FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017
Eye on the Fleet
pacific ocean
VOL. 17 NO. 18
(April 29, 2017) SH3 Salazar Gonzalez marks the location of a simulated casualty on the ship’s damage control plates during a general quarters drill aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are returning from a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Devin Langer
inside: AAPI Heritage month . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FORT ZACH New entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MAKING HISTORY Fire Station 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Crikey! That’s a big croc . . . . . . . . . . 7 TOP OF PAGE ONE: A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the ‘Providers’ of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
HURREX/CG preps Navy for hurricanes
training op
From Fleet Forces Public Affairs
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leet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command will conduct a natural disaster preparedness exercise, Hurricane Exercise/Citadel Gale 2017, starting Monday and continuing through May 19. Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November. This annual exercise see hurrex page 3
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U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
aval Air Station Key West Fire and Emergency Services Chief C.J. Krieger, center, discusses the procedures his department follows in different emergency operation situations, including natural or man-made disasters. The presentation Thursday was part of a three-day Emergency Operations/Incident Management Training for installation personnel.
2nd quarter Sailors, civilians named By MC2 Cody Babin
NAS Key West Public Affairs
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aval Air Station Key West is recognizing a select group of Sailors and DON civilians for their work during the second quarter of FY17. Blue Jacket of the Quarter is ACAN David Dennis from the Air Operations Department. Dennis was selected for his quick progression through qualifications as well as his professionalism. “In his short time onboard he has dedicated himself to self-
improvement and has prioritized his time to qualifying and progressing through a challenging air traffic control training program,” noted NAS Key West Air Operations Officer Cmdr. Luke Barradell in his recommendation. “He is a proven performer who possesses the skills and knowledge of a seasoned Petty Officer.” The Junior Sailor of the Quarter is MA2 Chalecia Miles from the Security Department. Miles was selected for her many qualificasee AWARDS page 7
Program offers teens work experience From NAS Key West Public Affairs
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aval Air Station Key West’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation is sponsoring summer jobs fairs May 16 and 18 for teens aged 14 - 18 who are seeking their first work experience. The May 16 fair runs from 5 - 6 p.m. and the May 18 fair runs from 6 - 7 p.m. Both fairs are at the Sigsbee Youth Center, Bldg. A-4189. Eligible youth include depen-
dents of military, retired military, DOD civilians and contractors assigned to Naval Air Station Key West or one of its tenants. Employment is at various MWR facilities and teens can work up to 25 hours per week. The program begins June 12 and lasts for nine weeks. Those interested in the summer MWR teen employment program are strongly encouraged to attend a job skills/resume writing workshop, scheduled for 4 - 6 p.m. see MWR page 3
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Showing our Appreciation May 5 1948 - Fighter Squadron 17A, with 16 FH-1 Phantoms, becomes the first carrier-qualified jet squadron in the Navy.
May 6 1916 - The first ship-to-shore radio telephone voice conversation was held on board USS New Hampshire (BB 25) off the Virginia Capes.
May 7 1934 - The frigate Constitution completes three-year tour of 76 port cities along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts and then returns to Boston.
May 8 1945 - The unconditional surrender of Germany was ratified by Allies in Berlin. This event is remembered as V-E Day.
May 9 1860 - While off the south coast of Cuba, the screw gunboat Wyandotte captures the slaver William, which carries 570 Africans.
May 10 1862 - The Norfolk Navy Yard is burned before being evacuated by Confederate forces in a general withdrawal up the peninsula to defend Richmond.
May 11 1950 - Viking Rocket No. 4 is launched from USS Norton Sound (AV-11), near the equator, for a successful 106.4 mile vertical flight called Project Reach.
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ay is national Military Appreciation Month. There are going to be events throughout the nation that will show appreciation to both the military and their families. I would like to say that it’s not only an honor to serve in the military but it is an honor to serve alongside each and every one of you. I am truly amazed daily at the sacrifices and risks that each and every one of you faces. We may not all be fighting on the front lines, but what we do to support the mission is essential and allows the U.S. many years of freedom. I have served alongside people who have given their lives for our country and I will forever remember them, their lives and the principles for which they fought. I recently had the opportu-
nity to walk through Arlington National Cemetery and marveled at visiting the hallowed ground. I was amazed at the honor, sacrifice and dignity of this site. I walked to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, around Chaplain’s Hill and then to the section where I found a friend with CHAPLAIN'S whom I served. CORNER There I saw a lady sitting on a blanket near a headstone; as I walked past, I noticed it was the anniversary CG Sector Key West of the death of Command Chaplain that service Lt. member. Derek Henson I saw all ranks, all career paths in the military represented and buried there. Some had valorous honors on their headstone, such as the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. What they all shared was the honor of being buried in Arlington National Cemetery. As I walked the grounds, I couldn’t help but think of
Scripture that tells us in John 15:13 that, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This is what each person serving in our military has offered to do. No, we don’t go out seeking to lay down our life for others, but if it’s required we are willing to do just that. This is for freedom and a set of principles that all Americans can or, at least, should be able to agree upon. No sacrifice is too small and we all play a vital part today. Here in Key West, we are blessed to be able to enjoy the beautiful island life, but it does not come without numerous sacrifices. When sacrifices seem great, God is present to offer comfort and hope in times of trouble. Thanks for all you do! Please join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Truman Chapel for worship. Visit our Facebook page Truman Chapel - for upcoming events. If you are in need of chaplain care, call your chaplains at 305293-2318, Naval Air Station Key West, or 305-797-1211, Coast Guard Sector Key West.
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.
Navy celebrates Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
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he Navy joins the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May. ALNAV 006/17 encourages participation in all the heritage celebrations and special observances throughout the year. This year, Navy commands - including Naval Air Station Key West - will celebrate and reflect on the theme “Unite Our Voices by Speaking Together.” “It is an honor and a privilege to serve with such a
diverse group of officers and enlisted personnel who make up our Navy,” said Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, a Hawaiianborn Filipino and the 40th commander of Navy Region Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida. “I’m blessed at the opportunities the Navy has given me, and I’m thankful to celebrate this month with my fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” There are 24,743 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors currently serving as part of One Navy Team, including eight admirals, 659 master chief and senior chief petty
officers and 318 officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages from Asia and the Pacific Islands. Asian American and Pacific Islanders represent 11.7 percent of the Navy civilian workforce and 3.2 percent of Senior Executive Service members. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a proud history,” Bolivar said. “It’s a history of service. We’re dedicated not only to our heritage, but also to our Navy; to be a shining example of the core values that guide us: honor, courage and commitment.”
Asian American and Pacific Islanders of various nationalities and ancestry have been serving in the Navy since the early 19th century. The rich history of these cultures, their struggles against adversity to achieve equality, significant contributions to the American experience and the opportunity to build the foundation for a bright future are made reality by some great leaders who share the same heritage. For more information, visit www.history.navy.mil/browseby-topic/diversity/asian-americans-pacific-islanders-in-thenavy.html.
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Waterfront changes
HURREX
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MWR
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prepares the Navy to respond to adverse weather threats in coastal regions, and to maintain the ability to deploy forces even under the most severe weather conditions. HURREX/CG 17 will involve two simulated storm systems developing and intensifying to hurricane strength, threatening the Gulf Coast and East Coast regions. Although Naval Air Station Key West isn’t among the installations directly affected in the scenario, its Sailors and their dependents, and DON civilian employees will train to the simulated threat. Training includes responding to simulated “conditions of readiness,” which are posted at all gates. All Navy commands at Navy Region Southeast will participate by reviewing and exercising heavy weather instructions and procedures and accounting for Sailors, civilians, and Navy families in the affected regions through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System.
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U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny
aval Air Station Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker, second from left, joins Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Key West officials in a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday for the new entrance on Truman Annex. The entrance previously was at the intersection with the NAS gate; now, with the reconstruction of Waterfront Park, the road is routed away from the gate.
Tuesday, and/or a resume writing/review workshop from 4 - 6 p.m. Thursday. The workshops are at the Youth Center. The workshops will provide training to help the teen in the job application process: Resume writing; coaching for the job interview; proper interview attire and effective communication; and etiquette skills required during an interview. Applications are available at the Sigsbee Park Child Development Center, Bldg. V-4187, the Youth Center, and the MWR Administrative building, Bldg. A-711, on Boca Chica Field. For more information, visit www.navymwrkeywest.com/jobs.
Briefly… Vacation Bible school set Naval Air Station Key West Religious Ministries Department has opened registration for its Vacation Bible School, scheduled for June 12 15 at the Sigsbee Community Center. To register, go to https://kideventpro. lifeway.com/myChurch/?id=38881. Call 864-616-7349 or email chapmasonfamily@gmail.com for additional information.
Job Title: Security Hometown: Martinsville, Virginia Prior Duty Stations: USS Porter (DDG 78); USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); TACTRAGRULANT; Dam Neck, Virginia; and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) Hobbies: Outdoor sports, collecting flags from countries I’ve visited. Future Plans: Finish exploring the world.
Marriage enrichment
MA2 Marcus Penn
although couples are responsible for transportation. Marriage Enrichment Retreats can assist married couples in developing and strengthening a healthy marriage. Conflict is inevitable in life and marriage. How couples resolve conflict can determine marital satisfaction - couples who effectively resolve conflicts can have lasting and loving relationships. Couples must be legally married when registering. Retreat date is subject to change or cancellation/ postponement due to contract and/or attendance requirements. To register, call CREDO Southeast Chaplain’s Office, 904-542-3923, or email cnrse_ credo@navy.mil.
Commander Navy Region Southeast’s Chaplains Enrichment Development Operation is offering a free marriage enrichment retreat to active duty and active reserve couples Spouse appreciation from July 28 - 30 at the DoubleTree Resort, Key West. Morale, Welfare and Recreation The room and meals are included, with Fleet and Family Support Center
once again hosts the annual Naval Air Station Key West Military Spouse Appreciation Brunch and Bingo on Saturday at the Sigsbee Community Center. Seating for the event, which runs from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., is limited. Register at the Community Recreation ticket office, formerly Information, Tickets and Travel, Bldg. V-4113, Sigsbee Park.
Coast Guard Ball The Florida Keys 2017 Coast Guard Ball is Saturday at the Key West Marriott Beachside, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd. The annual ball runs from 6:30 - 10 p.m. Rear Adm. Scott Buschman, formerly commanding officer of Sector Key West, is the guest speaker. For see briefly page 5
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MWR Update 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 shot records. Cancellations must be done before 8 a.m. on the day of child care to avoid paying for reserved time. For more information, or to register, call 305293-4498 or visit the Child Development Center on Sigsbee Park.
AquaFit Classes The Trumbo Pool is offering free AquaFit water aerobics classes every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. - noon. Unattended children are prohibited. Classes are free and registration is not required. For more information call 305-2934324.
Navigator’s hours change Temporary hours are in effect at Navigator’s Bar: Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. The Fly Away Café continues to be open regular hours from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and will provide nonalcoholic beverages during the hours the bar is closed.
Liberty activities The Liberty Single Sailor Program is open to all single or unaccompanied active duty military personnel E-6 and below. Visit us on Facebook at “MWR Liberty Key West” and request to be added to the closed Liberty Group. For additional information email naskwliberty@gmail.com.
Bowling Center Airlanes Bowling Center & Grill is open with the following hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 - 10:30 p.m.; Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; and Saturday from noon - 6 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays. A minimum of four lanes will be available to patrons during evening league play on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Bumpers are available on most of the lanes and the Grill is open for food and beverages. To book an event or party, call 305-293-2976.
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This week at FFSC Active shooter training Wednesday, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., FFSC A security instructor will provide training on what to do in the event of an active shooter. Military spouses are encouraged to attend.
Ombudsman Assembly Wednesday, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., FFSC A local assembly provides an excellent forum for sharing community matters affecting the well-being of the command family members. It allows for an opportunity to share successful practices. 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, family employment readiness, life skills education, personal financial management, crisis incident response and training, sexual assault prevention and response, ombudsman support, transition assistance management, family advocacy and professional counseling. For more informationl call 305-293-4408 or visit 804 Sigsbee Rd., Sigsbee Park.
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more information, or to reserve tickets, email one of the following contacts: joshua.a.herrador@uscg.mil; william.a.iozzino@uscg.mil; ron.j.elliott@uscg.mil and ivette.donohue@uscg.mil.
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. For more information, email PRC Michael Dees at michael.dees@navy.mil.
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-to-peer mentorship program focusing on volunteerism and educating Sailors on the importance of good decision making. For information, email PRC Michael Dees at michael.dees@navy.mil.
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U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
Boca Chica Field fire and crash/rescue response facility a reality From NAS Key West Public Affairs
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fter a century of flying combat aircraft in Key West, the naval air station is operating its first facility truly dedicated to fire/crash/ rescue response. Navy officials from all levels of government - federal, regional and local - gathered April 27 at Boca Chica Field to cut the ribbon officially opening Fire Station 1 Boca Chica Field. “This is our real first fire station designed just for NAS
Key West,” says Fire and Emergency Services Chief C.J. Krieger. “It is a state-of-the-art fire station.” Ground breaking took place in October 2014 after years of planning. The 21,577 squarefoot, single-story complex has seven stalls, three of which are dedicated to emergency air field response. For the past 30 years or so, firefighters had operated out of a 1940s-era hangar. The final razing of that hanger took place Thursday (see inset photo above).
U.S. Navy photos by Trice Denny
NAS Key West Fire and Emergency Services Chief C.J. Krieger cuts a celebratory cake following the new facility’s ribbon cutting.
Firefighters and fire captains were part of a crowd of Sailors and DON civilians attending the April 27 event.
Dignitaries from DON federal and regional offices joined Naval Air Station Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker in cutting the ribbon.
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not fod
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U.S. Navy photo by Ed Barham
t’s not foreign object debris on Boca Chica Field. Rather, an American crocodile, estimated to be about 8 - 10 feet long - was lounging near a lagoon Tuesday. A protected species, the croc opens its mouth as a way of cooling off. Crocodiles and alligators are just a few of the protected and endangered species that call the air field home.
NAS Classifieds FOR SALE 1961 Gulf Stream 26-foot trailer - a great restoration project. $1,000. View at Auto Skills Shop, Boca Chica Field. For more information, call 570-878-2674. HELP WANTED Summerland Wines and Spirits (located at MM25) has a part-time position available; flexible hours. Positive upbeat environment. Respond to steve@ summerlandwinesandspirits.com or call 480-8885910. Baypoint Market is seeking part-time employees to work day and evening shifts. A deli and convenience store, Baypoint Market is located on U.S. 1, at MM 15. Anyone interested in the position should apply in person after 2 p.m. No phone calls please. Hemingway Rum Company is hiring. Opening May 20, HRC seeks professional, personable and enthusiastic individuals to join the team. Stop by the distillery, at the corner of Greene and Simonton streets, to complete an application or send your resume to jleap@papaspilar.com. Real estate marketing assistant - must have strong technical abilities. Experience with Facebook, Publisher, Word and Excel a must. Some knowledge of making simple videos or Google AdWords would be beneficial. Flexible business hours, Monday - Friday. Approximately six hours/week. $18/hour. Email joanne1kw@gmail. com. For more information,
call 305-304-2012. NAS Key West Fleet and Family Support Center is seeking a counseling and advocacy program technician (office automation) in the Family Readiness program. The successful selectee will perform the following duties: Type documents (e.g., correspondence, reports, records) from rough draft to edit into final form; serve as the point of contact for timekeeping database (e.g., input of data into time and attendance system or similar system) to ensure accuracy of data; use an automated travel system to prepare travel orders and travel vouchers and interview customers to obtain data needed to complete actions. Additional qualification information can be found from the follow-
ing Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualificationstandards/#url=GS-CLER. Application information is available at ww.usajobs. gov. Historic Tours of America seeks an inventory control clerk. Fulltime, strong computer skills, good Excel skills, data entry experience, analytical skills. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday Friday. $14/hr. Start immediately. Benefits available, including pet insurance. Apply online: www.historictours.com. EOE/DFW. First State Bank of the Florida Keys has positions available for the following: Assistant branch operations manager, customer service representative,
human resources representative, tell and 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 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 more information, call 305-293-2425.
tions, superior leadership and command involvement. “MA2 Miles’ stand-out dedication, and impressive professionalism, generates immediate confidence in her superiors and subordinates during day to day operations,” said NAS Key West Security Officer Lt. Cmdr. Michael Rickett. “She has stepped in the forefront and continually strives to better those around her.” The Sailor of the Quarter is AC1 Joel Dennis from the Air Operations Department. Dennis was chosen for his extensive command involvement, technical expertise and mentorship.
“Petty Officer Dennis’ commitment, integrity and unmatched professional performance distinguish him among the Navy’s finest leaders,” said Barradell. “He possesses command impact, sense of duty, mentorship, multi-talented team building, and most importantly, sound leadership that places him well above his peers.” The Junior Civilian of the Quarter is Danette Baso Silvers, a graphic artist and designer with Morale Welfare and Recreation’s Graphics Department. Baso Silvers was selected for her professionalism, dedication and positive attitude. “Mrs. Baso Silvers has become such an integral part of the MWR team and has improved the over-
•7 all professionalism of the marketing department,” said NAS Key West MWR Director Tim Campbell. “The Landing Zone Graphics Center and MWR as a whole has improved significantly with the addition of Baso Silvers, and her work and presence is appreciated each day.” The Senior Civilian of the Quarter is Paul Gray from Fire and Emergency Services. Gray was chosen for his leadership, expertise and dedication. “Gray manages the Fire Prevention Program flawlessly with emphasis on compliance requirements,” said FES Chief Curt Kreiger. “He brings a unique set of skills and background to his job, and always goes far beyond daily.”