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NAVAL AIR STATION CORPUS CHRISTI

IN ITS FIRST THREE YEARS OF EXISTENCE, THE COMMAND REACHED THE PINNACLE OF THE NAVAL AIR TRAINING CORNMAN RECOGNITION: VT-35 WAS NAMED CALENDAR YEAR 2000 RECIPIENT OF THE CNATRA AWARD FOR TRAINING EXCELLENCE AS WELL AS THE 2000 RECIPIENT OF THE VADM GOLDTHWAITE AWARD FOR TRAINING EXCELLENCE.

VT-31's sister squadron, VT-35 was commissioned in October of 1999 to fly the TC-12B aircraft. VT-3I's command size was reduced by approximately one third and the aircraft fleet returned to solely the T-44A.

VT-31 is one of four aviation training squadrons attached to Training Air Wing Four and is one of two advanced multi engine training squadrons in the Navy. The squadron has historically trained students from the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and foreign students in all phases of advanced multi-engine flight procedures to include Aircraft Familiarization, Radio Instruments, Airways Navigation, Visual Navigation and Formation flying. After receiving their "Wings of Gold" or "Silver," the newly designated Military Aviators will head to their particular aircraft, usually a P-3C Orion (Navy), C-130 Hercules (Marine, Coast Guard and Air Force) or HU25 Falcon (Coast Guard).

VT-31 carries a staff composed of approximately 69 officers and 19 enlisted. The squadron utilizes Beechcraft contract maintenance which employs a totally civilian maintenance force. The squadron's primary mission continues to be training the finest Military Avia tors in the world. T-44A "Pegasus"

The primary aircraft flown by Air Training Squadron Thirty-One is the T-44 "Pega sus." The T-44A is the military version of the popular Beechcraft King Air 90 and is equipped with a full range of avionics equipment for instrument conditions including a weather radar and RNAV. Students, as well as instructors, appreciate the fully pressurized and air-conditioned cabin which pro vides an ideal learning environment.

The aircraft is used for advanced turboprop aircraft training and for intermediate E2/ C2 (carrier based turboprop radar aircraft) training. It’s equipped with de-icing and anti-icing systems augmented by instrumentation and navigation equipment which allows flight under instrument and icing conditions.

The interior included a seating arrangement for an instructor pilot (right seat), a student pilot (left seat), and a second student. Two additional passenger seats are included. A distinguishing feature of the aircraft is the avionics fault insertion capabilities afforded the instructor pilot from the right-seat arm rest and the second student/observer audio control panel that allows the second student to monitor all radio communications. The T-44A is powered

by two 550 haft horse-powerPT6A34B turboprop engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney.

Training Squadron Thirty-Five

Training Squadron Thirty-Five (VT35) is one of two advanced multi-engine training squadrons in the Navy. Student military avia tors selected to fly the C-130 (USAF) and P-3 (USN) aircraft, report to VT-35 for training focused on asymmetrical thrust and instrument flight, and are awarded their pilot wings upon graduation. The squadron also provides fixed wing multi-engine transition training to U. S. Navy test pilot candidates from the helicopter community.

The squadron flies nearly 14,000 hours annually, with more than 43,000 landings and nearly 6,500 student flight training events. It is the only advanced joint leader ship (USN and USAF) flight training squadron in the military.

Training Squadron-35 was established Oct. 29, 1999, under the leadership of an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel-the first time that a Navy command was established under the leadership of a US Air Force commanding officer. In its first three years of existence, the command reached the pinnacle of the Naval Air Training Cornman recog-

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nition: VT-35 was named Calendar Year 2000 recipient of the CNATRA award for Training Excellence as well as the 2000 recipient of the VADM Goldthwaite Award for Training Excellence. The squadron exceeded all expectations in its first two years of existence, increasing pilot production by 20 percent for two consecutive years. In addition, VT-35 received the 2001 CNO Aviation Safety Award. Training Squadron-35 consists of 12 Navy instructor pilots, 12 Air Force instructor pilots, one Marine Corps instructor pilot, three Air Force enlisted personnel, and two Government Service civilians. The squadron's administrative tasks are performed under contract by six civilian employees of SysTeam Corporation. Maintenance of the squadron's TC-12B "Hurons" is performed by 52 maintenance personnel under contract by Raytheon Aerospace Corporation.

The "Stingray Spirit" is evident in the squadron's proud sponsorship of the Pilot for a Day program. The "Stingrays" initiated this program in September 2001, which helps youngsters who are afflicted with catastrophic illnesses and are patients at Driscoll Children's Hospital. The pro gram provides these youngsters with an opportunity to spend the day visiting many of the Naval Air Station squadrons and facilities, experiencing a day in the life of a military aviator. For its outstanding com munity support, VT35's Pilot for a Day program received the 2002 CNO Project Good Neighbor Community Service Flag ship Award. VT-35 is the squadron of choice for those who are anticipating orders to the Naval Air Training Command. The "Stinging Sting rays" of VT-35 are committed to training the "World's Premier Military Aviators" while making significant contributions to the Naval Training Command and the local community.

TC-12 "Huron"

"Huron," a twin engine trainer powered by two 850 shaft horsepower PT6A-41 turboprop engines manufactured by Pratt and Whiney. This engine is a reverse flow, free turbine type, employing a three stage axial and a single stage centrifugal compressor assembled as an integral unit.

Primary control instruments are the Attitude Indicator and the Horizontal Situational Indicator. Basic airspeed indicators, altimeters, and vertical speed indicators surround the ADI and HSI. The communications group is comprised of an interphone system connected to a VHF and a UHF radio. The navigation suite is made up of 2 VOR's, an ADF, and a TACA.

Fleet Readiness Center Site Corpus Christi

Fleet Readiness Center Site Corpus Christi provides flight line support and assistance for HM-15 and their aircraft. It provides repair, manufacture, test and check of aircraft components, associated support equipment and related Airborne Mine Countermeasure equipment. Its mission emphasizes a clear focus on the sup ported activity's mission. It's dedicated to quality repairs and the fastest component turn around time possible. Fleet Readiness Center is not only dedicated to the success of HM-15, but also we recognize the need for "giving back to the community." On-going community projects include Corpus Christi Food Bank volunteering, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-School, and Operation Paintbrush Programs, coaching sports teams for youth, road side cleanup projects, and others.

Naval Health Clinic

Naval Hospital Corpus Christi (NHCC) is a multifaceted patient centered ambulatory care facility dedicated to providing first-rate care to persons entitled to health care according to Department of Defense (DOD) eligibility criteria. The Command consists of the core facility located in Corpus Christi, Texas, two Branch Health Clinics (BHCs), located in Kingsville and Fort Worth, Texas, the Navy and Marine Corps Fleet Liaison at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, and NHCCC Detachment San Antonio. Primary Care is the largest focus, with illness intervention requiring hospitalization pro vided through our TRICARE managed care support contractor partner, Humana Military Healthcare Services.

At NHCCC Healthcare professionals partner with patients through ongoing Medical Home Port Team (MHPT) communication and collaboration.

MHPT is a new model of patient and family-centered care that emphasizes team-based, comprehensive care designed to fully meet the complete primary care health and wellness needs of each patient. The model under scores the provider/patient relationship and leverages other members of the primary care team to actively participate in patient care.

To make the most of the MHPT patient/ provider partnership, staying in

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touch from any Internet connection is easy and secure. For non-urgent needs, patients may begin communicating securely with their MHPT and possibly save themselves an office visit by simply signing up for Relay Health at: www.relayhealth.com. The Command also posts regular updates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nhccc.

NHCCC healthcare offers a wide range of services including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Aviation Medicine, Dental, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Radiology*, Wellness Services, Physical Therapy, Mental Health, Optometry*, Immunizations, Audi ology*, Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program, Preventive Medicine, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene. (* Resource Sharing Agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). In addition to Ambulatory Health Care services, the core facility has a Behavioral Health Care Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP). Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi maintains Joint Commission Ambulatory Health Care, Behavioral Health Care, College of American Pathologists, Food and Drug Administration, and Ameri can College of Radiology accreditation.

The Command is an active participant in the TRICARE program, and there are over 12,654 TRICARE Prime beneficiaries enrolled at the core facility and branch clinics. On a typical day at the core facility, there are 234 medical visits, 30 dental visits, 836 pharmacy prescriptions filled, 21 radiology exams and 314 laboratory tests.

For New Staff

Congratulations on joining Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NH CCC). This facility is dedicated to ensuring that you have a productive and enjoyable tour in South Texas. The health care system directly supports the aviation training and mine warfare communities as well as a significant Army and Coast Guard presence at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.

Customers come from varied back grounds and present wonderful challenges. The facility has been a successful partner in TRICARE since November 1995. As the sole naval presence in Region Six, it has a unique opportunity to partner with sister services to make TRICARE effective and efficient. Please be sure to visit the TRI CARE Center here at the command soon after you report on board.

The Command is centrally located on NAS Corpus Christi; and, as the tallest building, serves as a significant landmark. The staff is active socially and is involved in many activities. There are many fine beaches, parks and recreational activities within a short distance. You will find NH CCC, NAS Corpus Christi and the city of Corpus Christi delightful places to work, play and live.

The first OH-58D Kiowa Warrior sent back to the fight by Corpus Christi Army Depot is rolled-out during a ceremony in the depot's Hangar 44.

Appropriate safety gear is used while working on an aircraft.

Reporting Aboard

Military personnel upon arrival should report to the Front Desk and have the Petty Officer of the Watch or the Chief of the Day stamp/endorse your orders. Then, proceed to Manpower on the second deck to start the check-in process. If you report to the health clinic after 2000 you will be required to report back the next day to have them stamp your orders. You will then be required to report to Manpower at 0800 to start checking-in. The check-in process is a 3-day process that your assigned sponsor will assist you with. You will need your Service record, medical record, and dental record with you.

Civil service personnel should report to the Human Resource Office (HRO) on the second deck of the health clinic. Be sure to also report to the Manpower office to start your check-in.

Fleet and Family Support Center

The Fleet and Family Support Center is located on the 5th floor of the Naval Health Clinic.

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The Navy realizes that there is a direct relationship between a member's ability to successfully accomplish a mission and the quality of life which his or her family experiences. Therefore, the Fleet and Family Sup port Center stands ready to assist you in any way possible to promote a positive family environment.

To help with your adjustment, the Relo cation Assistance Program is designed to provide a support system of information and services upon your arrival. We offer a myriad of services, including loan closet items while you are waiting the arrival of your household goods, spouse employment assistance, family counseling, and information and referrals to help you with any and all of your needs. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to visit your nearest Fleet and Family Support Center and request a copy of the Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service (SITES) booklet for NAS Corpus Christi.

It will provide you with the most current information for NAS Corpus Christi and the surrounding communities.

This organization is located at the NAS Health Clinic, 4th deck, and can be reached at DSN: 861-3722.

Military Spouse Preference

Military spouse preference is preference in employment for civilian positions and assistance in locating employment opportunities with the Department of Defense (DoD) in the same commuting area of the sponsor's duty station. "Preference" is priority in the selection process for military spouses when they are being considered along with others. It applies only when the spouse is among the best-qualified candidates and is prior or currently civil service. "Preference" does not mean that positions are created or made available especially for spouses, or that spouses, have any special appointing authority or a guarantee that a job will be available.

Spouse preference is applied in several diff erent ways, depending on how a position is being filled, its location, and whether you have "status" (meaning civil service status). "Status" applicants include current career/ career-conditional employees, reinstatement eligible, and prior overseas family member appointables. If you are the spouse of an active duty Armed Forces member, you are entitled, upon PCS relocation to the sponsor's duty station, to spouse employment preference.

Virtually all DoD civilian positions at GS-15 (and equivalent) and below, worldwide, with certain exceptions, including intelligence-related positions and mandatory mobility positions.

Note—Preference also applies to non-appropriated funds (NAP) positions (e.g., jobs in clubs, messes, recreational facilities, etc.) at UA08 and below. This fact sheet does not provide information about procedures for NAP employment. Interested spouses should contact NAP activities (Bldg. 39) or call (361) 961-3187 directly for specific information.

Preference applies up to 30 days prior to sponsor's reporting date to the new duty station and throughout the tour at that duty station. In foreign areas, spouses don't receive preference until they actually arrive at the overseas location. Activities are not required to grant preference if you are within six months of the next PCS move.

Generally, spouses with preference must be selected ahead of non-spouses when both are being considered. However, because of the many options in the filling of positions, exceptions can sometimes apply. As examples, selections of displaced employees, overseas returnees, certain internal employees and hiring in some special programs may take precedence over military spouses. Also, preference does not apply when it would result in displacement of a current employee or when positions are filled below the full performance level (except for positions formerly covered by the PACE).

Any Civilian Personnel Office can provide you information about specific vacancy, procedures for applying for positions, preference procedures, and the like. Ask to speak with the Military Spouse Preference Coordinator or Priority Place Program Coordinator.

The Fleet and Family Support Center at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi can provide you assistance with development of job search skills, referrals for employment and similar matters. For more information, call (361) 961-2372 or come by the 5th floor of the Health Clinic between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 pm.

NAVAL AIR STATION CORPUS CHRISTI

Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD)

Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) is the largest tenant organization on Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NASCC) with more than 158 acres, 60 buildings and 2.3 million sq. Feet of industrial space. With a workforce of more that 6000 civilian employees and contractors and an annual impact of more than $2.5 billion, CCAD is the largest industrial employer and economic engine for the South Texas region. Offering virtually year round ideal weather for flight testing, CCAD is the Department of Defense’s primary facility for joint services of rotary wing and component repair.

CCAD ensures aviation readiness through overhaul, repair, modification, recapitalization, retrofitting, testing and modernization of helicopters, engines and components or rotary-wing aircraft of all services, including world-wide onsite field maintenance teams, analytical crash investigations and chemical material process facilities. CCAD serves as a depot training base for active duty Army, National Guard, Reserve and foreign military personnel.

Corpus Christi Army Depot also performs depot-level maintenance and repair, modernization and recapitalization on the following aircraft: UH-60 Blackhawk, AH-64 Apache; CH-47 Chinook; USAF HH-60 Pavehawk, and the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Additionally, with more unmanned aerial systems (UAS’s) used by the military, the depot is taking on new challenges with the UAS Shadow, setting the stage for additional platforms that are changing the face of combat. In the early 1940s, the area which is now the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station was developed to train Navy aviators to fly seaplane and carrier-based aircraft. They operated an aircraft overhaul and repair facility here until June 30, 1959, when the operation was shut down, putting 3, 000 people out of work.

The facility sat idle for nearly two years until the Army took possession of the large hangars and other buildings located on a 15-acre tract. The Army Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center began rehiring some of the trained civilian employees. When it opened its doors, maintenance center was tasked with helicopter repair and maintenance for three engines and four airframes. The first UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) helicopter was overhauled in 1962 and by 1968 the facility was in full operation, providing repair and overhaul services to approximately 400 helicopters. In August 1964, the USS Albermale, a Navy seaplane tendership was converted at Charleston Naval Shipyard and in December 1965, re-commissioned by the Army as the Army’s first floating helicopter maintenance facility as the USNS Corpus Christi Bay. It operated in Southeast Asian waters during the Vietnam War and was manned by Army Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center personnel. The ship was deactivated in 1975. The ship bell from the USS Albermale was presented to the depot and is displayed at the main entrance to Corpus Christi Army Depot Headquarters. In 1974, the facility’s name was changed to the Corpus Christi Army Depot, and it employed more than 4, 500 civilian employees to serve the growing Army inventory of helicopters.

Fleet Logistics Center

The Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville Detachment NAS Corpus Christi is located in Building 10, on Ocean Drive. The detachment provides logistics support for NAS Corpus Christi and its tenant activities. The Procurement Division is responsible for purchasing open market goods and services for Navy customers throughout the state of Texas.

Marine Aviation Training Support Group Twenty-Two

Marine Aviation Training Support Group Twenty-Two is a shore activity responsible for providing administration support for Marine Corps personnel within its area of responsibility. Under the operational control of the Marine Corps Training Command, it coordinates it administrative mission through the use of Marine liaisons at NAS Kingsville, Texas; Vance AFB, Okla; and NASA, Houston. To reach the Training Support Group office, call (361) 961-3484.

Marine Corps Reserve Training Center

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home of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division. The unit is a Marine infantry company with two of its platoons located in Harlingen, Texas. Members of the unit have deployed in the past five years, twice to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The company drills one weekend a month for training, and the inspector-instructor staff provides administrative support such as humanitarian transfers, discharges and assistance with military identification cards for active duty and retired Marines and their dependents. Members of the unit also provide casualty assistance when needed. For further information about the training center, call (361) 961-3235.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi, located in Hangar 41, is responsible for search and rescue in an area extending from the Colorado River to the Mexican border, making it the southernmost, major unit in the Eighth Coast Guard District. The unit, as it exists today, was formed in 1978 after combining assets and personnel from Group and Air Station Corpus Christi into one command. In 2005, the Group, Air Station, and Marine Safety Office combined to form Sector Corpus Christi. Today, there are five cutters, six aircraft, 20 small boats and more than 450 men and women who are under the Sector command located aboard Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Outlying units include three small boat stations, five cutters, two LORAN stations, two Coast Guard Auxiliary divisions and three Aids to Navigation Teams.

In addition to search and rescue, the unit is responsible for marine safety and environmental protection, law enforcement, and maintaining aids to navigation.

Boat crews and air crews are ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond, within 30 minutes, to calls for assistance. The unit's small boats are deployed for an average annual total of7,800 hours. Its five cutters log more than 5,200 at-sea hours per year, and Air Station crews fly an aver age of 5,176 hours per year. Coast Guard Auxiliary units also augment active duty units with 4,000 boat hours and 600 air craft hours annually, performing various Coast Guard missions.

Members of the military community and general public are invited to tour the Coast Guard facilities by contacting its public affairs office at (361) 939-6227.

Customs and Border Protection-National Air Security Operational Center

Flying five P-3 Orion Command and Control aircraft and five Surveillance and Intercept aircraft out of NAS Corpus Christi, CBP NASOC is responsible for detecting, identifying and tracking aircraft used to smuggle drugs into the United States. It also provides the Department of Homeland Security aerial protection for critical national infrastructures, and helps protect the President and Vice President when they are airborne.

Its area of responsibility includes the entire Western Hemisphere with P-3 aircraft routinely operating from regions of Alaska and Canada, south through the continental United States to the equatorial and Andean ridge latitudes. The aircraft have been re positioned as far south as Paraguay, as far west as Hawaii, and as far east as Europe.

With a staff of only 129 people, this organization has been responsible for making a considerable dent in the drug trafficking trade. Since June 1987, Surveillance Branch-West has been responsible for the seizure of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value of well more than $4.8 billion at current market value.

Customs and Border Protection counter drug air and marine detection, surveillance and intelligence operations have resulted in the arrest of 888 individuals suspected of involvement in smuggling activities; and the seizure of200 aircraft, 213 vehicles, 126 vessels, and one million pounds of marijuana and 555,000 pounds of cocaine.

NAVAL AIR STATION

CORPUS CHRISTI WELCOME TO CORPUS CHRISTI

CORPUS CHRISTI IS A CITY WHERE PEOPLE ENJOY A DIVERSITY OF EMPLOYMENT IN AREAS LIKE THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING, PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES, TOURISM, AND IN GOVERNMENT JOBS AS WELL AS MANY OTHER FIELDS.

LOCAL AREA

Corpus Christi

With a population of more than 380,000 people, Corpus Christi is a bustling city filled with modern conveniences such as shopping centers; art galleries; ballet; symphony; and playhouse; two major col leges and a minor league baseball team. It is a city where people enjoy a diversity of employment in areas like the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, professional and business services, tourism, and in government jobs as well as many other fields.

But the heart of Corpus Christi and the surrounding communities is still what can be taken from the land and the sea, with fishing villages to the north along the Coastal Bend and ranch land to the south. These include fields filled with cotton and grains and ranges where cattle are abundant.

This is home to the largest working ranch in the United States, the King Ranch. Covering 825,000 acres, the ranch is larger than the state of New Jersey. Established in 1853, Captain Richard King and his ranch hands had to battle marauding Indians and bandits to maintain this land. After his death, his widow Henrietta, donated land for the town site of Kingsville, and helped bring a railroad to the new city. This city and railroad helped support her enormous King Ranch. Today, tours are still given through portions of the ranch. But now, Navy planes pass overhead, and the Naval Air Station at Kingsville has taken over as the city's major employer. In addition to wide open spaces above ranch lands, Navy planes pass over tidal marshes and estuaries, over the Intra coastal Waterway, and Padre Island to the Gulf of Mexico. The land is rich in wildlife and sea life. Padre Island

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National Sea shore, encompassing more than 130,000 acres, is the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world. The island is one of only a handful of places in the world where the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles nest.

All along this coastline, the skies are alive with thousands of migratory birds. More than 115,000 acres of land has been set aside at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, it is the wintering grounds for the world's largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes; as well as egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills.

But it is salt water game fish that draw most sport fishermen to this coastal region. The bays, estuaries and coastline provide excellent speckled trout and redfish fishing year-round. Red snapper and amberjack are also taken year-

NAVAL AIR STATION CORPUS CHRISTI

round offshore. King mackerel, cobia, and billfish then show up every summer and fall. But with salt water fishing, you never know what is about to strike. And there is always a place to fish in South Texas; whether from a boat, the surf, pier, or wading. A drive along the coastline of Corpus Christi Bay leaves one understanding why area residents and tourists alike love the sea. The drive can be completed in three hours, but it is best to allow a full day to enjoy the many attractions.

Ocean Drive, a 7-mile scenic waterfront road, begins at NAS Corpus Christi and passes stately homes, parks, and walking paths down to Corpus Christi marina where acres of sleek sailing ships, private yachts, and deep sea fishing boats are moored. Sightseeing boats, water sport rentals, and seafood restaurants abound.

US Highway 181 then passes over Harbor Bridge, the second tallest bridge in Texas, which enables deep-sea freighters to pass into the Port of Corpus Christi...the 5th largest deep-water port in the United States. Just across the bridge are Corpus Christi's public beaches, the Texas State Aquarium, and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay.

Both the aquarium and aircraft carrier exhibits are open daily. The aquarium features Dolphin Bay, over 250 species of fish, and exhibits on salt and back bay marshes. Minutes away, the 16-deck aircraft carrier Lexington is open for the public to explore vintage aircraft and WWII era exhibits, tour the flight deck, bridge, captain's quarters and a flight simulator, and see a movie on Navy flight training.

Following further along the north shore of Corpus Christi Bay, you'll pass through the fishing villages of Portland, Ingleside, and Aransas Pass, considered by many to be the fishing capital of the world. State Road 361 then turns toward the barrier islands and you pass miles of estuaries, islands of salt grasses surrounded by canals of water that rise and ebb with the flow of the tides, which are a breeding ground for Gulf sea life.

The Texas Aquarium is a popular site for servicemembers, their families and tourists from around the world.