FRIDAY, SEPT. 29, 2017
Eye on the Fleet
utuado, puerto rico
VOL. 17 NO. 36
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Recovery from Hurricane Irma continues at NAS Key West By Jolene Scholl Southernmost Flyer
(Sept. 26, 2017) CE3 Joshua Reding, assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, inspects a generator at the Metropolitano De La Montana Hospital in Puerto Rico. The DOD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria.
U.S. Navy photo by GM1 Jonathan Eddy
inside: STRESS Take control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CNO Lauds Sailors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 IRMA Photo album . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5 CPO PINNING Close enough to home . . . . 6 TOP OF PAGE ONE: Sailors work alongside U.S. Air Force personnel and civilians Sept. 14, 2017, to receive supplies and additional aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma at Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field.
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t’s been less than three weeks since Hurricane Irma came ashore in the Lower Keys, and while much has been done to
return to pre-hurricane normal, some facilities and services will take time to restore. A core team of 36 personnel from the command staff, Air Operations, Security, Public Works and Fire
and Emergency Service, weathered the hurricane at the Cat 5-rated Marriott Beachside. Within five hours of the all-clear, Air Ops and Public Works personnel had the main runway open
and DOD transports began landing to assist with recovery. A combined task force began arriving within days at the Mole Pier with Sailors, Marines and Seabees bringing supplies
for the air station and community, and providing equipment and manpower to clear debris and restore operating capacity. The task force see irma page 2
Irma teaches Sailors, civilians practical lessons By MC2 Cody Babin Southernmost Flyer
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n the wake of Hurricane Irma, Naval Air Station Key West, its Sailors, civilians and families have faced challenges, including clean up, message coordination and reentry. One big hurdle that they had to overcome was evacuation itself. A few Sailors and civilians offered advice that they had wished that everyone had heard or heeded before the evacuation. Danette Baso Silvers, a graphic artist at Morale Welfare and Recreation’s Landing Zone, shared her hurricane evacuation advice. “Empty your fridge see lessons page 3
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
It’s great to be home with old friends! Youngsters get re-acquainted Wednesday while checking into Naval Air Station Key West’s Child Development Center as routines return to normal after Hurricane Irma and the mandatory evacuation. The CDC is temporarily operating out of the Youth Center while repairs are made to the facility.
MWR facilities, programs affected by Hurricane Irma From Morale, Welfare and Recreation Morale, Recreation Campbell update on
Welfare and Director Tim released an the status of
programs and facilities at Naval Air Station Key West. The following Programs/ Facilities are now open: Child Development Center child care and paid
SAC before/after school care are open at the Sigsbee Youth Center from 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday Friday. The free Youth and Teen Program is closed until further notice.
The Fly Away Café at Navigator’s located at the Boca Marina is open for lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily. Navigator’s Bar is open for see MWR page 6
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Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby J. Baker Executive Officer Cmdr. Greg Brotherton PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Trice Denny EDITOR Jolene Scholl
Sept. 29
STAFF MC2 Cody Babin
1946 - Lockheed P2V Neptune, Truculent Turtle, departs Perth, Australia, on a long distance non-stop, non-refueling flight to the U.S. mainland that ends Oct. 1 in Ohio.
Sept. 30 1800 - French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and American envoys sign the Treaty of Mortefontaine that releases the U.S from its Revolutionary War alliance with France.
Oct. 1 2011 - USS Spruance (DDG 111) is commissioned during a sunset ceremony at Key West, Florida.
Oct. 2 1799 - The Washington Navy Yard is established under the direction of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert.
Oct. 3 1921 - USS Olympia (C 6) sails to France to bring home the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
Oct. 4 1943 - Aircraft from USS Ranger (CV 4) attack German convoys in the harbor of Bod, Norway during Operation Leader.
Oct. 5 1945 - Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz is given a parade in his honor through downtown Washington, D.C.
U.S. Navy photo by Capt. Kurt Sanborn
Federal Emergency Management Administration personnel set up a home base on Trumbo Point Sept. 16, 2017, to assist residents recovering from Hurricane Irma. FEMA representatives also were at the Emergency Family Assistance Center, set up at Fleet and Family Support Center, to assist military and DOD civilians.
Irma
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included USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Iowa Jima (LHD 7), USS New York (LPD 21), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), Amphibious Squadron 4, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22 and fleet Surgical Team 8. An Emergency Family
Assistance Center Program opened Sept. 22 at the Fleet and Family Support Center on Sigsbee Park, offering resources for returning military, retired and DOD civilians. The program, which closed Thursday, provided services to more than 360 families. “Most of our contacts dealt with clients seeking services and/or information concerning temporary housing, permanent housing and financial assistance,” according to R. Train Hatton, EFAC director. “In addi-
tion, almost 45 percent of those visiting the EFAC were provided crisis intervention counseling from our two social workers.” While the EFAC closed Thursday, Hatton said services continue to be available at FFSC. “The region has been asked to provide two social workers and two emergency case workers,” he noted. “We will be leaving our list of information and referrals to those seeking direction or asking questions.” For services, call 305-2934408.
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.
Stress: On overload? Follow these ACTS to diffuse From Naval Hospital Jacksonville
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hether it’s stress within your unit as you work long hours to prepare for an event, like a hurricane, or have a disagreement with your spouse over something trivial, or when a seem-
ingly innocent debate with a friend goes the wrong way, we can all expect to be blindsided by heated moments. Your reactions come quickly and before you know it, your heart is racing, your face is red and you’re saying the first thing that comes to mind - and what you say
may not help the situation. While disagreement and tension are normal and can even contribute to strengthening relationships, they can surely leave their mark if not carefully addressed. Unchecked anger and unresolved issues can fester, impacting the
individuals directly involved, other colleagues or family members, and the mission at-hand. By taking a moment to be proactive, you can help to keep the pot from boiling over by exploring strategies to defuse intense situations. Just in time for hur-
ricane Irma recovery and to cap off Suicide Prevention Month, here are five Small ACTs to help you chill out, taken from the Principles of Resilience - Controllability: Push pause. The moment you see potensee chill page 7
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REASON TO SMILE
Briefly… Navy Ball a ‘go’ Ticket sales for the Key West Area Navy Ball, celebrating the 242nd birthday, are underway. The ball is Oct. 13 at the Casa Marina Resort. The social hour is 7 - 8 p.m. and the dinner/ball is 8 - 11 p.m. The guest speaker is Rear Adm. Cedric Pringle, who is deputy director, Joint Interagency Task Force South. Ticket prices are: E7/GS7/O4 and above/nonaffiliated civilians - $50; E6/GS6/NFO3 and below - $40; E5 - $30; and E-4 and below - $25. Sales information will be sent to all hands on Monday.
Khaki Ball postponed Naval Air Station Key West’s Khaki Ball, originally set for Saturday, has been rescheduled for Nov. 4. Sailors from NAS Key West and its tenant commands were pinned in ceremonies last week at their respective commands while evacuated to Jacksonville. For Khaki Ball information, contact your department chief.
Legal assistance for DOD civilians The Judge Advocate General of the Navy has approved a request for a temporary extension of legal assistance to DOD civilians at Naval Air Station Key West who were directly affected by Hurricane Irma. For the next three months, free legal assistance is available to installation DOD civilians, including its tenant commands, for hurricane-related legal issues, including landlord-tenant issues, insurance claims, creditor/debtor issues and contracts. For more information, NAS Key West Legal Office at 305-293-2833.
Inspection station established All commercial vehicles are now required to process through the Boca Chica Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station, located at the Rockland Key back gate, located just past MM 9. The inspection station is open 24/7. At the gate vehicles will be inspected, drivers vetted and passes issued. If a commercial vehicle bypasses this inspection site, it will be turned around and sent back to the CVIS for inspection. All other contractors not in commercial vehicles are required to report to the Boca Chica Visitor Control Center, located at the Boca Chica Field main gate, MM8, for vetting and access passes. The VCC hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday; afterhours, they will be vetted at the gate For more information, contact Don Allman at305240-7819.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, center left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano, top row, center, pose for photos with Sailors who are part of the Hurricane Irma recovery efforts in Key West. The CNO and MCPON toured the air station and port Sept. 21 and held an all hands call.
Lessons continued from page 1
before you l e a v e ! ” Coming home to spoiled turkey and sushi isn’t the best smell, Baso Silvers added. “Make sure you have all Baso Silvers of your evacuation supplies before the evacuation order is called,” said MA2 Angelica Olivencia. “Also, don’t forget a spare gas can with gas.” The Florida Turnpike, much like most of South Florida, was facing a fuel shortage during the evacuation and for days after. “Make certain that you have insurance when you move into your house,
and not days before a hurricane,” said NAS Key West’s Judge Advocate General Lt. Sara Wooten. “Don’t forget to docuWooten ment all of your expensive and important items if you left them behind or if you evacuated with them,” added Wooten. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Information Officer Kevin Sur, the Key Keys are still undergoing Olivencia
inspections to assess all damages and home losses in the Keys. “Be sure to have copies of all of your important documents with you (page 2, leave and earnings statement) so that you can prove your military status if need be,” said NC1 Byron McMath. “Just to be safe, you should also have a backup of anything McMath and everything important,” he added. If any service member or DOD civilian is having any issues in the recovery process please visit the Fleet and Family Support Center located on NAS Key West’s Sigsbee Park, Bldg. V-4058, or call 305-293-2766.
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•Sept. 29, 2017
U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
Prepping for Irma, clockwise from left: Security personnel left behind as first responders prepare for Hurricane Irma’s arrival Sept. 9. A military spouse begins packing for the Sept. 7 mandatory evacuation. Public Works crews close shutters on Boca Chica field facilities. Sailors assigned to Port Operations secure equipment from NAS Key West’s Mole Pier ahead of Hurricane Irma. Opposite page, clockwise, Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker speaks to the media during a Monroe County Emergency Management press conference Sept. 16. The 156th Air Force Reserve Airlift Squadron out of Charlotte, North Carolina, flew into Boca Chica Field Sept. 22 returning Lower Keys Medical Center patients who had been evacuated. Contractors collect debris Sept. 18 on Sigsbee Park. Security escorts boat owners seeking to identify boats on Sept. 19 that had washed up on Navy property. Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 from Gulfport, Mississippi, provided an expeditionary galley Sept. 21 for Sailors and DOD civilians while assisting with the cleanup at Boca Chica Field.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cody Babin
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U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny
U.S. Navy photo by Jolene Scholl
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•Sept. 29, 2017
No stopping us now
U.S. Navy photos by Kaylee LaRocque
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MC Walley Weekfall, left, of Naval Air Station Key West, is pinned by his son during the Chief Petty Officers’ Pinning Ceremony Sept. 15 at Dewey’s aboard NAS Jacksonville. NAS Key West’s ACC Joseph Blocker, right, is pinned by his family members during the ceremony as well. NAS Jacksonville was an evacuation site for Sailors and their families during Hurricane Irma.
MWR
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normal hours of operation. The Airlanes Bowling Center Snack Bar is open for breakfast and lunch from 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday. The bowling center is closed until further notice. Navy Gateway Inns and Suites is operational with a temporary front desk established in Bldg. A-648, Boca Chica Field. NGIS remains closed to Space A travelers until further notice. The world famous “Fly Navy” building has significant damage, along with two other NGIS buildings on Boca Chica Field. Available rooms are being used to support displaced families and detached personnel assisting with base restoration. The Following facilities will open Tuesday: Auto Skills Center on
Boca Chica Field will operate on normal hours. Splash Park on Sigsbee Park will be open form 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. Truman Fitness Center (unmanned) will be open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. The following MWR programs remain closed until further notice because of damage to the facilities: Sigsbee Child Development Center - closed due to water damage. Sigsbee Marina - facility damage. Sigsbee Sunset Lounge facility damage. Sigsbee Recreation Center (ticket office, gym and campground office) roof damage. Boca Chica Airlanes Bowling Center - roof damage Boca Chica Fitness Center - roof damage. Boca Chica Cycle Studio/ Exercise Studio - roof damage Trumbo Pool - electrical
issues. Trumbo Palms and Flying Conch Lounge - roof damage. Truman Beach Patio Recreation Center - electrical/AC issues. Boca Chica Marina - salvage operations are underway to recover 50-plus boats that sunk, came aground or are otherwise damaged. Navy Getaways Campground remains
closed to recreational use. There is a significant amount of damage and cleanup that is required. Only command-approved active duty, DOD civilians and essential personnel stationed at NAS Key West are allowed to stay at the campground at this time. The Trumbo Dry Camp will not open Oct. 15. MWR plans to provide an update Oct. 6 with the planned reopening
schedule. Navy Getaways Vacation Rentals remain closed to recreational use. Available townhouse and trailers are being used to support displaced families. All reservations through Nov.16 have been canceled. Further cancelations may be necessary and will be announced as soon as it is determined. Please note, all cancelation fees have been waived.
Storage Lots on Fleming Key, Boca Chica and Sigsbee - a number of RVs, boats and vehicles in the MWR Storage lots were damaged. MWR staff is surveying each lot and will notify customers. If you are in the local area, you can access the lots. Please be careful of tree limbs and debris. For more informationc, call 305-293-2112.
Sept. 29, 2017 •
Chill
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tial for a situation or conversation to escalate, call a time out. A lengthy explanation isn’t needed; just step back and offer to address things once all parties involved have had a chance to clear their heads and approach the problem calmly. Even if it’s just five minutes, creating some space between yourself and the issue can help you get a grasp on how you feel, what’s truly important and how you can work with others to move forward. Breathe. This simple act is often taken for granted, but is an important first step in trying to get your emotional and physiological responses in check when the tension is rising. Taking a deep, slow breath can help to induce calm in the midst of calamity If you have a few moments to yourself and can find a quiet space, try the quick-fix breathing exercise or check out the exercises on the National Center for Telehealth and Technology’s Breathe2Relax app. Laugh. Laughter can help thwart the release of stress hormones, kickstarting the production of hormones that are responsi-
ble for positively balancing your mood and promoting relaxation. Look at a funny GIF, head to your favorite blog or talk to someone who knows how to bring a smile to your face. A quick laugh can help you change the channel if you’re focused on a negative situation and enable you to approach a solution with a smile. Exercise. Hit the gym, the track or the trails. You may find your most productive days in the gym or your best run occur when you need to vent some frustration. Building exercise into your daily routine can help to burn negativity and rewire your brain after tense times. Turn to your favorite fitness regimen to maximize the mood-boost. Communicate. If your situation involves conflict with another person, addressing it directly can lead to finding some common ground and getting things back on track sooner. Staying silent may only feed your emotions, leading to continued drama. When talking it out, try to use a neutral tone, make eye contact and explain how you perceived the issue or what led to the misunderstanding from your perspective. State that you would like to find a resolution that works for all parties
involved - that may include compromising - and then actively listen to the other person or people involved. Instead of listening with the intent to dispute, make a point or interrupt, actually hear and process what the person is saying to you. Then restate it back in your own words to ensure that you have an understanding. Clarify whenever necessary and allow for natural silence, even when it may feel awkward. This will enable you to respond appropriately and meaningfully, minimizing the potential for a heated exchange. Other forms of communication may help you chill out by expressing your feelings, including journaling or speaking with a neutral person, such as a peer support advocate. Before you get caught up in your next heated moment, take some time to acknowledge what actions, words, topics or gestures are most likely to provoke you. Then note how you may react when these buttons are pushed. Taking this honest look at yourself proactively can help you keep off-the-cuff reactions at bay, enabling you to navigate issues calmly, learn from them. You may not be able to control others’ situations, but you can control your responses.
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