Tester 120513 by DCMilitary.Com

Small Business Council Page 2

Echoes From Our Past Page 6

NDW Sailor of the Year Page 8

VOLUME 70, NUMBER 44

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND Celebrating 70 years of community partnership

December 5, 2013

How the Grinch didn’t steal Christmas By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer

Results are out:

Pax Sailors make the grade

Nearly two dozen enlisted Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River had an added reason to celebrate during the Thanksgiving holidays this year, having been on the Navy’s list for E-4, E-5, E6advancement, released Nov. 26. Navywide, promotees included more than 21,000 active-duty, 1,800 Reservists and 500 full-time support Sailors. For NAS Pax River they are:

Petty Ofﬁcers 1st Class

Jovan E. Barber, ﬁre controlman Tabitha Powers, air trafﬁc controller Michael Sparhawk, naval aircrewman (helicopter)

Petty Ofﬁcers 2nd Class

James I. Burgess, air traffic controller Jonathan Delair, master-at-arms Robert Magee, aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) Brand Petherick, air traffic controller Daniel Roberts, air traffic controller Samuel Rocco II, air traffic controller Juan Troncoso, aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) Noah Trumble, air traffic controller Matthew Wilson, master-at-arms Christopher Zamora, damage controlman

Petty Ofﬁcers 3rd Class

Cody Ballinger, master-at-arms Anthony Jenkins, air traffic controller Rosalinda Orio, air traffic controller Michael Rhoads, air traffic controller Stephen Sawyer, air traffic controller Levi Springer, air traffic controller Orlando Washington, air traffic controller

Slithering onto Naval Air Station Patuxent River for the third year in a row, the Grinch will flip the switch at the Dec. 20 tree-lighting ceremony to officially kick off the holiday celebration at Who-ville, otherwise known as Mattapany Day Camp. Sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), this year’s Who-bilation includes caroling choral groups from three local schools, Christmas crafts, a bring-yourown-camera photo op with the Grinch, a post office for kids to mail their letters to Santa, colorful decorations and plenty of lights. “There are thousands and thousands,” said Jen Marchant Beavers, recreation director at Naval Recreation Center Solomons, of the lights that will illuminate a path from the front gate through the woods, decorate all six pavilions, most of the camp’s buildings and the trees that surround the activity. Marchant Beavers and Dave Cardinale, MWR’s marketing director, are busy coordinating the decorating efforts, trying each year to build on what’s been done before. U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni Finding a few spare hours in their work Decorating the Who-ville tree are Naval Recreation Center Solomons Recreday or putting in time during evenings and ation Director, Jen Marchant Beavers, on ladder; Morale, Welfare and Recreweekends, the team — with some helpers — ation Marketing Director Dave Cardinale, left; Annie Backscheider, assistant began decorating the first week in Novem- recreation director at NRC Solomons; and Erich Engel, recreation aide. ber and will probably continue right up until Who-ville’s opening. across the bridge that night.” production of “Seussical The Musical,” a “Some of our decorations are shared with The team is also working both nights of couple years ago. other departments and events around base,” the event, selling tickets at the entry gate; “I’ll be in costume, but I won’t be wearing Cardinale said, “which means and Solomons summer recre- a mask,” he said. “I’ll be doing my own green we can’t use them until they’re ation aides — home from school face makeup.” See MWR finished with them.” for the holidays — are assisting Who-ville, located at Mattapany Day inputs, page 4 One of those events is Cookwith the arts and crafts in the Camp off Buse Road, is open from 6-9 p.m. For reservations and ies with the Clauses, Dec. 13Martha May cabin, and the JinDec. 20 and Dec 21. Choral groups from more information on 15 at NRC Solomons, just one gle Jinglers and Cindy-Lou Who Chopticon, Spring Ridge and Father Andrew Cookies with the week before the Who-ville rooms, said Marchant Beavers. White schools are performing Dec. 20. Tickopening. But it’ll probably be Erich Clauses, call the ets are $4 per person, ages 3 and older, paid “As soon as that event is Engel, as the Grinch, who draws Adventure Zone at at the Mattapany Day Camp gate. Parking is over, we’ll transport those the most attention from the few 410-286-8046. decorations to Mattapany,” hundred kids expected to attend. available at the Energy Zone or across from Marchant Beavers said. “We’ll Engel, a recreation aide, isn’t MWR’s administrative offices in building do it ‘Grinch style,’ by tossing the fully dec- new to the Grinch, having played the role in 467. Proceeds from Who-ville benefit future orated trees into a van and driving them a St. Mary’s County Parks and Recreation MWR special events.

NAVAIR engineer recognized as rising ‘Star’ By Emily Burdeshaw Program Executive Ofﬁce Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Public Affairs A Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) employee at Naval Air Station Patuxent River received an award for her work as the deputy assistant program manager for Systems Engineering on the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) program. Nicole Theberge received the Star of Tomorrow award at a conference held by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) in Indianapolis on Nov. 2. Each year, SHPE presents the award to an engineer

with three to seven years of experience in his or her ﬁeld who exhibits a strong commitment to excellence and the potential to excel, according to the organization’s description. “Nicole seizes opportunities and consistently produces positive outcomes,” said Andy Guy, NAVAIR Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program (PMA-242) assistant program manager for engineering, who received the call from SHPE and informed Theberge of her win. “When we need someone to step up to the plate, she does so without hesitation.” According to SHPE’s website, the organization’s mission is to expose the Hispanic community to ﬁelds of study and careers in

science, technology, engineering and math. Growing up in a small Army town in Arizona, Theberge said she always appreciated astronomy and excelled in math and science. She took advanced placement courses at Buena High School and entered the engineering physics program at University of Arizona, Tucson, where she graduated in 2006 before moving to Pt. Mugu, Calif., to work as a contractor for the Navy. In 2009 she moved to China Lake, Calif., to work for PMA-242 as a civilian. Since then, she moved to work in acquisition at Pax River. Theberge quickly made a name for herself among the AARGM team, coming to

See Star, Page 10

Courtesy photo

From left, Claudia Goggin, District 6 vice president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) presents Nicole Theberge with the SHPE Star of Tomorrow award for her work within the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons Program (PMA-242).

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Mentorship program seeks young Sailors Pax Pros of the Week By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer

They’re doing the hard work. I’m just mentoring them in the process and making sure we meet the group’s purpose.” CSADD meets at 11 a.m. the first The Coalition of Sailors Against DeWednesday of each month at the Religious structive Decisions, a peer-to-peer menProgram Center, building 401. Meetings torship program established by the Navy currently focus on getting the chapter up in 2010, is looking for new members to and running and the different ways the join the newly formed Naval Air Station group can put the word out about its acPatuxent River chapter. tivities. But, as membership grows, social Known as CSADD, the Navywide proevents will be planned to encourage camaCSADD meetings gram is geared toward Sailors ages 18-25 raderie and fellowship. and strives to reinforce the culture of Sail“We might have an ice cream social or a 11 a.m. the first Wednesday ors helping Sailors by avoiding destructive fun day in the park,” Desrosiers said. “We’ll of each month behavior and thereby aiding in the develtry to get away from regular work to talk opment of future leaders. Religious Program Center, about things but, each month, we’ll cater “CSADD is a group of caring Sailors to our topic and keep it related.” building 401 who take the time and effort to put out Each year, the Navy releases a list of the word and let other junior Sailors know Visit www.navy.mil monthly topics to be used by CSADD chaphow important the decisions they make and search CSADD ters in developing information Sailors can can be,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class use to make positive decisions. In 2013, Facebook.com/Coalition Evan Desrosiers, who is an advocate for some of those topics included the responthe group. “Making the right decisions of Sailors Against sible use of alcohol, planning a family durhelps avoid downfalls that hurt not only ing your naval career, drug abuse prevenDestructive Decisions. the individual, but also their career and tion and awareness, off-duty recreation, the team they work for.” domestic violence and motorcycle safety. As the group’s enlisted adviser, MasterYoung Sailors are invited to attend the meetings or talk at-Arms 1st Class Jared Chieco wants CSADD to be the orgawith CSADD representatives who plan to set up an infornization a young Sailor can turn to for help. “If you’re a young Sailor who needs direction but doesn’t mation table at different commands across the installation, want a counseling session with your Chief, we’ve got you beginning in December. Chieco believes CSADD is the answer to a need within covered,” he said. “If you need fellowship with shipmates of the same peer group, we’re the place. Or, if you’re an experi- the Navy’s culture and encourages young Sailors to get on enced young or junior Sailor and could impart your wisdom board, get involved and be part of the solution. “Every suicide or DUI is one too many,” he said. “Every to your peers, we need you, too.” Chieco serves only as a mentor to the chapter’s leader- Sailor separated for drug abuse is one too many. Every Sailship, keeping the group in line with its true peer-to-peer or who goes down a destructive path because no one was looking out for him or her is inexcusable. CSADD is a bridge intentions. “If [an] MA1 is out there preaching to young Sailors, connecting to that need, and we require your help.” For more information, visit www.navy.mil and search we’re not doing the program justice,” he said. “I have two strong junior Sailors leading the charge on this — MA2 Des- CSADD; or search facebook.com/Coalition of Sailors rosiers and [Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class] Jamika Lewis. Against Destructive Decisions.

Pax Pros of the Week are submitted to and selected by the naval air station’s command master chief, CMDMC William Lloyd-Owen. The certiﬁcates presented serve as recognition for the “hard work and dedication” the individuals display on a daily basis.

Courtesy photos

Bev Jeffas, safety ofﬁce; presented Nov. 19.

Petty Ofﬁcer 2nd Class Andrea Bloomﬁeld, port operations boatswain’s mate; presented Nov. 19.

News Briefs On base:

NDW Launches News, Information Site: www.navdistwash.org

Naval District Washington recently launched a new web-based, interactive communication tool to get you the news and information you need to stay informed. The site is one-stop for all your region and installation news. Features include: subscriptions to deliver news to your inbox; base newspaper feeds; Commandant’s Corner with a comment section; submit questions anonymously or request a direct response; see what’s trending on NDW social media. Help make NDW the most informed region in the Commander, Naval Installations Command enterprise and visit the site at www.navdistwash.org. If you have questions regarding the new site, submit them online or contact Chatney Auger at 202-433-9714 or chatney.auger@navy.mil.

NMCI Unsolicited Telephone Calls

Navy NMCI users are receiving unsolicited telephone calls from agents reporting to be members of an HP/NMCI Windows 7 support team. The agents typically state that problems such as event viewer errors have been detected on the user’s NMCI workstation that will cause it to crash. The caller then directs the user to a website asking him or her to allow remote access to his or her computer in order to ﬁx the problems. Users who receive any unsolicited calls similar this should not go to the website or allow remote access to their NMCI seat. Users should hang up the phone and report the incident to his or her Information Assurance Manager.

Where’s Gnorman?

Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Anyone spotting Gnorman can either email tester@ dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 now through 4:30 p.m. Friday. Be sure to include a brief description of where he’s located. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing and one name will be chosen to win a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. The winner Nov. 21, Chief Petty Ofﬁcer William Surber, found Gnorman on the front page in the Home Place photo. There was no Tester Nov. 28.

Off base:

Tuition Assistance Payments Resume

Following passage of Continuing Resolution Authority, Department of the Navy is in the process of resuming funding of voluntary education programs, including tuition assistance. Effective immediately, all military tuition assistance applications for courses starting on or after Oct. 17, 2013, may be submitted.

USNA Seeks Navy Reserve Instructors

The U.S. Naval Academy needs qualiﬁed Navy Reserve ofﬁcers, especially at the ranks of lieutenant and lieutenant commander, with at least a master’s degree in an appropriate academic discipline to instruct in designated academic departments for fall 2014. Recall opportunities considered for: cyber security, information systems, and information technology; electrical engineering, computer engineering, general engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, aerospace engineering, and control systems engineering; mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, and oceanography; political science, economics, English, history, and foreign languages, including Spanish, French, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese or Japanese. For information on applying, email reserve.recall@usna.edu or call Cmdr. John Schedel at 410-293-6513.

‘Barefoot in the Park’ Open Auditions

Dec. 6, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Three Notch Theatre, Lexington Park The Newtowne Players are hosting open auditions for the upcoming romantic comedy, “Barefoot in the Park,” written by Neil Simon and directed by Thomas Esposito. The show is April 25 to May 11. Emphasis is on vocal projection, vocal variety, timing, body language and facial expressions. Those who cannot make these audition dates or times but wish to work either onstage or backstage, contact Esposito at 301737-5447. For more information, visit www.newtowneplayers.org or www.facebook.com/newtowneplayers.

Volunteer Opportunities: Huntingtown Math Club Huntingtown High School, Calvert County, Math Club is looking for speakers to visit with students to discuss their careers and how it relates to math. The club meets 11:20-11:50 a.m. Mondays. This club also participates in the Moody Mega Math Challenge and is looking for mentors to help with technical writing. Contact Amy Oursler at Ourslera@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

Book Fair at Carver Elementary Carver Elementary, Lexington Park, is looking for volunteers to help with the school’s book fair, Dec. 9-13. Duties would include helping students ﬁnd books they have on their wish list, and making sure they have enough money. Volunteers needed Monday through Friday, any time between the hours of 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact Lisa McCoy at lrmccoy@smcps.org or 301-863-4076 ext. 1030.

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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Nutcracker Tea

Commissary opens scholarship period

Scan to see more MWR events.

By Cherie Huntington Defense Commissary Agency Public Affairs Applications for the 2014 Scholarships for Military Children Program are now available at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River commissary and online at www.militaryscholar.org. This year’s award amount is $2,000 and at least one scholarship is awarded at each commissary with qualiﬁed applicants. Applicants must be a dependent, unmarried child of an active-duty service member, Reserve or Guard member, retiree or survivor of a military member who died while on active duty, or a survivor of a retiree. Applicants must also be younger than age 21, or age 23 if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university. Applicants should ensure that they and their sponsor are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database, referred to as DEERS, and have a military ID card. The applicant must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university, full time, in the fall of 2014 or be enrolled in studies designed to transfer to a four-year program. The application deadline is close of business Feb. 28, 2014. For Pax River commissary applicants, that’s 7 p.m. Applications can be hand-delivered or shipped via U.S. Postal Service or other delivery methods; they cannot be emailed or faxed. The mailing address for the Pax River commissary is: 22155 Cuddihy Road building 2173, Patuxent River MD 20670. Call scholarship managers at 856-616-9311 or email militaryscholar@scholarshipmanagers.com.

For all MWR news, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on the Fleet and Family Readiness tab. Drill Hall (recreation, ﬁtness and sports) Energy Zone Liberty Information, Travel and Tours Ofﬁce River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center Customized Creations

301-757-3943 301-995-3869 301-342-3565 301-342-3648 301-342-3656 301-342-3569

Customized Creations

36th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 175 vendors, handmade crafts and no admission fee. This event is open to the public.

White House Christmas Ornaments

Available at Customized Creations for $20 each.

River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m. Featuring a performance from Ballet Caliente. Enjoy light refreshments and then ﬂoat on a snowﬂake to the Magical Land of the Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Cost: $15, adults; $10, youths ages 11 and younger.

St. Marie’s Musica

Dec. 10 This holiday tradition continues! Join us for a dinner buffet and then be treated to a performance by St. Marie’s Musica in Renaissance period costume singing carols from several different time periods. Bring the family and enjoy the concert following dinner. Dinner, 5:30-6:45 p.m.; performance, 7 p.m. Reservations required. Cost: $18.95, members; $21.95, nonmembers; $9.95, youths ages 6-11; $3.95, children ages 5 and younger.

Naval Rec. Center Solomons Cookies with the Clauses

Dec. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of Winter Family Fun when the Clauses come and visit NRC at its 5th Annual Cookies with the Clauses. Arts and crafts with Santa’s elves, make a special cookie with Mrs. Clause, and a surprise visit and story time with Santa. Reservations for Cookies with the Clauses are required. Call the Adventure Zone at 410-286-8046.

Liberty Center

Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m. Enjoy a hot buffet while Santa and Mrs. Claus visit your table and interact with the children. Cost: $15, adults; $10, youths ages 3-10; free for children age 2 and younger.

Washington Capitals vs. New Jersey Devils Game

will determine the future of Earth and save the human race. Rated: PG-13 (1 hr, 54 min)

turous buddy comedy for audiences of all ages, two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history, and get turkey off the Thanksgiving menu for good. Rated: PG (1 hr, 31 min)

Dec. 21 Cost: $35, includes $15 concession voucher. For E-1 to E-6 single or unaccompanied active-duty military only. Register at the Information Tickets and Travel ofﬁce by Dec. 19.

Thursday, Dec. 5 6:30 p.m., The Fifth Estate Triggering our age of highstakes secrecy, explosive news leaks and the trafficking of classified information, WikiLeaks forever changed the game. Now, in a dramatic thriller based on real events, the film reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization. Rated: R (2 hr, 8 min) Friday, Dec. 6 6:30 p.m., Ender’s Game In the near future, a hostile alien race called the Formics, attack Earth, and if not for the legendary heroics of International Fleet Commander Mazer Rackham, all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the International Military are training only the best young minds to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin, a shy but strategi-

cally brilliant boy, is recruited to join the elite. Arriving at Battle School, Ender quickly and easily masters increasingly difﬁcult challenges and simulations, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers. Ender is soon ordained by Graff as the military’s next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Rackham to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that

9 p.m., About Time The night after another unsatisfactory New Year’s party, Tim’s father tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. Tim can’t change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own

life so he decides to make his world a better place, by getting a girlfriend. Tim ﬁnally meets Mary. They fall in love; then, an unfortunate timetravel incident means he has never met her at all. So they meet for the ﬁrst time again and tries to win her heart. Rated: R (2 hr, 4 min) Saturday, Dec. 7 4 p.m., Free Birds (not in 3D) In this hilarious, adven-

Sunday, Dec. 8 Free Sneak Preview 2 p.m., Lone Survivor Monday and Tuesday No Movies

6:30 p.m., Ender’s Game

Wednesday, Dec. 11

9 p.m., About Time

Ender’s Game

6:30 p.m.,

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NAS holiday gate schedule To ensure as many Sailors and Pax Pros are afforded the opportunity to take leave and enjoy the holidays, the gates for Pax will operate on the following schedule throughout the holiday period, Dec. 12 through Jan. 10.

Gate One:

Open 24/7 throughout the holiday period. Lanes will have limited augmentation. Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station: Open 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays.

Gate Two:

Open 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays. Closed weekends, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 Lanes augmented to expedite trafﬁc: Dec. 13, Dec. 16-20, Dec. 23, Dec. 30-31, Jan. 2-3 and Jan. 6-10 No augmentation: Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-27 Normal stafﬁng and operations resume Monday, Jan. 13

Gate Three:

See more FFSC classes on Facebook.

Open 5:30-9 a.m. weekdays for inbound and outbound traffic Open 3:30-5:30 p.m. weekdays for outbound traffic only Closed weekends, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1 Normal staffing and operations resume Monday, Jan. 13

For information on any class or program, call 301-342-4911.

Ready Navy

Webster Outlying Field:

The main gate is open through the holiday period The back gate off Beachville Road is closed Dec. 13 through Jan. 12 Normal stafﬁng and operations resume Monday, Jan. 13

Naval Recreation Center Solomons:

Open 24/7 throughout the holiday period.

Get a free information packet on how to prepare for winter weather and other potential emergencies at the Fleet and Family Support Center, 21993 Bundy Road, building 2090.

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, and many other difﬁculties. Make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

EFMP is a DOD program that addresses the special needs of military families. It’s important for 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 you and your family in managing your finances, resolving financial problems and to reach long-term goals. With the help of the FFSC Financial Educator, you can take control of your finances. Make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.

Classes

All classes 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.

Playgroup at Glenn Forest

Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Moms, dads and caregivers are invited to bring their children for playtime at the Glenn Forest Community Center.

01040893 1039128

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Cedar poinT LighthousE

Echoes From Our Past

Illuminating Pax River’s History

U.S. Navy photo

In December 1981, the cupola was removed using funds raised by the Friends of Cedar Point Lighthouse and brought ashore to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Museum, now the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, where Sailors began its restoration.

U.S. Navy photo

The Cedar Point Lighthouse was situated on a point of land about 150 yards off shore as seen in this 1920s photo. There were several out buildings including a bell tower. Constructed in 1896, it operated as a lighthouse until 1954. By Theresa Hopkins Atlantic Test Ranges Business Communications

nce a solid beacon guiding mariners in and out of the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, the Cedar Point Lighthouse remains an icon associated with Naval Air Station Patuxent River. For 100 years, the lighthouse complex occupied more than an acre of what was once a sandy point of land at the mouth of the Patuxent River. In 1996, a lack of funding for restoration and the impending collapse of the structure prompted its demolition. Today, its location is marked by a radar calibration tower.

Lighthouse of yesteryear

In 1894, the U.S. Coast Guard bought a 1.53-acre parcel of land at the entrance to the Patuxent River for the lighthouse site. The lighthouse was built on a sandy point where

the Patuxent River empties into the Chesapeake Bay and became operational in 1896. Once a peninsula, the point of land — now fully submerged and cut off from the mainland — was a victim of erosion, storms and subsequent dredging conducted by the sand and gravel operation that eventually bought the property from the Coast Guard. The lighthouse originally consisted of the keeper’s dwelling, a three-story cottage style home built of wood and brick. From one corner rose a square tower supporting a lantern. The complex included a brick oil house, a fog-bell tower, a frame boathouse and a small outhouse on the property. A fourth-order Fresnel lens, an intermediate sized lens, ﬂashed red every ﬁve seconds with a fog bell that struck at intervals of 30 seconds during thick or foggy weather. In 1928, the lighthouse was abandoned by the Coast Guard and all but a 10 feet by 10 feet parcel was sold to the sand and gravel mining company, Arundel Corp., for $2,100. The lighthouse was surrounded by water by this time, and an automated beacon was installed.

1894

U.S. Coast Guard buys 1.54 acres of land on the point at the entrance of the Patuxent River for lighthouse site.

September 1896

Lighthouse is completed, consisting of lighthouse/dwelling, oil house, boathouse, fogbell tower, outhouse and barn.

1928

ashore to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Museum, now called the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, where Sailors began its restoration.

Finding a New Home

On May 24, 1985, the cupola was dedicated and presented to the museum. It can still be seen on the museum’s property outside of NAS Gate 1. Static displays and a history of the lighthouse are located inside the museum. In September 1983, the lighthouse was removed from consideration of the National Register of Historic Places listings because of its lack of structural integrity. The wood,

A Look Through Time -

Water now surrounds lighthouse. Coast Guard abandons the lighthouse and sells all but a 10 feet by 10 feet plot for the Day Beacon to Arundel Sand and Gravel Corp.

1933

The Navy purchased the entire property in 1958. By then dredging had taken its toll on the foundation. Increased soil erosion and storms fostered rapid deterioration, while government funds to maintain the lighthouse were unavailable. In 1981, the Navy approved the demolition of the remaining lighthouse structure. At the time, the Navy determined that stabilizing the structure was not possible because of severe damage to the foundation caused by erosion, but that salvaging some of it was possible. In December 1981, the cupola was removed using funds raised by the Friends of Cedar Point Lighthouse and brought

Day Beacon is destroyed by storm; another beacon is installed in old fog tower owned by Arundel Sand and Gravel Corp.

1954

Aug. 1, 1958

1956

Nov. 10, 1958

Day Beacon is removed because of erosion and nearby dredging for sand. Post light is abandoned.

1957 Bell tower collapses during storm.

bricks and remaining gable roof were left to the mercy of the elements. In light of its deteriorating condition and possible threat to navigation, the naval air station, in an effort to preserve what was left, made an appeal to various groups and private citizens to solicit preservation support. In response to their interest, the lighthouse roof was removed in October 1996, and delivered to the Calvert Marine Museum. During the week of Oct. 7, the contractor responsible for its deconstruction installed bracing and supports that would allow a crane to lift the wooden third ﬂoor and roof structure intact off the lighthouse. On Oct. 17, the slate-covered roof structure was lifted off in one piece, placed on a barge, and delivered to Calvert Marina that night. Once at the marina, the slate from the porch was removed and put in secure storage. Most of the bricks were not able to be recovered because they were held together by concrete and could not be separated without destroying

U.S. Navy photo

Dredging along with wind and tide eroded the peninsula, leaving the foundation underwater and the lighthouse structure an island; circa 1990s. them. However, the contractor was able to recover bricks from the chimney inside the structure. One corner section of the lighthouse was also salvaged intact, removed and delivered to the marina. Calvert Marine Museum dismantled and inventoried the remnants, and now the sunburst decoration from the roof of the former lighthouse can be seen displayed on the wall inside the museum’s entrance. After dismantling the rest of the lighthouse and removing the remnants from the Cedar Point shallows, the Navy installed a radar calibration tower on the site for use by the Atlantic Test Ranges located nearby. Above the water line, the rock foundation that surrounded the complex remains to help prevent further erosion. The lighthouse continues its legacy at Pax River as the traditional subject of photographs presented at award ceremonies and retirements, and signiﬁes the lasting impression the beacon has had on mariners traversing the Chesapeake Bay.

1896 to the Present

Navy acquires 10-by-10-foot plot from Coast Guard. Navy acquires island from Arundel Corporation.

Dec. 11, 1981

Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Engineering Field Activity approves demolition of lighthouse.

Dec. 14, 1981

Lighthouse cupola is removed.

May 24, 1984

The cupola is dedicated and presented to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Museum, now known as the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

Oct. 19, 1995

Navy performs an evaluation of the lighthouse’s deteriorating condition.

Oct. 17, 1996

A barge and large crane remove the roof and deliver it to Calvert Marine Museum. The remnants of the lighthouse are removed.

Present day

The cupola, static displays and a history of the lighthouse are still viewable at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum outside of NAS Gate 1.

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Cedar poinT LighthousE

Echoes From Our Past

Illuminating Pax River’s History

U.S. Navy photo

Lighthouse of yesteryear

In 1894, the U.S. Coast Guard bought a 1.53-acre parcel of land at the entrance to the Patuxent River for the lighthouse site. The lighthouse was built on a sandy point where

1894

U.S. Coast Guard buys 1.54 acres of land on the point at the entrance of the Patuxent River for lighthouse site.

September 1896

Lighthouse is completed, consisting of lighthouse/dwelling, oil house, boathouse, fogbell tower, outhouse and barn.

1928

ashore to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Museum, now called the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, where Sailors began its restoration.

Finding a New Home

A Look Through Time -

Water now surrounds lighthouse. Coast Guard abandons the lighthouse and sells all but a 10 feet by 10 feet plot for the Day Beacon to Arundel Sand and Gravel Corp.

1933

Day Beacon is destroyed by storm; another beacon is installed in old fog tower owned by Arundel Sand and Gravel Corp.

1954

Aug. 1, 1958

1956

Nov. 10, 1958

Day Beacon is removed because of erosion and nearby dredging for sand. Post light is abandoned.

1957 Bell tower collapses during storm.

U.S. Navy photo

1896 to the Present

Navy acquires 10-by-10-foot plot from Coast Guard.

Navy acquires island from Arundel Corporation.

Dec. 11, 1981

Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Engineering Field Activity approves demolition of lighthouse.

Dec. 14, 1981

Lighthouse cupola is removed.

May 24, 1984

The cupola is dedicated and presented to the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Museum, now known as the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

Oct. 19, 1995

Navy performs an evaluation of the lighthouse’s deteriorating condition.

Oct. 17, 1996

A barge and large crane remove the roof and deliver it to Calvert Marine Museum. The remnants of the lighthouse are removed.

Present day

The cupola, static displays and a history of the lighthouse are still viewable at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum outside of NAS Gate 1.

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Region names Chieco as Sailor of the Year

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Pedro Rodriguez Claudio

Naval District Washington (NDW) Commandant Rear Adm. Markham Rich presents Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jared Chieco with the NDW Senior Sailor of the Year award during a ceremony at the Navy Yard, Nov. 20. Chieco is the leading petty ofďŹ cer for the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Security Department.

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New trees along Cedar Point Road By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer It’ll take a few years, but some day Cedar Point Road at Naval Air Station Patuxent River will assume the nostalgic look of a majestic tree-lined street. “Over the years, trees had died and been removed and now we’re finally replacing them,” said Kyle Rambo, conservation director at NAS Pax River. “Our vision for the future is to restore that ‘Main Street USA’ look to Cedar Point Road.” Approximately 160 trees are scheduled to be planted around the installation; many along Cedar Point and Millstone roads. “There will be some other trees scattered around, like maples and flowering cherries,” Rambo said, “but mostly we’re planting Zelkova, which is an Asian elm. It looks very similar to the American Elm, which has been decimated by a fungal blight known as Dutch elm disease.” According to arborday.org, Zelkova is highly resistant to Dutch elm disease — a fatal infection spread by elm bark beetles — and is a desirable shade tree with an appealing vase-shaped form, rounded crown and showy fall foliage. Once established, it is tolerant of wind, drought and air pollution. Rambo said that Zelkova is an ideal tree for planting close to utility lines, buildings and streets. “They have strongly supported vertical limb growth, which means not too much spreading and no lower limbs to impede visibility for traffic on Cedar Point,” he explained. “They’re easy to prune and are disease resistant.” The recently planted trees are nursery stock, approximately 8 to 10 feet tall, but will top out around 40 to 50 feet maximum when

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U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

A workman plants a Zelkova “Green Vase” tree along Cedar Point Road at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Dec. 4. Zelkova, an Asian elm, looks similar to the American Elm, but is highly resistant to Dutch elm disease, the fungal infection that has decimated the American elm. Approximately 160 trees will be planted across the installation; many of them along Cedar Point and Millstone roads. fully matured. “They grow quickly when they’re young,” Rambo said, “but will slow to medium growth upon middle age and maturity. Eventually, their branch tips will touch and they’ll form a shade canopy above Cedar Point Road.”

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Around Town

St. Mary’s County: Santa’s Workshop Provides Parents a Kid-free Shopping Day

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hollywood Recreation Center, Hollywood St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks is bringing the North Pole to Southern Maryland. Children, between 3 and 14 years, will participate in holiday themed crafts, gift making, games and activities. Pancake brunch will be served. Santa will make an appearance. Cost is $35 per child; $25 each additional sibling. Registration required at www.stmarysmd.com/ recreate or at the Recreation and Parks ofﬁce in Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200 ext. 1800 or 1801.

Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park Holiday Exhibit

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Piney Point Lighthouse, Piney Point The exhibit’s theme is “Home for Christmas” with each room of the keeper’s quarters incorporating a holiday setting from the 1800s through 1970s. Admission is $7 per adult, $3.50 for senior citizens, military personnel, and students 6 to 18. Children 5 and under get in free. Admission includes a guided tour of the museum and historic lighthouse campus.

Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit

Month of December, times vary St. Clement’s Island Museum, Colton’s Point

The museum comes alive with antique and collectible dolls, toys and working miniature trains in a holiday setting sure to delight people of all ages. The theme this year, ”A Maryland Christmas,” incorporates Maryland facts and folklore, Maryland railroads and Chesapeake Bay related displays. Maryland-themed activities for kids. Admission is $3 per adult, $2 for seniors and military, $1.50 for children 6 to 18, and kids 5 and under are free. Admission is free for everyone at the Open House on Saturday, Dec. 8. For times and information, phone the museum division ofﬁces at 301-769-2222 or visit www. stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.

Calvert County: Light Up the Town

Friday, 7-8 p.m. Town of North Beach North Beach begins the festive holiday season by lighting up the town. Onlookers gather on the pavilion as town ofﬁcials ﬂip the switch to light up the town Christmas tree and holiday displays. Don’t forget to stop by Tan’s Cycles & Parts to view the holiday train display. Call 301-855-6681 or visit www.northbeachmd.org.

Solomons Island Christmas Walk

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Calvert Marine Museum Holiday Celebration

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H H NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATED SVCS H H Please call Phyllis Houston at 301-574-3956

Friday and Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum Come and enjoy live musical entertainment, holiday crafts and refreshments. The Museum Store will be open with original gifts for everyone in the family and mem-

bers will receive 20 percent off for the entire weekend of the Solomons Island Christmas Walk starting Friday. Santa and the museum otter will also be there to join in the fun.

Garden in Lights

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Solomons Weekends in December, 6-9 p.m. A magical tour that takes visitors of all ages on a walk along the protected path, where they will be transported to a place of spectacular lights and amazing light sculpture. Guests will be surrounded by superheroes, wild animals, airplanes, pirates, princesses, dinosaurs, fantasy land and outer space to name a few. All of the “light sculptures” are designed and made at Annmarie Garden; nothing is commercially available. For speciﬁc dates and admission prices, call 410-3264640 or visit www.annmariegarden.org.

American Chestnut Land Trust Greens Sale and Beach Hayride

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Warrior’s Rest Sanctuary, Port Republic Purchase fresh cut evergreens for holiday decorations, drink hot cider and take a hayride to the beach. Greens sale beneﬁts Warrior’s Rest Sanctuary. Visit www.acltweb.org.

Holiday Parade, Santa on the Beach

Town of North Beach Saturday, Noon The annual Pat Carpenter Holiday Parade will feature Santa arriving by fire truck. Afterward, join Santa and Mrs. Claus on the beach at 1 p.m. as they visit with the children and give them a special treat. Warm up around the campﬁre and enjoy refreshments. Call 301-855-6681 or visit www.northbeachmd.org.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Holiday Open House

Railway Museum, Chesapeake Beach Sunday, 2-4 p.m. The train depot is dressed up for the holidays. Call 410-257-3892 or visit www.cbrm.org.

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Friday and Saturday A fun-ﬁlled weekend of special children’s activities, a live puppet show, open house at many of our businesses and the lighted boat parade beginning at 6:15. Stroll through our luminaria lined streets as you enjoy the sights and the sounds of the season. For details on the weekend’s activities, visit www. solomonsmaryland.com and click on Things to Do.

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be known as an ambitious, dedicated, intelligent, hard worker, Guy said. This reputation, paired with her work and leadership on the AARGM program, led to her nomination for the Star of Tomorrow award. “Nicole is a heck of a role model not just for women and Hispanics, but for everyone around here,” Guy said. “We are very fortunate to have her as a member of the PMA-242 engineering team.” Theberge plans to apply for the NAVAIR Leadership Development Program next year, and if accepted, said she looks forward to the program preparing her for more advanced leadership positions within the NAVAIR community. Andrea Watters, Naval Air Systems Command Corporate Communications, contributed to this article.

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