Jet July 5, 2012

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NEW MCPON SELECTED PAGE 3 VOLUME 52 NO. 27

JULY 5, 2012

SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA

INSIDEJET

SAILOR HELPS AT OFF BASE CRASH SCENE

DAM NECK ANNEX

COMNAVAIRLANT releases investigation results of F/A-18D crash

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MILITARY TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS

PAGE 17 The next Menu Review Board will be July 11, 9 a.m. at the Oceana galley. Department representatives are highly encouraged to attend and all personnel are encouraged to provide input to their command rep. The point of contact is Chief Warrant Officer 4 Wayne Cummings at 433-2386.

Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, explains the F/A-18 engine to the media following a briefing at NAS Oceana, July 2, about the results of the JAGMAN investigation of the F/A-18D Hornet that crashed into an apartment complex in Virginia Beach on April 6. The aircraft, assigned to VFA-106 and based at Oceana, was conducting a scheduled training exercise when it suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly after takeoff and crashed into the Mayfair Mews Apartment Complex.

CHAMBERS FIELD

STORY/PHOTO BY MC2(SW/AW) ERNEST R. SCOTT Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic released the results, July 2, of its Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) investigation of the F/A-18D that crashed into an apartment complex in Virginia Beach on April 6. The F/A-18D, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 and based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, was conducting a scheduled training exercise when it suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly after takeoff and crashed into the Mayfair Mews Apartment Complex in Virginia Beach. “I know the process has been challenging for some,especially those who lost their homes and personal belongings,” said Rear Adm.Ted Branch, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. “But we are all incredibly fortunate that the crash, which occurred on Good Friday,resulted in zero loss of life.” The recovery process was a team effort between Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and the Virginia Beach first responders who quickly began helping the affected residents.The emergency response cooperation between the city of Virginia Beach and the Navy is a testament to the close working relationship that has developed over the years. “I would like to add my thanks to everyone who acted so quickly to assist our air crew, treat the injured citizens, and help ensure that all residents of the Mayfair Mews complex were safely evacuated,” said Branch.“This exceptional response almost certainly prevented further injury and perhaps death to affected citizens and air crew,and more widespread property damage.” The Navy has spent the past several weeks doing a detailed investigation into the crash to learn what went wrong and how to minimize the chance of such an event — See Investigation Page 14

Fentress firefighters recognized for assistance at festival BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer For more than 10 years, the Pungo Strawberry Festival in Virginia Beach and the NALF Fentress firefighters have gone hand-in-hand. During the family-oriented festival that takes place each year during Memorial Day weekend, DoD and active duty firefighters at Fentress have

not only set up a static display and a water demonstration for visitors to enjoy but have also provided a much-needed service by wetting down the field to prevent dust, dirt and hay from being kicked up as the emergency helicopter lands and takes off. Festival organizers showed their appreciation for the Navy’s community service efforts with a plaque and certificate presentation to the six vol-

unteers at Fentress June 21. Fentress personnel were among the nine military units and approximately 126 military members participating in the 2012 festival, which is now in its 24th year.“The entire festival is run on volunteers,” said Barbara Rockwell, military display chairman for the festival. She included the — See Strawberry Festival Page 8


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