June 21, 2012 Tester Issue by NAS Patuxent River

Happy first day of summer!

Volume 69, Number 25

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland

June 21, 2012

Second X-47B UCAS-D arrives at Pax River By Jamie Cosgrove Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Public Affairs It was not an ordinary morning at Pax River when a large flatbed truck hauling the fighter-sized X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator, called UCAS-D, entered through the naval air station’s gate. The Navy and Northrop Grumman personnel welcomed the second X-47B, known as AirVehicle 2, or AV-2, June 14 after its crosscountry drive from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where the aircraft spent the past six months completing initial flight tests. “Our initial test phase at Edwards Air Force Base was very successful, and I am confident we will see the same success at Pax River as we prepare for shore-based carrier suitability tests in the fall,” said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Navy UCAS program manager. Engdahl said he was impressed with AV-2’s performance at Edwards and although it was the second aircraft to fly, it achieved several significant firsts for what he refers to as“Team UCAS.” On a single day in May, AV-2 flew two consecutive flights; completed a heavyweight landing; reached a high-speed test point; and completed a touch-and-go for the first time. AV-2 is identical to its sister aircraft, except it incorporates the hardware required to perform autonomous aerial refueling, known as AAR, a technology the UCAS-D team has been developing to fuel unmanned aircraft in flight. The Navy UCAS program is a demonstration intended to identify and reduce technical

U.S. Navy photo by Steven Kays

The second X-47B, known as Air Vehicle 2, arrives at Pax River June 14 after its cross-country drive from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. AV-2 is similar to its sister aircraft, which arrived at Pax on Dec. 20, except it incorporates the hardware required to perform autonomous aerial refueling, a technology the UCAS-D team has been developing to fuel unmanned aircraft in flight. risks associated with developing potential future unmanned, carrier-compatible systems.

The program will also demonstrate AAR capability, which has the potential to signifi-

BAMS unveiling sets aviation milestone By Michelle Connolly PMA-262 Communications Support The unmanned aircraft community received its first glimpse of the U.S. Navy’s MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aircraft system during an unveiling ceremony June 14 at Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif., manufacturing plant. "This year, we have seen the rollout of a new patrol aircraft and now, the beginning of an unmanned tradition in our fleet with the rollout of BAMS," said Adm. Mark Ferguson, vice chief of naval operations, who attended the ceremony. "BAMS is uniquely suited to meet the demands of the maritime environment and give us the advantage we will need in the future. History will record this introduction as a milestone in the second hundred years of naval aviation." Now officially called the Triton, the MQ-4C’s unveiling caps more than four years of development with the company for the surveillance aircraft. The Triton will be an adjunct to the P-8A Poseidon as part of the Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force family of systems. “It’s a phenomenal event to see the fruits of our labor come to fruition after four years of hard work and dedication

cantly increase the endurance and range of carrier-based unmanned aircraft.

News Briefs Water restrictions

St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission has imposedLevel2WaterRestrictionsonForrestFarm,andLevel 1 Water Restrictions on Leonardtown Farms and the Villages at Leonardtown. Residents of those neighborhoods shouldlimitoutdoorirrigationandtheuseofwaterforoutdoor cleaning. For information call 301-737-7400, ext. 101.

Household hazardous waste collection

Calvert County residents may bring household hazardous waste from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to the Appeal Landfill, 401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby. Proof of residency required.Commercialbusinessesareprohibited.Call410-3260210 or visit www.co.cal.md.us to see materials accepted.

New NAVAIR parking garage traffic pattern Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman

Nearly 300 people, including Northrop Grumman, Navy and community officials, turn out for the unveiling of the MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aircraft system during a ceremony June 14 at Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif., manufacturing plant. Officially called the Triton, the MQ-4C’s unveiling caps more than four years of development with the company for the surveillance aircraft. to this program,” said Capt. James Hoke, program manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office, which manages the Triton program.“We are looking forward to continuing testing and evaluation, parts

assembly and installation and radar riskreduction tests.” The next steps for theTriton program involve continued testing, functional re-

See BAMS, Page 7

Construction begins Saturday at the NAVAIR Parking Garage, Bldg. 2273. New signage and striping will be installed to implement a one-way traffic pattern to provide better visibility for vehicles and pedestrians.The garage is expected to reopen Monday. Be cautious when driving in the garage and aware of directional arrows and signage.

Vacation Bible School

The Pax River Chapel is accepting pre-registrations for Vacation Bible School, to be held at the Religious Program Center, Bldg. 401, 8 a.m. - noon, Aug. 6-10. To volunteer or for information, call Religious Program Specialist Petty Officer 2nd Class Harrald at 301-342-3811 or DonnaWaldron at 301-863-2480. Register early to ensure a spot.

See News Briefs, Page 5

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

USNTPS graduates Class 141 By Rich Harris USNTPS Public Liaison The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School graduated class 141 June 15 at the River's Edge Catering and Conference Center. Thirty-one students successfully completed an intense, 10-month course of instruction to be designated as test pilots and test naval flight officers. Lt. Cmdr. G. Reid Wiseman, U.S. Naval Test Pilot School graduate and NASA astronaut, was the guest speaker. Wiseman was an F14 Tomcat pilot initially assigned to Fighter Squadron 31 and made two deployments to the Middle East supporting Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. A graduate of TPS Class 125 Wiseman reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 2009 and completed astronaut candidate training in May 2011. He is scheduled to fly a six-month mission to the International Space Station launching on a Russian Soyuz rocket in May 2014. Wiseman has flown more than 2,500 hours in 30 aircraft and logged 534 arrested landings. His military decorations include the Air Medal with Combat “V”, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” the Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign and service awards.Wiseman is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the Tailhook Association. Col. Roger L. Cordell, Commander, NavalTestWing Atlantic, and Cmdr. Brandt A. Moslener, Commanding Officer USNTPS, handed out diplomas and congratulations to the new testers, hailing from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and the United Kingdom. Ron Carlson, Professor of Practice, Department of Sys-

U.S. Navy Photo by Liz Wolter.

United States Naval Test Pilot School Class 141, which graduated June 16, celebrated by having their photo taken along with the faculty June 15 in Hangar 110. tems Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School, presented master’s degrees in Aeronautical Engineering to Lt. Devin P. Corrigan, Lt. Allan Jesperson and Lt. Daniel W. Person. The degree program is conducted in cooperation with the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Lt. Daniel Person received the Outstanding Developmental Phase II Award from Lt. Cmdr. John Holder, Royal Navy, representing the Empire Test Pilot School in Boscombe Down, U.K. This award recognizes one person

in the class who produced the best final report, and is symbolic of the longstanding and mutually supporting relationship between the Empire Test Pilot School in the United Kingdom and the U.S. Naval Test Pilot. Retired Capt. Bob Wirt, Vice President of the Patuxent River Council of the Navy League of the United States, presented the Sid Sherby Award to Army Maj. Mike Osmon. The award is presented to the student who displays exemplary leadership in the class. In 1945 Sid Sherby established the Test Pilot Train-

ing Division, which later became the U.S. NavalTest Pilot School. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Anthony Koselke received the Commander Willie McCool Outstanding Student Award, which recognizes the top performing student in academics, flight performance and technical report writing. Lt. Col. Gregory Fortier, USNTPS Executive Officer, presented the award. The Willie McCool Award is sponsored by the Association of Naval Aviation and named after Cmdr. Willie McCool, a USNTPS alumnus who was

tragically lost in the space shuttle Columbia accident. Twenty-four students completed the requirements for the engineering test pilot course. The new test pilots are: Lt. Daniel E. Allen, Lt. Nathan D. Atkinson, Lt. Michael P. Bernard Jr., Lt. Patrick B. Bookey, Lt. Devin P. Corrigan, Lt. Collier C. Crouch, Flight Lt. Andrew L.C. Edgell, Royal Air Force, Lt. Seth J. Ervin, Lt. Allan Jesperson, ChiefWarrant Officer Anthony H. Koselke USA, Lt. Charles A Larwood III, Lt. Troy A. Leveron, Capt. Rebecca R. Massey USMC, Maj.

Letter to the Editor:

Biggest thanks to Navy volunteers Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum would like to thank all of the fine Navy personnel for the help they gave for our Children’s Day on the Farm event held June 3. We had an overwhelming response from the Navy to our call for volunteers. Sixteen Navy personnel volunteered on Friday setting up our very large tents, moved bales of straw, moved ta-

bles, chairs and benches. On Sunday we had over twelve Navy personnel (and some had their families come also) help with event activities ranging from hay wagon rides, weaving, children’s pedal tractors, art tent, shelling corn and directing traffic. On Monday, the Navy came back again…this was a most grueling day. Nine personnel helped take down all of the tents and then

had to reset the biggest tent at another site at the park for an event the next weekend. They also broke down all of the other setups used for this event. We are located in Calvert County, quite a distance from NAS Patuxent River, and appreciate the effort and miles volunteers traveled to help us. More than 3,000 people attended this year’s Children’s Day on the

Farm and we could not do this without the help of volunteers. The many Navy volunteers made all the difference to us this year in putting on this event. Thanks to Command Master ChiefWilliam Lloyd-Owen for doing such a fine job of passing the word throughout the command on this volunteer request. A very special thanks to AM1 Rafael Custodia, Fleet Readiness Center

Zachariah G. Morford USA, Maj. Michael L. Osmon USA, Lt. Jose L. Pabon, Lt. Daniel W. Person, Lt. Daniel J. Peters, Maj. Kyle D. Petroskey USA, Lt. Joseph W. Pope, Lt. Daniel D. Ropp, Lt. Jon P. Silverberg, Capt. Derek G. Spear USAF and Maj. Jay M. Zarra USMC. Seven students completed the engineering test flight officer course: Lt. Joshua R. Hattery, Lt. Marques D. Jackson, Lt. Jae Y. Kim, Lt. David J. Parnell, Lt. Nicole J. Pelton, Lt. Russell M. Rohring and Lt. Eric J. Stone.

Mid-Atlantic Pax River, for his enthusiastic help in passing out the word, organizing and recruiting so many volunteers. Thanks also to all of the others who sent out the call for volunteers. We cannot thank you all enough for helping to bring this fun, family event to our Southern Maryland community. We’re very lucky and proud to have you as “neighbors” across the river.

Jean Campbell Campbell Volunteer Coor Coordinator dinator Jefferson Patterson Patterson Park and Museum Museum www.jefpat.org www .jefpat.org

Thursday, June 21, 2012

History and Heritage Note

Tester

By R. Mark Cummings Guest Contributor One of our greatest naval treasures is moored at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Charlestown, Mass., a mere two miles from Boston. The Navy’s oldest commissioned ship, the USS Constitution promotes the United States Navy and America’s naval heritage through educational outreach, public access and historic demonstrations, in port and under way. But it almost never made it past the early 1800s. After playing a significant role in the War of 1812 and earning its famous nickname, “Old Ironsides,” undergoing extensive repairs afterwards, and serving as flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron, the USS Constitution was deemed unfit for sea after an inspection in 1830. Congress, considering the projected cost of repairs, decided to either sell or scrap the ship. A Boston poet, Oliver Wendell Holmes, wrote a poem in protest of the proposed scrapping. The poem was first published in the Boston Daily Advertiser and again in papers in New York, Philadelphia and Washington. The poem read as follows: Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky; Beneath it rung the battle shout, And burst the cannon's roar;-The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more! Her deck, once red with heroes' blood, Where knelt the vanquished foe,

Courtesy photo

When winds were hurrying o'er the flood And waves were white below, No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquered knee;-- The harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea! Oh, better that her shattered hulk Should sink beneath the wave; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave; Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the God of storms,-The lightning of the gale! Holmes’ poem stirred incredible public sentiment for the USS Constitution; Congress reversed course and appropriated money for her repairs in 1833. The ship entered the Charlestown Navy Yard for overhaul on June 24, 1833, and returned to commissioned service in 1835.

Pax’s AUVSI Seafarer Chapter hosts 10th Annual UAS Competition Story and photos by Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Volunteers from NAS Patuxent River wrapped up judging for the 10th Annual Student Unmanned Air Systems Competition at Webster Outlying Field last weekend with Universite de Sherbrooke taking the overall title and proving their system, dubbedValkyrieVI , the best among 26 other teams from around the world. Led by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the annual competition is“aimed at stimulating and fostering interest in unmanned systems, technologies and careers,” according to the AUVSI website. Tim Piester, AUVSI Seafarer Chapter president, said there’s a need to get new, young engineers in the field for unmanned systems because many of the current ones will retire in the next few years. “These students and their talent is what the government is looking for, and there is an industry here for them to work in,” Piester said. A participant since the beginning, Dr. Dave Burke, chair of Naval UAS Interface Control Working Group at NAVAIR, said the competition steered him into the field of aerospace engineering a few years ago. “I was doing ground robotics when we entered the first competition; that was my focus,” he said. It encouraged him to continue on to graduate school where he earned his master’s degree in computer engineering, and then he transitioned into aerospace engineering for his doctorate, focusing on UAS air worthiness.

Bailey coined

Now he’s employed by the Navy at NAVAIR and volunteers as the primary UAS team mentor for Great Mills High School team. Other teams joining Great Mills High School in the competition this year included undergraduates from as far away as India and Turkey, and high school students from Hampton Roads High School in Virginia. The competition challenged students to reconfigure a radio-controlled model aircraft and outfit it for an autonomous airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission. There were three parts to the competition: a journal paper, an oral presentation and a flight demonstration. Points were awarded in each area based on autonomy, systems engineering, mission accomplishment and safety.

The Journal

About a month before they came for the flight demonstrations, each team submitted a 21-page journal describing their system’s design and the reason behind their design choices. Along with the physical and engineering descriptions, the teams had to include in the journal their system’s test and evaluation results, and all safety issues.

The Presentation

On June 14, the teams briefed their system to a panel of judges similar to a Flight Readiness Review. This included a system safety overview, developmental test results, evidence of likely mission accomplishment and a premission brief. After their presentations, teams underwent a five-minute question and answer

See UAS, Page 10

U.S. Navy photo by Karen Abell

Deb Bailey, security manager for Naval Air Warfare Center - Aircraft Division receives a security director's coin from Stephen Baden, NAWCAD security director, at a May 30 Department of the Navy Enterprise Security conference. Bailey is a security, education, training and awareness and Hawkeye, Advanced Hawkeye and Greyhound Program Office (PMA-231) security manager.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Fleet and Family Support Center Call 301-342-4911 for reservations or to volunteer.

Hours of Operation

Monday –Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Play Group at Outdoor Kiddie Pool

Resume Writing

Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Moms, dads, and caregivers may bring children for playtime, activities and to meet other military families. Ages 0 through preschool. Open to all military families.

June 26, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Explore trends and techniques for writing the best resume. Don't get passed over because your resume lacks keywords or isn't in the preferred format. Seating is limited.

Budgeting for Baby

June 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Bldg. 401 The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society will illustrate the hidden costs of a growing family. All Navy and Marine Corps service members who attend receive a new layette worth more than $100.

Consumer Awareness

June 27, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn to identify and defend yourself against financial threats like predatory lending, identity theft and other scams.

Interviewing Techniques

July 2, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Practice personal presentation skills, answer common job interview questions, write

Summer moves booked to late August By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Specialist Summer’s here and that means peak moving season. While service members have heard it time and again – schedule a pack out date as soon as orders are in hand – those planning to move during the 2012 moving season definitely should heed that warning. It’s not unusual for the moving volume to be high from June through August, but according to Base Supply Officer Lt. Cmdr. Monica Agarwal, there is already a two-month delay in scheduling moves. “It’s not just a Pax River issue but we can help by planning ahead,” said Capt.Ted Mills, NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer. “Moving is stressful enough already. Supervisors can be part of the solution by allowing their Sailors time to take care of their families and households. In the long run, it helps all our Shipmates.” While the average processing time is three

to six weeks, Agarwal said it’s actually longer on the East Coast because there’s a higher concentration of military in the area. Add to that the fact that there are a limited number of carriers available here. “Even if we could add more, carriers have a limited number of trucks and people available,” she said. Instead of waiting for the backlog to clear out, service members can do a Personally Procured Moved, formally called a Do-It-Yourself or DITY move. This alternate moving method offers members the option of moving all or some of their own household goods. Members electing to do a full PPM can be paid up to 95 percent of what it would have cost the government to do the move (depending on the branch of service). Keep in mind, there are weight limits for household goods depending on rank and the number of family members, and any costs over the reimbursable percentage will not be paid. Those willing to wait out the backlog must notonlybookassoonasordersareinhand,they shouldalsobeflexibleinarrangingtheirpacking

andpick-updates.Ifpossible,schedulethepack and pick-up dates after the peak season. Those on short-notice orders are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk detachment here in Bldg. 588. The moving industry suggests scheduling a two-day pick-up date in case something happens and it can’t be completed in one day. Members should also schedule primary and alternate packing dates and pick-up dates. “Plan ahead and be prepared to be flexible with your move dates,” Agarwal said. “Expect delays and non-availability of specific move dates, too.” Remember, dates are not confirmed until orders have been turned in to the worldwide Personal Property Shipping Offices and the member is contacted by the carrier to finalize.

In an effort to make military moves easier, the Department of Defense uses the Defense Personal Property System at www.Move.mil, which can be accessed from any computer

follow-up and thank-you letters and negotiate job offers.

Myers Briggs July 9, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator helps you have increased insight into yourself and others. MBTI is useful for self awareness, career interest, relationships and leadership. Re-evaluate how you behave and interact with others.

Stress Management July 10, 2:30-4 p.m. Manage your stress by learning what it is, what causes it and how to help yourself get a handle on it. with Internet access. The full-service tool gives members the ability to: - Self-counsel and submit an application online. - Track a shipment. - Update contact information at any time. - File a claim online and settle directly with a Transportation Service Provider. - Help ensure only quality, reputable companies handle and ship personal belongings by completing the customer satisfaction survey. If not already registered for a DPS account, go to the DPS portal website at www.move.mil and click on the DPS Registration tab at the top. Once submitted, applicants receive an email within six hours. Members do not need orders to establish an account, but orders are needed to complete counseling and secure a personal property pick-up date. Once registered for a DPS account, the system can be accessed from any computer with Internet access. The website also provides information about the household goods movement process and includes tips for moving, weight allowance, details for arranging the household goods pick-up, delivery, storage, shipping firearms and privately owned vehicles, and more.

U.S. Colored Troops honored at last Story and photos by Chris Basham Tester Editor After decades of lobbying, fundraising and planning, the United States Colored Troops Memorial Monument was unveiled June 16 at John C. Lancaster Park in Lexington Park, Md. The statue, depicting a USCT soldier, was sculpted by Gary Casteel, in honor of two St. Mary's County residents who earned the Medal of Honor for their gallantry in the Battle of Chaffin's Farm in Sept. 1864. The monument is also intended to honor all AfricanAmerican service members, slave and free, who fought during the Civil War. The monument is expected to be a tourist attraction for travelers to Maryland and historians throughout the state. "It's a great distinction for tourism. The only other one in Maryland is on the Eastern Shore." said Kelsey Bush of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. "It's larger than the one that's in D.C. That's intentional." The project began twenty years ago, when Idolia Shubrooks found her father's USCT muster papers in the attic of the family home. She started researching the Civil War efforts of St.Mary'sCounty'sAfrican-Americanresidents. "Some of our troops were slaves before going into the Army, and they endured a lot," Shubrooks said. "Looking at the statue, it almost makes me feel that it's my grandfather, Alexander Armstrong, so that is what I will call him. Bring your children to see my grandfather, here." The monument's construction was funded

in part through a state bond bill sponsored by Maryland Senator Roy P. Dyson (D-Dist. 29.), matched by individual and corporate contributions to the project, in a grassroots fundraising effort sponsored by the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions, led by Dr, JaniceWalthour and Nathaniel Scroggins, at a total cost of approximately $200,000. "Janice and Nat worked feverishly, trying to get this thing to completion," said Shubrooks. In her remarks, Walthour said that more than 6,500 African-Americans were enslaved in Maryland at the time of the Civil war. More than 700 of them were recruited to the USCT, joined by more than 60 white Union soldiers from St. Mary's County. "On this sesquicentennial of the CivilWar, we can verify that the lives of these American heroes who died to end slavery and maintain the heritage of freedom--their sacrifices will not be forgotten by the public,"Walthour said. Former St. Mary's County Commissioner Dan Raley, approached by Shubrooks early in the planning stages, credited Shubrooks' tenacity for seeing the project through to completion. "I remember the many phone calls Idolia gave me. When things were good, she called me 'Dan,'" Raley said. "When they were bad, I was 'Mr. Commissioner.'" The unveiling ceremony was attended by historians, genealogists, and activists from across the region. "It's so nice to be among dedicated people who love the history of the blacks," said, Washington,D.C.-basedgenealogistandCivilWarhistorian Agnes Callum, author of three books on the USCT. "Idolia came to me and from then on

Idolia Shubrooks displays her grandfather's United States Colored Troops muster papers, an attic find which inspired her to work for two decades to create the monument and foster recognition of the service and sacrifices of African American service members during the Civil War. I paid very much attention to the work she did." NAS Patuxent River Executive Officer Capt. Ben Shevchuk praised the USCT who "poured their lives into this kind of history, through hard times, heroic times, and great sorrow.We know what this country is capable of (thanks to the lives of these men)," said Shevchuk. "My parents were immigrants, and many others came overseas to be Americans." The ceremony included a roll call of the Sons of St. Mary's Union Veterans, and remarks by Sue Kullen, representing U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.); St. Mary's County Commissioners Francis "Jack" Russell and Todd Morgan; Duane Whitlock, Camp Commander, James H. Harris Camp #38, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and Con-

gressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). "Too many of our citizens throughout historywerenotseen,weretakenforgranted,were considered property," said Hoyer. "That young manshowedcourageandconvictionandisthe symbolofpeopleofcoloraskedtoserveacountry that did not see them as full citizens, and extraordinarily, they did it. Not because their country treated them well, but because of what they dreamed this country could be. We've come a long way. There's a long way to go." The monument is located at John C. Lancaster Park, Willows Road, Lexington Park, Md. For more information, visit www.ucaconline.org/. For more photographs of the ceremony and monument, visit www.Facebook .com/NASPaxRiver.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Liberty Programs Ocean City Beach Trip

The Liberty program sponsors free or reduced-price events for Pax River active duty E1-E6 Sailors as a component of the Single Sailor Program. Civilian guests are not allowed to participate unless otherwise stated. For information call 301-342-4208 or contact Manager Mindy Mackey at 301-342-3565 or mindy.mackey@navy.mil.

NEWS BRIEFS Continued from 1

Pax River Water Quality Consumer Confidence report

The NAS Patuxent River Public Works Department Environmental Compliance Division has prepared the annual Consumer Confidence Report on the Quality of DrinkingWater for NAS Pax River residents and employees. Go to https://mynavair.navair.navy.mil/commandannouncements it is listed as NAS Patuxent River 2011 CCR 6/14/2012. For information contact Lance McDaniel at 301-7572903 or lance.mcdaniel@navy.mil.

Have you found a cane?

A black, adjustable cane with a curved handle has been lost on Shaw Road's westbound lane in the vicinity of Bldg. 2187 (South Engineering) and the traffic circle. If found call Gerald Tschabold at 301-342-0216.

Grief camp for children

Camp Phoenix is a summer day camp for youth, ages 7 to 15, who are grieving the death of someone close. This year’s session is 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. July 11, 12, and 13 at King’s Landing Park in Huntingtown. Registration is required. For information or to register, call Stacey Newman at 410-535-0892 x#2201 or email snewman@calverthospice.org. Free to Calvert County residents.

Fight elder abuse

Learn what constitutes elder abuse, how to recognize it and what to do if you suspect abuse 1 p.m. June 21 at Pegg Road Senior Housing, 21895 Pegg Road, Lexington Park. For information call 301-475-4200 ext. 1073.

Citizens urged to “Dump the Pump”

June 30 Spend the day at one of the most popular beaches in the mid-Atlantic. Play minigolf, volleyball or Frisbee, or just relax on the beach. Cost of $5 covers transportation. Register at the ITT Office by June 27.

Spend 4th of July in D.C.

Spend Independence Day in our Nation's Capitol, and end the night viewing the fireworks. Cost of $5 covers transportation to and from D.C. Register at the ITT Office by July 2.

Try local public transit as part of National Dump the Pump Day on June 22. For information about this event, and other STS Services, contact the Department of Public Works and Transportation at 301-863-8400, extension 1120. STS schedules and fares are at www.stmary smd.com under Transportation.

Safe Sitter Summer Camp

Safe Sitter 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. June 25-29, CollegeofSouthernMaryland,BuildingB,RoomB315, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown is a medically accurate, hands-on program that teachesyouth ages11-14 howtohandleemergencies when caring for children. This class teachessafeandnurturingchildcaretechniques andappropriateresponsestomedicalemergencies. $119. For more information call 301-9347634, email kmcdonald1@csmd.edu or visit www.csmd.edu/KidsCollege.

The 2012 General Election is this November; register to vote at the NAS Pax River Voting Assistance Office, open 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at the Gate One Pass & ID office, Bldg 2189. For information visit www.fvap.gov.

Meet the Fleet!

NAVAIR hosts VMU-1, Cargo Unmanned Aerial System detachment to NAS Pax River, for a post-deployment, all-hands debrief and a question and answer session 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. July 10 at the Center Stage Theater. Register by calling 301-757-1487 or email navairpao@navy.mil.

Want Sunday Mass on base?

Attention Catholic service members: Fr. Mike Dolan, Capt., MC, USN (ret.), the Catholic priest at NAS Pax River, plans to initiate a Sunday evening/night Mass for mili-

Summary of Mishaps By Derek Nelson Naval Safety Center

Get ready for a few more continuing education units from the correspondence college of hard knocks. A fire controlman 3rd class from an amphibious assault ship went swimming at a beach and sliced open his leg on a submerged rock. When he got home, his leg was still bleeding, according to the report, he "cauterized the wound with a hot butter knife resulting in a second-degree burn." If you have to go to the doc, I always

say, make it worthwhile. The medical report for a private 1st class in Florida is worth quoting almost in its entirety. Its terse prose has a Hemingway-esque quality. "While fishing, E-2 caught a fish," according to the report. "E-2 then kicked the fish." The fish had some sort of barb on its body (I'm thinking catfish). The barb stuck in the E-2's foot. "Recommend not to kick fish," the report suggested. This one puzzled me. I've done a fair amount of fishing and I've caught my share, but I can't remember a single time that I (or any of my fishing buddies) felt

Barracks BBQ

July 5, 5 p.m. Enjoy food, music, friendly competition and games right in your backyard. Free.

Bowling with Liberty

July 9, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Bowl for free. Free pizza and soda until 7:30 p.m. or until supplies run out. Open to E1-E6 single or unaccompanied active duty and 1 guest 18 or older.

Come for Texas Hold 'Em Tuesdays, Game Night Wednesdays and Free Pizza and Movie Night Thursdays. tary personnel and their families. Call Fr. Mike 301-342-3811 or e-mail thomas.harrald@navy.mil to say when you would like Sunday evening Mass to occur.

Family tree researchers needed

Have you traced your ancestors back to the Mayflower--or found cousins you didn't know existed, living nearby? If you are learning about your family history, contact the Tester to be included in an upcoming article. Email testernews@dcmilitary.com to schedule a quick interview.

Underage drinking panel

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the Community Alcohol Coalition, is sponsoring a forum to discuss the legal consequences of underage alcoholism, underage alcohol use and provisions of alcohol to minors 6 p.m. June 26 in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room inside the Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown. For information call Jaclyn Shaw at 301-475-6184 or email Jaclyn_Shaw@smhwecare.com.

Water Country USA Trip

July 14, Departs 8 a.m. Enjoy fun in the sun. $25.00 per person covers park entrance and transportation. Register at MWR ITT Office by July 11.

Text 2 Connect Program

***Be the first to hear about free tickets, trips and events. E1-E6 single or unaccompanied Sailors receive news and updates directly to their cell phones. Join by texting "PAXLIBERTY" to 30364.

Section 508 training

If you buy, develop or use Electronic Information Technology, the Section 508 training eventisdesignedforyou.Targetaudienceiscontent publishers, web developers, web masters, managers, supervisors, procurement specialist and funding sponsors. All NAVAIR, NAWC and FRC personnel are invited 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m . June 28 at The River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center. Register at https://myteam.navair.navy.mil/Pages/reg.aspx

Veteran hiring fair

Meet face-to-face with veteran-friendly national, regional and local employers 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 28 at Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, S.E.Washington, D.C. Mentoring sessions will focus on resume building, resume writing, and interview techniques. For information call Chris Adams at 513-677-7055 for information.

Veteran support group forms

The Total Force Strategy & Management Department sponsors no-cost Stress Management training for civilian and military employees 8 a.m. - noon June 28. Participants learn to recognize stress and practice techniques to deal with its physical and mental strain on their bodies. To register, submit a planned training request through the Navy ERP Portal via https://ep.erp.navy.mil. NOTE: Contractors may attend on a spaceavailable basis. To apply, fax the Course Coordinator (301342-4523) a completed Contractor Nomination Form which can be found at: www.navair.navy.mil/TFSMD/training/indextraining.html

Veterans of all armed services are welcome to reconnect with fellow service members, instill a feeling of camaraderie, discuss professional and personal issues and have fun. Veterans and their families may attend a free Southern Maryland Blue Crabs minor league baseball game, 6:35 p.m June 23 at Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Dr., Waldorf, in support of veterans' appreciation.They are also looking for a wounded warrior to throw out the first ball of the game.The Home2 Suites Hotel in Lexington Park will host a veteran support group meeting 4 p.m. June 28, for all Pax River wounded warriors and veterans. This is an opportunity to get together for an informative and social event. To register email david.shaw2@navy.mil with the number of guests.

the need to kick anything that we caught, including a large freshwater clam, or half of a rusty soda can that darted back and forth in the water with surprising realism, or a snapping turtle. Catching actual fish always seems like a good thing. I wouldn't want to spend a week on Limited Duty hobbling around and repeatedly answering the question, "Hey, what did you do to your foot?" Especially if I had to tell the truth. Speaking of LIMPDU, a private first class ended up with his cell phone under his refrigerator. As usual, the report didn't explain how this happened, but needless to say, he had to retrieve it. You can't be

minus your cell phone for any length of time. No telling when you might need it. If you're alone, you might have to call someone for help. For instance, after you drop the refrigerator on your foot while trying to retrieve your phone. You can also call your chain of command to tell them you're heading to medical. In Illinois, a seaman recruit was going to participate in a blood drive. Unfortunately, he started bleeding before the nurse could swab off his arm and stick in the needle, because he slipped, fell and gashed his chin. At least a nurse was handy, but I'm not sure that he got his cookie and juice. Until we meet again, if you catch any fish, I recommend you either put them back or put them in the frying pan. Other than that, you're on your own.

Stress Management training

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

IronMan Triathlon Summer Challenge

Through August 31 Log workouts and complete an IronMan triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) on your own time by August 31toearnacompletionshirt.Call301-995-3869forinformation.

Tennis and Soccer Camps

Red White and Blue Golf Tournament

Teen Camp 2012

June 30 Open to all authorized patrons with a valid USGA handicap. Call the Pro Shop for information at 301-342-3597.

Cardboard Boat Race at NRC Solomons

July 1, 6 p.m. Buildandpaddleacardboardboat.Basicsupplies(cardboard, plastic and duct tape only!) will be provided. Be at the Riverside Beachat6p.m.readytorace.Opentoactiveduty,reserveandretired military, DoD and family members. Call 410-286-8047 for information.

Register for our annual soccer and tennis camps, to be held: June 25-29, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. July 2-3, 5-7, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. For information call 301-342-1694.

Better Ball Golf Tournament

Thursdays are active duty only. The workouts consist of running, plyometrics and strength and endurance training. Call 301-342-5449 for information.

Register your teen age 13-17 at the Rassieur Youth Center. Teen Camp runs from 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. July 10-12, July 17-19, July 24-26, July 31-Aug 2, Aug 7-9. Call 301-342-1694 for information.

Work out at Cedar Point Beach

July 4; 7 a.m. - noon Reserve your own tee time between 7 a.m. and noon and register the day of the event before teeing off. Open to all authorized patrons with a valid USGA handicap. Call 301-3423597 for information.

4th of July Parade at NRC Solomons

Through August 30; 7 a.m. MWR Fitness will work you out! Tuesdays are for all station personnel.

3 p.m. Whether you bring your pooch dressed up as Uncle Sam, your little red wagon with stars and stripes, a bicycle with streamers or a golf cart with balloons, show your American pride. Open to active duty, reserve and retired military, DoD and family members. Call 410-286-8047 for information.

4th of July at the River's Edge

6 p.m. Enjoy a casual buffet until 8 p.m., entertainment 7 p.m. 9:30 p.m. and Solomons fireworks at dusk! (Tickets are non refundable and must be purchased by June 29. Adults $25, Children 10 and under $10. NAS Patuxent River sincerely thanks and appreciates Lincoln Military Housing, sponsor of this event. However, neither the Navy nor any part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor, product or service.

Throw out Three Golf Tournament

July 14; 7 a.m. - noon "Throw out the three worst holes" at the Cedar Point Golf course tournament. Reserve your own tee times between 7 a.m. and noon. Register before tee off. $10 to participate. Open to all authorized patrons with a valid USGA handicap. Call 301342-3597 for information.

Auditions for Missoula Theater's "Cinderella"

July 23; 7:45 - 9:45 a.m. - Center Stage Theater Open auditions will be held for children grades 1-12. Arrive by 7:30 a.m. and stay for entire audition. First rehearsal begins 15-30 minutes after auditions. Cast of 50-60 children will be chosen. Not all children who audition are guaranteed a role. Pre-register by emailing sarah.hagensick@navy.mil.

Station Championships at Cedar Point Golf Course

July 28-29 Open to active duty military assigned to Pax River orWebster Field with a valid USGA handicap. Entry fee $50 includes green fees. Assigned tee times and pairings (no requests accepted). 36 holes stroke play Flights by handicap. Register July 1 - 22. Call 301-342-3597 for information.

NAVAIR diversity training

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NAVAIRwillhostanationaldiversitydaytrainingevent10a.m. to 3 p.m. June 26 at the River’s Edge Conference Center. The event will highlight NAVAIR’s commitment to a culture of diversity and inclusion in a national forum with “Discovering Innovation through Diversity” as the theme. Event speakers include leading experts on the subject of diversity and inclusion: Frans Johansson, author of“The Medici Effect” — read a PDF copy of the “The Medici Effect” online at http://www.themedicigroup.com/medicieffect.pdf Dr. Steve Robbins of“Unintentional Intolerance” fame Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Ken Barrett, recently named chief diversity officer for General Motors and formerly the head of the Department of Defense’s Diversity Office Jo Linda Johnson, EEOC director for training and education Karen Penn, vice president of diversity for the Health Care Market and Government Services Division of Sodexo, Inc. TheeventwillalsoshowcasethemanyongoingNAVAIRinitiativestobuildaculturethatvaluesdiversityandinclusion.NAVAIR’s Executive Diversity Council and advisory teams will present their work and discuss ways employees can become involved. For more information, visit https://mynavair.navair.navy.mil/ navairdiversityday. To register for the event, visit http://www.regonline.com/navairdiversityday. Note: Employees must pay a lunch fee at the time of registration. For any special accommodations, including sign language interpreting, please contact Johnny Clark or Kathy Finkbeiner at 301-995-4328.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

BAMS

Center Stage Movies

Continued from 1 301-342-3572 PRICES: $4.50 for an adult (E1-E5) $3.50 - Adult $2.50 for a child ages 6-11 (E1-E5) FREE for 5 and under. $1 extra charged for all 3D movies, includes glasses.

ing global safety and security. (2 hrs, 22 min) Rated:PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference.

Thursday, June 21 6:30 p.m.: Think Like a Man Four men have their love lives shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Steve Harvey’s book and take his advice to heart. When the band of brothers realize they’ve been betrayed by one of their own, they conspire to turn the table and teach the women a lesson. (2 hrs, 2 min) Rated: PG-13 for sexual content, some crude humor and brief drug use.

Friday, June 22 6:30 p.m.: The Avengers (3D) Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow answer the call to action when Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., initiates a daring, globe-spanning recruitment effort to assemble The Avengers team to defeat an unexpected enemy threaten-

9:30 p.m.: Dark Shadows In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England, to start a new life in America. But even an ocean wasn’t enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Barnabas makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard who dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. (2 hrs) Rated:PG-13 for comic horror violence, sexual content, some drug use, language and smoking

best: adventure! Saturday, June 23 Rated PG for mild action, 4 p.m.: Pirates Band rude humor and some lanof Misfits (3D) With a rag-tag crew at his guage. Runtime: 1 hr, 28 min side, and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked 6:30 p.m.: Dark Shadows against him, the Captain has 9 p.m.: The Avengers (3D) one dream: to beat his bitter Sunday, June 24 rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz to the much coveted 2 p.m.: The Avengers (3D) Pirate of the Year Award. Mondays and Tuesdays Along the way they battle a diNo Movies abolical queen and team up with a haplessly smitten Wednesday, June 27 young scientist but never lose sight of what a pirate loves 6:30 p.m.: Dark Shadows

quirements review and first flight for the system development and demonstration aircraft, called SDD-1. SDD-2 will follow a few months behind SDD-1. The Triton air vehicle, which has a 130.9-foot wingspan, is based on the Air Force’s RQ-4B Global Hawk, while its sensors are based on components and systems already fielded in the Department of Defense inventory. The Triton’s new features include the AN/ZPY-3 multifunction active-sensor radar system, or MFAS, the primary sensor on the Triton. The MFAS completed first flight in December aboard a Gulfstream aircraft. With the MFAS radar’s capabilities, the Triton will be able to cover more than 2.7 million square miles in a single mission. The Triton’s capability to perform persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 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 to the capability of the Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force. For more information about the Triton, visit www.navair.navy.mil.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

AEC (AW) Ted Boldt re-enlists

From the Chaplain's Desk: Are you honest? By Lt. Ken Amador NAS Patuxent River Chaplain

U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Electrician's Mate Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Stacy

From left, reenlisting Officer Cmdr. Bill Clarke, congratulates Aviation Electrician's Mate Chief Petty Officer (Aviation Warfare) Ted Boldt, Naval Test Wing Atlantic, upon his re-enlistment May 31. Send your retirement, re-enlistment, promotion and other important photographs to testernews@dcmilitary.com. We'd love to share your special moments with Tester readers. For more photographs, visit the NAS Patuxent River Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver.

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We’ve all seen the signs: “SHOPLIFTERS WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW,” “SHOPLIFTING IS STEALING. STOP IT!” and “SHOPLIFTERS . . . DON’T!” Why all the signs? One word: dishonesty. There are other ways of being dishonest: cheating on exams, taking a hotel towel, not working a full day, lies, half-truths, exaggerations, hedging on reports and insurance claims, broken financial promises and domestic deceit. The answer, simplistic though it may seem, is an internal decision to return to honesty. Integrity may be an even better word. Nothing less will counteract dishonesty. External punishment may hurt, but

Lt. Ken Amador it doesn’t solve the problem. It’s an internal problem that reveals a serious character flaw. Ideally, we plant the seeds and cultivate the roots of honesty in the home, under the watchful eyes of consistent, diligent and persistent parents. In this environment, character is forged. Maybe you think, "I did not get that training in my home. Is there hope?" I believe there is hope for everyone. One reason our faith in God is so appealing

Chaplain, Page SeeSee Chaplain, Page 14

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Marine Corps Aviation Association awards scholarships By Mike McGinn Marine Corp Aviation Association John Glenn Squadron Marine Corps Aviation AssociationJohnGlennSquadron presented scholarship checks to nine outstanding tri-county high school graduates June 14 at Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Md. As nearly 100 squadron members, guests, and family members looked on, squadron commander Col. Gregg Monk and keynote speaker Vice Adm. David Architzel, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, presented scholarship checks totaling $43,500 to Paige Junge, Trevor Butcher, Courtney Jennings, Alexander Kracinovich, and Kyle Vance of Leonardtown High School; Katelyn Chan, Billy Clark, and Kelles Gordge of Great Mills High School and Tyler Martin of Thomas Stone High School. Each graduate also received a photograph signed by the squadron’s namesake, Senator John Glenn. Since its inception in 2007, the MCAA John Glenn Squadron has awarded $183,500 in merit-based scholarships to area high school seniors who are pursuing a STEM-based degree

U.S. Navy photo by Mike Wilson

Front row, from left: Katelyn Chan, $6,000, Great Mills H.S.; Kelles Gordge, $4,500, Great Mills H.S.; Courtney Jennings, $4,500, Leonardtown H.S. and Paige Junge, $6,000, Leonardtown H.S. Center row: Kyle Vance, $4,500, Leonardtown H.S.; Trevor Butcher, $4,500, Leonardtown H.S.; Alex Kracinovich, $4,500, Leonardtown H.S.; Tyler Martin, $4,500, Thomas Stone H.S. and Bill Clark, $4,500, Great Mills H.S. Rear: Vice Adm. David Architzel, commander, Naval Air Systems Command and Col. Gregg Monk, commanding officer, MCAA John Glenn Squadron. and who show interest in a career that could support the Department of Defense and naval aviation. Vice Adm. Architzel told the students that“[W]e value

- and we need - your science, math, and engineering skills to secure the next 100 years of Navy and Marine Corps aviation. As John Glenn said,‘The most important thing we can

do is inspire young minds and to advance science, math, and technology educa-

tion.’ And that’s what tonight is all about.” To support the program

or apply for a scholarship, visit www.mcaa-jgs.org/ scholarship.html.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

The Great Mills High School Unmanned Air System team gets its backup aircraft airborne during the 10th Annual Student Unmanned Air Systems Competition at Webster Outlying Field in St. Inigoes June 16. The team had to fly its backup aircraft after a crash during flight testing a few days before the competition destroyed their primary one.

Great Mills High School competes at UAS Competition By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs The Great Mills High School Unmanned Air System team competed in the 10th Annual Student UAS Competition at Webster Outlying Field last weekend, making it the fourth consecutive year the team faced 25 teams of undergraduates, some who came from as far away as India.The team was awarded $1,000 during the awards banquet held at St. Mary’s College of Maryland June 16 for being able to fly their aircraft; one of 25 teams able to do so. Team mentor, Dr. Dave Burke, chair of Naval UAS Interface ControlWorking Group at NAVAIR, said he was amazed at their ability to stay focused even though they lost their primary aircraft just days be-

UAS Continued from 3 session with the judges. The day concluded with the radio frequency scanning and safety inspection of their UAS systems to include a Fail Safe check or Flight Termination test to endure the air vehicle does not wander off.

The Demonstration

During the flight demonstrations, which accounted for 50 percent of the overall grade, judges also awarded points based on each system’s ability to meet specific objectives in six parameters: autonomy, imagery, target location, mission time, operational availability and in-flight re-tasking. Students were given the flight path, no-fly zones and waypoints, which had to be met in order, the day before flying. They had up to 40 minutes to complete their mission, with bonus points for accomplishing additional challenges. Teams had to fly between 50-250 feet along the predefined route and try to locate wooden targets that were hidden around

fore the competition, and then experienced problems with their backup aircraft on competition day. “I’m happy with their teamwork and how they made the right decisions as they moved forward to (attempt to) debug the issue,” Burke said. Burke, who is the, has been involved with every student UAS competition for the past 10 years, first as a competitor then a mentor with North Carolina State University. He said transitioning from being a college mentor to a high school mentor has been an interesting challenge, but working with the Great Mills High School team is one of the highlights of his work. “Even though they don’t have the skills set college students have, I’ve been impressed with what they’ve brought to the table and the search area. Each the target had different characteristics and the aircraft had to relay visual information back to the team’s ground control so they could identify the target. Some aircraft had cameras capable of relaying real-time information while others provided the information post flight and included printed pictures. Piester said he’s seen a lot of the teams think outside the box throughout the past 10 years of the competition and organizers try to stay ahead of them by creating different challenges each year. Those who accept the challenge and are successful are awarded with a cash barrel and more points. This year’s extra challenge was ground sensor interoperability where the aircraft had to fly over a specific point to retrieve and relay a one-word message to the team’s ground control. Joe Brannan, competition director, said thanks to numerous sponsors they were able to award prize barrels for different accomplishments such as autonomous landing and take-offs, and providing actionable intelligence by identifying the hidden targets. In all, more than $77,000 in donations was awarded to the teams.

their ability to just dig in and figure out how to make it work,” he said. Although it’s the fourth year they’ve competed, they were only able to enter in the journal portion for the first two years. Burke said thanks to the support of the NAVAIR education outreach office, the team was able to purchase a trailer and an aircraft and have been able to fly for the last two competitions. Great Mills High School senior and team lead, Chris Bridgette, said the competition teaches them something every year. “Last year’s big dilemma was communication,” he said. “We assumed it was going to be little quieter and a little more streamlined, but it wasn’t.” To solve the problem, Bridgette said they purchased headsets to

Brendan Tomasic and Dominic Rodriquez, Great Mills High School team, try to solve its data link issues between its aircraft and ground control before take-off during the 10th Annual Student Unmanned Air Systems Competition at Webster Outlying Field in St. Inigoes June 16. The team had to fly its backup aircraft after a crash during flight testing a few days before the competition destroyed their primary one. communicate with each other, and created a flight line coordinator position. This person would ensure all of the different sections were working correctly, addressing any issues that would arise. This year’s lesson learned stemmed from the loss of their primary aircraft just days before the competition. The primary aircraft, which took them a year and a half to build, was the only aircraft equipped with surveillance equipment due to limited resources. Bridgette said by the time the equipment was installed in their backup, they conducted only three flight tests. Next year he hopes the team is able to get their resources together early in case they lose their primary aircraft again.

Although they couldn’t fix the data link issues to conduct any surveillance, they decided to fly their aircraft; a choice which their head judge Tom Sanders said he was impressed with. “At a certain point you decided to go ahead and fly, and however that decision came about, you made the right choice,” Sanders told the team during their debrief. “The thought process was very solid on what you wanted to do.” Sanders said it was unfortunate the way some things didn’t work out for the team, but data link problems are not uncommon for many of the teams at each competition. Other Great Mills High School UAS team mentors include: retired Capt.Tom Huff, Cmdr. PeteWalczak, Archie Stafford and Scott Jaster.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

New Ombudsman helps Pax River families Story and photo by Chris Basham Tester Editor There's a reason why so many people say that being a spouse is the hardest job in the Navy. "The biggest complaint we hear from spouses," said NAS Patuxent River Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen, "is, 'My husband never tells me anything.' I know, I do it, too." While Sailors focus on their core mission, Navy spouses take care of the home and family issues that can make or break a Sailor's career. From housing health care and child care issues to community involvement and home maintenance, Navy spouses learn quickly that they are in charge of "everything else." That can be a challenge to any spouse, but repeated changes of station mean that spouses and families must re-establish the homestead many times over the course of a Navy career, often without much information on the issues and resources particular to each duty station. That's where the services of a volunteer ombudsman can help. "There is no way that we can manage the entire flow of information," said NAS Patuxent Rivier Commanding Officer Capt. Ted Mills. "That's where the ombudsmen come in. I've seen some situations that were Nirvana Dimmitt is pinned as the new NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman by saved by the efforts of a her husband, Air Controlman Petty Officer 2nd Class Devon Dimmitt, as highly energetic and in- NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. Ted Mills looks on. formed ombudsman." Appointed by the commanding officer, ombudstions in housing, day care, men serve as a liaison beveterans services and fun tween families and the activities for children, and "An ombudsman is the person a spouse command. has started planning get"An ombudsman is the can go to for anything. They're a direct togethers for area Navy person a spouse can go to families, such as a potluck for anything. They're a di- line to the CO, the XO, and to me." dinner to be held in August. rect line to the CO, the XO, "It's been a very 'virtual — Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen friendship,' so far," Ramboand to me," said CMC Lloyd-Owen, "because jun-Dimmitt said. "Each spouses are more likely to time you come to a new talk to another spouse than area you live an antisocial life, because you don't they are to call me." know anybody, but you Several tenant com- domestic conflicts or finan- everything worked out." The most common con- never know what will click mands at NAS Patuxent Riv- cial struggles to ideas for er have their own ombuds- community-building events cerns Rambojun-Dimmitt and who will be able to has dealt with so far are help each other." men. And after a seven- like command outings. "I'm like a network re- about the most basic inforAs the mother of two, month gap, NAS Pax River has a newly pinned om- source person," explains mation for a family coming Rambojun-Dimmitt budsmen to help families Rambojun-Dimmitt . "I to Pax River for the first knows that establishing those new connections and installation-wide. Nirvana link people to resources time. "They want to know getting involved with the Rambojun-Dimmitt was available in the military. I pinned to ombudsman at a don't solve the problems, I what is here, what there is community can make a recent Ombudsman As- just link them. I can't here to do, and where the spouse's life easier--and a sembly held at the Fleet and babysit, but I can refer to housing is," Rambojun- lot more fun--while freeing up the Sailor to stay misFamily Support offices. the Child Development Dimmitt said. With that in mind, Ram- sion-focused. If you or your Each month, the ombuds- Center. If there's a financial men meet there for contin- problem, I can help the bojun-Dimmitt often tells spouse has a question ued training and to share family connect with the spouses to join a newly about a quality of life issue, lessons learned in working Navy-Marine Corps Relief launched Facebook group, contact the ombudsman at with families across the in- Society. And I always make Pax River Military Families. ombudsmanpaxriver@gma stallation -- from help with a follow-up call to see if The group talks about op- il.com.

Jordan McMullen wrote this poem as part of a homeschool assignment before his graduation last year. "I do not have any ties to the Navy, but I deeply admire what you do for our country," McMullen said in an accompanying email.

An American Voyage By Jordan McMullen Winchester, Va. In the horizon, the sun is setting on the water. Its radiance rests on the object I behold. She who served, though never in combat, I now rise and proudly salute. The awe-inspiring ship Has an equally rich heritage. Many brave men trained on her decks. They were preparing for a horrid war. And when the war finally came to a close, She sailed on from there to another mission. Summoned to duty once again, The American Mariner continued her honorable service. It was during the Age of Disbelief. The time when two allies had tensions, During this period, scientists began to occupy her quarters. While those on board researched nuclear weapons, She proved to be a reliable vessel. At the end of her career, while working for NASA, She took a step back to reflect on her life. Many seas she had sailed, And many memories had been made. Some said that she was just another ship, But in her heart, she had a purpose. This is the account of the American Mariner, Under three branches and NASA she has relentlessly served, And her dedication should be replicated by all. She was sunk in the Chesapeake as a witness. An example of self-sacrifice is she. Today, aircrafts fire at her, though not out of hostility. They are training for a greater cause, And that cause is to preserve freedom. Though the light is now gone, Her presence is ever so clear. American Mariner! What a symbol of America you are! For in the face of adversity you asked, “What can I do for my country?” Americans pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, And the American Mariner has given her sacred honor. Her sides are bruised but her legacy remains. Some may perceive that her resting place is a pauper’s grave. Still others say that her burial has been desecrated. But as long as she rests on the mud of those Chesapeake waters, Her spirit lives on!

Tester

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Command formation run

U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Jheyson Giraldo

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More than 60 Sailors from Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River participated in a three-mile motivational run led by the Commanding Officer, Capt. Lisa Raimondo and Executive Officer, Capt. Jack Pierce May 30. In this photo, Chief Hospital Corpsman (Fleet Marine Force) Jeremy Heveron calls cadence during the formation run.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

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Sailors from Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River stand in formation during their personnel uniform inspection conducted May 25. The inspections are conducted twice a year following the seasonal change in uniforms.

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CHAPLAIN Continued from 8

By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

is the hope it provides each of us. The Lord offers much hope in rebuilding our life. He offers us his life, his honesty and his integrity. Because the focus is on a relationship and not a religion, there are not a lot of rules and threats; but sufficient power to counteract our dishonest impulses. In some countries when a person is caught stealing, they cut off a hand. One would think that would curb national dishonesty. But according to the statistics, people still steal! Cutting off a hand to stop stealing misses the heart of the problem by about eighteen inches. Dishonesty doesn’t start in the hand any more than greed starts in the eye. We don’t need to cut off our hand to become an honest person. We need to allow the Lord to make a real difference in our lives, by allowing God to be an honored presence throughout our inner home. Are you honest? It comes down to a choice. Are you choosing a life of integrity? Seek help from the Lord in your quest for honor, courage, and commitment.

www.dcmilitary.com RHONDA FRANCIS

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REALTOR® 45315 Alton Lane, Suite 16032 Office: (301) 862-3000 Direct: (240) 725-5883 Cell: (301) 481-3707 Toll Free: 1-800-321-2720 rhonda.francis@longandfoster.com RhondaFrancis.Inf.com

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

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For the first time since it was built nearly 20 years ago, the Commissary at Pax River is undergoing a $5 million renovation project, funded by the commissary surcharge. The project is slated for completion in December. Customers may have already noticed the biggest change being made as aisles of upright freezer and refrigerator units are being installed. Right now these units are replacing the chest freezers that house the frozen foods; when renovations are complete these units will also replace the meat freezers. Store Director Debbie House said the new ENERGY STAR-rated units offer more space, which means they can store more products. During the freezer replacement process, customers will notice items being moved to different locations, and some of the lowdemand frozen items may not be available. However, House said once all of the stand-up units are running, all of the items will be available as usual.

James Wilson, a contracted electrician, preps a new stand-up refrigerator at the Commissary June 11. In addition to receiving new refrigerator units, other Commissary renovations patrons will notice include a new heating and air system, new bathrooms, and interior upgrades. The $5 million project is slated for completion in December. “The customer should see little impact on what they can purchase here,” she said. “If they can’t find something on the shelf they’ve bought

before, it will come back. If there’s something they really want that we’re missing, they should ask and we’ll try to get it back as a special order.”

The frozen foods section should be complete by the end of July. Commissary shopper and new installation Ombudsman Nirvana Dimmitt said she’s excited about the changes. “It’s hard to adapt to renovations while they’re happening, but we need it,” she said. In the two years Dimmitt has been here, she’s noticed more people using the commissary and said the changes being made will be more efficient and will accommodate more people. “There’s hardly any room where the chest freezers are and they seem to cause traffic,” she said. “The new stand-up freezers offer more space in the aisles.” Other improvements include a new heating and air conditioning system, which was installed last month; new bathrooms, front doors and windows and other interior décor and finishes. Other areas being improved which customers will not notice are a new, enclosed loading dock in the back, and freezers in the storage areas. All work is being done in phases to enable continuous, full service to customers.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Around Town Recreation and Parks Summer Camps

Summer camps run for one-week sessions through August 10. Register at www.stmarysmd.com/recreate, at the Recreation & Parks office in Leonardtown or by mail to P.O. Box 653 Leonardtown, MD 20650. For information call 301-475-4200 ext. 1800 or 1801 or visit www.stmarysmd.com/docs/Summer-Camp-Preview.pdf .

Community yard sale

Lovell Cove will have a community yard sale 8 a.m. - noon June 23.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

The story comes to life June 21 at 7:30 p.m.; June 22 at 8 p.m.; June 23 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; June 24 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the National Theatre. Tickets begin at $39 (plus service charges) through Telecharge at 800-447-7400, at Telecharge.com or at the National Theatre Box office. For groups of 15 or more, call 866-276-2947. For information, visit NationalTheatre.org or BeautyAndTheBeastOnTour.com.

Read and win

St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s summer reading program continues through August 17 for all residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Any book found in the college library catalog, the Southern Maryland library catalog or the USMAI catalog is eligible.To earn points, read a book and submit a review to the library’s blog at http://smcmlibrary.wordpress.com/about-2/. Visit the blog for information.

Teen Talent Show

Teens, got talent? Song, dance, magic, poetry, whatever you've got--bring it! 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. June 21 at Lexington Park Library, 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park. Free. Registration required. 301-863-8188. www.stmalib.org

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Free Family Movie

Thursday, June 21, 2 p.m., Leonardtown Library, 23250 Hollywood Rd, Leonardtown. In this PG rated movie, an orphaned boy secretly lives in the walls of a Paris train station looking after the clocks. He gets caught up in a mystery adventure when he attempts to repair his father's mechanical man. Snacks provided. Forinformationcall301-475-2846orvisit www.stmalib.org.

Encore Chorale concerts

Encore presents St. Maries Musica directed by Krystal Rickard McCoy, 7:30 p.m. June 19; Hot Buttered Nuggets! a swingin’quartet, 7:30 p.m. June 20; Encore Chorale and New Horizon Band playing Broadway, a Stephen Foster collection and Battle Hymn of the Republic 2 p.m. June 23, all at St. Mary’s College of Maryland's Auerbach Auditorium at St. Mary’s Hall. Free. For information visit http://encorecreativity.org.

Mad Science

Explore the world of dreams and amazing scientists who dared to dream big June 19. For kids 5 and up. 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. for Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch at the Northeast Community Center, 4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave, Chesapeake Beach, 410-257-2411; 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. for Calvert Library Fairview Branch at Dunkirk Fire Department, 3170WestWard Road, Dunkirk, 410-257-2101.

The First Military Railroad

Art Candenquist, Civil War scholar in the persona of Captain Thomas R. Sharp, will explore the importance of the railroad to the Confederacy early in the CivilWar 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. June 21.You’ll also get to know Colonel Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson and Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Joseph E. Johnston. See how the Confederate Army increased the mobility of goods and men. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Book Discussion

Thursday, June 21, 7 p.m., Leonardtown Library, 23250 Hollywood Rd, Leonardtown. Discuss John Updike's book, "Rabbit, Run." Copies of book available at the library. 301-475-2846. www.stmalib.org

Oscar Film Fest

Friday, June 22, 2 p.m., Lexington Park Library, 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park. This Steven Spielberg film won a nominee for the 2012 Oscar for Best Picture. The film follows the journey of a horse as he moves through WWI , changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets. Rated PG-13; 146 minutes. Snacks provided. 301-863-8188. www.stmalib.org

Monday Memory Tours

Take a free, guided tour of Point Farm at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays; call 410-586-8501 for information.

Calvert’s Next Idol

Audition 6 p.m. June 22 at Calvert Library Prince Frederick; finals are June 23. One winner in each category (ages 9-11, ages 12-14, and ages 15-17) receives a free demo recording in a state-of-the-art studio. Register at calvert.lib.md.us or by requesting a printed application. For information, call 410-5350291 or 301-855-1862 or check the website at calvert.lib.md.us.

Friends & Family day

St. Mark & St. Luke UAME Church welcomes all with food, games, horseback riding and fun starting at 11 a.m. June 23 at St. Mark UAME Church, 45685 Happyland Road, Valley Lee. Tables are available for $20. Dinners cost $10.00 - $20.00. For information call Marsha Blackwell 240-256-5392; Ellen & Joe Jordan 301-994-1450 or Claulette Jordan 240-298-9053.

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Tester

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Here’s My Card

Guide to Professional Service

Call 301-670-7106

Chesapeake-Potomac WINDOW CLEANING

H H THE RÉSUMÉ EXPERT H H

Family owned & operated serving local area for 30 years.

“Mobile Service”

n n

Federal/State/Local Gov’t/Private Sector Résumés KSA’s n Database Input n Transitioning Military n Outplacement Assistance n

Situation Specific Writing Projects

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Please call Phyllis Houston at 301-574-3956

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H H NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATED SVCS H H

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Classifieds Call 301-670-2503

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WESTBURY: 3br 1.5ba TH, 5 min from PAX gate 1 & 2 includes w/d $1300/mo Plus security dep. Call 301-472-4113

LOOKING TO

Finance a Car with Challenged Credit?

Repos, Bankruptcy,

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and Foreclosures. We have all makes and models of vehicles and the Banks to Finance you.

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place your web ad today! www.DCMilitaryBuyandSell.com

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Medical Offices now hiring. No experience? Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-888-843-0421

Pharmacies now hiring. No experience? Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-877-240-4524

CTO SCHEV

Automotive Retail/ Customer Service Jim Koons Automotive is currently searching for sales/service professionals for our locations all over the metro area. For detailed job description go to www.dcmilitary.com/careers. Please send resumes to Tom Donegan, tom.donegan@koons.com

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Battley Harley-Davidson

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Dental Offices now hiring. No experience? Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-877-234-7706 CTO SCHEV

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HONDA ACCORD 1997 M anually transmission Located at AFB $1000 Or Best Offer Call 202-716-1372

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to place your web ad for FREE*or call us at 301-670-2503 to place your ad in print.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tester

Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?

PAID AD V E RT ISE M E NT

If you’re lucky enough to have a job that provides dental insurance you should know what’s covered and what happens if you don’t take advantage of the coverage you are provided. Dental insurance is not a required insurance for businesses to provide. In fact many businesses offer dental coverage at the sole expense to the employee through paycheck deductions. Whether you or your employer is paying for the coverage, you need to know what’s covered and what’s free. Almost without exception, all dental insurances provide their insured individuals and families with two prophylaxis (traditional) dental cleanings per year, provided they are six months apart, at no cost to the patient. They will also cover the necessary x-rays, doctor’s exam, education, and often time fluoride, sealants and other preventative services. Depending on the age of the patient and the insurance coverage the patient has, these are at no cost to the insured party and it has no effect on their annual limits. With most insurance plans these are the only procedures that are fully covered as they are considered preventative procedures. In other words, your dental insurance company knows that preventative measures (i.e. dental cleaning, fluoride, sealants) are essential to avoiding very expensive restorative procedures. Restorative dentistry is expensive for both the insurance company and the individual getting the procedures done. Dental insurance companies are very smart. They’ve done the math. They know it is much less expensive (more profitable) for them to provide you with free cleanings than it is to assist in the payment of restorative care to bring your mouth back to good health. The cost to a dental insurance company to have your teeth cleaned ranges from $70 - $200. The cost to the insurance company for you to have two crowns could be well over $1500. Your out-of-pocket cost for the same two crowns, even with dental insurance, could easily be over $1000 depending on the coverage you have and your annual limits. So it is in the best interest for you and the insurance company that you get your teeth cleaned as prescribed by the dentist, as regular cleanings and preventative maintenance are proven to reduce the risk of decay and damage to the teeth and gums. If you do need restorative care, such as fillings, root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, or crowns your insurance company has negotiated special fees for you with the dentist, as long as they are a “preferred provider” dental office with your carrier. This means your dentist agrees to charge you the discounted fee that was prearranged with the insurance company. Your insurance company will cover the majority of those fees until your annual limit is reached. Your annual limit is the amount of money your employer and insurance company has agreed to pay for your restorative treatment under the insurance terms defined by the employer agreement. Most insurance companies will cover between $1000 and $2500 worth of treatment per year. If you don’t use your benefit that year you lose it. The “use it or lose it” policy is how dental insurance companies make their money. They are charging you a fee every month that comes out of your paycheck, or from your employer. They collect that fee knowing that a portion of it may go to restorative dentistry. If your mouth is in good health, you both win. They keep the money you paid each month and you never have out-of-pocket costs for your preventative care. On the other hand, if you have restorative care that needs to be done, they’ve set a limit to the loss they are willing to accept (your annual limit). But, if you put off

needed dentistry and the year expires, so does your benefit. In other words, if you have a $1500 annual limit and you have $3000 worth of dentistry that needs to be done you can take full advantage of your insurance benefit by having half the dentistry done in the current year and the other half in the beginning of the second year. Conversely, if you are the type of person to put off dentistry for years, you could end up having a treatment plan for over $10,000.

Your insurance company will still only pay the annual limit. The rest becomes your responsibility. Situations like these often times end up with the patient neglecting care due to the cost. The end result is usually a very sad health and esthetic situation for those who neglect their care for so long. In these instances it is important to not give up hope and let finances stand in the way of your health. Work with our dental office and your insurance company to come

up with an affordable plan to get back your smile and restore your health. A good dental practice will have multiple options for helping you pay for your treatment while working with your insurance. It is in your best interest to go to the dentist twice a year for all of your preventative care and get other dental work done as needed. The longer you put off dentistry the more you will pay in the long run. Don’t let your dental insurance company keep your money.

A Dr. David J. Cooper Practice 21534 Great Mills Road • Lexington Park • MD • 20653 • 301-862-3900 690 Prince Frederick Blvd N. • Prince Frederick • MD • 20678 • 410-414-8333