FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017
Eye on the Fleet
Yokosuka, japan
VOL. 17 NO. 1
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Wounded Warriors to ride U.S. 1 Sailors and guests watch New Year’s Day fireworks on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The ship is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, and provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 James Lee
inside: SETTING GOALS Time to start over. . . . . . . . . 2 SOLDIER RIDE Check out the route. . . . . . . 3 FIRE HOUSE Settling in at new digs . . 4, 5 MWR New year, new events . . . 6, 7 TOP OF PAGE ONE: An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the ‘Blackjacks’ of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, delivers supplies to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during a vertical replenishment.
Moving day
FROM NAS Key West Public Affairs
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aval Air Station Key West is once again prepping for the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride, which is Saturday. Wounded warriors have been making the ride here since 2006 and, according to organizers, Key West is one of the more popular destinations. The riders will take off from Boca Chica Field at 10:30 a.m., heading for the Vietnam Living Memorial at Bayview Park. This is the first year they will travel to the memorial, which was dedicated in 2016. Previously, the ride ended at waterfront park, which is currently under renovation. Before the riders start off from Boca Chica Field, the Key West Area Chief Petty Officers Association will open the chiefs’ mess to provide breakfast for the riders and their support staff. The chiefs will also present the Wounded Warrior Project a check from funds see WARRIORS page 3
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
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aval Air Station Key West Fire and Emergency Services firefighters share one of their last meals in Hangar A-132 on Boca Chica Field before completing their move into the new fire and aircraft crash/rescue facility at the intersection of Midway and Saratoga avenues. The aging hangar, which has served as a fire station for more than 30 years, will be razed. See more photos on pages 4 and 5.
DoD announces new outreach efforts for discharges, records From Department of Defense
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he Department of Defense Dec. 30 announced a renewed effort to ensure veterans are aware of the opportunity to have their discharges and military records reviewed. Through enhanced public outreach, engagement with Veterans Service Organizations, Military Service
Organizations and other outside groups, as well as direct outreach to individual veterans, the department encourages all veterans who believe they have experienced an error or injustice to request relief from their service’s Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records or Discharge Review Board. Additionally, all veterans, VSOs, MSOs, and other interested organi-
zations are invited to offer feedback on their experiences with the BCM/ NR or DRB processes, including how the policies and processes can be improved. In the past few years, the department has issued guidance for consideration of post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as the repealed “Don’t see Records page 2
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Setting goals
H Jan. 6 1996 - USS Hopper (DDG 70) is launched. The guided-missile destroyer is named for Rear Adm. Grace Hopper who was at the forefront of the programming revolution..
Jan. 7 1960 - The Navy conducts its first pad launch of an inertially-guided Polaris A1 missile at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Jan. 8
appy New Year! This past weekend we said goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017. What does a new year mean to you? For many the new year brings new goals and resolutions. Many want to change some undesired trait or behavior and a new year seems to be a great place to start that change. I, for one, have my own goals and resolutions for the new year. We are only a few days into January and I have already had to remind myself that change isn’t going to happen overnight and that some days are not going to go as planned. So many times we start out with great intentions to start a new year off with a clean slate but as soon as something goes
1994 - Fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) is commissioned at Naval Base Groton, Connecticut.
Records
Jan. 9
Ask, Don’t Tell,” and its predecessor policies. Additionally, supplemental guidance for separations involving victims of sexual assault is currently being considered. The department is reviewing and consolidating all of the related policies to reinforce the department’s commitment to ensuring fair and equitable review of separations. Whether the discharge or other correction is the result of PTSD, sexual orientation, sexual assault, or some other consideration, the department is committed to rectifying errors or injustices and treating all veterans with dignity and respect. With today’s announcement, the department is reaffirming its intention to review and potentially upgrade the discharge status of all individuals that are eligible and that apply.
1918 - The Naval Overseas Transportation Service, now the Military Sealift Command, is established to carry cargo in World War I.
Jan. 10 1917 - The first U.S. Navy production order for aerial photographic equipment is initiated when the Naval Observatory issued requisitions for 20 aero cameras.
Jan. 11 1944 - Torpedo bombing aircraft from USS Block Island (CVE 21) make the first aircraft rocket attack on German submarine, U-758.
Jan. 12 1953 - Aircraft landings begin operational tests, day and night, onboard USS Antietam (CVA 36).
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wrong, we become easily discouraged and our goals and resolutions drop by the wayside. Recently I came across a few great tips that I thought were helpful when CHAPLAIN'S thinking about CORNER my new goals and resolutions. I would like to share two of them with you. Tip one is being sensible. NAS Key West Be reasonable Command Chaplain when making Lt. your resolutions. Scott Mason You don’t want to set yourself up for failure from the beginning by setting unreasonable or impossible goals that never could be attained in the first place. Tip two is having accountability. Having some kind of accountability is always helpful and has To request an upgrade or correction: Veterans who desire a correction to their service record or who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade, are encouraged to apply for review. For discharge upgrades, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, the veteran should complete DD Form 293 (http:// www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/ forms/eforms/dd0293.pdf) and send it to their service’s DRB (the address is on the form). For discharges over 15 years ago, the veteran should complete the DD Form 149 (http://www. dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/ eforms/dd0149.pdf) and send it to their service’s BCM/NR (the address is on the form). For corrections of records other than discharges, veterans should complete the DD Form 149 and submit their request to their service’s BCM/NR (the address is on the form). Successful applications:
been proven to be a part of helping you to be successful. Find someone or a group of people to help you stay on track as you make these changes in your life. There will be days that you will need encouragement and accountability and these people will be the ones to help with you that. I hope your time reading this article has encouraged you. Please come and join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Truman Annex Chapel for worship service with our Praise Band and Children’s Church. Also, I encourage you to visit our Facebook page (Truman Chapel) for upcoming events. If you are in need of chaplain care, please call your chaplains at 305-293-2318, Naval Air Station Key West, or 305-2928788, Coast Guard Sector Key West.
There are three keys to successful applications for upgrade or correction. First, it is very important to explain why the veteran’s discharge or other record was unjust or erroneousfor example, how it is connected to, or resulted from unjust policies, a physical or mental health condition related to military service, or some other explainable or justifiable circumstance. Second, it is important to provide support, where applicable, for key facts. If a veteran has a relevant medical diagnosis, for example, it would be very helpful to include medical records that reflect that diagnosis. Third, it is helpful, but not always required, to submit copies of the veteran’s applicable service records. The more information provided, the better the boards can understand the circumstances of the discharge. BCM/NRs are also authorized to grant relief on the basis
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. Copy and photographs provided by the readers of the Southernmost Flyer should be sent to: Editor, Southernmost Flyer, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Box 9001, Key West, FL 33040-9001. or e-mailed to jolene.scholl@navy.mil. Phone (305) 293-2425/2434.
of clemency. Personnel records for veterans who served after 1997 should be accessible online and are usually retrievable within hours of a request through the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS). To obtain one’s personnel records from DPRIS, go to https://www.dpris.dod.mil/, then select “Individual Veteran Access” on the left side of the website and follow the instructions. Veterans will need to register for a logon and verify their current mailing address before requesting records. The whole process usually takes less than 10 minutes. Those who served prior to 1997 or for whom electronic records are not available from DPRIS, can request their records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) using the eVetRecs website at: http://www. archives.gov/veterans/militaryservice-records/.
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Briefly… Bowling alley open Saturday The newly renovated Airlanes Bowling Center will open Saturday with free shoe rental from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Runway Grill will be open for food and drinks. For more information, call 305-293-2976.
MS support group meets The first meeting of a local multiple aclerosis 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 and family members are encouraged to attend.
MMOY banquet set Navy League Key West Council hosts its annual Military Member of the Year Awards Banquet on Feb. 3 at the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required and must be made by Jan. 25. Tickets are $30 for E7 and above, and civilians; for E6 and below, tickets are $25. Military members should RSVP to HMCS (FMF) David see BRIEFLY page 7
Job Title: Air traffic control Hometown: Oakland, California Prior Duty Stations: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Most Interesting Experience: Ship life. Future Plans: College, invest in a moped. AC2 Elegia Hendricks-Bucado
The Wounded Warriors will follow the red route above as they ride from Boca Chica Field to Bayview Park. Supporters are encouraged to stand along the route and show support for the warriors as they pass. The yellow route marks the route of the community ride, which starts at 12:45 p.m. Registration is on site and the fee is $20.
Warriors continued from page 1
raised at the 7th Annual Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament in December. The CPOA, which organizes the annual event, raised $10.641 this year, according to Co-Chairman Lisa Patrocky. At 10:30 a.m., riders and their support crews will leave Boca Chica Field and ride down U.S. 1 to the
Triangle. They will then turn onto North Roosevelt Boulevard and ride to Palm Avenue. They will travel down Palm, which becomes East Street, and then turn right on Simonton Street. They will then turn onto Front Street and travel to Duval Street. The warriors will ride down Duval and then turn on Truman Avenue, heading to Bayview Park. They are scheduled to arrive at
the park around 11:45 a.m. Residents and visitors are encouraged to line the streets and show their appreciation for the warriors as they ride by. Supporters also should try to arrive early at Bavyview Park for the welcoming ceremony at the memorial. NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker will join other local military leadership in greeting the riders, as
will Key West Mayor Craig Cates and members of the Key West Military Affairs Committee, which organizes activities for the riders. A community ride-along is scheduled to start at 12:45 p.m.; supporters can ride with the warriors around Key West, stopping at historic sites. There is a $20 registration fee, which supports the Wounded Warrior Project. Supporters can register on site.
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This January 2014 view from the top of the Air Operations terminal shows work on the foundation; fill was brought in to raise the level of the new station by several feet.
U.S. Navy photos by Jolene Scholl
Firefighters ‘moving on up’ From NAS Key West Public Affairs It’s been just over two years since officials gathered near the intersection of Midway and Saratoga avenues on Boca Chica Field to officially break ground on the new fire/rescue station. On Wednesday, the wait was over - firefighters began moving into the new facility. No longer will they eat, work and train in a deteriorating hangar dating back to when the air station was built in the 1940s. “It’s our real first fire station designed just for NAS Key West,” said Fire and Emergency Services Chief C.J. Krieger at the ground-breaking in October 2014. “It is a state-of-the-art fire station.” A ribbon-cutting isn’t planned until after the project is complete, which is when the old hangar is demolished, Krieger said Wednesday. The 21,577 square-foot, single-story complex has seven stalls, three of which are dedicated to emergency air field response. The complex also houses offices, a training room, individual sleeping quarters, a small fitness center, a kitchen and dining area, and television room. “The facility offers a significant quality of life improvement for our firefighters, which will enable them to The 1940s-era hangar, which has served as the Boca Chica Field fire/rescue station for more than 30 years, will be demolished in maintain peak readiness,” said Capt. Steve McAlearney, former commanding officer, at the groundbreaking. upcoming weeks.
January 6, 2017 •
This overview of the new fire/emergency response facility on Boca Chica Field was taken from the Air Operations terminal on Wednesday, the day firefighters began moving from Hangar A-132.
Firefighter/EMT Jimmy Peralta puts his gear into new storage lockers.
NAS Key West Firefighter/EMT Doug Painter pulls a fire truck into one of the bays at the new Emergency Fire Services fire station on Wednesday.
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MWR Update Flea market trip MWR is providing transportation to the Big Pine flea market Jan. 14 at 8 a.m., leaving from the Sigsbee Community Center. The cost is $5 per person and the shuttle returns to Sigsbee Park by 1 p.m. Register at the Sigsbee Ticket Office; full payment is required. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 305-563-0364.
Seafood fest MWR is providing transportation to the Key West Seafood Festival at Bayview Park. The shuttle departs Sigsbee Community Center at 11 a.m. Jan. 15 and returns by 5 p.m. The cost of the shuttle is $3 per person. Register at the Sigsbee Ticket Office; full payment is required. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 305-563-0364.
Paint night Gather a group of friends, bring your favorite beverage and enjoy step-by-step painting instruction s from an experienced artist on Jan. 19 from 7 - 9 p.m. at Sigsbee Community Center. Only 20 spots are available - register at the Sigsbee Ticket Office to reserve a seat. The cost is $25 per person; this activity is for patrons aged 21 and older. Call 305-5630364.
Homestead trip MWR is providing transportation to the Alligator Farm and “Robert is Here” roadside stand Jan. 28. The bus departs from Sigsbee Community Center at 8 a.m. The cost is $7 per person; the fee doesn’t include general admission to the Alligator Farm - patrons will purchase tickets at the gate. Register at the Sigsbee Ticket Office; full payment is required. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 305-563-0364.
MWR Jobs Looking for a full time or part time position with MWR or NGIS? Visit www.NavyMWRKeyWest.com/jobs for a full list of available jobs and position descriptions. The most recent openings include: Assistant bowling manager, Child & Youth Program assistant director and Navy Gateway Inns & Suites seeks a front desk associate and gardener. For more information, visit the website.
Pool hours change The winter hours for the Trumbo Pool are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - Saturday and noon - p.m. Sunday. Visit www. NavyMWRKeyWest.com.
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Ocheltree at 305-293-2692 or email david.ocheltree@ navy.mil. Civilians should contact Kehau Murray at 305304-0142 or Gidget Johns at 305-797-0980.
Wing challenge announced 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 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.
Run offers 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, set for Jan. 15. 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; the half-marathon starts at 7 a.m. and the 5K at 7:30 a.m.
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.
Get active with MCHC The Multicultural Heritage Committee is looking for more people - Sailors and DOD civilians - to join the organization. The MCHC meets every Thursday at noon in Bldg. A-324 conference room, Boca Chica Field.
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. For information, email daliese.steele@navy.mil.
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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 now. 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 rear-wheel trucks. Call 305-797-1640 (work) or 305-745-1486 (cell).
HELP WANTED Womankind - Seeking medical professional (RN/ LPN/CMA) with administration experience to oversee medical front office and clinic of women’s health care center. Wide ranging responsibilities include: Providing excep-
tional customer service; supervising staff; managing the front office; and serving in the clinic. This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Experience with electronic health records and computer skills are required. Please email resumes to Cali Roberts at croberts@ womankindkeywest.org; no phone calls please. 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 physically 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 active-duty 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 330409001; or fax submissions to 305-293-2627. Unless otherwise directed, ads will run for four issues. Name and phone number must accompany all requests in order for them to be considered for publication. For info, call 305-293-2425.