DAM NECK COMMANDS HONOR WOMEN’S HISTORY PAGE 9 VOLUME 52 NO. 14
APRIL 11, 2013
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA
•
DAM NECK ANNEX
•
NALF FENTRESS
INSIDEJET
LEFT: Because of budget shortfalls due to sequestration, the Navy announced April 9 the cancellation of the 2013 NAS Oceana Air Show, which was to feature the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Team, the “Blue Angels.” Jet Observer file photo by Harry Gerwien
USS ARLINGTON HONORS 9-11 VICTIMS
PAGE 3
Photo by MC2 Antonio P. Turretto Ramos
TAKING SAAM TRAINING PERSONALLY
PAGE 8 The Spring Fever 5K will be April 17. Same day registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Oceana Flightline Fitness Center, and the run begins at 11:30 a.m. Registration forms are available at MWR fitness centers. The 5K is free. For information, call 433-2049.
Navy cancels 2013 NAS Oceana Air Show with Blue Angels The Navy announced April 9 the cancellation of the annual NAS Oceana Air Show and appearance by the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the “Blue Angels” as a result of budget shortfalls due to sequestration. Recognizing budget realities, current Defense policy states that outreach events can only be supported with local assets at no cost to the government. This is one of many steps the Navy is taking to ensure resources are in place to support forces operating forward now and those training to relieve them. The Navy believes there is value in demonstrating the professionalism and capabilities of naval aviation teams, thus inspiring future generations of Sailors and Marines. The Navy intends to continue aerial demonstrations in the future, as the budget situation permits.
“The Oceana Air Show highlights the tremendous partnership between the people in the Hampton Roads area and our Navy team. It is unfortunate we must cancel the 2013 celebration due to the continuing budget challenges. Over the years, the city and many community agencies have developed strong partnerships with the Navy and the Air Show affords us an opportunity to highlight military service during the three-day event. However, until we finish our evaluation of what the current budget will support, with priority on operational and fleet readiness, we have no choice but to cancel the Air Show,”said Capt. Bob Geis, commanding officer of NAS Oceana. “We appreciate the community’s understanding during these uncertain times. I am also profoundly thankful for what the city and our community partners do for our service men and women each and every day.”
NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Geis (r) briefs three local television stations and answers questions April 9 on the Oceana flightline about the cancellation of 2013 NAS Oceana Air Show. With Geis are Oceana Executive Officer Capt. Kit Chope and Oceana Public Affairs Officer Kelley Stirling.
VFA-103 jet crashes, two aircrew safely eject From Commander, U.S.Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (NNS) — No one was injured when an F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed into the water while operating near USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the North Arabian Sea April 8. Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmers from an SH-60F of HS-5 “Night Dippers” recovered the two aircrew and safely delivered them back to the carrier. The two aircrew, from VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers” based at NAS Oceana,safely ejected from their jet when it incurred an engine failure at 12:20 p.m. local time. Eisenhower is homeported in Norfolk, and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. This incident is under investigation.