NEW COMMANDING OFFICER FOR VFA-15 ‘VALIONS PAGE 3 VOLUME 52 NO. 23
JUNE 7, 2012
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA
INSIDEJET
FENTRESS HOSTS PUBLIC SAFETY CLASS
PAGE 8
TRIATHLON DRAWS 600+ COMPETITORS
PAGE 13
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DAM NECK ANNEX
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CHAMBERS FIELD
Virginia Beach ceremony honors Battle of Midway BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Rear Adm. Ted Branch and NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Geis were the guest speakers at the Battle of Midway commemoration, June 4 at the Monument to Naval Aviation at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The observance, which marked the 70th anniversary of one of the turning points of World War II in the Pacific, was hosted by the Hampton Roads Squadron, Association of Naval Aviation (HRANA), which built and maintains the monument, located at 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue. “I can’t think of a more fitting and proper place to do this,than right here in the ANA-sponsored dedication to naval aviation…For over 100 years, naval aviation has been in the forefront of our national destiny and has become an unrivaled maritime force,” said Geis.
MWR is sponPhoto by Harry Gerwien Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Rear Adm. Ted Branch and retired Cmdr. Carroll Bains soring a youth (l)and retired SK1 Mike Gaughan, both from the Hampton Roads Squadron Association of soccer camp Naval Aviation, salute the wreath during the Battle of Midway commemoration at the for ages 9 -13. Monument to Naval Aviation at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The HRANA hosted the wreathlaying ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the battle that marked a turning The camp will point in World War II in the Pacific. be June 25 -29, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and registration is at the Oceana Youth their transition from the C-9 aircraft We are very excited to continue the Center. Leading BY CATHY HEIMER to the C-40A Clipper. The new air- partnership with VR-56. They are Jet Observer the camp will be conditioned facility, which includes great tenants who always step up Cox High School The “Globemasters” of Fleet Lo- accommodations for one C-40, all to help around the base.” said NAS gistics Squadron (VR) 56 celebrated administrative, operations and main- Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Soccer Coach Scott Mead. The years of planning and work with the tenance areas, and a 4,500 square Bob Geis, who spoke at the begindedication of their new hangar and foot logistics support warehouse, is ning of the dedication. cost is $90 and transition to their new aircraft dur- appropriately named“Hangar 56.” Geis told the audience that beincludes lunch, T- ing a ceremony at the NAS Oceana “It isn’t every day that you have a cause of their mission, Globemasters brand new airplane and a brand new is a fitting name for the squadron. shirt, water bottle flightline May 30. The squadron dedicated the hangar to put it in. We couldn’t be “The folks who fly the aircraft with and bag. Call 60,000 square foot hangar — the more excited to be a part of this tran- the pointy noses around here should 433-3976 for infor- first new hangar in decades at sition and to have the new capability always know that without the supmation. Oceana, as well as the completion of in the new hangar at NAS Oceana. ply train that VR-56 helps maintain,
— See Battle of Midway, Page 9
VR-56 ‘Globemasters’ dedicates new hangar, new aircraft we have no ability to sustain combat operations. Just like U.S. Marine Corps Gen. [Robert H.] Barrow said, ‘Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics.’” VR-56 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mike Gravitt began by thanking Geis and Oceana Executive Officer Capt. Kit Chope, Oceana Public Works Department, Boeing Company and Hourigan Construction representatives for their support throughout — See Hangar 56, Page 4