TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River
VOLUME 71, No. 12
Pax People: Brian Jordan Page 2
Women’s History Month Page 8
NAVFAC Energy Checklist Page 10
Celebrating 70 Years of Community Partnership
March 27, 2014
STUDENTS ‘READ WITH A HERO’ Pax River volunteers strive to develop youth to their fullest potential with PEP ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Navy’s Personal Excellence Partnership (PEP) program fosters a collaborative partnership with nationwide organizations to assist schools and youth-related groups in strengthening educational opportunities. So far this year, PEP volunteers from Naval Air Station Patuxent River have logged nearly 100 hours in tri-county area schools participating in and judging science fairs, reading to students and attending lunch with students as a mentor or role model.
GET INVOLVED
U.S. Navy photo/ MC2 Kenneth Abbate
Yeoman 1st Class Rollis Talalemotu, Naval Air Station Patuxent River command administration office, joins students in grades 3-5 during the “Read with a Hero” event March 20 at Lexington Park Elementary School. Talalemotu was one of dozens of volunteers who participated in the event, sponsored by the installation’s Personal Excellence Partnership program, known as PEP, and St. Mary’s County Public Schools.
The most common requests from schools are for large-event participation where additional staff is needed, such as science fairs or career days. There are also smaller, more regular requests, for reading, such as “Read with a Hero,” book fairs and lunch buddies. Requests are normally sent to the air station’s School Liaison Officer, Dawn Simpson, or the PEP Coordinator, Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Bucklin. Event information is then passed to the workforce via emails and flyers. Contact Bucklin at 301-342-3201 or Simpson at 301-757-1871.
NAVAIR engineers have kids floating on air Visual Learning: Participants see science in action with hands-on activities
By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
I
f you’re a kid who gets excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the only thing cooler than attending a STEM event would be hovering 5 inches above it. Thanks to a team of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) engineers and their hand-built hovercraft, that’s exactly what some of the young attendees were able to do at STEM Day on March 15 at the College of Southern Maryland. Students in grades 5-8 who participated in the event experienced six hands-on, fun and engaging demonstrations as well as participate in the STEM carnival, which consisted of 10 different activities — including the hovercraft.
“Hands-on activities like the hovercraft let kids see the science they learn about [such as air currents and friction] in action,” explained Chris McDaniel, crashworthy systems engineer with NAVAIR’s Human Systems Department (AIR 4.6.6.4). NAVAIR leadership identified the University of Maryland Mechanical Engineer Co-op Partnership and its graduates working at Naval Air Station Patuxent River as a resource to build the hovercraft; and McDaniel, along with Corey Golladay and Daniel Bonnet answered the call. Todd Jackson, a University of Arizona aerospace engineer, joined shortly thereafter to round out the team. Beginning with a kit containing not much more than an engine, a propeller and
Hovercraft specifications
Courtesy photo
A student is about to pilot a hovercraft during a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Day event March 15 at the College of Southern Maryland. Built by volunteer Naval Air Systems Command engineers, the hovercraft was a popular demonstration with the 5th- to 8th-grade event participants. some screws, the team set about redesigning and modifying the hovercraft to meet
their specific needs. “Since we knew kids would be riding it, we wanted it to be
very safe,” said Golladay, with NAVAIR’s Range Department, Air Vehicle Modification and
Payload: Up to 125 pounds without a ballast Speed: 5-10 mph Hover height: 5 inches Length: 5 feet Width: 3 feet Engine: 6 horsepower (gas) Construction: Fiberglass, high-density foam and plywood
See Students, Page 11
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
Pax People: Brian Jordan
‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
B
rian Jordan wants to help people suffering from digital amputation or birth defects, and he wants to do it for free. Not long ago, Jordan lost a few fingers of his own in an unfortunate encounter with a table saw. “My son and I were building a boat and, apparently, the saw had a short,” said Jordan, a former E-6 Mercury aviator, currently working as a contractor with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. “I picked it up; it startled me when it went on and it cut my fingers off.” Gone were the tips of his index and middle fingers, as well as his thumb. “They used the tip of the index finger to attach to my middle finger because that is the more important finger for gripping, but movement is still limited,” he explained. Even with physical therapy, Jordan found simple things difficult to accomplish. “The toughest thing was buttoning my own shirt and jacket,” he said. “And going to an ATM machine was difficult because I couldn’t properly grip the card to insert it. I wanted to be able to type on my computer and pick things up. I wanted to be dexterous, but I wasn’t.” Jordan soon learned that companies offering
U.S.Navy photo/Donna Cipolloni
Brian Jordan, former E-6 Mercury aviator who currently works at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1, grasps a single piece of paper with the rough prototype of the prosthetic finger he designed for himself. Jordan plans to further develop the finger and offer the product free to individuals living with digital amputation or birth defects.
Hometown:
prosthetics are few and far between and those that do exist are expensive. His lack of dexterity wasn’t acceptable to him, so his wife, Donna, told him to design his own prosthetic finger. Her suggestion wasn’t all that far-fetched, as Jordan — an engineer by trade with a degree in physics and mathematics — has been developing products for more than 30 years and holds 13 different patents. A few of his inventions include a new ma-
12 years active duty, five years Reserve
terial used to secure ribbons, name tags and collar devices to uniforms and clothing; a nontoxic, multisurface kitchen and air sanitizer; a bullet-, flameand shock-proof plastic that can be molded into various shapes and thicknesses; and a fun gun that shoots blasts of air over a distance of 40 feet. “I started to think about how to copy the movement of a finger,” he said. In the garage that doubles as his laboratory, Jordan got to work using ma-
terials he had around the house and soon had a rough workable prototype that he’s able to wear himself. “The finger top is foam covered with resin,” he said, “and the other piece is PVC piping. The metal that holds it on is actually from a coat hanger.” This simple device gives Jordan the dexterity needed to work buttons, type and pick things up. He can grasp items, including a
See Jordan, Page 13
Newport News, Va.
Years in Navy:
Years with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1:
Three
Most successful invention:
The Airzooka with thousands per year in worldwide sales.
Future endeavors:
A flying platform — imagine a hovering Segway — and a bullet- and flame-proof plastic; currently being tested.
Philosophy:
“Do as much as you can with no regrets, you don’t want to be up in age wondering about the things you could have done.”
TRICARE services go virtual next week Walk-in centers become a thing of the past By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
Beginning Tuesday, inperson walk-in services at the TRICARE Service Center in the Patuxent River Naval Health Clinic, along with all other stateside locations, are no longer provided.
The closure of these offices, 189 in all, was announced by Pentagon officials in January. “The change will not — let me repeat that — will not affect any TRICARE medical benefit or health care service,” said Pentagon spokesman Army Col.
Steve Warren during a news conference earlier this year. Not only will this change save the Defense Department about $50 million a year, which Warren said allows TRICARE to invest into other services. Health Net reports that the TRICARE Service Center at Pax River assists roughly 800 walk-ins per month who have mainly administrative questions such as in- and out-pro-
STAY CONNECTED Online: www.tricare.mil Web enrollment: www.tricare.mil/bwe. Telephone assistance: 877-TRICARE (874-2273). U.S. Navy photo/Connie Hempel
cessing, requests to change With in-person services set to end Tuesday, beneficiaries can primary care providers and turn to its other sources to conduct business, such as the TRIbilling. CARE website, www.tricare.mil. “Everything that patients do right now in per- Faith, director for health- enroll, file a claim, check son will be available on- care business at the Pax a claim, view referrals and line,” said Cmdr. Alison River clinic. “They can find or change a doctor.”
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NMCRS programs provide free in-home health education By offering emotional support to family members and caregivers, nurses ensure Sailors and Marines continue receiving quality care By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer
S
usan Zebedies spends about two weeks a month on the road, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. As a registered nurse working for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s Combat Casualty Assistance Visiting Nurse Program, Zebedies provides confidential, free, in-home visits to Sailors and Marines dealing with life-changing injuries and conditions related to their combat service. “I don’t think I could’ve done anything better with my life,” she said. “It’s a calling and I find it personally satisfying.”
One Nurse Covering Five States The only visiting nurse at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Zebedies covers five states — Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and parts of Maryland, including the Pax River area — and has approximately 100 patients in her care. “They can become frustrated with their lives and their condition and I help them cope with the issues,” she
explained. “I can give them resource information and referrals and try to connect them with the help they need; teach them the correct way to take their medications; answer their questions; organize their meds and discuss their treatment plan. I’m not the caregiver, but I can coordinate their care. The doctor spends five minutes with them; I can spend hours — and I do, frequently.” Zebedies either flies or drives to her destinations and schedules about 10 to 12 patient visits within a one week period.
Care Beyond the Service Member In addition to the care and health education Zebedies provides her patients, she also offers emotional support to their family members and caregivers. “Caretakers can also become frustrated and overwhelmed,” she said. “Some people lose their jobs because they must stay home and care for their injured family member. I teach them methods for relaxing and coping, or I can tell them about resources available to them, like a caretaker retreat offered through the Wounded Warrior program.”
I don’t think I could’ve done anything better with my life. It’s a calling and I find it personally satisfying. Susan Zebedies Visiting nurse
Combat Casualty Visiting Nurse eligibility: Active-duty, discharged or retired Sailors and Marines who served in Iraq or Afghanistan or in a combat zone since 2001.
Traditional Visiting Nurse eligibility: Any active-duty or retired Sailor or Marine, or their family member. Society nurses visit clients of all ages and with any health condition.
FOR MORE INFO: As long as her patients want to continue seeing her, Zebedies will comply. Although she’s been with NMCRS since 2001, she started with the combat casualty program four years ago and still has most of her original patients. She’s in contact with them even if she doesn’t see them often. “I’ll keep them as for as long as they feel they need me and I’m able to do something about their issues,” she said.
Double Duty Since there are not as many veterans at Pax River, Zebedies does double duty by serving in the traditional Visiting Nurse Program, answering questions and providing education on a wide range of health topics to Sailors and Marines living within a 25-mile radius of the installation. Through that program, Zebedies works with families to ensure new par-
Online: www.nmcrs.org/vn Email: visitingnurse@nmcrs.org Contact Susan Zebedies at 301-342-4636 office; 760-585-6327 cell; or email susan.zebedies@nmcrs.org. ents understand the basics of newborn care, check babies’ weights and screen moms for postpartum depression. She can also assist individuals and families in adapting to noncombat related injuries or illness; help retirees maintain independence or find assistive services; and aid individuals with understanding their medications and follow-up care instructions. “With traditional visiting nurse, care extends from pregnancy through 105 years,” she said.
Earning Confidence Zebedies has been a nurse for 20 years. She’s a well-educated, highly trained professional who knows she
must earn the confidence of every patient she sees. “No matter what has happened to them, I realize they’ve served their country and I always take that respectful nature into their home with me,” she said. “And anything I see or discuss is kept in the strictest confidence.”
How to Help NMCRS is a nonprofit whose services depend entirely on donated funds. Anyone wishing to donate to NMCRS can do so online at www.nmcrsfunddrive.org/paxriver; service members can donate via allotment.
NEWS BRIEFS On base: Mandatory Counterintelligence Awareness Briefs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday Building 2109 Eagle’s Nest Conference Room These NCIS briefs are mandatory annual training for all Department of Navy military and civilian personnel. Each brief is 50 minutes in duration and begins every hour on the hour.
NFAAS Information Update Deadline Monday Every Sailor, active and Reserve, is required to update their personal information in the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) twice a year. This cycle of information update ends Monday. Although this requirement is only mandatory for Navy military personnel, all Navy civilians are encouraged to do the same. The Navy uses NFAAS to account for personnel and their families during widespread natural and manmade disasters. Log on to NFAAS by Monday to update your personal information. Visit https://navyfamily. navy.mil, click on “My Info” tab at the top, “Contact Information”
on the left, and then select either “Verify info as current” or “Edit contact info.” If all information is correct, you must select “Verify info as current.”
Navy Patuxent Sail Club Open House Noon to 3 p.m., April 12 NAS Patuxent River West Basin Marina Navy Patuxent Sail Club Annual Open House is open to anyone with base access. No prior sailing experience required. Sponsored by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, the event provides participants an opportunity to become a member, register for American Sailing Association certified sailboat lessons and to meet old and new sailors alike. Free hamburgers, hot dogs and sailboat excursions are also available. Those interested can register now for club membership at www.navypaxsail.com.
Beth Israel Annual Passover Seder 6 p.m., April 15 River’s Edge Conference Center The price is $36 for synagogue members, $42 for nonmembers, and $10 for children ages 11 and
younger. For ticket information, email bethisraelmd@gmail.com before April 2.
Where’s Gnorman? Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Anyone spotting Gnorman can email tester@dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 now through 5 p.m. Friday, and include a brief description of where he’s located. All correct answers are entered into a drawing and one name is chosen to win a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. Last week’s winner was Lisa Smith who found Gnorman on the front page in the Leprechaun Leap photo.
Off base: Prekindergarten/Head Start Open Registration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays Monday through April 11 St. Mary’s County Public Schools This open registration determines Prekindergarten/Head Start eligibility for school year 2014-2015. A child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2014, and come from a family with an economically disad-
vantaged background. Parents of children who are 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2014, and are eligible for placement into the Head Start Program should also register at the school assigned to their physical address during the open enrollment period. For more information about the program and registration, contact Cynthia Kilcoyne at 301-475-5511, ext. 32218.
Defense Acquisition University Symposium 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 8 Scott Hall, Building 226 DAU Ft. Belvoir Campus Achieving Better Acquisition Outcomes in Austere Times — Improved Processes, Reduced Overhead. The event offers training sessions tied to the Better Buying Power 2.0 initiatives — the latest USD(AT&L) policy, practices and techniques that attendees can take back to the workplace and apply. The training symposium also will be available via VTC at many DAU regional campuses. The forum provides four Continuous Learning Points (CLP) for continued DOD acquisition certification. For more information and to register, go to www.dauaa.org and click on “Training Events.”
St. Nicholas Chapel Service Schedule
Catholic Services Mass: Sundays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekdays at 11:35 a.m. Continuing Catholic Development (CCD): Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Protestant Services Worship: Sundays at 11 a.m. Men’s Discipleship: Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Religious Programming Center Women’s Study: Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. and Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Religious Programming Center
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FFSC All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center in Building 2090 off Bundy Road unless otherwise noted. Classes are open to active-duty, retired and reserve military. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Reaching energy conservation goals starts with leadership, culture change Commentary by Vice Adm. Bill French Commander, Navy Installations Command
See more FFSC classes on Facebook.
Play Group: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays at Glenn Forest Community Center Stress Management: 9-10:30 a.m. today SAPR Refresher Training: 1-3 p.m. April 3 1-2-3 Magic: noon to 2 p.m. April 8, 15 and 22 Ombudsman Assembly: 6-7:30 p.m. April 8 Are You Properly Insured for Life’s Stages: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 9 Suicide Awareness/Prevention: 2:30-3:30 p.m. April 9 Infant Massage at Glenn Forest Community Center: 9-9:45 a.m. April 10 and 17 Return and Reunion: 1-4 p.m. April 10
Ready Navy/Operation Prepare Get a free information packet on how to prepare for any destructive weather and other emergencies at the Fleet and Family Support Center.
Clinical Counseling Services Clinical counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing today’s military: family hardships, marital conflicts, parent/child issues, money concerns, frequent moves, health and environmental factors, etc. Call 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.
Shipmates, I need your help and your engagement. Simply put, we’re using too much energy throughout the shore enterprise and we need to make reducing energy one of our top priorities. Make no mistake: Energy usage reduction is a strategic imperative. Why? Every dollar we spend keeping lights on, powering personal coffee pots and refrigerators, or putting gas in government vehicles is a dollar that we can’t spend elsewhere on the shore — pier and runway maintenance, [child development center], base security — or, far more urgently, return to the fleet for operations — flying, steaming, and training. We’ve made progress — in the shore enterprise, we used a lot less energy in 2013 than we did in 2003. We’re also making progress in where we get our energy; in 2013, we were able to make or buy a lot of the en-
ergy we used in facilities from renewable sources. That’s encouraging, but we still have more work to do to meet the SECNAV and CNO’s goals for reducing energy consumption by 2020. Although we’ve made progress, we have a long way to go and I need your help. This is an all hands effort: Sailor, civilian and contractor; flag officer and seaman alike; spouses and families — everyone plays a part.
What are we doing? Commander, Naval Installations Command, in partnership with Naval Facilities Command, has invested in highly efficient heating and cooling systems, designing and building energy efficient facilities, special training for energy and facility managers, and advanced energy management systems. Those systems, coupled with smart meters, give us a snapshot of how much energy gets used in a given building and lets us monitor energy use in real time. Monitoring energy helps us
Make no mistake: Energy usage reduction is a strategic imperative. Vice Adm. Bill French Commander, Navy Installations Command
see whether we’re meeting our energy goals, but actually meeting those goals is going to take hard work and a significant change in culture. It’s on both fronts where we need you actively engaged.
What can you do? We need to turn thermostats down in the winter and up in the summer. We need to charge our personal phones and tablets at home. We need to unplug all the personal appliances in offices throughout the Navy. Just like we employ operational risk management when we embark on missions, we need to employ energy risk
management before we plug it in or turn it on. Another big part of our culture change is engaged leaders and supervisors and a lot of engaged innovation at all levels. Everyone needs to think of — and then implement — their best practices and new ideas to reduce energy usage. Thanks for what you’re doing, stay safe, and remember to think about it before you turn it on!
Watch the video at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/ ?p=25620.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) EFMP is a DOD program that addresses the special needs of military families. Sailors with an exceptional family member — a family member with special needs such as a medical or educational disability — are encouraged to enroll in the EFMP so the Navy can do its part in caring for EFM needs. Email James Lettner at james.lettner@navy.mil.
Financial Counseling Services The Personal Financial Educator can help individuals and families in managing their finances, resolving financial problems and to reach longterm goals. Take control of your finances and make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.
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Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.
Capt. Ben Shevchuk
Donna Cipolloni
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Bravo Zulu award Are you a learner, a vacationer or a prisoner? Naval Air Station Patuxent River leaders present employees who receive positive feedback and comments through the Interactive Customer Evaluation system and for going above their normal duty with a Bravo Zulu (BZ) award as a token of appreciation for a job well done. Here is a BZ presented by the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Commanding Officer, Capt. Ben Shevchuk.
Courtesy photo
Mark Kalendek, left, Drill Hall; presented March 20.
Commentary by Al Kaniss Guest Contributor
One of the questions some teachers ask at the beginning of a class is: “Are you a learner, a vacationer or a prisoner?” Their intent, of course, is to identify people’s motivation for — and gauge people’s interest in — taking the class. Some people are there to learn, some just want to be away from their job, and others are there just because they have to be. It’s a shame when people answer anything other than “learner.” Spending time and money for a class in which the participant doesn’t intend to learn anything is usually just a waste of time. This reminds me of something one of my college professors told our class: “education is the only thing that we try to get as little as we can for our money.” Indeed, how many students lament over getting out early from a class, or having it canceled entirely, versus how many rejoice? I think most of the time it’s the latter. This winter, particularly harsh, would be a good gauge since school was canceled many days due to bad weather. Certainly, be-
ing interested in the class can increase learning. Steve Jobs dropped out of college because he didn’t like taking the required courses he wasn’t interested in. After he dropped out, he actually hung around the campus and audited the classes he was interested in. One was calligraphy. Jobs credited what he learned in that class for having a major impact on the large number of computer fonts we routinely use today. Making a class interesting to the student has many facets. First, is the course subject. We all just naturally have varying interests. For example, history is fascinating to some and boring to others. Second, is the presentation skill of the instructor. A monotone lecture from a motionless teacher, as well as a teacher who merely reads the slides, is just not conducive to learning. Students expect vocal variety, body movement and gestures, and the use of visual aids. And third, regular breaks are needed. People’s attention spans aren’t that great, even when the material is interesting. Some classes now even take frequent breaks for students to check Facebook. I often wonder how ef-
We need to make sure people understand why they need to learn something, and not because ‘it’s required’ ... Al Kaniss
fective the critique forms are that are turned in after the class. Do they really give an indication of how well the material was learned, or more of the entertainment ability of the speaker? It would be interesting to survey the students six months or a year later to see what from the class they actually remembered and put into practice. I heard a statistic that 70 percent of what we learn is “on the job,” not via formal education. This doesn’t surprise me for a few reasons. First, mentoring is a powerful tool for teaching. Second, when someone is stuck trying to accomplish something at work, they are never more open to learning. Third, you get to apply what you learned right away; that’s not always the case when taking a class.
I hope we can use our training resources and people’s time as effectively as possible, since both are very limited and valuable. We need to make sure people understand why they need to learn something, and not because “it’s required by statute.” We also need to make our training as efficient as possible. People can read presentation slides on their own. What they’re looking for are stories and illustrations to make the material understandable and “sticky” so they don’t forget it as soon as they leave the class. As we get busier and busier, and life gets more and more complicated, we can really embrace continuous, lifelong learning. “Mandatory training” should be considered a worthwhile use of our time, not just a duty.
MWR For all MWR news, visit www. cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on the Fleet and Family Readiness tab.
Phone directory Energy Zone - 301-995-3869 Liberty Center - 301-342-3565 River’s Edge - 301-342-3656 Customized Creations - 301-342-6293 Rassieur Youth Center - 301-342-1694 Information,TicketsandTravelOffice301-342-3648
NRC Solomons Learn to Swim Registration 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4: Military only - active, retired, Reserves April 5: Military and DOD April 12: Make up and late registration
Easter Eggstravaganza 1-3 p.m. April 19 Come early for the egg hunt and then join the festivities of bubble making, arts and craft activities, picture time with Peter Rabbit,
music and dancing and more.
River’s Edge now Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays
Bald Eagle Pub is now open 3-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday Happy Hour Specials: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
Comics on Duty at the Flight Deck Lounge April 3: Appetizer buffet starts at 5:30 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets on sale at the River’s Edge and ITT Office.
ITT Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Location: Building 2655, in front of the drill hall.
Garden Plots Have you always wanted to have your own garden but either don’t have the room or the right conditions at home? Now is your chance to have your very own garden plot at Naval Air Station
Patuxent River. Register through ITT Office.
Scan to see more MWR events on Facebook.
N.Y. City Day Trip April 5 Enjoy New York City in springtime. Cost: $65; includes bus transportation and snacks onboard. Call 301-342-3648.
Downton Abbey and Winterthur Mansion Day Trip April 26 Cost: $70.25; includes bus transportation and snacks onboard. Please reserve your seats by April 16.
Great Wolf Lodge Adventure June 13-14 Order by May 15 Sell price: $468 Join the fun at Great Wolf Lodge, featuring a 67,000-square-foot, indoor entertainment area with its own gigantic water park. Price includes a suite that sleeps six, six
passes to the water park and $8 worth of arcade tokens. Available to all Pax River-eligible patrons. Call 301-342-3648.
Drill Hall Earth Day 5K in support of SAPR 10 a.m. check-in April 24 Register at the Sports and Fitness Office in the Drill Hall. Everyone registered by April 4 receives a T-shirt on race day; a limited amount of additional T-shirts are available on the race day.
Energy Zone Belly Dancing Register by Monday 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays beginning in April Cost: $60 for eight-week session
Ballroom Dancing Register by Friday 6-8 p.m. Thursdays in April Cost: $48 per person
Zumba Kids Register by April 14 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in April Cost: $40 per child; $20 for additional sibling of friend
Customized Creations Third Annual Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Show April 26 Free and open to the public. Buses are available for those without base access boarding at the Frank Knox building. Call 301-342-6293.
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
CENTER STAGE MOVIES l l
Movie Line: 301-342-5033 Reservations: 301-342-3648
l Ticket Prices: E-1 to E-5 category: adults, $3.50 and youths ages 6-11, $2.50. All others: adults, $4.50; youths ages 6-11, $3.50. l 3-D glasses: $1 l Authorized ID required for admission
Thursday, March 27 6:30 p.m., About Last Night
Friday, March 28 6:30 p.m., Non-Stop During a transatlantic flight from New York City to London, U.S. Air Marshal Bill Marks receives a series of cryptic text messages demand-
ing that he instruct the airline to transfer $150 million into an off-shore account. Until he secures the money, a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes. (Rated PG-13; 107 mins.)
9 p.m., Pompeii (3D)
Milo, a slave turned invincible gladiator, finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who
has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him. (Rated PG-13; 102 mins.)
puter animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. (Rated: PG; 94 mins.)
Saturday, March 29 4 p.m., The LEGO Movie The original 3-D com-
6:30 p.m., Pompeii 9 p.m., Non-Stop
Sunday, March 30
Monday and Tuesday
2p.m., Free Sneak Preview: Captain America (3D)
No Movies
First come, first serve. E-1 to E-4 activeduty military only will have head of the line privileges. devices, including cell phones, are allowed in the screening. Patrons must leave their phones at home or in their car. 3-D glasses are $1 per person. To avoid this charge, bring your own 3-D glasses.
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
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Triton Unmanned Air System completes initial flight test phase By Jamie Cosgrove Program Executive Office Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Public Affairs (PEO(U&W))
Facts and figures
T
he Navy’s MQ-4C Triton completed its initial flight test phase at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, Calif., facility March 13, bringing the unmanned air system one step closer to introduction to the fleet in 2017. The flight testing, called Initial Envelope Expansion, is designed to measure the air vehicle’s performance under a variety of speeds and altitudes. The combined Navy and Northrop Grumman team completed this phase of testing in 13 of the 14 scheduled flights for the test.
Courtesy photo/ Northrop Grumman
The Navy’s unmanned MQ-4C Triton approaches Northrop Grumman’s flight test facility in Palmdale, Calif., on March 13. This flight completed Triton’s initial flight test phase bringing the unmanned air system one step closer to introduction to the fleet in 2017. “The system performed exceptionally well during flight test, which is a
Triton’s mission snapshot
As an adjunct to the P-8A, the MQ-4C Triton will provide combat information to operational and tactical users such as the Expeditionary Strike Group, Carrier Strike Group and the Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander. MQ-4C Triton will provide intelligence preparation of the environment by providing a more continuous source of information to maintain the Common Operational and Tactical Picture of the maritime battle space. Additionally, MQ-4C Triton-collected data posted to the Global Information Grid will support a variety of intelligence activities and nodes. In a secondary role, the MQ-4C Triton will also be used alone or in conjunction with other assets to respond to theater-level operational or national strategic tasking.
reflection of years of hard work and dedication by our team,” said Capt. Jim Hoke, Triton UAS program manager. “Our job is far from over with fleet delivery still a few years away, but each of our team members should reflect on how far we have come and be proud of this accomplishment.” During IEE, the MQ4C flew a total of 81 hours, reached a maximum altitude of 59,950 feet and executed 568 data points. The Triton’s software and sensor systems are being tested separately on a surrogate aircraft. This includes a multi-function array sensor (MFAS), configured to function in a maritime environment.
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After testing completion at Palmdale, the team has a planned maintenance period to prepare for the system’s transition to Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The MQ-4C will take its first cross-country flight in the June/July timeframe, followed by the second test aircraft shortly after. Sensors will be integrated onto both aircraft before resum-
Primary Function: Persistent Maritime ISR Propulsion: Rolls-Royce AE3007H Endurance: 30 hours Length: 47.6 feet Wingspan: 130.9 feet Height: 15.3 feet (4.7 meters) Airspeed: 310 knots (approximately 357 miles per hour) Ceiling: 60,000 feet (18,288 meters) Range: 9,950 nautical miles (18,427 kilometers) max unrefueled range Crew: Four per ground station — air vehicle operator, mission commander/communications, two sensor operators Payloads: Communications relay capability, beyond line of sight and line of sight communications and the following 360-degree field of regard sensors: Multi-Function Active Sensor Maritime Radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor, Automatic Identification System receiver and Electronic Support Measures ing flight test this summer. As an adjunct to the manned P-8A aircraft, the Triton will cover more than 2.7 million square miles in a single mission. Its ability to perform 24/7 intelligence, surveillance and reconnais-
sance with a range of 2,000 nautical miles will allow P-8A, P-3C and EP-3E aircraft to focus on their core missions, adding the capability the Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
Women’s History Month: Team lead’s work keeps naval aviators on the safe side By Paula A. Paige Acquisition Program Management (AIR 1.0) Public Affairs
C
alling Susan Whitley a lifesaver is more than hyperbole. For Whitley, saving lives and turning around near-terminal acquisition programs is part of the job. As the integrated product team lead for the Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA) system, a software application that provides analysis and visualization of flight data, Whitley is responsible for the overall design, development and execution of the program designed to identify potential human error and other factors before they lead to aircraft mishaps. In 2011, Whitley led the initiative to create a new baseline for the challenged MFOQA program when its growth was imposing unacceptable life-cycle costs. She embraced a new methodology for the software development and got “buy-in” from all stakeholders in the naval aviation community. Now back on track, MFOQA is scheduled for Milestone C approval this spring, which will pave the way for limited production and installation of the software on naval computers. Assistant Commander for
Acquisition Keith Sanders, who oversees the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209), where Whitley is assigned, called her performance the “most impressive program turnaround that I have ever seen in my career. She resurrected a program that was behind schedule, over cost and headed for termination. The Navy will save millions of dollars that would have been lost if the program had been canceled.” Whitley was recently honored with a Copernicus Award for her leadership on the MFOQA program. She will be recognized at a ceremony May 7 in Chantilly, Va. Managed by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and the U.S. Naval Institute, the award honors individual contributions to naval warfare in the disciplines of command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I), information systems and information warfare. Whitley said she is passionate about “breaking the link” before a naval aircraft mishap or maintenance failure occurs. “I spent nine years on the Ground Proximity Warning System/Terrain Awareness Warning System team in PMA209 providing a product that
Susan Whitley
U.S. Navy photo/MC2 Kenneth Abbate
was proven to save lives. I know MFOQA is going to make as big a difference as GPWS did. I like a challenge, and MFOQA has provided that in spades. When I took over the program in 2009, the fleet stakeholders were very unhappy with the product that was being developed. It was not meeting their needs, and I led the team through the challenge of two re-baselines to set the requirements and get the program on a strong foundation.” As for the award, Whitley said it surprised her. “I certainly did not expect this,” she said. “My team submitted me, and it is an honor to be recognized by my team, the AFCEA and the U.S. Na-
val Institute for my efforts in turning around the MFOQA program. I have read the accomplishments of some of the other winners and am amazed that I am among this group.”
About MFOQA Initiated in 2005 by the Secretary of Defense to reduce aircraft mishaps, Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA) is a software application that provides analysis and visualization of flight data. MFOQA is designed to identify potential human error and other causal factors before they lead to air-
Then and now
Position: Program manager, integrated product team lead for Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance (MFOQA) system in the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209). Education: Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace and ocean engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; master’s in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology. Why MFOQA is important to Naval Aviation: “This product is a game-changer. It is going to save lives. Some people refer to it as “big brother” and do not want any part of it, but I believe when they actually start using it, and see the kind of feedback MFOQA can provide they will start to see it more as ‘Your Big Brother’ and not George Orwell’s ‘Big Brother.’ Hometown: Kings Park, N.Y. MFOQA will affect four areas of naval aviation: Maintenance: Augments existing platform maintenance systems; provides maintainers a tool for troubleshooting, especially gripes that are hard to duplicate or require visualization of flight data. Operations: Presents a dynamic simulation of aircraft data to include single and multi-ship visualization with 3-D animation, event detection, trend analysis, reporting, etc. Safety: Aircrew debrief, flight safety, data trending Training: Reporting, policy monitoring and performance trending.
craft mishaps. The tool identifies predictive indicators and trends by analyzing existing flight data on a regular basis, not just after a mishap or incident. It provides timely, tangible information on air-
crew and aircraft system performance after flight and puts that information into the hands of the people who can most directly make a difference — squadron aircrew, maintainers and leadership.
Pax History
By the end of World War II, more than 80,000 women served in the WAVES in secretarial and clerical jobs, aviation mechanics, photographers, control tower operators and intelligence.
U.S. Navy photo Courtesy graphic
Today, women serve in nearly every facet of the Navy.
Graphic/AC3 Samuel Rocco
In this photo from the July 29, 1948, issue of the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Tester, NAS Pax River Commanding Officer Capt. A.B. Vosseller swears in Charlotte P. Moultrie, the first Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVE, aboard the air station to enlist in the regular Navy on July 22, 1948. After the war, Congress passed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowing women to gain permanent status in all military branches of the United States, which put the WAVES program into obsolescence. The passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, July 7, 1948, brought six women into the U.S. Navy. Today, more than 50,000 women serve in the Navy.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Speed to the fleet:
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PMA-207 completes accelerated KC-130J transition to Marine Reserve By Valerie Doster Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Office (PMA-207)
Transitioning a squadron to a new aircraft requires thorough planning, logistics and knowledge. Delivering this transition a year earlier than scheduled requires rapid response and flawless team coordination. The Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Office (PMA-207) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River successfully completed an accelerated aircraft transition with the delivery of a KC130J to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234 on March 18. “This KC-130J is the 47th delivered to the fleet and the first to the Marine Reserve fleet, replacing the aging KC130T and providing a muchneeded advance in capabilities,” said Capt. Michelle Guidry, PMA-207 program manager. A multi-agency effort went into expediting the transition from the KC-130T to the KC130J. It was accomplished through coordination and support from the C-130 Support Equipment and Fleet Support Teams, PMA-207, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Support Division, and Headquarters Marine Corps. Rapid Response is an integral part of Speed to the Fleet
Snapshot
The KC-130J supports Marine Corps and Naval Reserve 21st century expeditionary operations by providing rapid refueling and logistic support to operating forces and can be configured to provide transport of personnel or cargo. KC-130Js are currently being used in theatre for battlefield illumination, medical evacuation, air delivery of cargo, air-land supply, aerial refueling and offensive air support for ground Marines.
Courtesy photo/Angel Delcueto, Lockheed Martin
The Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Office (PMA-207) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River successfully completed an accelerated aircraft transition with the delivery of a KC-130J to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234 on March 18. directed by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Commander’s Guidance for 20132018 to achieve near-term outcomes most vital to our operating forces. The guidance asks NAVAIR teams to do their part to increase speed, drive out cost, and ensure the products we deliver are integrated and effective. “The delivery of the aircraft is just a small part of the effort that it takes for a squad-
ron to transition to a new aircraft,” said Chuck Gill, the KC130J integrated product team lead for PMA-207. “The acceleration required additional funding in multiple budget line items and accelerated contracting timelines for dozens of spare parts and support equipment items, two major training devices, a performance based logistics support contract for the engines, and a contractor logis-
The delivery of the aircraft is just a small part of the effort that it takes for a squadron to transition to a new aircraft. Chuck Gill Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft Program Office (PMA-207) KC-130J integrated product team lead
tics support contract to be in place prior to the KC-130J’s arrival,” Gill said.
In a ceremony attended by Texas Governor Rick Perry and other dignitaries, Marine
Corps Lt. Col. Patrick Tiernan, VMGR-234 commanding officer, accepted the KC-130J. “The KC-130J takes Marine Forces Reserve into a new era of interoperability with the active component that will save money, reduce perstempo, and provide more deployment options to combatant commanders,” Tiernan said. VMGR-234 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing and provides fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor air-to-air refueling capabilities to support Marine Forces Reserve air operations and other assault support missions. The squadron, known as the “Rangers” is stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas.
Navy marks milestone for friend, foe identification system By Marcia Hart Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft (PEO(T)) Public Affairs
Skies are becoming a little friendlier for our service members, thanks to a little grey box. This month, the 10,000th Mark XIIA Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, or Mode 5 capable Common Digital Transponder, rolled off the production line in preparation for installation on nearly every surface, subsurface and airborne, manned and unmanned, platform of the Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command. Mode 5, a product of the Naval Air Traffic Manage-
ment Systems Program Office (PMA-213) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, is a cooperative identification system that uses installed interrogators and transponders to send, receive and process friendly identification of targets. “Mode 5 provides the warfighter with positive, secure and reliable line-of-sight identification of friendly air and surface platforms,” said Capt. Darrell Lack, PMA-213 program manager. “It improves situational awareness, reduces fratricide, reduces enemy disruption of IFF functions and ensures the safe return of friendly aircraft.” The Mode 5 system fullrate production decision was
reached in 2012; it is a modification to the existing Mode 4 system in use by the United States and its allies for more than 45 years. Since 2006, production maturity was demonstrated through low-rate initial production deliveries and in 2012 the system was determined to be “Effective and Suitable” during Integrated Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). “Mode 5 IOT&E was a truly integrated test effort,” said Tracy Wathen, assistant Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft (PEO(T)) for test and evaluation. “The integrated test team showed great planning and facilitated data sharing with Commander Operational Test Forces
(COTF) to supplement their test points.” While Mode 5 is a military asset, it is compatible with civilian IFF systems to ensure interoperability of military and civilian aircraft. This capability will be a part of the Combat Identification (CID) Family-of-Systems strategy employed by U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)/Allied forces. “The Mode 5 capability brings an order of magnitude increase in confidence of secure identification and level of situational awareness to the warfighter,” Lack said. “High confidence in identifying contacts and bringing our men and women home safely makes the system worth more
Mode 5’s Integrated Operational Test and Evaluation
Tests were conducted on multiple ship and airborne platforms, including: Guided Missile Destroyers Cruisers U.S. Air force F-15C/E’s E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System F/A-18C MH-60R/S AH-1Z UH-1Y P-3C Army UH-60L and AH-64D helicopters than its weight in gold.” Once fielded, the Mode 5 capability will be a key en-
abler for both surface and airborne advanced warfare strategies.
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
NAVFAC energy checklist helps increase efficiency By Shawn Miller Naval District Washington Public Affairs
As each of the five pillars of the Naval District Washington (NDW) energy policy build upon one another into a comprehensive strategy, efficiency becomes a keystone in the hierarchy. Energy leaders within Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and other NDW commands are teaming up in an effort to improve building and utility infrastructure and vehicles by incorporating technology and management practices in the hopes of saving power and money. One of the main areas being looked at is renovation and construction of high performance and sustainable buildings through the NDW-NAVFAC Capital Improvements Energy Checklist and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
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Courtesy graphic/U.S. Green Council
Courtesy graphic
The energy checklist is a tool to help bridge the gap between more than 40 energy mandates and the end products and services, explained NAVFAC architect Mike Gala, the checklist leader. Working with the checklist becomes a collaborative process across many disciplines, and people from architects and policy makers down to individual installation energy managers (IEMs) in the field implementing the projects. The checklist is not automatically used in every energy project, however. Depending on the scope and scale of an
energy project, the checklist may not always be necessary, Gala explained. Some smaller projects might only need to renovate certain key components within a building or system without necessitating the broader strokes of the checklist. The true power of the checklist, Gala said, is when architects and energy personnel are able to affect a broader range of projects, such as constructing all new infrastructure that incorporates LEED certifications. “All buildings and major renovations in design are considered for LEED require-
Pax River LEED Buildings:
Gold certified: 2895, Aircraft Flight Test and Evaluation facility Silver certified: 2813 Child Development Center Certified: Hangar 110, U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Current Projects in design for Silver certification: Military construction projects P561, the Aircraft Prototype Facility, and P140, Special Communications Requirements Engineering Facility ments and strive for Silver as minimum certification,” said Karl Bryan Naval Air Station Patuxent River installation energy manager. LEED certification comes in four tiers: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The level of certification is attained according to the number of
points a project earns. These points are given based on a combination of credit categories, such as energy and atmosphere, sustainability, water efficiency and innovation to name a few. Gala said the energy checklist expands beyond simply building the frame-
work and systems, it delves into the monitoring of the building’s performance to help evaluate processes and adapt if necessary. While many of the smarter systems may cost more up front during construction, having the data to prove the eventual energy savings helps to justify the extra initial funding, Gala said. “It’s a very cyclical relationship,” he noted. While implementation often poses the biggest challenge, the checklist helps focus efforts and work toward the ultimate goal of building the NDW energy strategy. (Connie Hempel, Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs, contributed to this article.)
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STUDENTS
Continued from 1 Instrumentation (AIR 5.2) “We added a pressure plate to the back of the seat that would shut off the engine if someone leaned forward and we attached a kill switch to the back of the craft with cable so if there was an emergency, we could pull on it and the hovercraft would shutoff, deflate and lower to the ground.” Although the craft traveled 100 feet along a designated
track, the team elaborated on the steering system by adding an old helicopter joy stick that allowed the student pilots to manipulate the vehicle slightly and experience the sensation of steering. “They felt like they were controlling it,” Golladay said, “but we were really in full control at all times.” Working before and after their normal office hours, most of the team’s members volunteered 20-30 hours each during the project; while Golladay racked up nearly 60.
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One of the most time consuming tasks was applying fiberglass to the hovercraft, which served as an outside layer covering the inner plywood construction. “Fiberglass makes it rigid and provides structure and finished coating all in one,” Golladay said, “but it must harden for eight hours before you can do anything else, and it’s very labor intensive.” As their STEM Day deadline drew nearer, an additional eight engineers stepped in to assist with various last minute tasks, and the team learned a valuable lesson. “We had to fabricate just
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about everything but the propeller,” McDaniel said. “We could’ve spent more time in the beginning figuring out what we had to do and how many people we needed to do it. The more you can frontload a project in terms of engineering; the better off you are.” The team worked the Saturday STEM event for four hours and assisted the steady stream of students anxious to take their turn aboard the hovercraft. “After the event, another 10 adult volunteers also rode it,” Golladay said. The hovercraft will be put into storage and brought out
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again for future demonstrations, and there is talk that next year’s STEM Day build might involve a CO2-powered Go Kart. Triton Mission Systems Airspace Integration IPT Lead Johann Soto, who acted as the team’s project manager, praised them for their willingness to support NAVAIR’s STEM outreach. “Through their interest [to inspire students], they are ensuring that NAVAIR will continue to have talented and driven STEM professionals ready to successfully execute our future endeavors,” he said. “Given the way this team of
Registration now open for STEM-ing event 6th- to 8th-grade girls May 3, St. Mary’s College $10 per student Visit: www.STEM-ING.org Contact: stemingsomd@gmail.com ESDPs [Engineer and Scientist Development Program] rallied around the project to meet technical and schedule goals, I would love to see them rotate throughout our programs to expand their own abilities and become empowered to evolve the capabilities of the organization.”
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Courtesy graphic
Transition GPS:
Navy helps prepare Sailors for civilian life By Connie Hempel Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs
S
ervice members planning to retire or separate from military service within the next year should hurry and register for the Transition GPS — Goals, Plan, Succeed — class. Held at the Fleet and Family Support Center, Transition GPS, formerly known as the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), provides separating and retiring service members and their families with the
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skills, tools and confidence necessary to successfully reenter into the civilian work force, according to the Navy Personnel Command website.
What is it Transition GPS, a cooperative effort between the Navy and the departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor, standardizes transition support Navywide and makes Sailors as employment ready as possible by providing pro-
Thursday, March 27, 2014
fessional career development resources. In accordance with the OPNAV Instruction 1900.2 series, and the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, every service member is eligible for and has full access to transition services, and he or she must meet Career Readiness Standards prior to separation.
Hurry in, they fill up fast The Transition GPS retiree
class at the Fleet and Family Support here is already booked through July with only a few seats remaining in the August and September classes. Seats for the Transition GPS separatee class are still available for May, July, August and September. While both types of classes are available beyond September, registration for them will not be accepted until next week. Call FFSC at 301-3424911 or stop by Building 2090 off Bundy Road.
Top 10 reasons to attend 10. Learn how to translate your military experience to civilian equivalent jobs. 9. Learn to be resilient during transition. 8. Learn to write a résumé. 7. Learn interviewing techniques. 6. Learn about the federal job process. 5. Learn about employment resources available to veterans. 4. Learn how to negotiate an offer and what is negotiable. 3. Learn how to financially prepare for a successful transition. 2. Learn about the Veterans Affairs and what they can offer you. 1. It’s MANDATORY. Courtesy of Fleet and Family Support Center
Tester
Thursday, March 27, 2014
JORDAN
Continued from 2 single sheet of paper and that troublesome ATM card — but he’s still perfecting the design. “People don’t realize the force that’s required to clasp onto something and lift it up,” he said. “I still need to improve the strength [of the finger].” Jordan plans to hire an engineer and purchase a 3D printer so they can design and produce the prosthetic finger out of one solid, hinged piece of functional plastic. “With the 3D printer, we can design it exactly the way we want it,” he said. “For anyone missing a digit, we can print it based on their specific needs.” Having encountered others like him along the way, Jordan has noticed a difference between the sexes, especially between boys and girls. “Boys think it’s cool to be ‘part robot’ but girls just want to be ‘normal’,”
he said. “Girls want a functional finger, but with the look of a normal finger. I want to do life casting by making a duplicate of another finger pigmented to match skin tone. At first glance, you wouldn’t even notice. It’d be functional, but also cosmetic. I want to take an individual’s measurements, print [the finger] out, slide it on their hand a half hour later and have it work.” With all of that in mind, Jordan created a not-forprofit company called Robiotech Corporation and will offer cosmetic and/or functional digits for those in need, at no charge. “With rapid prototyping, there’s not a lot of work going into it and that allows us to offer the service and product free to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it,” he said. “That’s where I’m going with it. I like to help people.” To learn more about Jordan, his prosthetic finger and Robiotech, visit www.robiotech.net.
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CNP testifies on Sailor and family readiness By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elliott Fabrizio Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
The Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) testified before the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee to provide a personnel overview and contextualize the people side of the president’s proposed fiscal 2015 budget, Tuesday. Vice Adm. Bill Moran, CNP, testified on Capitol Hill alongside personnel representatives from the Department of Defense and the other services. In his opening statement provided for the record, Moran reminded the subcommittee that the capabilities of the men and women serving in the U.S. Navy are in high demand around the world, citing the Navy’s recent contributions to the search for Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, two forward-deployed strike groups, and ongoing partner-
U.S. navy photo/Joy Samsel
Vice Adm. William Moran, Chief of Naval Personnel, delivers remarks during the Naval Education and Training Command change of command ceremony at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Naval Air Atation Pensacola. Rear Adm. Don Quinn retired after nearly 35 years of service and turned over command to Rear Adm. Michael White. ship operations in the Black Sea. “Today, more than one third of our Navy is underway, a significant accomplishment given the fiscal challenges we faced in 2013,” Moran said in his statement. He cautioned that if sequestration continued, the Navy would face long-term
consequences to combat readiness. The Navy’s budget submission prioritizes funding for forward presence and continues to make critical investments in people and future capabilities. “As we took on this budget, certainly we understood the imperative of reducing
national debt in order to increase national security,” said Moran. “But, many of the levers we pulled last year to mitigate operational impacts were simply no longer available.” The proposed $148 billion budget is a $15 billion decrease from the level forecast in last year’s budget submission and is a $38 billion reduction over the Future Year Defense Plan from the FY14 Presidential Budget. The tough choices made in the FY 15 budget maintain quality of service for Sailors, Moran said, adding that the focus is improving manning at sea, retaining the Navy’s best and brightest and increasing the readiness of Sailors and their families. “All of what American sea power means today, and what it might become, lies squarely upon the shoulders of the people who make it so,” said Moran. “And those people stand directly at the center of the budget now before you.”
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
AROUND TOWN St. Mary’s County: Introduction to Genealogy 5:30-7:30 p.m. today Lexington Park Library Adults will explore websites to start their genealogy search, the library’s online databases, U.S. Census, Social Security Death index and more. Knowledge of the Internet required. Free, but registration required at 301-863-8188.
Introduction to Grant Writing 10 a.m. to noon Saturday Lexington Park Library An overview of researching grant opportunities and the grant writing process presented by staff from the library and College of Southern Maryland Nonprofit Institute. Focuses on the strategy for applying for
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grants, with hands-on practice in writing a needs statement and an evaluation/sustainability section. Free, but registration required at 301-863-8188.
Calvert County: Pub Quiz
The Calvert County Division of Solid Waste free shredding event allows residents to destroy unwanted paper documents, helping to prevent identity theft. Rain or shine.
Courageous Women of Maryland: A Living History
6:30-10 p.m. Friday Calvert Library, Prince Frederick For one night only, the library won’t help you find the answers. But that won’t stop us from asking plenty of tough questions. $60 per team up to 6 adults; $300 prize to the winning team! Limited space, register early at any Calvert Library location.
Free Shredding Day 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Appeal Landfill, 401 Sweetwater Rd., Lusby
2-3 p.m. Saturday Calvert Library, Prince Frederick Living history production of Courageous Women of Maryland featuring students from Out Lady Star of the Sea. Content based on a book by the same title.
Taste of Solomons 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Various locations throughout Solomons Island One day food festival showcasing the
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THE RÉSUMÉ EXPERT “Mobile Service”
n Federal/Civilian/Military Transition Résumés n n Database Input n Résumé Writing Training n n KSA’s n Job Search Assistance n n
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OPEN TO EVERYONE ON BASE Active, Retired, Civil Service, Contractor, Other If you are on base you can take advantage of these prices
Liberty Tax at the Navy Exchange announces FLAT FEE pricing on your state and federal tax returns $120 Federal 1040 $35 Each State Visit our Kiosk in the Navy Exchange Food Court or call (301) 373-0838 Proceeds to the NEX help benefit MWR
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FREE Three Day and Two Night Vacation Voucher with Every Tax Return Preparation. See NEX Kiosk for Details. Locally Owned and Operated by a Navy Veteran
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866-871-1040 LibertyTax.com
Valid at participating locations. Cannot be combined with other offers or used toward past services. Other exclusions may apply. Void where prohibited by law. Valid 1/29/14-4/10/14 on NAS Patuxent River Only.
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many wonderful places to eat in this lovely waterfront community. Proceeds benefit the Solomons Business Association’s annual July 4th fireworks display. Food and drink tickets are $4 each and are available for purchase at participating restaurants.
Rascal Flatts Tickets Go On Sale 10 a.m. Tuesday Purchase tickets for the May 29 live performance of award-winning country group Rascal Flatts on the Calvert Marine Museum’s PNC Waterslide Pavilion. Tickets are $68 for premium, $58 for reserved, and $48 for standing room only and can be purchased by phone at 1-800-787-9454, in person at Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge (cash or check only), or online at www. calvertmarinemuseum.com.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
VILLAS AT GREENVIEW TOWNHOMES TOWNHOMES *Move *Mo ve in specials and reduced reduced rent rent options Military Military RPP Program Program accepted Offers 2 and 3 bedroom to townhomes wnhomes Spacious floorplans with priv privac privacy acyy fenced back back yards, yards, outside storage, storage, walk walk in closets and pantries in select units Newly updated kitchens kitchens in select units Gar Garages ages available available for an additional fee Sparkling Swimming Pool and Sundeck, Sundeck, Playg Playground, round, 24-Hr Fitness Center, Business Center and Clubhouse
Call Villas V illas at Greenview Gr eenview at 240.725.0164 or e-mail us at villas@covepm.com villas@cov epm.com for more information.
PARK PARK VILLAS AP APARTMENTS APAR ARTMENTS TMENTS *Reduced rent rent options Militar Militaryy RPP Program Program and Preferr Pr Preferred eferred ed Employer Employer Discounts Offers 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes, newly updated Spacious floorplans, large large walk walk in closets. New Patio Ar Area ea with Grills/Fire Grills/Fire Pit/Mister, Car Wash Wash Ar Area, ea, 24-Hr Fitness Center, Business Center On-Site
Call Park Park Villas V illas AApartments partments at 3301.73 301.737.5300 01.737.53 7.5300 00 or e-mail us at park parkvillas@covepm.com parkvillas@cov villas@covepm.com epm.com for more information. 1039230
*SEE LEASING OFFICE FOR DETAILS, DETAILS, RESTRICTIONS MAY MAY APPLY, LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AND SPECIALS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.