Gosport - January 29, 2016

Vol. 80, No. 4

VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com

January 29, 2016

NAS Pensacola to change access procedures From NASP PAO

Effective Feb.1 all unescorted visitors to NAS Pensacola (NASP) heading to the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas and Pensacola Lighthouse who do not possess a DoD identification card, will be required to enter the installation via the west gate (Blue Angel Parkway).

The changes were announced during a press conference Jan. 25 by NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer, Capt.

Keith Hoskins, and the National Naval Aviation Museum director, retired Navy Capt. Sterling Gilliam.

“The safety and security of everyone who works, lives or visits NAS Pensacola is my priority,” said Hoskins. “This change will bring the installation in alignment with security directives issued by the secretary of the Navy and are not in response to any spe-

NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Keith Hoskins and the director of the National Naval Aviation Museum retired Navy Capt. Sterling Gilliam (center right) describe changes to base access during a press conference Jan. 25. Photo by Mike O’Connor

cific threat.”

NAS Pensacola’s main gate (Navy Boulevard) will be open to all employees, military and DoD cardholders, as well as previously vetted personnel who possess a valid visi-

tor’s pass. Unescorted visitors to Barrancas National Cemetery will be vetted upon arrival at the Visitors Information Center, Bldg.

777, at the main gate.

“The reason we are putting this in place is so we

can be in compliance with our headquarters authority and directives in terms of allowing individuals on our base to visit public attraction events,” Hoskins said.

“Working with my se-

curity team onboard NAS Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum, the lighthouse, and Fort Barrancas, this is the best course of action to ensure that we maintain the openness of NAS Pensacola’s

open sights for our visitors to come onboard our naval air station,” Hoskins said.

Gilliam supports the decision, and the museum has plans to ensure that its

See Access on page 2

NASP to participate in Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2016 From Navy Installations Command and U.S. Fleet Forces Command PAO

WASHINGTON (NNS) – Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will conduct Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2016 (SC/CS16) Feb. 1-12 on Navy installations located in the continental United States.

“As we continue to This annual anti-terrorism ise train against a myriad of force protection (ATFP) exerc r exe hostile activities precise is designed to train INURTA sented to the installaNavy security forces to OLID D tion, there will be respond to threats to inL E I H L delays in travel and acstallations and units.

ITADE cess on NAS Pensacola,” FenOnboard NAS Penters said. “Please be patient sacola, Emergency Manand understanding; follow all ager Burt Fenters asks base personnel to be aware of the training ac- instructions of any official carrying out official orders and duties. Failure to do so tivities and plan accordingly.

S CS C 016 2

could further impede any situation and result in further delays.”

William Clark, CNIC’s exercise program manager, gave specifics on this year’s scenario. “Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2016 provides the means by which USFF and CNIC assess Navy anti-terrorism program command and control capabilities, and the readiness and

See SC/CS on page 2

Information warfare Sailors motivate students at CyberThon Story, photo

by Carla M. McCarthy Center for Information Dominance Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Bradley W. Tufts from Marine Detachment (MarDet) Corry Station, the distinguished graduate of the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) Career Course Seminar (CCS), receives a round of applause led by 1st Sgt. Franklin C. Morris from AMS 2, Marine Aviation and Training Support Group 23, (left) during a ceremony Jan. 22 at the Naval Aviation Schools Command auditorium. Photo by Ens. Anthony Junco

Marines graduate from new education seminar at NASP

By Janet Thomas Gosport Staff Writer

Fellow Marines and family members assembled Jan. 22 at the Naval Aviation Schools Command auditorium to cheer and applaud for the graduates of the first Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) Career Course Seminar (CCS) offered at Naval

Air Station Pensacola (NASP).

The 12 Marine staff sergeants completed a new residential seminar to be eligible for promotion to the gunnery sergeant rank, said retired Marine Capt. Chris Marvin, the chief instructor for the Marine enlisted PME program in the

See Marines on page 2

Information warfare (IW) community Sailors mentored high school students in the second annual CyberThon event Jan. 22-24 at NAS Pensacola.

Thirty-seven Northwest Florida students played the roles of newly hired information technology professionals tasked as the first responders for cybersecurity threat detection and response of a small company.

Hosted at the National Flight Academy by the Blue Angels Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, CyberThon’s focus is to develop the future cybersecurity workforce through challenging youth to participate in real-world cyber operations and defense sessions. The event brought together community leaders, cyber experts and cyber competitors from local schools.

“There are students from last year (who) are doing this again, (who) came back and are ex-

Information warfare Sailors from CID Unit Corry Station mentor high school students during CyberThon, an event designed to develop the future cybersecurity workforce. Hosted by the Blue Angels Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, CyberThon challenged the students to play newly hired information technology professionals tasked with defending their company’s network.

cited about the event and what they learned,” said CTR1 Kenneth Hornfeldt, a cryptologic technician (collection) “C” school instructor at the Center for Information Dominance (CID) Unit Corry Station. “This has been a fantastic opportunity to mentor students who are very excited about cyber.”

Sailors from the Navy’s information warfare (IW) training arm at CID Unit Corry

Station, as well as from Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Pensacola, joined with other mentors from the military, Department of Homeland Security, University of West Florida, and industry.

“CyberThon is great, because first of all you get to use tools that cybersecurity experts actually use in the field,” said

See Cyber on page 2

Published by Ballinger Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy. Opinions contained herein are not official expressions of the Department of the Navy nor do the advertisements constitute Department of the Navy, NAS Pensacola or Ballinger Publishing’s endorsement of products or services advertised.

PA G E

2

January 29, 2016

GOSPORT

TRICARE OTC coverage changes Feb. 1 From NHP

TRICARE’s over-thecounter (OTC) drug coverage is here to stay. Formerly a demonstration program, the OTC benefit becomes a permanent part of the TRICARE pharmacy benefit Feb. 1. Effective that date, TRICARE is making some changes to OTC

coverage to bring it in line with other TRICARE pharmacy coverage.

Starting Feb. 1, beneficiaries must pay the usual generic

Access from page 1

visitors understand and make travel plans accordingly.

“Most people these days, when they are planning to visit somewhere, one of the first things they do is ‘Google’ map it,” Gilliam said. “And they go to our website and get the directions. We’ll make sure our website clearly articulates what type of ID is required to get into the main gate.”

Gilliam pointed out that many in the area already possess Department of Defense IDs – retired military, dependent or active-duty. Holders of these IDs are free to use the main gate. Once at the base, the

copays for covered OTC drugs. OTC drug coverage will still require a prescription from their doctor. Female beneficiaries can still get Levonorgestrel (the Plan B one-step emergency contraceptive), without a copay or prescription at a network or military pharmacy.

Feb. 1 also brings a change

travel time is the same.

“From the west gate to the museum, or the front gate to the museum, it’s the same distance,” Gilliam said. “We just want to educate our visiting public to come to the correct gate.”

In the case of the National Naval Aviation Museum – one of the state’s top attractions – any extra effort to visit is worthwhile, he said.

“Most people who come to this museum stay for hours, if not the entire day,” Gilliam said. “So if they have to plan for a little longer trip, it’s well worth it. We had NASP Commanding Officer Capt. Keith Hoskins, right, answers a reporter’s quesover 900,000 visitors in 2015 and we hope tion at a Jan. 25 press conference with National Naval Aviation Museum director, retired Navy Capt. Sterling Gilliam. Photo by Ens. Anthony Junco to do like numbers in 2016.”

SC/CS from page 1

Marines from page 1

effectiveness of fleet and region program execution throughout the U.S. Northern Command area of responsibility,” said Clark. “Exercise scenarios are based on our assessment of terrorist/homegrown violent extremist objectives, capabilities and current real-world events.”

Exercise SC/CS16 is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise. The exercise consists of approximately 300 field-training exercise events on and off Navy installations across the country, each designed to test different regional ATFP operations.

The exercise’s scenarios enable assessment of the Navy and civilian law enforcement’s response to attacks both on installations and at soft targets off-installation.

Exercise coordinators have taken measures to minimize disruptions to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Residents near bases may also see increased security activity associated with the exercise. Base personnel should register for the AtHoc widearea alert network to stay up to date on force protection conditions and other emergency, environmental, or exercise-related impacts on the area.

CNIC is responsible for providing support services for the fleet, fighter and family with more than 52,000 military and civilian personnel under 11 regions and 70 installations worldwide.

USFF executes the Navy AT Program in the United States to prevent, deter and defend against terrorist attacks on Department of the Navy (DoN) personnel, their families, facilities, resources, installations, and infrastructure critical to DoN mission accomplishment.

For more information, visit http://www. cnic.navy.mil.

Southeast region and a contractor with the Marine Corps College of Distance Education and Training (CDET).

A seven-week version of the course is offered at one of four SNCO academies, but the 15-week residential seminar allows students to complete Professional Military Education (PME) requirements without leaving their duty stations, Marvin said.

“The advantage is they can stay and do their jobs and they are not away from their families,” Marvin said.

The residential seminar will be offered three times a year to help Marines comply with a new policy. Effective Oct. 1, 2016, all staff sergeants will be required to attend either the SNCO Academy Career Course or the CCS DEP for promotion, Marvin said.

“So what the Marine Corps did is they started this seminar program to help make sure everybody could be competitive,” Marvin said.

During the 15 weeks, students completed required reading, homework and quizzes and attended a three-hour weekly seminar to further discuss the lesson.

Staff Sgt. Bradley W. Tufts from Marine Cyber from page 1

Caroline Sears, a Pensacola Catholic High School student and Navy family member, considering a career in cyber and perhaps the Navy. “You get to talk to cybersecurity experts.

You hear about their stories and how they ended up doing cybersecurity. Whenever we see something come up, (our mentor) talks about what it is, how we would counter it if we are able to counter it, so hearing his insights on how he would address the problem is definitely good.”

The mentors provided guidance to the student teams as they used security tools and defense tactics to find cybersecurity vulnerabilities and defend the network.

Vol. 80, No. 4

Detachment (MarDet) Corry Station, who was recognized as the distinguished graduate, said he spent a lot of late-night hours reading books, but it was well worth the extra effort.

“I learned a lot about leadership,” he said. “I learned a lot about how to tailor my leadership to specific people in specific situations as well as a lot of the ethics behind the decisions that we make on a daily basis.”

Getting to know some of his fellow Marines was also a positive experience for Tufts.

“I made a lot of lifelong friends. I got to get outside my community a little bit and meet some different folks,” he said.

Other seminar graduates include Staff Sgt. Daniel T. Pelletier Aviation Maintenance Squadron (AMS) 2; Staff Sgt. Robert F. Woods AMS-2; Staff Sgt. Alicia L. Ferrias, AMS-2; Staff Sgt. Danny Ray Jesttes Jr., AMS-2; Staff Sgt. Paul S. Newby, AMS-2; Staff Sgt. Scott A. Kramer, AMS-1; Staff Sgt. Robert A. Miller Jr., AMS-1; Staff Sgt. Gary J. Bolbat Jr., AMS-1; Staff Sgt. James R. Carfora, AMS-1; Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Berry, AMS-1; and Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Butler Sr., Marine Forces Reserve (MarFor-

“We’re using open-source technologies, and we’re teaching these kids how to look at an event such as a web server attack and trace it back and figure out who the attacker was and give them mitigation strategies, like how would you stop this from happening in the future,” said CTNC Ron Judy, a Joint Cyber Analysis Course (JCAC) instructor at CID Unit Corry Station.

The students were challenged to harden the information technology infrastructure to prevent, mitigate and deter cyber intrusions and maintain efficient system and network operations.

“My favorite part personally is being guided by people who know more than me,” said Josiah Robinson, a Pine Forest

January 29, 2016

Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla.: A Bicentennial Defense Community Commanding Officer — Capt. Keith Hoskins Public Affairs Officer — Patrick J. Nichols The Gosport nameplate pays homage to the 100th anniversary of naval aviation in 2011: the Centennial of Naval Aviation, or CONA. The image on the left side of the nameplate depicts Eugene Ely taking off in a Curtiss pusher bi-plane from the USS Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1911.

While Ely had taken off from the USS Birmingham two months earlier after his plane had been loaded on the ship, the USS Pennsylvania event was the first time a plane landed on and then took off from a U.S. warship.

scription version of Prilosec.

Visit the TRICARE Pharmacy page for more information on the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. If you have questions about whether or not one of your drugs is covered, you can always call the TRICARE pharmacy contractor, Express Scripts, at 1 (877) 363-1303.

to which drugs are available under the OTC benefit. The allergy medications Cetirizine and Loratadine were previously covered, but now the versions that contain pseudoephedrine are also covered.

However, brand name Prilosec OTC is no longer covered. The generic version, Omeprazole, is still covered, as is the pre-

The image on the right side is the Navy’s most modern fighter aircraft, the F-18 Super Hornet.

Established in 1921 as the Air Station News, the name Gosport was adopted in 1936. A gosport was a voice tube used by flight instructors in the early days of naval aviation to give instructions and directions to their students. The name “Gosport” was derived from Gosport, England (originally God’s Port), where the voice tube was invented.

Gosport is an authorized newspaper published every Friday by Ballinger Publishing,

Res), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).

The guest speaker at the graduation, 1st Sgt. Franklin C. Morris from AMS 2, Marine Aviation and Training Support Group 23 (MATSG-23), urged the staff sergeants to put their new knowledge to good use.

“As you are the leaders of tomorrow, you need to continue to push yourselves and the Marines in your charge to do and be better at everything the mission requires,” Morris said.

Marvin is confident that all of his students have bright futures.

“As their chief instructor and as a retired Marine, I can personally, professionally assure you that these Marines are more confident and more experienced leaders than they were 15 weeks ago,” he said.

Marvin expects a steady flow of students in the future at NASP. Classes are limited to 12 students, and he has enough Marines signed up for the upcoming Feb. 8 cycle to have two groups going at the same time.

For more information on the program, contact the Pensacola Region PME Office at 452-9460, ext. 3141, or go to https://www.mcu.usmc.mil/cdet/SitePages /career_course_seminar.aspx.

High School student.“Another team had a phishing attack, so they got e-mail links and suspicious links that could have infected them. We have a denial-of-service attack that we have to deal with and also a SQL injection attack.”

During opening ceremonies, Cmdr. Joseph Sears, an IW officer and commanding officer of NIOC Pensacola, encouraged the students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers in the cyber field.

“As a nation, one of our greatest struggles is to recruit and grow a cyber cadre to work in this demanding career field,” said Sears. “I can’t think of a better way to inspire young people to want a career

The Rhodes Building, 41 North Jefferson Street, Suite 402, Pensacola, FL 32504, in the interest of military and civilian personnel and their families aboard the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Saufley Field and Corry Station.

Editorial and news material is compiled by the Public Affairs Office, 150 Hase Road, Ste.-A, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508-1051.

All news releases and related materials should be mailed to that address, e-mailed to scott.hallford@navy.mil.

National news sources are American Forces Press Service (AFPS), Navy News Service (NNS), Air Force News Service (AFNS), News USA and North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS).

Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense, United States Navy, officials of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, or Ballinger Publishing.

All advertising, including classified ads, is arranged through Ballinger Publishing. Minimum weekly circulation is 25,000. Everything advertised in this publication must be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to rank, rate, race, creed, color, national origin or sex of the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will result in the refusal of future advertising from that source.

in cyber than to make this type of environment (at CyberThon) available to inspire those kinds of skills.”

With the Department of Defense developing 133 CMF teams by 2018, students like the ones participating in CyberThon will be in high demand to sustain the cyber workforce.

“I want you to be the next generation of cyber warriors that are going to fight and win this nation’s battles in cyberspace,” said Sears.

This year, volunteer Sailors also interacted with 33 elementary school students as they toured the event venue and engaged in cybersecurity games and activities designed to spark interest at an even earlier age in the cyber field.

For classified ads, call: (850) 433-1166, ext. 24 For commercial advertising: Becky Hildebrand (850) 433-1166, ext. 31 Becky@ballingerpublishing.Com Visit Us On The Web At: Ballinger Publishing.Com Mail To: Gosport, NAS Pensacola, 150 Hase Road, Ste.-A, Pensacola, FL 32508-1051

Gosport Editor

Scott Hallford 452-4466 scott.hallford@navy.mil Gosport Associate Editor

Mike O’Connor 452-2165 michael.f.oʼconnor.ctr@navy.mil Gosport Staff Writer

Janet Thomas 452-4419 janet.thomas.ctr@navy.mil

January 29, 2016

GOSPORT

COMMENTARY

PA G E

3

Primaries near, register for absentee ballots now

By Katie Lange DoD News, Defense Media Activity

It’s finally 2016, and it’s going to be a big year. In just 10 short months, Americans are going to vote for a new president. The first primaries to pick party candidates begin next month, so if you haven’t gotten your absentee ballot yet and want one, you had better start the process now.

A lot of service members are either overseas or stationed away from their home states when elections roll around, so it’s important to register to vote and request your absentee ballot as early as you can. It’s pretty easy to do all at once – all you have to do is fill out a Federal Post Card Application.

Officials at the Federal Voting Assistance Program suggest military members send in a FPCA every year.

“Once the election office receives the FPCA, they will send the voter a ballot for every election they’re eligible to vote in,” said FVAP spokeswoman Mandi Richmond.

Each absentee ballot is sent out 45 days prior to your state’s election, so if it doesn’t come to you shortly after you’ve applied for it, it’s

How to submit a commentary

Assistance is available aboard NASP

Absentee ballots allow service members, civilian employees and their families to vote while stationed overseas. Photo by Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kasey Peacock

likely because your primary isn’t until later in the year. To find the date for the primary in your state go to https:// www.fvap.gov and select your state in the drop-down box at the top left side of the page.

Once you’ve sent in your FPCA and get your absentee ballot from the state, officials urge you to send it back immediately since mail-in times can vary. States have differing deadlines on when the ballots have to be in their hands, too, so it’s best to not hesitate.

If you still have some questions or need help with your FPCA, you can contact your service branch’s Voter Assistance Office using one of the

links on https://www.fvap.gov.

Go to the military voter tab and scroll down to service information. Then choose your branc of service from the menu at the left side of the page.

If you’re a military spouse, you are also covered under the same law that protects military members’ absentee voting rights. To learn more, go to https://www.fvap.gov/military-voter/military-spouses.

You will find answers to frequently asked questions about voting registration at https://www.fvap.gov/vao/va g/appendix/faq.

We have a big election year up ahead, folks, so if you haven’t requested your absentee ballot yet, get on it now.

NASP voters: If you want to register to vote in the following states, stop by the NASP Voting Assistance Office (Bldg.

1500, Room 229) or visit www.FVAP.gov to complete a registration application and request your absentee ballots for the upcoming presidential preference primaries (P) and state primaries (S): February 30-day notice* New Hampshire: Feb. 9 (P) South Carolina: Feb. 20 (P, Republican primary only) South Carolina: Feb. 27 (P, Democratic primary only, tentative) March 60-day notice* *Alabama: March 1 (P, S) Arkansas: March 1 (P, S) Georgia: March 1 (P) Massachusetts: March 1 (P) Oklahoma: March 1 (P) Tennessee: March 1 (P) Texas: March 1 (P, S) Vermont: March 1 (P) Virginia: March 1 (P) Louisiana: March 5 (P) Idaho: March 8 (P, Republican primary only)

Michigan: March 8 (P) Mississippi: March 8 (P, S) Puerto Rico: March 13 (P, Republican primary only) Florida: March 15 (P) Illinois: March 15 (P, S) Missouri: March 15 (P) North Carolina: March 15 (P,S) Ohio: March 15 (P,S) Arizona: March 22 (P) April 90-day notice* *Wisconsin: April 5 (P) New York: April 19 (P) Connecticut: April 26 (P) Delaware: April 26 (P) Maryland: April 26 (P,S) Pennsylvania: April 26 (P,S) Rhode Island: April 26 (P)

To register and request your ballots, visit the NASP Voting Assistance Office, complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) using the FPCA online assistant (fvap.gov/ military-voter/registration -ballots), or fill out the PDF(fvap.gov/uploads/ FVAP/Forms/fpca2013. pdf), or pick up a hardcopy version from your voting assistance office.

Commentaries are the opinion of the writer and should not be interpreted as official government, Navy or command policy statements. Reader submissions are welcome but should not exceed 800 words.

Submissions must be bylined and include a daytime phone number or e-mail contact for the writer. All submissions are subject to editing to comply with policy and standards. Send commentary submissions to Janet.Thomas.ctr@navy.mil.

PA G E

4

January 29, 2016

GOSPORT

Secretary of the Navy, secretary of Agriculture launch Great Green Fleet From Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment

C

ORONADO, Calif. (NNS) – Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack kicked off the Great Green Fleet Jan. 20, with the deployment of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) during a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island.

The Great Green Fleet is a Department of the Navy initiative highlighting how the Navy and Marine Corps are using energy efficiency and alternative energy to increase combat capability and operational flexibility.

At the close of the ceremony, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) left the pier to begin its deployment, becoming the first U.S. Navy ship running on an alternative fuel blend as part of its regular operations.

“When it comes to power, my focus has been about one thing and one thing only: better warfighting,” said Mabus. “The Great Green Fleet shows how we are transforming our energy use to make us better warfighters, to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower. In short, to enable us to provide the global presence that is our mission.”

The blend fueling the JCS CSG’s surface ships contains alternative fuel made from waste beef fat provided by farmers in the Midwest. It was purchased at a cost-competitive price through a partnership between the Department of the Navy and U.S.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) aimed at making alternative fuel blends a regular part of the military’s bulk operational fuel supply.

With the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Stockdale in the background, Mabus and Vilsack explained why this milestone alternative fuel purchase is important to the Navy and Marine Corps, and how it supports America’s farmers, ranchers and rural manufacturing jobs.

Mabus said, “Diversifying our energy sources arms us with operational flexibility and strengthens our ability to provide presence, turning the tables on those who would use energy as a weapon against us.”

“The Navy’s use of renewable energy in the Great Green Fleet represents its ability to diversify its energy sources, and also our nation’s ability to take what would be a waste product and create homegrown, clean, advanced biofuels to support a variety of transportation needs,” said Vilsack. “Today’s deployment proves that America is on its way to a secure, clean energy future, where both defense and

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) departs its homeport in San Diego for a scheduled deployment Jan. 19. William P. Lawrence is part of the Great Green Fleet, an initiative optimizing energy use to increase optimal range, endurance and payload, turning energy into a force multiplier. Photo by MC3 Chelsea Troy Milburn

commercial transportation can be fueled by our own hardworking farmers and ranchers, reduce landfill waste and bring manufacturing jobs back to rural America.”

JCS CSG, the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet, deployed using energy conservation measures (ECMs), including stern flaps, LED lights and energy efficient operational procedures, and alternative fuel in the course of its normal operations. Other ships, aircraft, amphibious and expeditionary forces and shore installations using ECMs and/or alternative fuels in the course of performing planned mission functions will be part of the Great Green Fleet throughout 2016.

Stockdale is the first surface combatant to receive alternative fuel as part of its regular operational supply. Following the ceremony, Mabus and Vilsack flew out to the destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) to witness it replenishing its tanks with alternative fuel from fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200).

The remainder of the CSG’s surface ships will receive fuel from fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), which will take on over 3 million gallons of the alternative fuel blend in Washington state before joining the CSG on deployment.

The advanced fuel blend was produced by California-based

U.S. Central Command statement on events surrounding Iranian detainment of 10 U.S. Navy Sailors From United States Central Command

TAMPA (NNS) – The following preliminary timeline of the events surrounding the Iranian detainment of 10 U.S. Navy Sailors from Jan. 12-13, is based upon multiple operational reports received by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NavCent) in the first 24-48 hours after the incident.

A Navy command investigation initiated Jan. 14, will provide a more complete accounting of events.

On Jan. 12, two NavCent Riverine Command Boat (RCB) crews were tasked with the mission of relocating two RCBs from Kuwait to Bahrain, with a planned refueling en route alongside the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy. The two RCBs were traveling together since they train and deploy in two-boat elements. They departed

Kuwait at 9:23 a.m.(GMT). The planned transit path for the mission was down the middle of the Gulf and not through the territorial waters of any country other than Kuwait and Bahrain.

The two RCBs were scheduled to conduct an underway refueling with the USCGC Monomoy in international waters at approximately 2 p.m. (GMT). At approximately 2:10 p.m. (GMT) NavCent received a report that the RCBs were being queried by Iranians. At approximately 2:29 p.m. (GMT) NavCent was advised of degraded communications with the RCBs. At 2:45 p.m. (GMT) NavCent was notified of a total loss of communications with the RCBs. Immediately, NavCent initiated an intensive search and rescue operation using both air and naval assets including aircraft from USS Harry S. Truman and the

U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard, U.K. Royal Navy and U.S. Navy surface vessels.

At the time of the incident, two carrier strike groups were operating nearby. USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group was 45 miles southeast of Farsi Island and Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group was 40 miles north of Farsi Island. NavCent attempted to contact Iranian military units operating near Farsi Island by broadcasting information regarding their search and rescue effort over marine radio, and separately notified Iranian coast guard units via telephone about the search for their personnel.

At 6:15 p.m. (GMT), U.S. Navy cruiser USS Anzio received a communication from the Iranians that the RCB Sailors were in Iranian custody and were “safe and healthy.”

AltAir Fuels from a feedstock of beef tallow – waste beef fat – provided by Midwest farmers and ranchers, and traditional petroleum provided by Tesoro.

Pursuant to Navy requirements, the alternative fuel is drop-in, meaning it requires no changes to ship engines, transport or delivery equipment, or operational procedures. The Defense Logistics Agency awarded a contract to AltAir Fuels for 77.6 million gallons of the alternative fuel blend, at a cost to DLA of $2.05 per gallon, making it cost competitive with traditional fuel.

Through the Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA is able to partner with the Navy to help diversify its fuel supply and simultaneously support America’s own farmers, ranchers and rural economies.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and guidedmissile destroyers USS Stockdale, USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) are part of the JCS CSG. Sailing the Great Green Fleet (GGF) in 2016 was one of the five energy goals Mabus set in 2009 for the Navy and Marine Corps. It was named to honor President Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet, which helped usher in America as a global power on the world stage at the beginning of the 20th Century.

The GGF will usher in the next era of Navy and Marine Corp energy innovation.

GOSPORT

PA G E

January 29, 2016

5

Enabling the Great Green Fleet

By MC1 Pedro A. Rodriguez Naval District Washington Public Affairs

W

ASHINGTON (NNS) – The Department of the Navy’s Great Green Fleet (GGF) has deployed and Naval District Washington (NDW) is aligning with the secretary of the Navy’s vision for energy security and independence highlighting a series of GGF events throughout the year.

“NDW will focus on the two major energy seasons – in April around Earth Day and in October during Energy Action Month,” said NDW Region Energy Program Manager Lt. Cmdr. James Shefchik. “Additionally, we will highlight certain milestones, such as ground breaking and ribbon cutting, of significant projects that move toward accomplishing our energy goals.”

The objective of the GGF is to show optimizing energy use, including the use of energy conservation measures, operating procedures, and/or alternative fuels, increases combat capability, operational flexibility, resiliency and energy security.

According to NDW Energy Analyst Eriq Williams, NDW and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NavFac) Washington have taken aggressive steps toward energy security by integrating and diversifying utility distribution systems to include smart grid and micro grid capabilities.

“Our approaches identify the best locations for renewable gen-

eration, public and private financing options, and leveraging other federal agencies’ contracts,” said Williams. “This results in contracts for solar installation, power purchase agreements (PPAs) for on-site solar generation and better pric-

The Department of the Navy’s energy use is being transformed to make better warfighters, deploying next-generation capabilities that boost combat effectiveness, maximize strategic options and better protect the nation’s Sailors and Marines.

ing for alternative fuel vehicles.”

Beyond the goal of increased smart grid and micro grid capabilities, NDW is also exploring alternative fuel non-tactical vehicles. One of the SecNav’s energy goals is to increase the purchase and use of flex fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles.

“NavFac has recently implemented processes that will make

it easier for Navy personnel to use E85 fuel in the 321 E85 vehicles operating throughout the region,” said Shefchick. “Drivers will notice stickers in the vehicles clearly indicating that the vehicle is capable of using E85, along with publishing maps and internet links to show where the fuel can be found.”

NDW will kick off with its first GGF event at the end of this

month with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Md., for the reconfiguration of the new water treatment plant backwash filter effluent.

“This project will reduce the water treatment plant’s water draw by nearly one third or about 125 million gallons annually, translating into over $1.5M annual savings,” said Shefchik.

SecNav’s energy goals; Navy energy strategy From http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil

In 2009, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus issued five aggressive goals aimed at transforming the DoN’s energy use.

• Increase Alternative Energy Use DoN-Wide: by 2020, 50 percent of total energy consumption will come from alternative sources.

• Increase Alternative Energy Ashore: by 2020, DoN will produce at least 50 percent of shore-based energy requirements from alternative sources; 50 percent of Navy and Marine Corps installations will be netzero.

• Sail the “Great Green Fleet”: DoN will demonstrate a Green Strike Group in local operations by 2012 and sail it by 2016.

• Reduce Non-Tactical Petroleum Use: By 2015, DoN will reduce petroleum use in the commercial fleet by 50 percent.

• Energy Efficient Acquisition: Evaluation of energy factors will be mandatory when awarding Department of the Navy contracts for systems and buildings.

Navy Energy Strategy: The Navy’s energy strategy is centered on energy security, energy efficiency and sustainability while remaining the pre-eminent maritime power.

• Maintain presence – Energy efficient operations and diverse energy supplies strengthen our ability to provide the presence necessary to ensure stability, deter potential adversaries and provide options in times of crisis.

• Provide strategic flexibility – Diversifying our energy sources helps shield the DoN from volatile energy prices and/or supplies and arms us with operational flexibility.

• Boost combat capability – Optimizing energy use is a force multiplier that can increase range, endurance and payload, and is

essential for the effective deployment of next-generation weapons including the directed energy weapons and the rail gun.

• Protect Sailors and Marines – Using energy efficiently takes fuel convoys off the road and reduces the amount of time our ships are tied to oilers at sea, saving lives, time and money.

• Ensure mission success – Our shore installations play a critical role in promoting readiness and generating the force structure necessary for mission success. Improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of alternative energy promotes more secure and resilient installation operations.

• Promote sustainability – Increasing the use of environmentally responsible technologies afloat and ashore reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lessens dependence on fossil fuels, creating a sustainable model for national defense.

PA G E

6

January 29, 2016

GOSPORT

Take the pledge during Military Saves Week

By Jay Cope NAS Whiting Field PAO

S

aving money is a key way to bolster your finances for the future, but not everyone does, or knows the best way to start saving.

The annual Military Saves Campaign is back this year with tips and tricks on how to save money smartly.

The Military Saves Campaign, part of the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and a partner in the Department of Defense’s Financial Readiness Campaign, seeks to motivate, support, and encourage military families to save money, reduce debt and build wealth. The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) has been doing Military Saves Week at NAS Whiting Field since its inception in 2007.

FFSC is kicking off the New Year at NAS Whiting Field by holding a Military Saves Week starting Feb. 22-27. The center is presenting workshops and classes on personal finance

such as Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), home buying, saving and investing, and budget planning.

“From a military standpoint it is important to start saving now because financial readiness means military readiness. Military families who start saving for the future and take responsibility over their finances are happier and reduces financial stress,” said Eugene Jackson, financial educator of FFSC. The theme for Military Saves Week is “Set a Goal, Make a Plan, Save Automatically.” The best ways people at NAS Whiting Field can get a head start on this is by visiting www.military

Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) prepares for Military Saves Month with the signing of the proclamation by NASWF Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Bahlau. He designated February as Military Saves Month across the base Jan. 19. U.S. Navy photo

saves.org to take the pledge or fill out a pledge card that will be available at the booths during Military Saves Week. The pledge is a call to action that encourages service members and their families to change the way they think about and act towards money. Military families are urged to take the pledge to set a goal, make a plan and save automatically during Military Saves Week and to follow through on that promise all year.

For more information, tips, or advice on Military Saves Week contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at (850) 6237177.

“The goal for the Fleet and Family Support Center during Military Saves Week is to educate people to be proactive vice reactive with their money when it comes to saving,” Jackson said. “We want to be able to get families and individuals to change their habits when it

comes to spending, to start building wealth and not debt.

We want as many people to take the Military Saves Pledge, and not just take the pledge but to mean it.”

MWR, PenAir FCU and the Commissary and Navy Exchange will be involved during Military Saves Week. Booths will be set up during the week offering a chance for families to meet with and discuss ways to save.

Water Quality Team at NASWF earns FDEP Award From Jay Cope NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs

Feel free to drink from the water fountains on base, because Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) has once again won the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northwest District Plant Operations Excellence Award. This is the fourth consecutive year that NASWF has taken home the prize, which recognizes the hard work of the Public Works Department’s water management team.

The competition involves more than just clean and safe water. Criteria to be eligible for the award included outstanding operation/maintenance prac-

tices, staff and safety training, and good customer relations.

NASWF competed against facilities in Northwest Florida in the small community category (facilities that serve less than 3,300 people), and the installation had to maintain exceptional operations in all areas to earn the award.

“To win this award you have to go above and beyond the requirements set

Some careers might offer security, advancement or benefits.

MSC HAS THEM ALL Military Sealift Command is actively recruiting for all departments. For a complete list of positions, visit www.sealiftcommand.com.

Call 1-888-228-5509 to speak with a recruiter or visit us at this upcoming event.

MSC CAREER FAIR Thursday, February 4, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Career Source Escarosa 3670 A North L Street Pensacola, FL Career fair sessions begin at 9 am and 10 am.

MSC is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

forth to us and some of the ways we did this was through our new bacteriological sampling plan, Earth Day Event at Bagdad Elementary School, and getting awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for water reduction in the JPATS OPS Paraloft facility,” said Jon Croci, drinking water manager of NAS Whiting Field.

NASWF was able to win the award for a fourth time through their implementation of new designs that aided in water reduction. Upgrading the infrastructure to further the efficiency of water delivery and wells was a big focus. NAS Whiting Field’s emphasis on designing energy and water efficient buildings in house will help decrease cost and further adds an emphasis on use of water reductive technologies and methodologies in the design phase.

“Winning this award is amazing and really reflects the hard work our water operators and entire staff across the board have put in to reduce water usage around the base,” Croci said.

January 29, 2016

PARTYLINE

PA G E

7

GOSPORT

Red Cross volunteers serve at hospital

The American Red Cross could use your help if you have four hours a week to be of service to the patients, families and staff of Naval Hospital Pensacola. Duties include transporting patients in wheelchairs, answering the phone and giving directions to the hospital or inside the hospital.

To sign up as a volunteer or for more information, call 505-6036 (from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday trough Friday).

School announces Jan. 31 open house

St. John Catholic School, 325 South Navy Blvd., has scheduled an open house for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 31. Teachers, parents and students can take tours of the preK-3 through 8th-grade campus and discussing the opportunities for the 2016-17 school year. For more information, call 456-5218 or go to www.stjohnpensacola.com.

Partyline submissions You can submit information for possible publication in Partyline by sending an e-mail to Janet.Thomas.ctr@navy.mil. Submissions must include the organization’s name and details about events including times, dates, locations and any costs involved.

Contact information also is required. All submissions are subject to editing to comply with established standards. Items should be submitted at least one week in advance. The deadline is noon Friday for the next week’s publication.

Social media topic for business lunch

Escambia Christian School will present its 17th annual ECS Cougar Chili Cook-off from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, Jan. 29, at Escambia Christian School Gymnasium, 3311 West Moreno St. Advance tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. Costs is $7.50 for adults and $5 for children at the door. Ticket price includes chili, dessert, crackers and cornbread. Soft drinks are not included.

For more information, call 433-8476.

The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida is presenting a lunch-and-learn event entitled “Social Media Marketing” from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Greater Pensacola Chamber, 117 West Garden St. The event will focus on how to use social media to market a business and how to push traffic to social media pages.

There is no fee, but pre-registration is recommended as seating is limited. For more information or to register, call 474-2528 go to www.sbdc.uwf.edu and click on “Training Opportunities.”

Bag some used books at Jan. 30 sale

Big band concert planned at museum

Chili cook-off scheduled for Jan. 29

A Blowout Book Sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 30 in the large meeting room at the downtown library, 239 North Spring St. You can purchase all the used books you can fit in a bag for $5. Bags will be provided.

The free event is being sponsored by the Friends of West Florida Public Library. For more information, call 494-1326.

Medical examiner to speak at library

Dr. Gary Cumberland of Pensacola will be talking about and signing his new book, “My Life With Death: Memoirs Of A Journeyman Medical Examiner,” at the West Florida Public Library, 239 North Spring St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 1. The free event is being sponsored by the Friends of West Florida Public Library.

Cumberland has performed hundreds of autopsies in the course of the past 30 years. In his book, he uses actual cases to explain basic principles and procedures used in death investigation. For more information, call 494-1326.

Big Band “swing” music returns to the National Naval Aviation Museum at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 with a concert by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Tickets are $30 for general public and $25 for foundation members. Preferred seating is available for $50 (advance sale only).

For more information, call 453-2389 or go to www.navalaviationmuseum.org.

Workshop teaches suicide prevention

A SafeTALK workshop, sponsored by the NAS Pensacola Chapel, is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at the All Faiths Chapel, Bldg. 634.

The workshop prepares helpers to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to first aid resources. It is open to active-duty, DoD and civilian employees at NAS Pensacola, NASP Corry Station, Saufley Field and NAS Whiting Field.

For more information, call the NAS Pensacola Chaplain’s office at 452-2093 or e-mail CREDO facilitator Tony Bradford at tony.bradford.ctr@ navy.mil.

Japanese language classes offered

The Continuing Education Personal Enrichment Series at the University of West Florida is offering an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture.

Upcoming classes include Conversational Japanese I, starting Feb. 9, and Conversational Japanese II, starting Feb. 11. Tuition is $69.

For more information, call 473-7468 or go to uwf.edu/ContinuingEd and search for course keyword: Japanese.

NMCRS fund drive to kick off Feb. 17

The 2016 Active Duty Fund Drive for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) will kick off with a breakfast for local command representatives Feb. 17 at the Mustin Beach Club. Donations will be collected beginning in March.

If you are willing to give of your time and resources in coordinating fundraising events, contact Lt. Cmdr. Charles Mayfield at 452-6736, ext. 293, (e-mail, charles.mayfield@navy.mil), or his executive assistant, CTM1 Blake Phelps, at 452-6813 (e-mail, blake.phelps@navy.mil).

Submarine veterans meeting Feb. 13

The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) Drum Base chapter meets at 11 a.m. the second Saturday of each month in Pensacola at various locations. The group’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13.

USSVI is a national organization made up of active, retired and veteran submariners, officer and enlisted, who have qualified to wear the dolphin (undersea warfare badge) insignia. Dues are $25 per year. For more information, contact Drum Base Commander Larry Mueller by phone at 723-3479 or by e-mail at ftcmssusnret@aol.com.

Resiliency retreat offered Feb. 19-21

A Personal Resiliency Retreat is scheduled for Feb. 19-21 at Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., in Orange Beach, Ala. The Personal Resiliency Retreat (PRR) fosters physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of personal growth.

The all-inclusive, no-cost retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and concludes at noon Feb. 21. You need to provide transportation, but if that is a problem contact the organizers. The workshop is open to activeduty, reserve and family members only.

For more information or to register, contact NASP CREDO Facilitator Tony Bradford at 452-2093 or by e-mail at tony.bradford.ctr@navy.mil.

PA G E

8

January 29, 2016

Visit the GOSPORT online: www.gosportpensacola.com

GOSPORT

SECTION

LIFE

B

January 29, 2016

NASP’s Michael Paros retires See page B2 Spotlight

GOSPORT

Mardi Gras

You wait all year for it; an extra holiday you get just for living on the Gulf Coast s a major holiday in parts of Europe and South America, the celebration dates back to 1703 when the tiny French colony of Mobile, Ala., observed North America’s first Mardi Gras.

A

The Cowbellion de Rakin society took loudly to the streets in 1830 armed with rakes, hoes and cowbells plundered from a hardware store and no doubt later enjoyed a feast with whatever food and drink they had. Although they marched on New Year’s Eve and not Fat Tuesday, it was a true antecedent of Mardi Gras in Mobile and the first mystic societies, which were later formed in the 1830s. Later, in 1857, the Mobile members of the Cowbellian de Rakin Society traveled to New Orleans and assisted with the formation of the Mystic Krewe of Comus, to this day New Orleans’ most prestigious Mardi Gras society. From these early roots grew the Mardi Gras celebrations found today in the Port City.

The stress of the Civil War brought an end to the annual festivities in Mobile. After the war and under Union occupation, the city was disillusioned and discouraged. On the afternoon of Fat Tuesday in 1866, Joseph Stillwell Cain set out to raise the spirits of Mobile. He donned Chickasaw Indian regalia, called himself “Chief Slacabormorinico,” climbed aboard a decorated coal wagon pulled by a mule and held a one-float parade through the streets of Mobile. Mardi Gras with all its frivolity was reborn.

Cain founded many of the mystic societies and built a tradition of Mardi Gras parades, which continue today. In fact, he is remembered each year on Joe Cain Day, which is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Known as “the people’s day,” Mardi Gras revelers decorate anything they can push, pull or drag for the Joe Cain procession and parade, which is as much fun to watch as it is to ride in. Cain himself participated in each year’s festivity until he died at age 72.

During 2015’s Pensacola parade, (clockwise) Krewe of Blues member beads a child. Other participants include MBT Divers’ USS Oriskany, Krewe of Bowlegs pirates and Krewe du Ya-Yas dancers. Photos by Mike O’Connor

Mardi Gras happenings in the Pensacola area Local events on the 2016 Mardi Gras schedule include: • The Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade at 8 p.m. Feb. 5 in downtown Pensacola.

• Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras parade at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 in downtown Pensacola.

• Krewe of Wrecks Pensacola Beach Parade at 1 p.m. Feb. 7 (rain or shine).

• Red Beans and Rice at 11 a.m. Feb. 8, Sandshaker parking lot on Pensacola Beach.

• Pensacola Priscus Party Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration from 5:30 p.m. to midnight Feb. 9 in downtown Pensacola.

For more information on Mardi Gras events in Pensacola, go to http://pensacolamardigras.com.

For more information on Mardi Gras events at Pensacola Beach, go to www.pensacola beachmardigras.com.

— Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau

Gosling Games

Word Search ‘Mardi Gras’ T G H C R S O N W C S E R G T A K R Y W K Z J U P O G Z M O

N C T D V A O O S J F C W Y O

Y A F E A I L L R X I L D R N

Q S L Y A E D F J A P B Q B P

BEADS FLOAT GALA GOLD MASK

N E Y S R U B Y T R A Y I Q I

R G R N P W G M T C O D H S E

G Z G A N A Q Z X I E H V G G

I K V J A G R D Z E P B Y A N

U E H R H E U A L E P W L X U

D A P B G Q P P D B H A P T C

F P V Q F I R B O E U B Z P I

E E E I G U X K S A M S O D W

MOONPIE PARADE PURPLE REVELER THROWS

I N A T P C P P W V R N O S U

O S C A A N N Q L W A L N D Z

Color Me: ‘Bead me!’

Jokes & Groaners What King Cake means ...

Not every Louisianan knows the true meaning and significance of the King Cake. “What does the King Cake really mean?,” I asked a local Cajun. “Well, it means gaining about five pounds, and signifies too much sugar in your diet ...”

They call it a “King Cake,” because if you bite into the plastic baby, you’re going to be buying yourself a new (dental) crown.

Tradition holds that at Mardi Gras gatherings, whoever finds the piece of cake with the baby is crowned king or queen for the day and must bring a King Cake to the next party. So getting the baby doesn’t mean good luck ... unless you like picking up the tab for parties.

The four seasons in Louisiana are crawfish, shrimp, crab and King Cake.

Don’t believe any recipe for King Cake that starts with “first you make a roux ...”

PA G E

B2 GOSPORT

SPOTLIGHT

January 29, 2016

NASP’s Michael Paros retires after 61 years: Worked for Navy, government since 1954

By Scott A. Thornbloom Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA (NNS) – When Mike Paros retired just before Christmas of last year, he had a prevailing thought on his mind, “You do not appreciate freedom until you lose it.”

That thought has been part of Paros for almost all of his 82 years. And he has shared it with military and civilian coworkers for 61 years.

“When I was seven-monthsold, my mother, sister and I went to Greece,” he said. “Before my father could complete the paperwork to get us back, World War II had stated and we were stuck there under German occupation for three years. I know first-hand what freedom is all about.”

Although vaguely remembering his time in Greece under Nazi occupation, those thoughts of being denied rights and freedoms through family stories were always at the forefront of his memories. Those memories stayed with Paros even after the war was over and he returned to grow up in Charleston, W.Va. Because he wanted to protect the freedoms he now enjoyed in America following World War II, he felt he needed to give something back. He decided to give back by joining the Navy in 1954 and serving his country.

He ended up serving in the Navy for 31 years, mostly on the East Coast from Washington,

Capt. Richard Wood, director of Officer Development (OD) for Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), presents Michael Paros with a Meritorious Civilian Service Award at a retirement luncheon Dec. 18. Paros retired after 31 years as a government service (GS) worker after retiring as a master chief yeoman and 30 years in the Navy on active duty. Photo courtesy of OD

D.C., Norfolk, and shore and sea commands in Florida. He also completed a tour of duty in Naples Italy. He retired as a master chief yeoman from Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Corry Station, April 1, 1985, the 92nd anniversary of the Navy chief petty officer rate.

Following his retirement from Navy active duty ranks, he immediately began his next 30-year career as a government service (GS) worker at various commands around the Pensacola area. Since 2003 Paros had been the Seaman-To-Admiral (STA21) Selections Coordinator for Officer Development (OD) of Naval Service Training Com-

mand (NSTC).

“I quality controlled all applications, requested age waivers from community managers, reviewed program authorizations and recommended numerous changes for the program,” he said.

The STA-21 commissioning program provides a passageway for qualified enlisted Sailors to receive a college education and a commission in the U.S. Navy.

“I got great self-satisfaction in knowing I helped those that never had the opportunity of getting an education and then being able to watch them succeed in life,” Paros said.

In a letter read at his retirement luncheon Dec. 18, Rear Adm.

Stephen C. Evans, commander of NSTC, thanked Paros for his service to the country.

“Your commitment to our Sailors, both while in uniform and after your enlisted service, is the hallmark of a distinguished career that includes a myriad of successful military tours and civil service jobs that you can surely be proud of, said Evans.

“After learning of your accomplishments and contributions to our Navy, it was clear to me that your success over the years derives from an unselfish pride in everything that you do and a determination to make a difference within our organization and, most importantly, for our Sailors in the fleet that you served.”

Paros said his military and civilian retirements were basically the same because he said in the jobs he held he provided a service to Sailors on active duty and to future Navy officers.

“I feel great because I served my country with honor and pride,” he said.

To those that have worked with him over the years, his service starts with a deep rooted and undeniable love for the Navy.

“I first worked with Mike Paros as a young lieutenant in 2003, said Cmdr. Doug Johnson, NSTC Navy ROTC unit operations officer at OD in Pensacola.

“At first glance, you see this big guy who on the surface looks intimidating and beyond reproach. However, I don’t think I

have ever met a person who cares more about Navy Sailors than he did. I would submit that this stems primarily from his experience and background as a Navy master chief but most importantly it is from his deep rooted and undeniable love for the Navy.”

Cathy Kempf, retired U.S. Navy commander and currently in charge of NSTC OD’s Navy ROTC and STA-21 Selection and Placement Department, called Paros “a true gem.”

“His concern for the Sailor has been evident from his daily counseling efforts with Sailors across the fleet,” Kempf said. “He continuously worked with officer community managers to get the most accurate program, eligibility and application information on the website and out to the fleet. He is a firm believer in taking care of the Sailor and their families.”

Paros said he plans on staying in Pensacola with his wife of 52 years, the former Mary Ellen Sallee.

“Yes, we are staying in Pensacola,” Paros said. “I was first stationed in Pensacola in 1958, returned in 1969 and again in 1982. But my wife and I do plan to travel and I’m going to devote a lot of time in the gym. I really enjoy working out.”

And of course, he said, he will offer his services to anyone who needs them and continue to appreciate the freedoms he has today.

GOSPORT

PA G E

January 29, 2016

B3

Catch the football party specials at commissary From DeCA Corporate Communications

FORT LEE, Va. – Every host has a checklist as they plan for their football party: big-screen television, check; plenty of seating, yes. Food? Let’s face it, next to the TV, it’s not a party if the food is lacking.

Military members and their families can check that box and save big in the process by shopping for their party menus at their commissary, said Tracie Russ, director of sales for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). “Your commissary is ready to hook you up with traditional football party favorites such as chicken wings, veggie trays, pizzas, sodas, water, snacks, ingredients for that special dip and more,� Russ said. “And, the best part is that you'll save money, and that’ll make

the big game so much sweeter.�

Commissary patrons will see displays in stores highlighting the promotions and sales for football parties. Customers should also look for special promotions including the following: • Free groceries for a year. Patrons who purchase any four Kellogg’s, Keebler, Kashi or Cheez-It products (4.4 ounces or larger, any flavor, mix or match), with their Commissary Rewards Card will be automatically entered for a chance to win free groceries for a year (awarded as $6,000 in Commissary Gift Cards).

The contest started Jan. 15 and ends Feb. 15. • Party platters. Stateside commis-

saries are featuring 15 percent off wing and sub party platters and “Big Gameâ€? select cakes through Feb. 7. • Buy, Snap, Score.

Until Feb. 7, Sabra & Stacy’s will be running the following promotion in stateside commissaries: With the purchase of any two Sabra products (8 ounces or larger) and any two Stacy’s Pita Chips (6.7 ounces or larger), patrons qualify for a $5 Visa card after they snap a photo of their receipt and text “DIP� to “811811� to submit the photo of the receipt. Patrons will see in-store demos and a combo coupon for $1.50 off with the purchase of any one bag of Stacy’s and any one Sabra hummus, guacamole or salsa.

• Try Tyson Chicken for the Big Game. Through Feb. 15, Tyson Chicken is offering significant discounts in stateside stores on leg quarters, thighs, drumsticks, boneless breast tenders and bone-in split breasts. • Join the “Guac Nation.â€? Through Feb. 7, avocados from Mexico and Old El Paso will be offering tear pad coupons – $1 off on the purchase of one Old El Paso Kit/Shells and two Avocados from Mexico. Two “game day" recipes – Chicken Sriracha Avocado Tacos and Mini 7 Layer Dips – will also be included with store displays. “Your team may not win it all, but you’ll still come out on top if you shop the commissary,â€? Russ said. “Your benefit offers quality food at a significant savings – a winning combination that’s always worth the trip.â€?

YAMATO JAPANESE CUISINE VALENTINE'S DINNER SPECIAL

$50.00 steak & lobster dinner for two with two complimentary glasses of house wine and dessert.

Call for reservations and details.

LUNCH SPECIALS STARTING AT $7.95 10% DISCOUNT FOR MILITARY & SENIORS HAPPY HOUR FROM 4PM TO 7PM

/&8 8"33*/(50/ 3% t 1&/4"$0-" ' t :" . "50 % * / * / ( $ 0 .

PA G E

OFF DUTY

B4

GOSPORT

January 29, 2016

Morale, Welfare and Recreation

The dragon dance is often performed during Chinese New Year celebrations. Photo courtesy of University of West Florida

By Jessica Barrale Cao Special to Gosport

When the confetti has settled and the champagne bottles are cleared out, what’s there to do but sit around and wait for Mardi Gras to come around, right? Wrong.

Good news, fellow revelers: Chinese New Year is right around the corner, and Pensacola is home to a vibrant Asian culture that will offer lots of opportunities to celebrate 2016 – the Year of the Monkey.

A lunar new year is the first day of the year in which the months are coordinated by the cycles of the moon. Typically referred to as Chinese New Year, this day is celebrated sometime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Tibet and

other countries that have large populations of Asian immigrants.

Chinese New Year celebrations in America date back to the 17th century with the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants. Today, cities across the U.S. celebrate the event with cultural festivals, parades, fireworks and traditional practices — such as giving cash to children in ornate, red and gold envelopes. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Chinese New Year celebration without the renowned dragon dance.

In Pensacola, Chinese New Year celebrations include lively festivals and events that celebrate cultural heritage and feature music, activities and lots of savory Asian cuisine.

The 22nd annual Japanese New Year Celebration pre-

sented by Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida took place Jan. 16, but if you are ready to explore a different flavor of New Year’s celebrations there are several other upcoming events: • A Chinese New Year Celebration presented by UWF Confucius Institute is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at the University of West Florida Commons Conference Center, Bldg. 22, 11000 University Parkway.

• Celebrations for Vietnamese New Year are scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Community Center, 913 South I St.; 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 3295 Barrancas Ave.; and 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at Dieu De Temple, 9602 Nims Lane.

At the movies FRIDAY

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (3D), PG-13, 5 p.m.; “Daddy’s Home,” PG-13, 8 p.m.; “Concussion,” PG-13, 5:10 p.m.; “The Big Short,” R, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

“Alvin and the Chipmunks,” PG, 12:30 p.m.; “Point Break” (3D), PG-13, 2:30 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (3D), PG-13, 5 p.m.; “Sisters,” R, 7:40 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2D), PG-13, noon; “Concussion,” PG-13, 3 p.m.; “Daddy’s Home,” PG-13, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

“Point Break” (3D), PG-13, 1 p.m.; “In the Heart of the Sea” (3D), PG, 3 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (3D), PG-13, 6 p.m.; “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” PG, noon; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2D), PG-13, 2 p.m.; “Daddy’s Home,” PG13, 5 p.m.; “The Big Short,” R, 7:20 p.m.

MONDAY

“Alvin and the Chipmunks,” PG, 5 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (3D), PG-13, 7 p.m.; “Brooklyn,” PG-13, 5:10 p.m.; “Concussion,” PG-13, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

“Brooklyn,” PG-13, 5 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2D), PG-13, 7:10 p.m.; “In the Heart of the Sea” (2D), PG, 5:10 p.m.; “Daddy’s Home,” PG-13, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

“Point Break” (3D), PG-13, 5 p.m.; “Sisters,” R, 7:30 p.m.; “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” PG, 5:10 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2D), PG-13, 7:10 p.m.

THURSDAY

“Daddy’s Home,” PG-13, 5 p.m.; “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (3D), PG-13, 7:10 p.m.; “Point Break” (2D), PG-13, 5:10 p.m.; “The Big Short,” R, 7:30 p.m.

COST Regular: $3 adults, $1.50 children ages 6-11, free for 5 and younger 3D shows: $5 adults, $3 children ages 6-11, free for 5 and younger

Details: 452-3522 or www.naspensacola-mwr.com

The NASP Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department has a number of upcoming events and activities. For more information, call 452-3806, ext. 3100, or go to the MWR website at www.navymwrpensacola.com.

• A.C. Read Spring Junior Golf Program: Entries being taken. The program, which runs from March 14 to May 6, is limited to first-come, first-serve. Beginners and experienced juniors are encouraged to participate. Registration form can be found at www.navymwrpensacola.com. For more information, call 452-2454.

• Winter aquatics: Even during the winter months you can get your swim fix. MWR Aquatics programs are offered at the indoor pool, Bldg. 3828. Check out classes and events for aquatics. For information, call 452-9429 or go to www.facebook.com/naspaquatics. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Get outside and have fun: Blue Angel Naval • Frozen Winter Recreation Area, Wonderland: Noon 2100 Bronson Road, is open year to 4 p.m. Feb. 20 on round, with activi- old hospital grounds ties for all ages. Ac- across the street from tivities include Mustin Beach Club on camping, hiking, Radford Boulevard. cycling, paintball, Come and enjoy sledhiking, geocaching, ding, games and disc golf, sailing, much more. Event is swimming, kayak- free and open to all ing, paddleboard- MWR authorized paing. For more trons: Active-duty, reinformation, call the tirees, DoD civilians Outpost Marina at and their families.

281-5489.

• New equipment: Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area, 2100 Bronson Road, has a new playground set. Plan to check out the new equipment. There is a $2 fee to gain access to the recreation area. For more information, call the welcome center at 390-6133.

• Child care providers wanted: The Child Development Home (CDH) Care Program is accepting applications for orientation. Earn income by becoming certified to provide child care services from your home according to Navy standards. Providers who operate an infant/pre-toddler program can earn a potential yearly income of $31,000.

Providers who operate a multi-age program can earn a potential yearly income of $48,000. For more information or to register, call 572-5026 or 281-5368.

• British Soccer camps: Have a child that may be interested? This is not an MWR program, but will take place at the Navy Youth Ball Field Complex 6-10 at the Navy Youth Sports Complex on Highway 98. Four age groups. For more information, go to http://www.challenger sports.com or call 1( 800) 878-2167, ext 239.

• Discount tickets: Stop by the Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) office at the NEX Mall on Highway 98 to check out the discounts available on vacations and attractions. For more information, call 452-6354.

Liberty activities Liberty program events target young, unaccompanied active-duty military. New hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Regular events are scheduled at the main Liberty Center in the Portside Entertainment Complex. You must sign up in advance for off-base trips. For more information, call 452-2372 or go to http://naspensacolamwr.com/singsail/liberty.htm.

January 29, 2016

COMMAND LINES

PA G E

B5

GOSPORT SAPR

Worship schedule

If you are a victim of sexual assault, it is not your fault. Help for victims of sexual assault in the DoD community is a call, click or text away: The SafeHelpline provides live, one-on-one crisis support and information by trained staff. Call: (877) 995-5247; click: www.SafeHelpline.org; or text: 55-247, CONUS; (202) 470-5546, OCONUS (may be extra charges for OCONUS).

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program provides prevention, intervention and a 24/7/365 response to non-intimate partner adult victims of sexual assault. Active-duty and adult family member sexual assault victims have a choice of reporting options, unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted reporting allows victim to have an advocate, seek medical care, counseling, legal services, safety interventions and/or transfer, etc. To access an unrestricted report, the victim may report to his/her chain-ofcommand, security/law enforcement, NCIS, SAPR VA, SARC, or others. NCIS shall be notified by the CO and/or the VA/SARC in unrestricted cases to begin investigation. Investigation results are provided to the offender’s CO for appropriate action/disposition. Restricted reporting allows a victim to have a confidential report, which does not trigger command or law enforcement notification and the victim may have a SAPR VA and seek medical care and/or counseling. To access restricted reporting, the victim may disclose his/her sexual assault only to the SARC, a current SAPR VA, a health care professional and/or a chaplain.

To contact the NASP 24/7 Victim Advocate, call 449-9231/2. For the Civilian Victim Advocate, call 293-4561. To contact the duty SARC, call the SARC cell at 554-5606.

Fleet and Family Support Center

NAS Pensacola Protestant • Worship service, 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, Bldg. 1982.

• Chapel choir, 12:30 p.m. Sunday, All Faiths Chapel.

• Contemporary service, 6 p.m.

Sunday, All Faiths Chapel.

• Training Air Wing Six Bible Study, 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Griffith Hall student lounge.

• Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, J.B. McKamey Center.

Roman Catholic • Sunday Mass, 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel, Bldg. 1982.

• Daily Mass, 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Our Lady of Loreto Chapel.

• Confessions: 30 minutes before services.

Latter Day Saints • Service, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, All Faiths Chapel.

• Meeting: 6 p.m. Monday and 6 p.m. Thursday, J.B. McKamey Center.

For information, call 452-2341.

NASP Corry Station Protestant • Adult Bible study, 9 a.m. Sunday, fellowship hall vice conference room.

• Chapel choir, 9 a.m. Sunday, choir room vice sanctuary.

• Worship service, 10 a.m. Sunday.

• Fellowship, 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

• Contemporary worship, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, followed by fellowship at 7:30 p.m.

• Bible study and dinner, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, fellowship hall.

Latter Day Saints • Service, 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Roman Catholic • Mass, noon Sunday and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

For information, call 452-6376.

NAS Whiting Field Chapel Roman Catholic • Mass, 11 a.m. Friday.

Protestant • Bible study, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

• Weekly chapel service, 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

For information, call 623-7212.

More services Jewish • Bʼnai Israel Synagogue, 1829 North Ninth Ave., services 7 p.m.

Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

For information, call 433-7311.

• Temple Beth El, 800 North Palafox St., services 7 p.m. Friday (6 p.m. first Friday of each month).

For information, call 438-3321 or go to http://templebethelof pensacola.org.

Seventh-day Adventist • Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1080 North Blue Angel Parkway, Bible studies at 9:30 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. Saturday. For information, call 4533442.

To advertise in the GOSPORT please call Becky Hildebrand at 433-1166 ext. 31 VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com

The NASP Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), 151 Ellyson Ave., Bldg. 625, is offering the following: Military Sealift Command Active Duty Career Job Fair: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 4, 280 Farrar Road, Bldg. 741. Gary Loy, recruiter and point of contact for Military Sealift Command (MSC), will be available to talk to anyone interested in learning about MSC and becoming a professional mariner.

No appointment necessary, but you must have base access to attend event. For more information, call 877-JOBSMSC, e-mail info@sealift command.com or go to www.sealiftcommand.com.

• Partners in Parenting: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9. Tips that every new or beginner parent needs to know. Caring for your baby can be scary at first. This class will provide tips and techniques to help you

care for your newborn. Topics include diaper changing, feeding and swaddling. Class is for non-pregnant partner. For more information or to register, call 452-5609.

• Life Skills Webinars: During fiscal year 2016, Navy Southeast Region Fleet and Family Support Program is offering several 30-45 minute life skill classes via webinar. The schedule includes: – Stress Management, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 11.

– Healthy Relationships, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 9.

For more information, or to register, call 1 (866) 293-2776 or e-mail cnrsen-93-csp@ navy.mil.

• Couples Communication Workshop: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. This is a two-day, two-hour class. To register or for more information, call 452-5609.

Community Outreach NASP Community Outreach volunteer opportunities: • Meals on Wheels: Council on Aging of West Florida needs help delivering meals to homebound elderly throughout Escambia County. Flexible schedules. For information, go

to www.coawfla.org.

The NASP Community Outreach office tracks volunteer hours. Report hours to receive due recognition. For more information, call 452-2532 or e-mail nasp_comm_ outreach@Navy.mil.

PA G E

B6

January 29, 2016

GOSPORT

Love Keeps Us Together Adopt -AManatee® this Valentine’s Day Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org

Photo © David Schrichte

GOSPORT

PA G E

January 29, 2016

B7

Ads placed by the Military are FREE

To place an ad go online at www.gosportpensacola.com or call 433-1166 ext.29.

Marketplace

★ Motor ★ Merchandise ★ Employment ★ Real Estate ★ and more

★ Publication date every Friday except Christmas and New Years.

★ Deadline to place an ad is 4:00 pm Friday, one week prior to publication date.

★ Place your ad online at www.gosportpensacola.com

★ Place your ad by phone at 850-433-1166 Ext. 29 Monday-Friday 8:30 am5:00 pm

Motor

Merchandise Employment

Bulletin Board

Merchandise

Garage Sales

Penn Senator 114 H high speed 6/0 reel w/Pen Senator rod. $175. 850454-9486.

Estate sale every day until all is gone.

Sofa/loveseat, sleeping bags, book cases.

11112 Little Creek Lane.

Yard sale.

Baby clothes, apparel, furniture, toys, books.7am4pm Saturday 30 Jan. 4471 Whisper Ct., Pensacola.

Merchandise Articles for sale

Small GE Chest freezer.

20” deep and 29” wide. 4 months old. $200. Call 850293-9445 WWII foot locker for sale.

Good condition. Has shelf inside. $100.

Call 850-2939445.

B o m b e r jacket. Excellent condition.

Size Medium. $120. Call 850293-9445.

Crossbow force 10 split loom. 175 lb. pull. 315ft. per second. New condition w/scope, cocking string, bolts. $200.

850-454-9486.

Deer rifle.

Ruger. Model 77. Stainless stalker in 280 Remington caliber. Superb deer rifle. New condition. $350. 850-4971167.

Motors

2001 Chrysler Town and Country 167K. New brakes, alt, tune up, shocks, more.

Runs Great. $3,300 Left handed OBO. 850-418clubs and golf 2951. balls.

Good prices.

850- For Sale - 1951 542-7655.

Packard 300 Antique Car. Great Queen Beau- old automobile. tyrest Mattress Runs great, origlike new $75. inal condition, 850-453-2174. 62K miles. Phil 850-449-5318.

Tr e a d m i l l Gold’s Gym Motorcycles Trainer 420.

New in 2015. 3 2006 Triumph year service Tiger 955i. Peliplan. Used total can Cases, Tank of 20 hours. Bag, MRA $150 cash. Wi n d s h i e l d , 497-9780.

Crash Guards, shop manual + For Sale - 3 other extras Sets of Ab- $4,750 OBO. bott’s Dress Ron 850-255Khaki’s, 3 Sets 5562. of Wash Khaki’s, Cover, Misc. Motors White Uniform Trousers. Fits 2013 Yamaha 6-2 /210 #. Phil jet ski. Garage 850-449-5318. kept very condition. $8500, or For Sale - SKS best offer. 850- great condi- 542-7655. tion - some extras included. 2008 Ishimotor Asking $500. Scooter 150cc Phil 850-449- only has 65km.

5318. $900. Will text pictures. 850Motors 748-9346.

Autos for sale Real Estate

1987 Chevy Montecarlo SS Excellent condition.

New carb and valve covers. Maintenance, oil changes kept up.

162,000 miles. $5,300.

E m a i l : ray.rebel@yah oo.com. Call 850-525-3462, 850-944-7555.

Have something to sell?

Call 433-1166 ext. 29

Homes for rent

3bed/2bath 1400 sq ft. home @marcus pointe villas for rent- 757 Ladner Drive, Pensacola 32505. $1,000 a mo- min. 1 year contract$1,000 deposit.

Close to NASavailable January 1, 2016- call or text 850-2928789 or email, amybreaz@aol .com.

Real Estate

Misc.

Real Estate Misc.

Misc.

Nice 2/2 home central heat and air, new appliances, lots of storage space. Blocks from NASP. $750/month $300/deposit.

850-281-8850.

Near all bases: 3 b r / 2 b a .

1500sqft.

Fenced backyard.

Near school. Clean home and great for small family. $895/ month, $850 deposit. 850457-0099, 850380-7766.

3/2 Brigantine Condo for rent.

Great location, m i l i t a r y friendly. Call 850-748-8145 for details.

★ Ads placed by the Military are FREE

Misc.

MAGAZINE

ART ENTERTAINMENT LIFESTYLE PICK UP A COPY TODAY.

Roommates

Four Roomm a t e s Wa n t e d : Share 4BR completely furnished beautiful home with washer and dryer. View of the Bay near NAS. $500/ month plus shared utilities. Serious inquiries only.

Pictures on request. Mark 812-217-3344, Becky 850221-8117.

Room for rent: Private, furnished, kitchen access off street parking.

On Perdido Bay, beach access.

Deck facing the bay. Available now. $600/ month. 850455-7990.

Misc.

pensacolamagazine.com

PA G E

B8

January 29, 2016

GOSPORT