FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016
Eye on the Fleet
NAS KEY WEST
VOL. 16 NO. 50
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Ready to respond
Naval Air Station Key West’s Liberty Program Manager Maria Altamuro, left, and Morale, Weflare and Recreation’s Graphics Designer Danette Baso Silvers get in character before greeting Liberty Sailors Christmas morning with breakfast, gifts and activities. U.S. Navy photo Courtesy MWR
inside: NO REGRETS A new year begins. . . . . . . . . 2 READY TO ROLL Airlanes renovations . . . . . . 3 A LOOK BACK 2016 in photos. . . . . . . . . . 4, 5 MWR FUN What’s going on. . . . . . . . . 6, 7 TOP OF PAGE ONE: Marine Corps aviators with Heavy Marine Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302 prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion while training at Naval Air Station Key West in March.
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U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
irefighters expect to move into Naval Air Station Key West’s aircraft crash/rescue and fire station, at the intersection of Midway and Saratoga avenues on Boca Chica Field, in 2017. Groundbreaking for the facility took place in 2015. The 21,577 square-foot, single-story complex has seven stalls, three of which are dedicated to emergency air field response. The new facility will be the first truly dedicated to fire and emergency response. NAS Key West’s Fire and Emergency Services currently is located in a 1940s-era hangar.
NAS support mission readiness in FY16 By MC2 Cody Babin Southernmost Flyer
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hile its departments can be found at various annexes in and around Key West - Boca Chica Field, Truman Annex, Trumbo Point and Sigsbee Park - Naval Air Station Key West continues to be a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and also provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. Here are statistical highlights of the service demonstrated year-round by Sailors and civilian employees at NAS Key West for FY
2016, which ended Sept. 30: Air Operations • Over 9,961 sorties flown by Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Canadian fighters tracked by Tactical Combat Training System, the second highest number out of 11 tactical training ranges nationwide. • NAS Key West hosted 90 air detachments, 408 aircraft and 7,949 personnel. • Air traffic controllers executed 126,475 combined tower, radar and special-use area flight operations, and safely sequenced see stats page 3
Navy leaders bring back rating titles From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
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avy leaders have rescinded a decision made in September to address enlisted Sailors as petty officers first, second or third class, rather by their ratings. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, with the support of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steve Giordano, made the announcement Dec. 21 in NAVADMIN 283/16. “Our Navy needs to be a fast-learning organization
- that includes Navy leadership,” Richardson wrote in the NAVADMIN. “The Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority states that our most junior teammate may have the best idea and that we must be open to capturing that idea. We have learned from you, and so effective immediately, all rating names are restored.” “The SECNAV, MCPON and I, along with other Navy leadership, have had the opportunity to speak with thousands of Sailors during our travels throughout the fleet. The feedback from current and forsee rates page 8
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•December 30, 2016
No regrets
H Dec. 30 1959 - The first fleet ballistic missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN 598), is commissioned.
Dec. 31 1948 - Secretary of the Navy, John Sullivan, files the last annual report to Congress and the president.
Jan. 1 1962 - Navy SEAL teams are established with teams one and two formed with personnel from underwater demolition teams.
Jan. 2 2000 - Retired Adm. Elmo Zumwalt Jr., the 19th chief of naval operations, dies.
Jan. 3 1944 - Marine Maj. Gregory Boyington is shot down by the Japanese and taken prisoner.
Jan. 4 1989 - Fighter squadron (VF) 32 F-14 Tomcats from USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 67) shoot down two hostile Libyan MiGs.
Jan. 5 1945 - Kamikaze attacks continued against the U.S. Navy force bound for the Lingayen Gulf, killing Rear Admiral Theodore Chandler.
appy New Year’s! Each year I am amazed at how quickly the past year went by. As I look back on 2016, I am once again amazed. I am also reminded of the changes my family and I have experienced. Not all great, but we are looking forward to 2017 with anticipation for what the future holds. What are your dreams and goals for 2017? No, I’m not talking about the resolutions that many of us have failed at already. I’m asking, is this year going to be the same just like every previous year, or are you going to break out of the routine and drastically change your life and the lives of others? One of my favorite authors has a statement that permeates his writing. I read it in his book years ago and it changed my perspective on life and the way in which I operate. As we start this new year, I want to share it with you. The book is “The Lion Chasers Manifesto” by Mark Batterson. “Quit living as if the purpose
of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set Godsized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. “Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointCHAPLAIN'S ing out problems CORNER and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and CG Sector Key West start taking risks. Command Chaplain Accumulate expeLt. riences. Consider Derek Henson the lilies. “Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. “Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at your-
self. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. “Chase the lion.” In short, go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. This year I want to encourage you to go after something that is beyond you. Beyond your capabilities, whether it is health, relationships, faith, adventures or a job. This life is too short, our years fly by too quickly and before we know it, we will either be out of the military or retired and looking back. I want to encourage each who reads this not to let 2017 be a year of regret but a year of new adventures, new relationships and restored life. If your faith is rekindled or you are searching for a church home, please join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at the Truman Chapel for worship. Also, see what we are doing by visiting our Facebook page - Truman Chapel. If you are in need of chaplain care, please call your chaplains at 305-293-2318, Naval Air Station Key West, or 305-7971211, Coast Guard Sector Key West.
NAS holiday weekend hours of operation From NAS Key West Public Affairs
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aval Air Station Key West’s offices are closed Monday. Hours of operation for Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities, the Navy Exchange and mini marts on Boca Chica and Trumbo Point, and the Commissary on Sigsbee are as follows: All MWR facilities will be open for regular hours on Friday except for the following: • Boca Chica Fitness Center: 5 a.m. - 2 p.m. All MWR facilities will be open
for regular hours on Saturday except for the following: • Auto Skills Center: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Boca Chica Fitness Center: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Sigsbee Marina: 7:45 a.m. noon • Trumbo Pool: Closed • Youth Center: Closed All MWR facilities will close Sunday except for the NGIS Front Desk. On Monday, all facilities are closed except for the following: • Fly Away Cafe: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Navigator’s Bar: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• NGIS Front Desk: 24 hours • Sigsbee Marina: 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Vacation Rentals: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Commissary closes at 5 p.m. Saturday and remains closed Sunday and Monday. The Navy Exchange on Sigsbee Park is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Naval Branch Health Clinic is closed Friday - Monday. The nurse advice line is available 24/7 at 1-800-874-2273. The Command Duty Officer can be reached at 305-797-8008.
Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby J. Baker Executive Officer Cmdr. Pornchai Davidson PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Trice Denny EDITOR Jolene Scholl STAFF MC2 Cody Babin This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military service and their families. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Additional copy and photographs provided by the readers of the Southernmost Flyer should be addressed to: Editor, Southernmost Flyer, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Box 9001, Key West, FL 33040-9001. Copy can also be e-mailed to jolene.scholl@ navy.mil. Telephone (305) 293-2425/2434. DSN 4832425/2434. Deadline for all editorial copy is 4 p.m. the Friday preceding publication. All articles must be submitted on disk in text format, written in upper/lower case style.
December 30, 2016 •
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Ready to roll (almost)
Briefly… CSADD issues wing challenge The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions has organized the First Annual Super Bowl Wing Off and is encouraging all Naval Air Station Key West commands to represent at the challenge on Feb. 3. Each command can be represented by up to five entries. Each entry must make a minimum of 20 wings. Participants will present their entries at 10 a.m., Feb. 3, at the Chief Petty Officers Mess on Boca Chica Field. Judging begins at 10:30 and winners will be announced at 12:30 p.m.; the event is open to all hands. The entry fee is $10 and wings and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact ET2 Derrick Luzolo at 305-293-2609.
New MS support group meets
The first meeting of a local Multiple Sclerosis support group is set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Monroe County Public Library, 700 Fleming St., Key West. The organization is under the auspices of the MS Society of South Florida. For more information, contact Sandi Friedland at 305-396-7553. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. see briefly page 7
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orale, Welfare and Recreation Recreational Assistant Allan Anderson, left, and Maintenance Worker Jiri Dlabaja put the finishing touches on graphic wall designs at the Airlanes Bowling Center and Grill on Boca Chica Field. The bowling alley underwent renovations in September and is expected to be ready for league play in Jaunuary.
STATS continued from page 1
Job Title: Electrician technician Hometown: Gaylor, Michigan Prior Duty Stations: Great Lakes, Illinois; Biloxi, Mississippi Most Interesting Experience: Fixing up old cars and fly fishing. Future Plans: Sitting through a softball-sized hailstorm in South Dakota..
SN Levi Lanway
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
37,046 civilian flights into three adjacent airfields and multiple seaplane ports with zero mishaps. • Tarpon Air Intercept Control successfully controlled 1,257 air combat training missions with zero mishaps during 20 fleet training detachments. Tarpon’s expertise used in the training of 67 fleet AICs from 35 separate UICs across four different platforms in the latest TOPGUN tactics. • SAR crews conducted four at-sea rescues and 16 assists in support of Coast
Guard Sector Key West operations, to include migrant rescues. • NAS Key West became the first naval air station to install NEXTGEN Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, gaining radar inputs from five sensors allowing for fusion processing, resulting in increased air traffic control accuracy. • The base also saw its first visit of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, flying the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter; the first full detachment is scheduled to arrive for training in the first quarter FY17. Port Operations • Responsible for 123 miles
of oil spill response, from Homestead to Key West. • 56 port visits to the Mole Pier by Navy and international warships, vessels from Military Sealift Command, NOAA and Army Corps of Engineers. • Over 68 cruise ship berths at Mole Pier coordinated with the city of Key West. • Over 1,370 dives at Mole Pier and Truman Harbor by more than 2,500 students representing Special Operations Command, military diving salvage units, FBI, Office of Naval Research and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Security • 275,000 miles of law enforcement, force protec-
tion for six annexes and 39 tenant commands. • Developed, managed and executed four general public visits and three special controlled group visits, including the Southernmost Air Spectacular which drew 50,000 visitors. • Conducted eight vulnerability assessments and implemented random antiterrorism measure programs and active shooter plans for 32 tenant commands. With the start of the new year, training operations will again ramp up as aviators, Sailors and special operators arrive to train for upcoming missions.
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•December 30, 2016
Through the camera’s lens: A look back at 2016
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
Naval Air Station Key West held its change of command June 17 at Boca Chica Field. Above, Capt. Bobby Baker reports to Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mary Jackson after assuming command from retiring Capt. Steve McAlearney.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, fly past air show enthusiasts on Boca Chica Field during the Southernmost Air Spectacular in April. The two-day show attracted more than 50,000.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
F-35C Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 made their first-ever visit to NAS Key West while stopping on an extended training flight in May. The F-35Cs are assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Nine ships from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, research vessel Walton Smith and a contract vessel take shelter at Naval Air Station Key West’s Mole Pier in October as Hurricane Matthew approached Florida. A number of Coast Guard vessels stationed along the Florida Coast also sought safe harbor at NAS Key West.
December 30, 2016 •
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano speaks to Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station Key West and tenant commands during a visit in October to connect with Sailors, as well as serve as the guest speaker at the Key West Navy Birthday Ball.
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U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Michael Rickett
Twenty-two Cuban migrants were held for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after arriving at Boca Chica Field Dec. 17. Three Cuban migrant landings occurred at NAS Key West during 2016: Two at Boca Chica Field and one at Truman Annex.
U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
A youngster plays in the water at the opening in April of Morale, Welfare A Sailor with the Navy Entomology Center, Jacksonville, and Recreation’s new water park on Sigsbee Park. The facility is free and Florida, sprays mosquito repellant on a uniform in April in response to concerns about Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that open daily during daylight hours. can cause birth defects and other health issues.
Joel Sartore photographs a Lower Keys marsh rabbit on Boca Chica Field in January 2016 as part of the new series ‘Rare.’ The series, which focuses on nine rare species from around the world and the efforts being taken to save them, is set to air this spring on PBS.
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•December 30, 2016
MWR Update Beach Patio Movies The Beach Patio Recreation Center offers movie premieres on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Note that the facility is only open to patrons 18 and older after 4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www. NavyMWRKeyWest.com. Friday: “The Magnificent 7,” rated PG-13, at 6 p.m.
Child care The Child & Youth Programs is offering additional child care through the Give Parents a Break program. The cost is $4 per child, per hour and each child must be pre-registered, including immunization records. Cancellations must be made before 8 a.m. on the day of scheduled child care to avoid paying for reserved time. For more information or to register, call 305-293-4498 or visit the Child Development Center on Sigsbee Park. Jan. 21: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., supporting the “Luau in Paradise” event.
Pool hours change The winter hours for the Trumbo Pool are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.NavyMWRKeyWest.com and click on Aquatics for more information about the pool and its rules and regulations.
December 30, 2016 •
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Briefly continued from page 3
5K run registration discount The organizers of the Key West Half Marathon and 5K are offering 50 percent off the registration price for active duty military and their dependents who want to participate in the annual event, set for Jan. 15, 2017. The promotion is limited to the first 100 military/dependents who register at the website, www.keywesthalfmarathon.com. Registrants should use the code MILITARYHM50 for the discount on the half marathon and MILITARY5k50 for the 5K discount. The runs start at the corner of Caroline and Grinnell streets; the halfmarathon starts at 7 a.m. and the 5K at 7:30 a.m.
ID Card Lab updates hours The ID Card Lab in Bldg. A-324, Boca Chica Field, has updated its hours of operation to 7:30 a.m. - 3:40 p.m., Monday - Friday. Make an appointment for Identification Card services or check on DEERS updates at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc. osd.mil. Appointments are made on the hour; drop-in times may be available depending on the day’s schedule. Sponsors may also check or update DEERS records by calling 800-538-9552.
Truman gate changes Truman Annex’s United Street gate is open and the Southard Street gate closed to alleviate traffic congestion from waterfront park construction. For more information, call 305-293-2925.
CSADD seeks members The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions is currently looking for new members. Meetings are every Tuesday from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Air Ops Conference Room. CSADD a peer-topeer mentorship program focusing on volunteerism and educating our young Sailors on the importance of good decision making. For more information, email CSADD president PO2 Daliese Steele, at daliese. steele@navy.mil.
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•December 30, 2016
Rates
continued from page 1
mer Sailors has been consistent that there is wide support for the flexibility that the plan offers, but the removal of rating titles was unnecessary and detracted from accomplishing our major goals.” The rating modernization working group will continue its work on the substantive portion of the rating modernization effort.
“As we looked at rating modernization effort over the past few months, we saw that we could still achieve the positive results we want without changing rating titles right now,” said the Navy’s Chief of Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke. “However, modernizing our industrial-age personnel system in order to provide Sailors choice and flexibility still remains a priority for us,” Burke said. Our personnel system has
not fundamentally changed since the 1970s, and just like our ships, aircraft and weapons systems, it needs updates to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. We must not shy away from adapting to meet the needs of a 21st century Navy including the way we manage our people.” “As we move forward into the execution stages of the rating modernization, more and more Sailors will have multiple occupational skill sets or ratings,” he added.
NAS Classifieds FOR RENT Old Town Key West 2br/2ba OFP LTL $3,000 p/m plus utilities, F/S, references, credit check, small pet considered. Available Jan. 1. Call 305-522-4231. Bay Point MM15 - Open water, 2BD/2BA in-law suite; 950 sq ft.; two covered patios; shared laundry. $2100/month/utilities INCLUDED (water/electric/ TV/internet). Shallow-draft boating/kayaking. No pets. No smoking. Call Jennifer 404-408-8899 or email jenniferwest@me.com. FOR SALE Jet Dock - No better way to protect the hull of your boat and not have to use bottom paint. Jet Dock measures 10’ X 20’ and is in excellent condition. Asking $4,500. Call Darrell at 305-745-2418. Set of four 22” wheels and tires. XD 795 Hoss chrome cast aluminum 22” wheels w/Toyo open country 37 X 12.50 R 22 LT tires. Tires have less than 4,000 miles. Cost $3,400 new, asking $2,500 (firm). Will fit Ford F-250/350 2011 - 2016 single rearwheel trucks. Call 305-7971640 (work) or 305-7451486 (cell). HELP WANTED Hemingway Rum Company, 203 Simonton St., has scheduled a military-only job fair from 9 a.m. - noon Monday. A job fair for the general public is set for 1 - 4 p.m. Monday and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Two salaried positions are available: Retail manager, which has a prerequisite of four - five years’ experience as lead
manager in a retail environment; and office manager/ bookkeeper, which has a prerequisite of two - four years’ experience and proficiency with Enterprise Quick Books. More than 30 part-time retail and eventcenter positions are available. Stop by to meet team members and complete an application. Resumes also can be sent to jobs@papspilar.com Cudjoe Key TARS Site - Electronic Technician II - Employee will apply comprehensive technical knowledge to solve complex problems in working on electronic equipment. Responsibilities: Determines work sequence and selection of tools and testing instruments; performs corrective and preventive maintenance on the aerostat radar payload, telemetry and control subsystems, tether subsystem, meteorological equipment, ground station electronic subsystems, communications subsystems, and site facility electronics as appropriate; performs all aerostat electronic subsystem preflight and post-flight checks and inspections
as required; assists with the resupply and repair logistics activities for the aerostat electronics subsystems; performs routine clerical tasks such as posting and typing requisitions and performs other tasks associated with supply activities; receives stores and issues equipment, material, supplies, or tools and compiles stock records in stockroom, warehouse, or storage yard; counts, sorts, or weighs incoming articles to verify receipt of items on requisitions or invoices; stores articles according to identifying information; fills orders or issues supplies from stock; transports materials or supplies to other departments using hand or industrial equipment and vehicles; and performs all required storeroom activities for shipping and receiving including packing and crating services. Functions as a key member of the flight crew for inflation, deflation, launch, recovery, maintenance, and in-flight activities and may be required to work in special man-lift vehicles. Candidate must be physi-
cally fit in order to assist in launching and recovering aerostat. Minimum qualifications: High school graduate; two years’ electronic maintenance and repair experience. Former or retired military preferred. Candidate must pass DHS background investigation. For information on how to apply, email Chip Lyons, Site Manager, at DLYONS04@harris.com or call 305-745-2099 or 305434-2484. NAS KEY WEST CLASSIFIEDS are free for activeduty and retired personnel, their families and civilian base employees only. Deadline for submissions is noon the Tuesday prior to that Friday’s issue. Make submissions to the NAS Key West Public Affairs Office by email, jolene. scholl@navy.mil; mail, P.O. Box 9001, Key West, FL 33040-9001; or fax submissions to 305-293-2627. Unless otherwise directed, ads will run for four issues. Name and phone number must accompany all requests. For more information, call 305-293-2425.