meet fellow Veterans all around the world for years, while Yui was a newbie having learned to surf at the week-long Operation Surf program in California. 12 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
Army Chief Warrant Officer Ricky Van Rickley is the co-founder of Hydro1.
Read Ricky Van Rickley’s story
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Liberty Life Feature
On average, ballistic-missile submarines spend 77 days at sea, followed by 35 days in port for maintenance. Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class Kania John said she did not know submarines would be an option for her when she joined the Navy in December 2018. “Sometimes the schedule can be draining,” said John. “But I love my job, and the people I work with make the experience that much better.” Female officers have been deploying aboard submarines since 2011, but it was a few more years before the Navy began the process of incorporating enlisted women on submarine crews. John said she feels honored to be a part of a milestone for women in the submarine force.“As I learn more about women’s history, it brings me so much honor to be a part of this group,” said John. “This is probably one of the greatest things I can be a part of. My children and future grandchildren will be so proud.”
The 15 enlisted women Submariners assigned to the USS Wyoming (SSBN 742)recently made history as the first enlisted female crew to complete a ballistic-missile submarine deterrent patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by MCC Ashley Berumen/Released)
The Women of USS Wyoming Make History by Navy Chief Petty Officer Ashley Berumen, Commander, Submarine Group Ten.
I
t has been more than 12 years since women were authorized to serve aboard submarines. While women comprise nearly one-fourth of the Department of Defense’s total force, only a small fraction of women serve on submarines.
USS Wyoming Blue Crew member Chief Logistics Specialist Samantha Mincey. (Navy Photo by Chief Petty Officer Darryl Wood. released)
The 15 enlisted women serving aboard the ballistic-missile submarine USS Wyoming’s (SSBN 742) Blue Crew, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, recently reached a milestone accomplishment for all women who serve. Making History. These submariners made history when they became the first enlisted female crew to complete a ballisticmissile submarine “boomer” deterrent patrol.
Enlisted women currently serve aboard four guided-missile submarines and one ballistic-missile submarine. There are 70 active submarines in the fleet. “I personally never saw myself being in the submarine force,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Samantha Mincey, who began her naval career in the surface fleet serving aboard an aircraft carrier. “When I joined, women weren’t allowed on submarines. I never thought women would start being accepted on submarines while I was in the Navy.” Mincey, a Los Angeles native, joined the Navy 16 years ago, and is the senior enlisted female on the crew. “Being the female chief, I love the fact that I have had experiences that can hopefully help strengthen and build the male and female junior Sailors around me,” said Mincey. A patrol begins when the submarine leaves its home port and ends upon its return. The entire mission of ballistic-missile submarines is to deter attacks by potential adversaries through strategic deterrence patrols. 16 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
The completion of the deterrent patrol authorizes Sailors to wear a “boomer” pin on their uniforms. This pin signifies the number of patrols they have completed in their careers. Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Ashley Whitmyer is the first of her family to serve in the Navy, and said she was surprised to learn she would be one of the first women to get the deterrent patrol pin. “I was shocked because I didn’t fully understand that there were no other female crews that had been on patrol,” said Whitmyer. “Just to learn that I was one of the few was an amazing honor, and a tribute to just how far women “...I love the fact that have come in the Navy.” For Mincey, this achievement helps her relate to experiences she heard about from her mother when she was growing up.
I have had experiences that can hopefully help strengthen and build the male and female junior Sailors around me”
“I remember being young and my mother telling me about the strides women and African Americans had made,” said Mincey. “I really didn’t understand pushing the bar and breaking barriers like I do now. It’s really just a blessing.” John said serving aboard submarines is not always easy, but hard work pays off. “Although my first boat was challenging, I consider myself successful so far in my career,” said John. “You have to show up at the right time, in the right uniform and put 100 percent effort into everything you do. Be intentional and you will be successful.” Each SSBN has two crews, Blue and Gold, which alternate manning the submarine to take it on patrol. Wyoming’s Blue Crew has 191 crewmembers. That means enlisted women make up about eight percent of the total crew onboard Wyoming. Mincey says women should not let the fact the submarine force is male-dominated deter them from joining. “Don’t get discouraged and stay true to yourself,” said Mincey. “We are still the minority and have so much to offer with just who we are. The work isn’t easy but, at the end of the day, who else can say they have done the things you have?” The women of Wyoming, and the women who have served throughout the Navy and Department of Defense, continue to pave the way for all women who will join after them. All future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and all Virginia-class fast attack submarines, starting with the USS New Jersey (SSN 796), will have enlisted women in their crews. Recruiting Enlisted Women Submariners. There are a lot of ratings available to women on the new submarines and the Navy needs to fill them. To that end, the Navy is actively encouraging enlisted women Sailors interested in serving on submarines to consider converting to those ratings. (Enlisted jobs and occupations in the Navy are called ratings.) Read the full story at LibertyLifeMedia.Com/Articles/WomenSubmariners-Wanted/ or click the QR Code.
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The TRF’s dry dock, occupied here by USS Tennessee, is the largest covered dry dock in the Northern hemisphere.
Navy’s Rowdy Yates Charged with Keeping the Boomers at Sea Trident Refit Facility Welcomes New Leader
K
by Joe Snowberger, Target*
ings Bay Naval Submarine Base is a 16,000 acre sprawling parcel containing over 4,000 acres of wetlands with recreation areas and home to hundreds of animal and bird species.
patrols, hiding in strategic locations, in oceans around the world, deterring enemies contemplating threatening or attacking the U.S.
The Trident Refit Facility (TRF) is the Navy command that ensures the boomers are ready for their missions and can The major Navy base is known as go to sea. TRF’s mission is to repair, the East Coast home to the United overhaul, refurbish, and State’s Trident ballistic load the east coast fleet of submarines (SSBN) six Trident/Ohio-class baland guided-missile listic missile submarines submarines. To do (SSBN) and two guidedthat job, three major missile submarines, USS Navy commands operFlorida and USS Georgia. ate there: the Trident The facility also repairs Refit Facility, Trident fast-attack submarines and Training Facility and other surface craft. Repairs the Strategic Weapons to vessels are made during Facility, Atlantic. their three-shift, 24-hour-aday operations. Boomers. The SSBNs Captain Edward J. Robledo was are one of the three legs praised by his boss and suborChange of Command. dinates for his leadership and of our nation’s nuclear The leaders of this sigaccomplishments during his deterrent posture along nificantly important Navy very successful command tour. (Released) and national strategic with strategic bombers operation are very talented and land-based, interprofessionals who have been groomed continental ballistic missiles. throughout their military career to lead Nicknamed “boomers,” the submathis very demanding activity. Recentrines serve as an undetectable launch ly, Navy Captain Mark “Rowdy” Yates platform for intercontinental missiles relieved Captain Edward J. Robledo as designed specifically for stealth and the 16th commanding officer of TRIthe precise delivery of nuclear warDENT Refit Facility during a traditionheads. To achieve their mission, they al change of command ceremony at the operate quietly on extended deterrent submarine base in Camden County. 18 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
The Navy shared that Yates is a graduate of Liberty University and American Military University where he earned an MBA and various graduate certificates in leadership. Over a span of 38 years, he has held numerous nuclear sea and shore duty positions, predominantly at-sea focused on carrier (CVN) operations and ashore overseeing submarine repair. He is qualified in both submarine and surface officer warfare.
During Robledo’s 24-month tenure, TRF-KB completed 17 Voyage Repair Periods, two SSGN forward deployed Continuous Maintenance Availabilities, one SSGN Major Maintenance Period (MMA), 12 ballistic-missile submarine (SSBN) REFITs, two SSBN Extended REFIT Periods, and six dry dock maintenance events that included over 2.2 million man-hours of production work, all during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Captain Yates served as the chief engineer aboard aircraft carrier USS Nimitz from May 2014 to June 2017. He was an instructor at the Nuclear Power Training Command, and most recently, a senior Navy ship readiness inspector that Sailors know as INSURV.
“We are the Front Line of National Defense,” said Robledo. “Because without the team sustaining, modernizing, and conducting corrective maintenance of the SSBN/SSGNs, those crews would not be able to execute their mission.”
“I commit my service to you, to the fullest capacity of my lawful authority, in every way,” Yates said during the ceremony. “As we drive towards continued excellence in carrying out our very worthy mission of keeping our warships, war ready.”
Robledo’s next assignment will be a staff assignment with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. We wish Capt. Robledo “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Rest Of The Story. “Fair Winds and Following Seas” is a nautical phrase of good luck as the person, group, or ship departs on a voyage in life.
The new commanding officer of
The military’s change of Kings Bay’s Trident Refit Facility, Captain Yates will Navy Captain Mark “Rowdy” command ceremonies are immediately have Yates, is tasked with keeping the purposefully formal, brief SSBN fleet at sea. (Released) his hands full as the and conducted with great TRF’s drydock - the dignity and full of symbolic largest covered dry dock in the Westactivities. The tradition ensures suborern Hemisphere - is halfway through dinates are able to witness the official a major upgrade and recapitalization transfer of authority and responsibility that began on his predecessor’s watch. for a unit from the outgoing commander “This project is critical because the dry to the incoming commander. dock is almost continuously occupied for submarine maintenance,” said This activity signals to the unit’s Commander Marcel Duplantier with Servicemembers that they are never the Naval Facilities Engineering Syswithout official leadership and extends the continuation of trust. tems Command (“NAVFAC”) Southeast. “The ability to pause submarine * Targets. Submariners, nicknamed maintenance and completely overhaul Bubble Heads. see the world simply: the dry dock will ensure this dock can there are submarines and everything support Ohio-class and in the future else operating at sea are targets. As a Columbia-class maintenance availabilsurface warfare Sailor (battleships and ity for the next several decades.” destroyers), that makes me a target. Vice Admiral Randy Crites was the guest speaker at the ceremony and praised Robledo for his leadership and problem-solving initiatives. “TRF has embodied the tenants of leadership and the success of this self-assessing and learning approach,” said Crites. “You have always faced problems head on and implemented effective long-term solutions. It is impressive to witness the incredible effort you and The various U.S. submarine ballistic missiles on your team put in every day!” display. (Navy, Released)
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Pro-Military History
Naval Air Station Cecil Field, A Look Back Throughout its history, the former Master Jet Base served naval aviation well. by Glenn Cook Cecil Field’s former front gate sign. (POW/MIAMemorial.Org)
T
he Liberty Coast is home to a diverse collection of active military installations serving the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Florida Air National Guard, Florida National Guard, even the Customs and Border Patrol. Glenn Cook, a former lieutenant commander and naval aviator, shares some of Cecil Field’s impact and history, the former Navy Air Base on the far west side of Duval County that closed in 1999. The former Cecil Field property is now the Cecil Airport, Cecil Spaceport and the Cecil Commerce Center. It’s fitting to look back at Cecil’s significant military impact as a former Master Jet Base as the current facilities take off as a focal point of logistics, aerospace development and space operations.”
Today, as you enter the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field, you are more likely to hear the sound of the wind blowing through the tall pine trees rather than the roar of jet engines. It wasn’t always this way. When I first stepped foot onto the Master The Chapel Of The High-Speed Pass at the former NAS Jet Base in 1980, the mighty Cecil Field. (POW/MIAMemorial.Org) sound of jet power on the ground and overhead filled the air. It was an exciting time to be a naval aviator assigned at one of America’s premier military bases – Naval Air Station Cecil Field. Cecil served as the last stop for Navy and Marine Corps pilots before their tours in the Atlantic or Pacific fleets. When I reported aboard VS-31, “NAS Cecil” was the most extensive acreage-wise military base in Jacksonville. Throughout its history, the land served naval aviation well.
Besides McCain, thirteen other Cecil Field-based pilots became POWs or MIA during the Southeast Asia war. As a condition of the Paris Peace Accords signed in 1973, North Vietnam released the POWs, ending America’s involvement in the conflict. During the late 1970s, the S-3 Viking appeared at Cecil Field. The Viking was a jet-powered Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft that combined searchand-destroy capabilities into a single carrier-based platform. In the mid-1980s, the F-18 Hornet replaced the A-7 at Cecil. Since their arrival, the Vikings and Hornets have participated in just about every major world event, from Granada to Iraq and Afghanistan. In January 1991, the Gulf War, in reaction to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait began. The impact of the war was immediately felt at Cecil as the first reported casualty was a Jacksonville resident, FSU graduate and Cecil Field-based aviator, Michael “Scott” Speicher. Then Navy Lieutenant Commander Speicher’s F/A18 was shot down during his mission to suppress enemy radars in advance of air raids. His true fate and impactful odyssey were not known until 2009 when his remains were located and returned to Jacksonville. NAS Cecil Field has indeed responded over the years to its nation’s calls. Today, although it now serves in different capacities, Cecil Field still stands as a reminder of our nation’s proud military history and a source of pride for all that served there. Although not as active as it once was, the now Cecil Airport and Spaceport holds on to the remnants of aviation and provides a home for the National Guard, Coast Guard, Homeland Security and aerospace firms like Boeing and Northrop Grumman, among others. From the remnants of the former base, new institutions and organizations are arising. Most notably is the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum. The memorial and museum greatly expand upon the simple ‘Hero’s Walk’ to remember the aviators lost during the Vietnam and Desert Shield/Storm eras. It pays tribute and remembrance to the more than 140,000 Americans that are prisoners of war or missing in action. The museum, like Cecil Field, will capture the essence of the energy and sacrifice of the men and women that served our nation. Author. Glenn Cook served as a Naval Aviator for ten years and then flew as an airline pilot for 34 years, retiring as a captain on the Boeing 777. He and his wife, Wendy, live in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Full Story. Scan the QR code to read Glenn’s full reflections about Cecil’s past, including its secret nuclear weapons storage facility, the emerging Spaceport and many local Veteran leaders who were stationed at Cecil.
After the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, Fidel Castro was seeking a way to protect Cuba from another American attack. Operation Blue Moon saw Cecil-based RF-8 Crusaders, equipped with high-tech panoramic cameras, flying low-level missions over the new missile installations in Cuba. The planes captured enough aerial evidence of the nuclear missile launch installations to allow Ambassador Adlai Stevenson to address the United Nations and confront the Soviets about their promise that no missiles were there. The crisis ended with the removal of the missiles from both Cuba and Turkey. As the 1960s rolled on, a conflict in Southeast Asia arose, and Cecil continued to play an essential role in America’s defense. Squadrons flying the A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair routinely flew combat missions from aircraft carriers off the shores of Vietnam. In 1967, a young Lieutenant John McCain, attached to VA-76 and flying from the USS Oriskany, was shot down and held captive for five-and-a-half years in Hanoi.
22 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
John F. Kennedy visiting NAS Cecil Field (POW/MIA Museum and Memorial)
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On Our Front Porch
Ukraine Families Find Refuge On The Liberty Coast by Joe Snowberger
W
ith a single bag of basic belongings over their shoulder and children in tow, wives and mothers are leaving Ukraine by the millions. They are fleeing the horrific conditions of a brutal war, leaving their husbands, and children’s fathers, behind to defend their country. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has generated an enormous humanitarian crisis.
As of this writing, over 12 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes. Over six million have left Ukraine altogether, with no idea of where they will end up or if they will ever see their husbands again.
Some Ukrainians are safe on The Liberty Coast. (Photo: Yulia Brychka)
While most of the displaced families are escaping to neighboring countries, some of the refugee families are traveling to spots all over the world to shelter with relatives, friends, or welcoming communities as far away as the United States. Safe Harbor On The Liberty Coast. Traveling from Ukraine to Poland, on to Paris, to Mexico City, to Tijuana, to San Diego and then Florida, 137 Ukrainian mothers and their children have made it to Jacksonville. “These refugees have arrived with no luggage and are temporarily living in friends’ and relatives’s living rooms and garages. They are in need of a wide variety of basic items,” shared Pat Mulvihill, Army and National Guard Veteran, President of the North JAX Rotary Club and a principal organizer of the Rotary’s local Ukrainian relief efforts.
Mulvihill added, “Hygiene kits, new undergarments, socks, summer-weight clothing, and household goods (dishes, bath and bedroom linens) appear to be the most pressing needs.” He also said furniture is not needed at this time and donations to the non-profit organization, Dignity U Wear, will support obtaining the needed new undergarments and socks. Some 35 of the displaced families arriving on The Liberty Coast are children. Five of the women are expectant mothers and are receiving prenatal care from UF Health Jacksonville’s Little Miracles Program. As this story was being written, one expectant mother is in St Vincent’s hospital where she is expecting the birth of her child any day. Some of the refugees have significant medical needs including one needing oncology support. Many local medical practitioners, hospitals and community health outreach centers have volunteered to assist during this time of need. Mulvihill rattled off a list of the organizations and agencies that have stepped in to assist in so many ways. They include multiple Jacksonville Rotary Clubs, Rotary International District 6970, the Special Forces Association, Catholic Charities, Baptist Health, Lutheran Services and the United Way, among many more. The Living Stream Church and the Global Outreach Charter Academy, in the Regency neighborhood of Jacksonville, are operating as initial care and coordination centers for these families, displaced from their country and husbands. Living Stream Church’s congregation is primarily composed of Ukrainian nationals who immigrated over two decades ago after the fall of the Soviet Union. Global Outreach Charter Academy was founded by Ukrainian immigrants in 2009, with a mission to expose its 1,500 Jacksonville students to various languages and cultures. Financial Barriers To Sustainability. As much as they may find The Liberty Coast a pleasant and safe place to be, our Ukrainian guests all desire to return home. With no idea of how long they will be here, many of the displaced women are looking for employment. That is a lot easier said than done. In addition to language and experience translation barriers, transportation, clothing and housing issues, the refugees face an immediate financial challenge to be able to support themselves. The employment authorization documents, which immigrants need to work, cost $550. Additionally, most of the refugees require support from an attorney and a Ukrainian speaker. A “Sponsor-a-Family Program,” to assist the employment efforts of the Ukrainian refugees, is being developed by local Rotarians. Delivering Humanitarian Relief On Both Sides of The World. In addition to aiding the Ukrainian families in our community, Rotary clubs are coordinating fundraising, partnering and implementing humanitarian-aid initiatives for direct support to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. A 25,000 square foot warehouse in the Arlington neighborhood of Jacksonville doubles as the collection and distribution spot for local support items as well as medical equipment, supplies and food being sent overseas. From the warehouse located at 29 South Arlington Road, Northeastern Florida’s support for Ukraine is first going to logistics centers within Poland and on to humanitarian-aid workers treating and caring for thousands in Ukraine. DE OPPRESSO LIBER. As a former Special Forces Operator, Mulvihill came to live by the translated latin motto, “To Free the Oppressed.” Mulvihill stressed, “We are providing civilian material for humanitarian aid only. No military or defensive equipment.” He continued, “We are helping innocent humans caught up in turmoil, who are suffering, who need immediate help now. We are just helping.” To date, over 350 donated police protective vests and 350 units of emergencyrescue-fire personnel burnout-bunker gear have been received from police and fire fighter agencies in Clay County and Gainesville. Additionally, significant amounts of medical equipment, EMT supplies and critical wound-care equipment have been donated. This includes an estimated $500,000 equipment donation by Baptist Health System in Jacksonville.
24 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
This is an ongoing story. Many organizations have and continue to contribute. To learn more about how to assist in providing humanitarian relief for this influx of underserved individuals and help those still in Europe, email the Rotary’s emergency and disaster aid committee at pem@axisp.com or text 904.534,0035.
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News & Gouge
PACK YOUR BAGS, SPACE-A TRAVEL IS BACK
MARINES ALLOWED LONGER HAIR, DIFFERENT COLORED SOCKS, MANICURES
The Marine Corps uniform board’s recent list of uniform and grooming updates included a wide-range of changes intended to “positively impact diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Short. natural, ombre style nails are now authorized for Women Marines. (FineAdvisor,Com)
“Edging Up” and Hair Length. Removing excessive hair is now permissible if it provides a “neat, professional, and natural appearance.” “Edging up” undesirable hair that extends beyond/below the natural hairline, like a widow’s peak, is authorized. The big news is that Marines may now rock hair bulk as long as three inches, an extension of an entire inch.
Manicures For Women Marines. French and ombre style manicure styles, and more fingernail polish options, can now be showcased in all uniforms. We looked it up; ombre nails are a layered manicure style that appears as a seamless, blended color gradient or transition (light to dark or vice versa). More Sock and Helmet Cap Colors. No longer the only sock color allowed in utilities, the old-school coyote brown-colored sock will see wear time challenges from olive drab or black-colored socks. The same trio of colors and Marine camouflage are authorized for Marines helmet caps in some circumstances. To read the entire list of changes, search online “uniform board 220 results.”
The Air Mobility Command recently announced that military hops, officially known as Space Available travel on military aircraft, has returned for eligible travelers. Space Available flights (SpaceA) are a unique privilege provided to service members, retirees, their families and Extra seats on military aircraft are often offered to eligible some disabled Veterans. Under passengers. the Space-A program, eligible passengers can fill unused seats on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft once all the space-required (duty) passengers and cargo have been accommodated. All restrictions on Space-A travel that were in place due to the COVID pandemic, are targeted to be restored to full service by May 13, 2022. On The Liberty Coast, the NAS Jacksonville Air Terminal and Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, GA are good places to start. Check out their Facebook pages for more information. For additional information on Space-Available Travel, visit the Air Mobility Command’s travel website. A good read is the “Space-A Guide For Beginners” written by Kristin Mickelson, a Navy Veteran and Navy Spouse at militarySpouse.Com
NEW NORTH JAX VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC TAKING SHAPE
ST MARYS AND PALATKA VA CLINICS CHANGE DAYS AND HOURS
Artist view of the new JAX VA Clinic.
Now Offering Earlier and Later Appointments. The regional Veterans health system launched a new pilot program that will run between April 25th through August 23rd, 2022, changing the days and hours of operation at the St. Marys and Palatka Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinics to Monday – Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The construction of the new VA outpatient clinic and 30-bed domiciliary being built near the Jacksonville International Airport is progressing towards completion, slated for early 2024. The two facilities, totaling 185,500 square feet, will have a range of medical and social services and serve an estimated 23,346 Veterans annually.
“These extended hours will provide more flexibility for Veterans to balance work, school and family responsibilities,” said David Isaacks, Executive Health System Director, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. “We are optimistic these new hours will be successful and become permanent after the 120 day trial.”
Clinic services will include primary care, audiology, an eye clinic, multi-specialties, physical medicine and rehabilitation, prosthetics, radiology, specimen collection and telehealth. The domiciliary — essentially a dormitory that can be used for residential care — will provide rehabilitation and treatment for homeless Veterans.
The pilot program was developed in response to numerous requests from the Veteran population in the St. Marys, Georgia and Palatka, Florida areas to have early and late appointments available.
The clinic will replace the Jacksonville VA Southpoint clinic and the Jacksonville VA University clinic on the Southside. Remaining open is the Jacksonville 1 VA Clinic in Springfield, near Downtown.
26 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | SUMMER 2022 VOL. 2 / ISSUE 4
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