FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
Eye on the Fleet
yokosuka, japan
VOL. 17 NO. 26
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Boca Chica Field flies high in Air Ops inspection From NAS Key West Public Affairs (June 27, 2017) Sailors fold American flags as family, friends and shipmates attend a memorial ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka honoring the seven Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) who died in a collision at sea. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Raymond Diaz III
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aval Air Station Key West’s Air Operations Department passed its Airfield Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures
From NAS Key West Public Affairs
JEA ROCKS Feds Feed Families . . . . . . . 2
aval Air Station Key West’s offices and facilities will close Monday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday but the annual Bash at the Beach event will be open for all hands. The Sigsbee Park Navy Exchange and Trumbo Point mini-mart will follow holiday hours, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., on Monday and Tuesday. The Boca Chica mini-mart will follow holiday hours, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday - Tuesday. The commissary on Sigsbee Park is open on reduced hours - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
GSTA Growth not grief. . . . . . . . . . . 5 PRIDE Vets speak up. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 TOP OF PAGE ONE: An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
air traffic control, airfield management, the transient line, arresting gear and the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard programs. “This was a great visit,” Higgins said in his debrief to NAS Key West Executive Officer Cmdr.
Greg Brotherton. “This is the first time in seven years of these inspections that the report is all on only one page.” The evaluation results cover areas of safety, major infractions, policies and remarks. Higgins reported
that NAS Key West had only four minor policy fixes, and best of all for the base - no follow up actions were required. Higgins and two other CNIC evaluators gave see natops page 8
Fourth of July: Holiday hours, beach bash
inside: CIVILIAN SPOTLIGHT Best EA ever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Standardization evaluation with flying colors June 22. The evaluation, led by Commander, Navy Installations Command’s NATOPS Program Coordinator James Higgins, occurs every three years and thoroughly inspects
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see hours page 5
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
In observance of Pride Month, Sailors and civilians display a 100-foot section of the original Key West sea-to-sea Pride flag created by Gilbert Baker at the Boca Chica Field Gate Wednesday.
NAS observes Pride Month with flag display, celebration
by MC2 Cody Babin Southernmost Flyer
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aval Air Station Key West celebrated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride month at the
Southernmost Chief Petty Officers Mess on Boca Chica Field Thursday. The celebration was organized by Naval Air Station Key West’s Multicultural Heritage Committee. The celebration came on
the heels of Wednesday’s display of a section of the Rainbow Sea-to-Sea Pride Flag in front of Boca Chica Field’s Main Gate. The Department of Defense began officially observing LGBT Pride
Month in 2012. The month was originally established as “Gay and Lesbian Month” by presidential proclamation in 2000. LGBT Pride Month see Pride page 5
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•June 30, 2017
Independence Day
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June 30 1951 - A group of stranded Japanese soldiers who refuse to believe World War II ended in 1945 surrender on Anatahan Island in the northern Marianas.
July 1 1911 - Designer Glenn Curtiss makes the first flight in the Navy’s first aircraft, Curtiss A1, at Lake Keuka, New York.
July 2 1926 - The Distinguished Flying Cross is authorized by Congress and the first Naval aviator to receive the honor is Lt. Cmdr. Richard Byrd for his flight to the North Pole on May 9, 1926.
July 3 1942 - A PBY 5A aircraft successfully fires the first airborne retro-rocket at Goldstone Lake, California.
July 4 1776 - The Second Continental Congress unanimously adopts the Declaration of Independence, which announces the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.
July 5 1862 - The Navy Department is reorganized by act of Congress.
July 6 1747 - John Paul Jones is born in Arbigland, Scotland. Originally appointed to the Continental Navy in 1775, he is known for his quote, “I’ve not yet begun to fight!”
n Tuesday Americans will celebrate Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from England. This event eventually led to the formation of the United States of America. The Fourth of July has been designated a national holiday for Americans to celebrate the day the U.S. laid down its claim to be a free and independent nation. As a child I always enjoyed the parades, cookouts and amazing firework displays. It wasn’t until I became older that I really understood what being independent and free really meant. The parades, cookouts and fireworks are fun ways to celebrate but the colonies had to give up a lot to finally break free from the
tyranny of the King of England. Independence and freedom didn’t come easily to the people of the colonies. This rings true for many of us in our personal life. Many of us can think of CHAPLAIN'S things that may CORNER have us in bondage and we are working hard to find a way to be free from it. Some people may have found NAS Key West their indepenCommand Chaplain dence from that Lt. thing, person Scott Mason or relationship that they were dependent on but others may be working hard to be free from whatever has enslaved them. Freedom and independence don’t occur overnight and sometimes it can take years to finally
feel like you are no longer in bondage. Of course, when that day finally comes we will remember and celebrate it because it wasn’t something that came easily. The day you feel deliverance will be a day you never forget. Deliverance is defined as “a rescue from bondage or danger.” Deliverance in the Bible is the acts of God where He rescues His people from danger. In the Old Testament, deliverance is primarily focused on God’s removal of those who are in the midst of trouble or danger. As we celebrate our country’s freedom and independence this next week may we also have hope that we can have that same freedom and independence personally from whatever has us in bondage. Ephesians 3: 12 says: see chaplain page 5
Civilian in the Spotlight
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aval Air Station Key West Com-manding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker congratulates Colleen Dymarcik, command executive assistant, after awarding her the ‘Civilian in the Spotlight’ recognition June 22. Dymarcik, who has been the EA since March 2012, leaves in July for a similar post at NAS Pensacola. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby J. Baker Executive Officer Cmdr. Greg Brotherton 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.
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Briefly… Commissary celebrates anniverary The Sigsbee Park commissary will observe the 150th anniversary of the establishment of commissaries on Saturday. All eligible shoppers are invited to enjoy a slice of ice cream cake and take advantage of the meat manager’s special and other savings. For more information, call 305-293-4402.
CSADD sponsors ice cream 5K
The Southernmost Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions and Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West’s Healthy Promotions Program are hosting a National Ice Cream Day 5K on July 18. The 5K starts at 7 a.m. at the Chief Petty Officers Mess on Boca Chica Field. The cost is $12. Refreshments and ice cream will follow the run. To register, email: socorro.m.dennis@navy.mil; derrick.luzolo@navy. mil; or amy-shirelle.santos@navy.mil.
Red Cross seeks volunteers The American Red Cross is looking for a few great volunteers. The following volunteer opportunities are available at Naval Branch Health Clinic: Administrative and data entry; patient escort service; records desk; see briefly page 8
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
Members of the JEA, including from left, LS2 Brandon Gassiott, IT2 Joseph Kleffner, AZ2 Kevin Pinkard and ABH2 Courtney Oakley are shown with Commissary Director Calvin Moore at the Feds Feed Families display table at the commissary.
JEA leads campaign supporting local food banks From NAS Key West Public Affairs
N Job Title: OMD power plants Hometown: Seattle Prior Duty Stations: First duty station Hobbies: Sports, gaming. Future Plans: Going to Seattle Seahawks games.
ADAN Christopher Gladney
aval Air Station Key West’s Junior Enlisted Association has organized this year’s annual Feds Feed Families campaign, a DOD-wide program to collect non-perishable food for local food banks. The food-raising effort began June 1 and runs through Aug. 31, according to JEA president AZ2 Kevin Pinkard. The annual food collection campaign began in 2009 and runs nationwide and involves all levels of the federal government. Civilians and military
members are encouraged to donate canned food, rice and other staples at collection boxes located at various sites on Boca Chica Field, including the Command Quarter Deck, Bldg. A-324; the Air Operations/air terminal lobby, Bldg. 4085; and the main entrance to Hangar A-936. “We are planning to have collection boxes at Port Operations and Joint Interagency Task Force South,” he noted. Commissary Director Calvin Moore is supporting the FFF campaign with a table display of bags that patrons can purchase and then leave in a collection
box by the door. Pinkard said the organization, with 20 members, collects the donations on a regular basis and drops them off at either St. Mary Star of the Sea food pantry on Stock Island or with the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition. Last year the campaign, which was then organized by the Religious Ministries Department, raised food and cash equivalent to 11,482 pounds. The JEA took over the campaign at the request of Command Master Chief Lee Friedlander, and second class petty officers were only too happy to help.
“It’s what we do. We try to give back to the community,” Pinkard said. Because the campaign is new to the JEA, they haven’t yet set a goal. “We will be thankful for what is donated to support our community,” he said. In addition to food donations, anyone wanting to donate cash can do so by contacting Pinkard, 850276-1148 or e-mail kevin. pinkard@navy.mil. The JEA meets at 10 a.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the Air Ops conference room, Boca Chica Field. Interested junior enlisted are welcome to attend.
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•June 30, 2017
MWR Update Bash at the Beach Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts the annual Fourth of July “Bash at the Beach” celebration at 5 p.m. at Beach Patio Recreation Center on Truman Annex. The afternoon will be filled with carnival games, water inflatables, a live band along with food and beverages, which are available for purchase. For more details visit www. NavyMWRKeyWest. com/events. Thank you to the sponsors for their continued support: USAA, Fury Water Adventures, Waste Management, Sparkling Ice, Sunset Watersports, Sebago Watersports, Lazy Dog Adventures, Key West Water Tours, Captain’s Corner, Military Affairs Committee, Key West Navy League Council, VFW Post 3911 & NAS Key West CPOA. Sponsorship does not imply federal endorsement of product or service.
Job opportunities Employment opportunities are available at Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Navy Gateway Inns and Suites. The Community Recreation Ticket Office on Sigsbee Park has an opening for a full-time recreation
assistant and NGIS is seeking a maintenance supervisor. For a listing of all available positions, and a PDF application, visit www. NavyMWRKeyWest. com/jobs.
only open to patrons aged 18 and older after 4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.NavyMWRKeyWest. com. Friday: “The Shack,” (PG13) at 6 p.m.
Navigator’s hours Indoor volleyball Navigator’s Bar and Grill at Boca Chica Marina has adjusted its hours of operations for the summer: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mondays Saturdays and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sundays. Once football season begins, the bar will remain open past closing until the game ends. Fly Away Café at Navigator’s is now operating on summer hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 305-293-2468.
Trumbo Pool The Trumbo Pool is now operating on summer hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesdays - Saturdays and noon - 5 p.m. Sundays.
Movies The Beach Patio Recreation Center offers movie premieres on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Note that the facility is
This year’s indoor volleyball season begins July 11 and games are every Tuesday at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. at the Boca Chica Fitness Center. Rosters are due by Wednesday. To earn Captain’s Cup points, the team may have no more than four non-active duty players on their roster. For additional details, or to submit roster, email kwathletics@gmail.com or call 305-797-7791.
Bowling Center Airlanes Bowling Center & Grill are open 3 - 10:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, and noon - 6 p.m. Saturday. The facility is closed Sunday. A minimum of four lanes are available to patrons during evening league play Mondays - Wednesdays and Fridays. Bumpers are available on most of the lanes and the grill is open for food and beverages. To book a
party call 305-293-2976.
Sigsbee Community Center. Group. For additional inforSelf-defense class Boy’s (10-14): July 11, with mation, email naskwliberan overflow class July 18. ty@gmail.com. Don’t be a victim. Learn Friday: Wing eating conhow to fight back in one Liberty activities test at Beach Patio at 6 p.m. of the self-defense seminars listed below. The instructor The Liberty Single Sailor Sunset Lounge is Richard Thomas. Athletic Program is open to all sinattire recommended. Cost is gle or unaccompanied active Enjoy Karaoke every $5 per person and there is a duty military personnel Thursday from 6 - 9 p.m. 20-person limit. To secure E-6 and below. Visit us on at the Sunset Lounge on a spot in the class provide Facebook at “MWR Liberty Sigsbee Park. Visit www. full payment at the Sigsbee Key West” and request to be NavyMWRKeyWest.com or Ticket Office. Class is at the added to the closed Liberty call 305-293-4435.
June 30, 2017 •
Pride
This week at FFSC
continued from page 5
recognizes the accomplishments of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The event featured speeches from retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mark Ebanhoch, retired Army 1st Sgt. Noonie Fortin and active community advocate Laurie Thibaud. The speeches included personal experiences of those who served during a time when homosexuality was punishable by separation. “When I was in the Army I had to be cautious and attend events alone for fear that I would get a knock on my door and be separated the next day,” said Fortin. “Now, everyone should serve with pride … and share your stories with everyone because you are important.” Speakers also applauded
Holiday closure Fleet and Family Support Center is closed Tuesday in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. The center returns observes its normal hours of operation on Monday, Wednesday - Friday.
Parenting Workshop Thursday, 2 - 3:30 p.m., FFSC Parenting workshops are interactive and topics include but are not limited to soothing your baby, child safety, non-violent discipline skills and parental selfcare. Register with Neasie Boggess at 305-293-4411.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
Retired Army 1st Sgt. Noonie Fortin addresses Sailors and civilians during Naval Air Station Key West’s LGBT Pride Celebration Thursday on Boca Chica Field. Fortin is a celebrated author and Key West community advocate. Key West’s inclusiveness and diversity. “Key West is a shining example of celebrating
diversity,” said NAS Key West’s Port Operations Officer Cmdr. (Select) John Fairweather. “People may
fidence.” Please come and join us continued from page 2 on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at the Truman Annex “In Him and through faith Memorial Chapel for worin Him we may approach ship service with our God with freedom and con- praise band and children’s
church. Visit our Facebook page (Truman Chapel) for upcoming events. For care, call your chaplains at 305-293-2318, NAS Key West, or 305-292-8788, CG Sector Key West.
Hours
erages are for sale. An ATM won’t be available, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash. For more information, call (305) 293-2783. After the event, everyone is invited to Truman Beach to watch the fireworks display. Patrons should bring blankets or chairs to sit on while watching the display. Don’t bring fireworks as they are prohibited on all NAS Key West annexes.
Chaplain
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Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities also will close Tuesday except for the following: Navigator’s Bar: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fly Away Café at Navigators: 11 a.m. 7 p.m. NGIS Front Desk: 24 hours Navy Getaways Vacation
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Rentals: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sigsbee Marina: 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sailors and DOD civilians can celebrate Independence Day at the Fourth of July Bash at the Beach on Truman Annex behind the Beach Patio Recreation Center. The family event, which is open to all MWReligible patrons, runs from 5 - 9 p.m. All carnival games are free but the food and bev-
be on the opposite ends of the political spectrum but we all come together at the end of the day.”
Fleet and Family Support Center’s hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. FFSC offers many services including deployment support, relocation assistance, personal financial management, sexual assault prevention and response, ombudsman support, family advocacy and professional counseling. For more information,call 305-293-4408.
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•June 30, 2017
Dive instructor and mentor Pat Duffy, top center, gives diving instruction as mentor Col. Kevin McDonnell (Army - Ret.), far right, readies to assist teens in the Gold Star Teens Adventure diving program Monday at the U.S. Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School.
Mentors committed to helping Gold Star teens shine By Jolene Scholl Southernmost Flyer
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t began with one family creating a plan and building a program to help the children of special operators who have died while in service. However, their program, Gold Star Teen Adventures, doesn’t focus on grief. Its focus is on growth. The fallen special operators represent Green Berets, SEALS, ParaRangers those men whose “DNA is a little bit different … they do things on the edge,” said retired Green Beret Col. Kevin McDonnell. “That’s what their dads
were drawn to, and we see that in these teens.” GSTA was founded by Green Beret Kent Solheim and his family after he was seriously wounded in combat. Even after he returned to active duty, his wife Trina and their two children remained committed to the program, which McDonnell said is designed to help teens become independent, confident and engaging. Chief among the organization’s goals is character development. The non-profit organization, based out of Fayetteville, North Carolina, each year sponsors different adventures,
from diving to hunting, retreats to ‘special ops’ outings with paintball. Teens aged 13 - 19 come from across the country to participate. This week the teens
were at the U.S. Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School for beginning to advanced dive training. For some, “their dads see gtsa page 7
U.S. Navy photos by Jolene Scholl
Army Lt. Olivia Schretzman, above, helps a teen diver adjust her diving gear Tuesday. Another mentor, at left, keeps a close eye on a teen working to set his mouthpiece. The Gold Star Teen Adventures’ mentors include active and retired military and cadets and midshipmen representing all the service academies.
June 30, 2017 •
GSTA
continued from page 6
trained in this pool; their dads slept in these barracks,” McDonnell said. While the adventures provide a challenge and are fun, it is the mentorship program that has been truly effective, McDonnell noted. While retired, active and wounded military - and even civilian volunteers - are involved as mentors, it’s the Cadets and Midshipmen from the Army, Navy and Air Force academies who are making a profound difference, he said. They are trained to work with the teens and commit to more than just participating in an adventure. They also make themselves available to listen and offer guidance. And then when they and the teens gather for an adventure, it becomes a family reunion of sorts, McDonnell said. The Cadets and Midshipmen are “showing them what ‘right’ looks like,” he added. “We want them to have long-term rela-
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tionships because they are fantastic mentors.” The teens and mentors can stay in contact year-round through a text sharing application. On that they can relate experiences and advice. “It not only has an impact on the kids, it has an impact on how they [service academy mentors] see the kids and their families,” McDonnell said. For the retired mentors, most of whom were special operators, the commitment runs deeper. “Quite frankly, for us it is unfinished business,” said McDonnell, who has lost peers in battle. “These kids are a community responsibility … it’s special operators coming together, fulfilling an unspoken promise. “We’re helping the kids tap into and maximize their interest in doing the things that would make them happy,” McDonnell added. “I think that’s what their dads would Contributed photo by Jessica McClosky want them to do.” Teens and their mentors prepare for a dive adventure Tuesday out of Stock Island. For several, this is their third and For more information, visit even fourth year participating in the Gold Star Teen Adventures program. http://gstadventures.org/.
Teens, left, prep their dive gear for the trip out to the ocean. Above, Kevin McDonnell, a retired Green Beret, teaches new diving students how to enter the water while wearing fins.
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•June 30, 2017
Briefly
NATOPS
mail.mil.
Join MCHC
continued from page 3
ancillary services; nurse and physician. For additional information: call Candice Pierce-Watson at 786-778-4649, or email candice.piercewatson@redcross.org; or contact Sandra McMurray at 305-293-4857, sandra.m.mcmurray2.civ@
The Multicultural Heritage Committee is looking for more people - Sailors and DOD civilians - to join the organization. The MCHC meets Thursdays at noon in Bldg. A-324 conference room, Boca Chica Field. For info, email PRC Michael Dees at michael.dees@navy. mil.
NAS Classifieds ROOMMATE WANTED: Available Aug. 1 Seeking female roommate to share 3BR/2BA apartment in nice community on Stock Island. Bedroom is unfurnished. Individual must be clean, quiet, respectful, drug/ alcohol free and gainfully/solidly employed. Community has parking, picnic/BBQ area; quiet neighborhood. NO smoking or pets. Monthly rent is $885 with a $500 security deposit, split electric and WI-FI. An application must be completed and requires a $75 nonrefundable application fee. If interested, call 305900-0357. FOR RENT Bay Point - Very clean, private, 1BR/1BA with dock and beach. A/C, W/D. One person only. No smoking, no pets. Prefer military member. $1,500 F/L/S. Call 305-745-1462. FOR SALE FISHERMAN’S SPECIAL Pickup and flats boat.
2007 Ford F-150 Supercrew - $12,000; 2006 Hewes Redfisher 18 foot flats boat - $18,000. Buy both for $26,000 firm. Call Dave, 305-797-4363. 2007 Chrysler 300 Touring - Good condition, some scratches, runs great. Twin 12-inch Kicker Subwoofers with four Rockford Fosgate Speakers; 750w Amplifier and 400w Rockford Fosgate Amplifier. Pioneer Deck with USB port/CD player/Bluetooth and microphone; 22-inch Lorenzo rims (two extra rims), low profile tires. 93,239 miles. $9,000 OBO. Call Rick, 757-4789940. HELP WANTED The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District has the following open positions: Director of aerial operations (based out of Marathon); field inspector (based out of Key West); and part-time surveillance tech (Key West, Marathon and Key Largo). For more information, or to apply, go to
https://careers-keysmosquito.icims.com/jobs/ First State Bank of the Florida Keys has positions available for the following: Full-time and part-time teller, lead teller, part-time payment processor, assistant branch operations manager, VP/ regulatory compliance/ BSA Officer. Apply online at www.KeysBank.com/ Careers. 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 305293-2627. Unless otherwise directed, ads will run for four issues. Name and phone number must accompany all requests in order to publish. For more information, call 305-2932425.
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high praise to Airfield Manager Dave Vermillion, Arresting Gear Lead Dave Sherman and BASH Wildlife Biologist Rosamaria Gonzales. “Rosa’s BASH pro-
gram is a benchmark and runs at a four-star level,” Higgins said. “Dave Vermillion and Dave Sherman are enterpriselevel experts. We ended up trying to play ‘stump the chump’ with everyone to try and find something wrong, but couldn’t do it.”
The evaluators also commented that all of these accomplishments were happening, even with a shortage in manning in some Air Operations shops. They agreed that the base needs better manning and would include that in their report.
NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker sent a Bravo Zulu email throughout the command June 27, congratulating Air Operations personnel on the evaluation results. He included a quote from the evaluators. “Best airfield in CNIC!”