Aug. 23, 2012 Tester newspaper by NAS Patuxent River

August is National Eye Exam Month

Volume 69, Number 34

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland

August 23, 2012

NAVAIR engineer prepares dog to serve By Allison Johnson Atlantic Test Ranges Communications Support A Naval Air Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Command, or NAVAIR, employee and his wife are preparing a puppy for a job that will take canine companionship to new levels. Dan Skelley, chief engineer for NAVAIR's Air Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation at NAS Patuxent River, and his wife, Diane, are raising and training a service dog for the Canine Companions for Independence, also known as CCI, program. While the organization has a long track record of providing disabled individuals with service dogs, CCI has a targeted effort for injured service members: the Wounded Warrior Initiative. After an extensive application process, the Skelleys opened their home to an 8-week-old puppy named Oxford in February 2011. Their motivation to undertake this effort is the increased need for serv-

ice dogs to be placed with America's wounded warriors. Under the Skelley's care, Oxford, a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix, will undergo basic training, learning up to 20 simple commands. He must be able to come when called, use the restroom on command, and recognize the difference between work and play. Additionally, Oxford must be socialized and be comfortable in a much wider array of situations than a typical pet. As part of his training, Oxford is exposed to as many sounds, sights and smells as possible. The Skelleys work to build Oxford's confidence in all environments, such as the workplace, movie theaters and restaurants. "It's hard to have a bad day when I get to bring Oxford to work," Skelley said of the days with Oxford in his office. Once the Skelleys complete Oxford's basic training and socialization, he will return to CCI for advanced training in Medford, N.Y. Advanced training includes learn-

ing skills, such as turning a light switch on and off, opening doors, bringing in groceries, retrieving clothes, alerting the deaf to audible cues, such as door bells and smoke alarms and many other tasks a disabled person would not be able to do alone. CCI sets the bar high for its service dogs. It takes a very special aptitude and temperament to complete the advanced training and become one of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canine companions. Even after the basic training and socialization, many dogs do not make it through the program. "A lot of dogs will not make it through the advanced training, but my wife and I are hopeful for Oxford," Skelley said. When paired with a disabled person, a dog must be prepared to face any life situation. Service dogs need to be free from any fears or phobias, such as loud noises, streets, crosswalks, traffic, rambunctious children, balloons and

See Dog, Page 8

U.S. Navy photo by Noel Hepp

Dan Skelley with Oxford, a service dog Skelley and his wife, Diane, have been training for the Canine Companions for Independence program.

Navy Exchange contributes to MWR programs By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs The Navy Exchange, or NEX, continues to improve morale in more ways than one as recent surveys show NEXs worldwide are providing the best customer satisfaction and a 23 percent savings compared with stores off base. Now, financial reports show NEX contributed more than $42 million to Navy MWR programs last year. The NEX makes annual contributions to MWR programs through each Navy command. The bases use the money for local recreation programs or improvements to MWR facilities. "The money has not traditionally gone to a specific program or activity," said Tami Tiell, Fleet and Family Readiness Program director. "It is used to offset expenses for MWR core programs, such as fitness and sports, Single Sailor and outdoor recreation programs. Programs such as these touch all our Sailors and Marines and their family members." NEX Patuxent River General Manager Cathie Reihl said shopping at the NEX is a win-win for everyone. "Shoppers who visit the Exchange in person or online actually help make our military community a better place to live and work," said Reihl, who is also a military family member and has been an NEX patron for more than 30 years.

NEX contributions to NAS Patuxent River MWR

News briefs Webster Field Pass and ID hours change

Beginning Monday, theWebster Field Pass and ID office will only be open on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those needing Pass and ID services will need to go to either Gate 1 or Gate 2 at NAS Patuxent River.

IB Express customer appreciation day

Today, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. IB Express-Pax River All IB Express-Pax River Servmart customers are invited to the customer appreciation day with free food and a drawing.

Hiring event for transitioning service members

"Our service members are our stockholders," she said. "By shopping at the NEX and supporting this benefit, they are also participating in funding their quality life programs through MWR." According to a 2012 Navy Exchange Service Command, or NEXCOM, news release, NEX stores worldwide received an overall American Customer Satisfaction Index survey rating of 83; retail industry average is 76. In fact, 84 percent of Navy Exchanges worldwide scored 80 or higher and the

remaining 16 percent scored between 70 and 79. Michael Conner, NEXCOM's vice president of marketing insights, said the ACSI survey allows NEX to see if the areas being focused on, such as merchandise selection, are working based on increasing or decreasing scores. "In contrast, it also shows us the areas we still need to work on, such as problem resolution," he said.

See NEX, Page 9

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Naval Support Activity Bethesda As part of an ongoing initiative to provide jobs for wounded warriors, transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses, Naval DistrictWashington Family Support Programs hosts a hiring event, in the NSAB gymnasium, Bldg. 17. Attendees must show proof of military service such as a military ID card, veteran ID card issued by theVA, or DD-214 along with a photo ID, to enter the base. More than 30 employers are scheduled to attend. For more information and to register, visit www.100000JobsMission.com.

Free classified advertisements

Having a yard sale? Have something sitting at Auto Rama? Trying to get your house rented? Did you know military service members can advertise in theTester classifieds for free? For more information or to have your

See News Briefs, Page 6

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tester

Ombudsmen assembly gets new chair, coordinator Volunteers ensure Sailors, families needs are met Photo and story by Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs They are volunteers, and a link between the command and families providing valuable information to keep both groups in-the-know. They are your ombudsmen, and at NAS Patuxent River, the group recently named a new assembly chair and a new coordinator. "I'm excited to get started and help the ombudsmen on the base," said the new ombudsmen assembly chair, Kris Fromme. Michelle Stubblefield has been named new ombudsman coordinator. Ombudsmen are appointed by the commanding officer and are trained to disseminate information both up and down the chain of command. They can assist families with locating resources and obtaining referrals to professionals for financial or emotional situations. They are also there for those who just want to meet other people in the area. Each command has an ombudsman, who can be located by calling the Fleet and Family Support Center at 301-757-1861. "We do a better job of taking care of our Sailors when we also take care of their families," said Capt. Ben Shevchuk, NAS Patuxent River executive officer. "We rely on our ombudsmen, who are outside the traditional chain of command, and

Michelle Stubblefield, left, and Kris Fromme are volunteer ombudsman leaders who can help be voices and advocates for both families and their home commands. give them direct access to leadership so they can advocate for both families and Commanders. Their communication and service are great benefits to us all." Fromme has been the ombudsman for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 for almost two years. Being a 15-year Navy spouse and mother of two, she and her family have experienced all facets of the Navy lifestyle, from assignments in recruiting, and shore and sea commands, to enduring separations caused by deployments. Fromme has also been part of family readiness groups—a support network of personnel from key support services

such as Fleet and Family Support Centers, chapel and the school liaison officer—at previous bases. "We have done so much and I've seen all parts of the Navy," she said. As the assembly chair she is responsible for scheduling ombudsmen training and organizing the monthly assembly meetings, each of which includes a guest speaker. Fromme said the guest speaker is usually selected based on concerns ombudsmen hear from families. "If one ombudsman is presented with an issue by one family, then it's probably an issue that other families may experience.That's why it's important to talk to your om-

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal awarded

budsman," Fromme said. Stubblefield added that command ombudsmen are essential because they ensure the needs of Sailors and their families are being met, which in turn improves mission readiness. "They are usually the first in line to actually witness and address the stressful and often overwhelming challenges the military lifestyle can present, and they can assist in a variety of ways," she said. Because ombudsmen have open communication with the base commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief, leadership is made aware of issues

Public comment period for restoration site opens By NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs In accordance with Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, NAS Patuxent River invites public comment on the Proposed Remedial Action Plan, or PRAP, at Environmental Restoration Program Site 5 (Operable Unit 5), Disposal Site near Pine Hill Run until Sept. 20. A public meeting is also scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Frank Knox Building, Bldg. 2189 Room 100, to present the PRAP for Site 5 and to answer questions. Comments may be written and mailed with a postmark date of Sept. 20 to any of the following points of contact:

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Capt. Ben Shevchuk, NAS Patuxent River executive officer, presents Chief Engineman (Surface Warfare) Philip J. Clawson with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Aug. 17. According to the award citation, Clawson earned the medal for meritorious service as NAS Patuxent River Port Operations Chief from July 2010 to August 2012.

families aboard the installation may be experiencing and can make changes, and families get command information that may not be readily available to them. "It is important families have regular communication with their command ombudsman so they are privy to such information and can make suggestions that could potentially help themselves or other families," Stubblefield said. Stubblefield comes with a strong military background, having grown up with a Navy dad, then joining the Navy and being a 10-year Navy spouse. She has also been an ombudsman for two commands, served on a family readiness group board, and has been the President of VP-1's Spouse Club in Whidbey Island, Wash. As the NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman Coordinator, Stubblefield is responsible for training new command ombudsmen, providing ongoing advanced training and serving as an adviser and consultant to the ombudsmen. Stubblefield said her goal is for the command ombudsmen to be rich in resources and highly knowledgeable about NAS Patuxent River. "This will allow the families— and commands—to reap the benefits in ways that make Southern Maryland a wonderful place to live, work and play," she said. For more information about the ombudsmen program on NAS Patuxent River, contact Stubblefield at 301-757-1861 or email Michelle.Stubblefiel@navy.mil.

NAS Public Affairs Officer Attn: Gary Younger 22268 Cedar Point Rd. Bldg. 409 Room 204 Patuxent River, MD 20670-1154 U.S. EPA Region III Attn: S. Andrew Sochanski Hazardous Site Cleanup Division 3HS13 1650 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029

Maryland Department of the Environment Attn: Rick Grills Federal Facilities Division Hazardous Waste Program 1800 Washington Blvd. Ste. 645 Baltimore, MD 21230-1719 Remedial investigation findings and removal action results for Site 5 indicate there are no unacceptable risks to human health or the environment; therefore, no further action for soil and no action for sediment and surface water are proposed for Site 5. The public is encouraged to comment on this PRAP. The final remedy for Site 5 will be implemented only after the public comment period has ended. An alternative remedy may be selected only after all comments have been received from the public. Relevant environmental documents for Site 5 are available for review at either of the NAS Patuxent River Library or St. Mary's County Public Library, Lexington Park Branch. For more information, contact the PublicAffairsOfficerat301-757-6748from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tester

NAVAIR Fellows Program inducts 13 scientists, engineers By Brian Seraile NAWCAD Communications Support Thirteen engineers and scientists reached a career milestone last week as they were inducted into the Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, Fellows program. NAVAIR CommanderVice Adm. David Architzel delivered the keynote address and welcomed the 13 newly selected Fellows Aug. 16 during a video conference linking NAS Patuxent River and NWS China Lake, Calif. In his address, Architzel talked about the importance of mentors. "At NAVAIR, we believe that mentors make a difference," he said. "They make a difference in our organization, in our Navy and in the world." Architzel encouraged every member of the workforce to participate in formal or informal mentoring programs because he said it is a proven method for developing future leaders. "I'm fortunate that I received such mentorship over my time in the Navy from some very inspirational leaders and mentors and received some critical leadership assignments as a result throughout my career in the Navy," he said. The last original Esteemed Fellow Dr. James Sheehy, who was inducted in 2000, served as the ceremony emcee agreed with Architzel on the importance of mentoring. "We are all about paying back, and paying back is mentoring, serving on committees and being a technical resource for the command," said Sheehy, who is now the Chief Technology Officer for the Naval Aviation Enterprise. "The NAVAIR Fellows reach out and touch everywhere throughout the command, even

U.S. Navy photo by Noel Hepp

Thirteen scientists and engineers were inducted into the NAVAIR Fellows Program during a ceremony Aug. 16 at NAS Patuxent River. From left, NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Randy Mahr, NAVAIR Deputy Assistant Commander for Research and Engineering Jesse McCurdy, and NAVAIR Deputy Commander Kal Leikach; Fellows William Reardon, Daniel Skelley, Leon Smith, Ding Huang, Brian Markowich, Kevin Birney (accepting for John Asvestas), Linda Mullen and Frank Narducci; and NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. David Architzel. though you may not know it," said Lynda Gustavsen, who serves on the Fellows Administrative Board. "They may not advertise across their chest 'Fellow,' but they are everywhere." When the program started in 2000 as the NAVAIR Research and Engineering Fellows Program, it was a way to honor engineers and scientists for their efforts, contributions and accomplishments that are "instrumental in maintaining the outstanding professional reputation for which the NAVAIR engineering

Commentary

What’s the rush? By Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen NAS Patuxent River Command Master Chief

I will never understand the phenomenon that turns usually mild-mannered, lawabiding, intelligent people into discourteous, impolite and downright dangerous speed demons when they get behind the wheel. I have driven in some of the busiest cites in the world— New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Naples, San Juan, Sydney, Seville, Cadiz, Naha and Manama—and in the short time I have been back in Southern Maryland I have been amazed that our own area rivals any of the previously mentioned major metropolises in terms of sheer "hurry-uped-ness." Just this morning, I had a car speed by me on Route 235 doing in excess of 60 mph. As I pulled up to the next stoplight, wouldn't you know it, there it was at the light as well, along with another car that had just passed me as if I were sitting still. As the light changed, the two raced off again as if a green flag had been dropped at Le Mans. I

watched with some amusement as they were once again caught at another red light; and once again I pulled up alongside them. For all their rushing, they were no farther along in their morning commute than I. While speeding is never a good idea, it is all the more hazardous here on base. No one will deny our base infrastructure has not grown at the same rate as our ever more health-conscious population. As a result we have an increasing number of motorists, bike riders, joggers and pedestrians all sharing our inundated roads; much more so than we do off-base. It is for this reason above all others that we need to be extra careful while driving on base. This means following

speed limits (35 unless otherwise posted),obeying stop signs and crosswalk signals, not changing lanes within 200 feet of a gate sentry post (trust me, the concrete and steel bollards will not give way) and for goodness sake, putting away those cell phones! I am sure many of you are nodding in agreement as to how everyone else on the road has lost their minds as you putter home at "Driving Miss Daisy" speeds. If this is the case, I ask that you reevaluate. I, for one, am not going to pontificate as though I have never been guilty of transgressing a traffic ordinance—or two—myself. It is for this reason that I now tune my satellite radio onto the "Chill" station when I am commuting, and why I make a conscious decision to just slow down, or to let someone into my lane ahead of me; experience—and a few past tickets—has taught me that constantly being in a rush never gets anyone anywhere anytime sooner--except for maybe an early grave. It is always better to get somewhere late than to not get there at all. Drive safe out there mates and AVAG'DAY.

and scientific ranks are noted and sought after," according to the NAVAIR Fellows Guidebook. When the program expanded later, it was renamed "NAVAIR Fellows" so engineers and scientists from competencies outside of 4.0 and 5.0 could compete for selection and be recognized for their areas of expertise, Sheehy said. Fellows are selected in even-numbered years, and Associate Fellows are selected in odd-numbered years.

Esteemed Fellows have a continuous record of distinguished technical contributions and accomplishments prior to becoming and while serving as a NAVAIR Fellow. Selection to this level is based on a majority vote of current NAVAIR Esteemed Fellows participating in the selection meeting. The Fellows Administration Board releases the announcement for candidates and the entire body of active Fellows and Esteemed fellows reviews and rates all packages. Fellows who are active but not contributing, or have moved to a management position and are no longer doing research, are moved to an inactive list. Naval AirWarfare Center Aircraft Division, or NAWCAD, Commander Rear Adm. Randy Mahr thanked the families, co-workers and the "supporting cast of many who have helped us all reach this point." "What you do every day takes care of the Sailors and the Marines, the Airmen and the Soldiers and their families," he said. The 2012 Fellows are: Systems and Engineering Department (AIR-4.1) Richard Richard Johnson Johnson and H.W H.WayneW ayneWillillhite Propulsion and Power Engineering (Air 4.4) William Rear Reardon don Avionics Department (AIR-4.5) John Asvestas Asv estas,, Linda Mullen, Mullen, Frank Frank Narducci Narducci and Leon Smith Smith Weapons and Energetics Department (AIR-4.7) Mar artin tin Minthorn Minthorn and Rober obertt Pyke Research and Intelligence Department (AIR-4.12) Ding Huang Huang Integrated Systems Evaluation, Experimentation andTest Department (AIR-5.1) Br Briian Markowich Markowich and Michael Martor Martorano ano Range Department (AIR-5.2) Daniel SkelSkelley

First NAVAIR Fellow welcomes new inductees By Brian Seraile NAWCAD Communications Support When he was inducted more than a decade ago, he didn't realize he'd be the last one standing, but during the annual Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, Fellows induction ceremony last week, the only original Esteemed Fellow remaining served was on stage as the ceremony emcee. Dr. James Sheehy, Chief Technology Officer for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, began his career as a Navy scientist in 1985 in theVision Laboratory. "I am the only remaining original Esteemed Fellow," he said in a recent interview. "Everyone else was smart enough to retire," he added jokingly. As one of four Esteemed Fellows inducted in 2000 when the program first began, Sheehy and Drs. Larry Stoll and Bob Smith, and Tom Lawrence were given the task of establishing the architecture of the program. After the first four Esteemed Fellows were selected, they met every couple weeks and gradually built the program, along with the selection criteria and levels as defined in the guidebook, Sheehy said. "We grew it in a very structured manner, and we had some strict guide rules," Sheehy said. Associate Fellows are not to exceed 3 percent of the engineering population and have a minimum of 10 years experience working for NAVAIR. Last year, 42 associate Fellows were inducted.

U.S. Navy photo by Jennifer Neal

Dr. James Sheehy, Chief Technology Officer for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, is the only remaining original NAVAIR Esteemed Fellow. The full Fellow is limited to the top .75 percent of the engineering population and must have at least 15 years of experience with international recognition.The Esteemed Fellow is selected from the ranks of the full Fellows and is limited to the top .25 percent of the engineering population.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tester

Come join us for a sunrise event at the River's Edge. This will be an inspirational kick-off event for Suicide Prevention Month. Listen to a personal story of survival as proof that life is worth living. For more information, contact Twila Kopaniasz at 301-342-4370.

MWR Aloha Summer Luau and Pig Roast

Drill Hall gymnasium floor closed

Sept. 4-30 The Drill Hall gymnasium floor will be closed for its annual floor refinishing project. The basketball, racquetball and volleyball courts, and the family-friendly fitness center will not be open during the project. The bowling center, indoor pool, free weight room, life circuit center, total body fitness center, cardio fitness room, locker rooms, gear issue and administration offices within Drill Hall will remain open.

NDW Defenders of Freedom Appreciation Day

Sept. 22; rain date, Sept. 29 Six Flags in Largo, Md. Exclusive use of the park for Naval District Washington ticket holders. A Lynyrd Skynyrd concert and a day at Six Flags for $20. The event is open to all DoD civilians and military personnel. The first 5,000 tickets sold are eligible for amusement park entrance and concert. After 5,000, tickets will only be for the amusement park. The NDW region would like to show its appreciation for the people who support and defend this country. Tickets can be purchased at the ITT ticket office. For more information, call 301-342-3648.

Youth bowling league registration

Drill Hall Bowling Center

Ages 4-20 can now register for the Pax River USBC Youth program at the bowling center. A parent meeting for participants ages 17 and younger is Aug. 25. Base access is required. For more information, contact Kelly Davis at 301-904-2990 or Doug Cissell at 301-481-5211.

Abbey Road on the River

Aug. 30 to Sept. 3, National Harbor Discover your inner Beatle. Get tickets now for the world's largest Beatles-inspired music festival at http://arotrdc. eventbrite.com. Use promo code: 114PAX at checkout and receive 40 percent off ticket prices and a special military rate of $109 per night at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

Junior club championship

Aug. 25-26, Cedar Point Golf Course This tournament is for authorized family members ages 6-17. Cost is $30 for 18-hole players, $25 for nine-hole players, and $20 for five- and six-hole players. Division placement is based on ability. Divisions consist of: 18-hole, nine hole, sixhole and five-hole.

Light of Day

Aug. 30, 6:15-7 a.m. River's Edge Catering and Conference Center

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Play group

Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Outdoor kiddie pool Moms, dads and caregivers are invited to bring children for playtime and meeting other military families. The play group is for children ages 0 through preschool. Open to all military families.

Résumé-writing workshop

All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center, Building 2090 on Bundy Road, unless otherwise noted. To make reservations or to volunteer call 301-342-4911. Hours of Oper Operation ation Monday onday-Thursday -Thursday,, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. p.m. Friday Fr iday,, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. p.m.

Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m. This program explores many different trends and techniques for writing the best résumé possible. Don't get passed over because your résumé is lacking. Seating is limited.

SAPR victim advocate training

Aug. 27-31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A victim advocate is a trained volunteer who provides effective and appropriate support and guidance for victims of sexual assault. This training prepares volunteers for the initial contact with victims and helps them through the investigative, medical and judicial processes victims opt to pursue.

Register by Aug. 31 Sept. 8, 6-10 p.m., MWR Beach House Aloha, E Komo Mai! The MWR Special Events team is transforming the beaches of the Patuxent River into a tropical paradise. Join us for food, live music, dancing and a laid back, relaxed atmosphere only the islands can inspire featuring music from Unity Reggae Band and a performance from Authentic Polynesian dancers. Buffet includes roast pig, pulled pork barbecue, teriyaki chicken skewers, vegetable fried rice, vegetarian spring rolls, vegetable stir fry, dessert, a tropical fruit display and more. Cost is $18 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-11, and free for children ages 5 and younger. Register at the MWR ITT Office in Building 2655 on Cedar Point Road by Aug. 31. Sponsored by Lincoln Military Housing.

Intramural fall sports meetings

Sept. 4-6 and 10, 1 p.m. Drill Hall Bowling Center Organizational meetings for fall intramural sports team representatives are on the following dates: bowling leagues, Sept. 4; softball, Sept. 5; volleyball, Sept. 6; and in-line hockey, Sept. 10. Intramural programs are open to active-duty, reserve and retired military and family, and fitness and sports members and family. To participate, call the Fitness and Sports Office at 301-757-3943.

Drill Hall gymnasium floor closed

Insurance needs

Aug. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This class takes a common-sense approach to discussing the different types of insurance products available to help one manage the risk of potential losses.

Suicide-prevention training

Aug. 30, 9-10 a.m. This program is designed to raise awareness about the issues surrounding suicide. Learn how to identify the warning signs, how to respond to a suicidal person and get information on local resources.

SAPR Advocate Training

Sept. 17-20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A victim advocate is a trained volunteer who provides effective and appropriate support and guidance for victims of sexual assault.This training will prepare volunteers for the initial contact with victims and help them through the investigative, medical and judicial processes that they opt to pursue. Open to active-duty military and DoD civilians.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River • testernews@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver The name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland. This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 948-1520, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising

Capt. Ted Mills

Commanding Officer

Capt. Ben Shevchuk Executive Officer

in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall

Cmd. Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen

Command Master Chief

Gary Younger

Public Affairs Officer

Connie Hempel

refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301863-9296.

Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.

Public Affairs Specialist

Doug Miller Writer

Breton Helsel and

Deirdre Parry

Copy/layout editors

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Back-to-school traffic keeps drivers vigilant

Tester

Coast Guard Machinery Technicians 1st Class Matt Koll and Derick Thrappas tie up a response boat at the West Basin Marina on NAS Patuxent River while Coast Guard Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Thomas Smith keeps it steady. U. S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes missions include search and rescue support to Pax River and its tenant test and evaluation facilities, presidential security operations and liquid natural gas tanker protection.

By George E. Revoir NAS Patuxent River Safety Department For 23 million students nationwide, the school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus; a trend many St. Mary’s and Calvert County public school students started this week as the 2012-2013 school year kicked off. With that in mind, now is the time for motorists to once again keep an eye out for buses and bus stops as students are boarding and exiting busses, and to be wary of school zones. Under Maryland law, motorists approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended must stop at least 10 feet from the bus; this means all motorists approaching from all directions, except when the bus is stopping on a divided highway. Drivers who encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway are not required to stop. Lanes of a divided highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as concrete barriers or grass medians. Motorists convicted of violating Maryland’s school bus stopping law face a $250 fine, a loss of five points on the driver’s record and a 60-day license suspension. Motorist must also be mindful of the school-zone speed limit of 15 miles per hour. Failure to follow the speed limit in a school zone carries variable monetary fines and a loss of three points on the driver’s record. Remember, it’s not uncommon for a child to forget there is traffic and then dart out into the middle of the street. School children, parents and crossing guards depend on all citizens to be vigilant and drive cautiously. For more information on school safety, visit the School Bus Safety link under theTraffic Safety Information Center on Maryland’s MVA highway safety website at www.co.saintmarys.md.us/dpw/nonpublicschools.asp.

The Liberty is a component of the Single Sailor Program and sponsors free and reduced-price events for NAS Patuxent River E1-E6 active-duty military. Civilian guests are not allowed to participate unless otherwise stated. For more information call 301-342-4208.

End of Summer Barracks Bash

Aug. 30, 5-8 p.m. Single or unaccompanied active-duty E1-E5 are invited to come and enjoy free food, music and fun in your own back yard. For more information, call 301-342-3565.

Bowling with Liberty

Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m., Drill Hall Bowling Center Come to the bowling center and bowl for three hours as we cover the cost! Free pizza and soda are provided until 7:30 p.m., or until supplies run out. Open to all E1-E6 single or unaccompanied active-duty military and one guest age 18 or older. For more information, call 301-342-3565.

Whitewater rafting trip

Register by Sept. 7 Sept. 14-16, West Virginia Trip leaves at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 and returns Sunday evening. Cost is $115, which includes camping, five meals, whitewater rafting and transportation. Pre-trip meeting is 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13. Register at the MWR ITT Office in Building 2655 on Cedar Point Road. For more information, call 301-342-3565.

GUARDIANS OF THE POTOMAC:

U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes Photos and story by Shannon Slaughter NAWCAD Public Affairs Intern Nestled along Molls Cove of the St. Mary's River, in a corner of theWebster Outlying Field Annex of NAS Patuxent River, sits a simple complex of buildings that make up U. S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes. Dedicated in 1976, the station is one of six under the control of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, which is responsible for all operations in the Potomac River, middle and upper Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Canal. The 41 active-duty military members and 18 reservists of Station St. Inigoes exhibit bravery, determination and enthusiasm when conducting their multi-mission responsibility which include search and rescue; ports, waterways and coastal security; enforcement of laws and treaties; marine environmental protection, and recreational boating safety. Other missions include search and rescue support to NAS Patuxent River and its tenant test and evaluation facilities, presidential security operations, and liquid natural gas tanker protection. "For these efforts and others, Station St. Inigoes has twice been the proud recipient of the Sumner Kimball Readiness Award," said Senior Chief Boatswains Mate Philip M. Robinson, Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes officer in charge. Coast Guard units earn the Kimball Award by demonstrating an extraordinary state of readiness in administration, operations, maintenance and training during a rigorous inspection. This honor, combined with the skill and diligence of the staff, truly help the station live up to its motto, "Guardians of the Potomac." The multi-talented men and women, who operate Station St. Inigoes, dedicate each day to ensuring the safety and security of the citizens under their jurisdiction. The members of Station St. Inigoes

Coast Guard Machinery Technician 1st Class Matt Koll refuels a response boat at Navy Recreation Center Solomons while on a routine patrol on the Patuxent River this month. Part of the U. S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes's multi-mission responsibilities include search and rescue, security, enforcement of laws and treaties, environmental protection and recreational boating safety. devote their time to a diverse array of tasks including training, operations, maintenance of their boats and buildings, search and rescue, safety inspections and law enforcement. A familiar presence on the waters of the Patuxent and Potomac rivers in Southern Maryland, Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes patrols the largest and southernmost section of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. Also, Station St. Inigoes ensures fishing and recreational boats maintain a 500-yard berth around the Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal and nuclear power plant in Calvert County. "We have four boats, three 25-foot small response boats and one 41-foot utility boat," said Machinery Technician 1st Class Matt Koll. "We're out there every day." Most patrols leave from the station on Webster Field or from the West Basin on NAS Patuxent River. They are a familiar presence on the installation, and in and around St. Mary's County, always selflessly serving their Country while upholding their core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.

See Guard, Page 8

Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes mission:

To respond to (sear (search ch and resrescue) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with ever everyt ything hing we have To maintain a visible, aggressive aggressive maritime mari time law enforcement enforcement profile profile in the the area area To provide provide for for the the health, health, welf welfare are and morale morale of members of the crew and their their family family To provide provide high quality support for Team Team Coast Coast Guard, Guard, be they Regular,, Reserve or Auxiliary Regular Auxiliary To provide provide high quality support for the the local community ser services vices and organizations organizations To abide by an anyy and all Coast Guard Guar d procedur procedures es and policies Members of the the crew of Station St. Inigoes are are expected expected to do all within wit hin their their grasp grasp to fulfill and meet the the challenges of this this mission stat statement ement Striv St rivee to uphold our motto, motto, "Alwayss Ready—Semper "Alway Paratus," Par atus," by the the values values of Honor, Respect and Devotion Devotion to Duty When these these goals are are met ... Improvee on them! Improv them!

Tester

NEWS BRIEFS announcement advertised, call Comprint Inc., at 301-670-2503. Tell them you want it in the Tester.

All are invited to attend the base chapel's Fourth Annual prayer breakfast, "Remembering September 11." This event is an inclusive, non-denominational prayer time for our nation. A free breakfast is provided. For more information, contact Religious Programs Specialist 2nd ClassThomas Harrald at 301-342-3811.

members by addressing the stressors facing today's military. Stress can be caused by such things, as family hardships, marital conflicts, parent and child issues, money concerns, frequent moves, health and environmental factors and other difficulties. To make an appointment, call 202-685-6019.

Tri-Forces Triathlon Clinic

Influenza vaccinations

Financial counseling services

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Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon North Beach, Md. This clinic is designed to get you more informed and prepared for the Tri-Forces Triathlon on Sept. 29. Learn race strategies and approaches, gear options, bike mounting and dismounting, pacing, practice and review open water strategies and skills on the event course. Cost is $50 until Friday and $60 thereafter. Register at www.Piranha-Sports.com/Race251.aspx. For more information, contact Jess Manning at Jess@BricksMultiSport.com or 302-5983856.

Community Emergency Response Team training

Wednesday and Sept. 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, Building 72 The Community Emergency Response Team training is provided free of charge by "Serve DC's" to better prepared residents to respond to emergencies in their communities. When emergencies occur and 1st responders cannot respond, CERT members can provide immediate, critical assistance for family, neighbors or other victims, and can help organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, until help arrives. Seats are limited. To register, call 202-767-0450.

Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

Sept. 11, 7-8 a.m., Building 401 social hall

Starting Aug. 27, active-duty military can get their flu vaccine from 8-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Naval Health Clinic Preventive Medicine Department. The vaccine will also be available for active-duty military at Center Stage Theater from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17-18, from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 19, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1-3. Eligible beneficiaries can get their vaccine starting Aug. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to noon or from 1-4 p.m. in the immunization clinic. TRICARE beneficiaries can also receive the vaccine from aTRICARE retail network pharmacy at no cost. To find a participating pharmacy, call 877-363-1303. For more information, call the clinic's influenza phone line at 301-342-7894.

Exceptional Family Member Program

This is a DoD program that addresses the special needs of military families. Sailors who have an Exceptional Family Member with special needs, such as a medical or educational disability, should enroll in the EFMP so the Navy can do its part in caring through appropriate assignments and providing information and referral resources.

Clinical counseling services

Fleet and Family Support Center clinical counseling services can improve the quality of life of service members and their family

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Fleet and Family Services Personal Financial Educators can help people take control of their finances, reduce money-related stress and overcome the financial challenges of military life. To make an appointment, contact Jim Walsh at 301-342-5442.

St. Mary's County government offices holiday hours St. Mary's County government offices, Senior Activity Centers and the three St. Mary's County libraries are closed Sept. 3 in observance of Labor Day. The St. Andrews Landfill and six convenience centers, and the St. Mary's Transit System will not operate Sept. 3, and there will also be no Meals onWheels deliveries. Normal hours and operations resume Sept. 4.

We're ready. Are you? "Are what?" you're asking. Find out in September with the launch of Ready Navy.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Center Stage Theater Aug. 23-29 Thursday, Aug. Thursday, Aug. 23 6:30 p.m., p.m., Ted Rated: R (1 hr, 46 min) Friday Fr iday,, Aug. Aug. 24 6:30 p.m., p.m., People People Like Us Rated: PG13 (1 hr, 55 min) 9 p.m., p.m., Magic Magic Mike Mike Rated: R (1 hr, 50 min) Satur aturday day,, Aug. Aug. 25 4 p.m., p.m., Amazing Spider Spiderman man (3D) Rated: PG13 (2 hr, 16 min) 7 p.m., p.m., People People Like Us Rated: PG13 (1 hr, hr, 55 min) 9:30 p.m., p.m., Magic Magic Mike Mike Rated: R (1 hr, hr, 50 min) Sunday unday,, Aug. Aug. 26 2 p.m., p.m., Brav Bravee (3D) Rated: PG (1 hr, 33 min) Free Fr ee sneak peek 4:30 p.m., p.m., Lawless Rated: R (1 hr, 55 min) Monday and Tuesday Tuesday No Movies Movies Wednesday ednesday,, Aug. Aug. 29 6:30 p.m., p.m., Amazing Spider Spiderman man (3D) Rated: PG13 (2 hr, 16 min)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

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Navy marks milestone production of key aircraft computer system By Paula A. Paige Air 1.0 Program Management Public Affairs The Navy and industry partner General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems marked the milestone production of a key computer system used in naval aircraft duringavisittothecompany's Bloomington, Minn., plant Aug. 2. Under the Advanced Mission Computer and Displays program, or AMC&D, General DynamicsAdvancedInformation Systems has now delivered the 1,500th AMC, including the 1,000th Type 3 AMC, which are used to replace aging AYK-14 systems on major Navy aircraft platforms. Capt. Tracy Barkhimer, program manager for the Air Combat Electronics office (PMA-209), which manages production of the AMC&D, hailed the importance of the system to the Navy. "The General Dynamics mission computers have been and continue to be extremely versatile and highly reliable systems for our fleet users," Barkhimersaid."Theyprovide mission computing capabilities for many major naval air-

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Courtesy photo from General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems

Wearing anti-static smocks to prevent electrostatic discharges, from left, Vicki Nagle, deputy integrated project team lead for the Advanced Mission Computer and Displays program in the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209), and Capt. Tracy Barkhimer, PMA-209 program manager, examine a computer circuit card for an Advanced Mission Computer with Brian Schubloom Sr., manufacturing manager for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, during a visit to the company's plant in Bloomington, Minn. craft platforms. The AYK-14 missioncomputersintheF/A18A-Ds, E-2Cs, and SH-60Bs are still in service and have been for more than 35 years, while AMC&D products are entering their 10th year of service." The AMC&D system is currently used on the AV-8B Harrier, the F/A-18A-D Hornet, the E-2D Advanced

Hawkeye, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler. On the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G, the AMC&D system replaces legacy AYK-14 MissionComputersandaging CRT Displays with integrated Advanced Mission Computers,networkswitchesandhigh resolution displays. The AMC&D system represents a new generation in

computing capability for naval aviation, Navy officials said. Where the AYK-14 systems were limited to data processing, the AMC&D systems bring orders of magnitude increases in processing performance and memory, display and video processing capability and high-speed networks to the fleet. By integrating mission and image processing into a single system, the AMC&D computers enable pilots and aircrew to identify, track and designate targets in ways that could not be done with the older AYK14 systems. In addition, with the inclusion of high-speed networks, high-definition images can be transferred between systems and stored for later evaluation. On a more basic level, the AMC&D is an open-architecture system capable of drawing on the latest commercial processing, networking and software developmenttechnologiesavailable (think Google and Android platforms), unlike the AYK-14 systems that used Navy uniquearchitecturesandwere limited by government funding for advancements. MikeTweed-Kent, General DynamicsAdvancedInforma-

tion Systems vice president and general manager of the Mission Integration Systems division, said the milestone AMC&D production highlighted the importance of the company's ongoing relationship supporting the Navy. "General Dynamics has produced this core system for more than 10 years and we're proudtobepartneredwiththe Navy as they continue to en-

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hance their situational awareness and combat systems capabilities," Tweed-Kent said. "AMC is built on a well-defined open systems architecture, allowing for rapid insertion of mission-specific technologies at lower costs. We look forward to many more years of delivering high-performance avionics hardware and software to Navy warfighters."

Thursday, August 23, 2012

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Navy Medical Service Corps celebrates 65 years By Lt. Cmdr. "Sonny" Tizon Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River Public Affairs

Physician's Assistant Lt. j.g. Amanda McMillan, right, examines Hospital Corpsmen 2nd Class Mathew Davis during a routine medical exam at the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River military medicine clinic.

The Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River celebrated the 65th birthday of the Navy Medical Service Corps on Aug. 1 with the most "seasoned" former Navy MSC Officer, Capt. Frederick McDonald, NHC Patuxent River's commanding officer, and the Clinic's youngest Navy MSC Officer, physician's assistant Lt. j.g. Amanda McMillan, cutting the ceremonial birthday cake. "It is a privilege to serve our Navy as a Medical Service Corps Officer and I'm honored to carry on the proud legacy of MSC Officers, past and present," McMillan said. McMillan is a recent graduate from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and was commissioned a Medical Service Corps Officer in March. Since its establishment on Aug. 4, 1947, the men and women of the Navy MSC have served in times of peace and war, at home, overseas and on the front lines. In the beginning, there were only four sections: medical

DOG

Chaplain's Corner

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

Continued from 1 unfamiliar animal life. In addition, no matter what the circumstance, a service dog must fulfill its duties 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A service dog may remain in service for as long as 10 years. Skelley said, "You have to be absolutely confident that wherever you send him, he'll perform flawlessly." CCI provides all of its service dogs free to those in need. Once a service dog passes the advanced training, it is paired with a partner to form a companion team. The pairing is a specialized process and happens over a two-week period at the CCI facility on Long island.The trainers work to understand the personality of each person so they can pair them with a dog that matches his or her qualities, then they train the person on how to handle and care for the new service dog. One of the Skelleys' favorite anecdotes on a successful pairing comes from a May 18, 2012, article in Newsday about John M. Peck, a Marine Sergeant with two combat tours under his belt, who lost parts of all four limbs when he stepped on an explosive device in Afghanistan. Peck said his new service dog Nasar was "... hyper as hell, which is fun because he has so much energy. It keeps me in good spirits. Hopefully, I can teach

GUARD Continued from 5 The Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, is the nation's leading maritime law enforcement agency and has broad, multi-faceted jurisdictional authority. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service, unique among the other U.S. military branches because it has a maritime law enforcement mission, with jurisdiction in both domestic and international waters, and a federal regulatory agency mission.

him to catch a girl for me. He's the ultimate icebreaker—a chick magnet." While the Skelleys have no input on whom Oxford gets paired with, they think his socialization at NAVAIR—being around aircraft, hangars and service men and women—might make him a particularly good service dog for a Wounded Warrior. Like Nasar, Skelley said Oxford is a bit hyper at times. Because of this positive experience, Skelley said he and his wife hope to raise another dog for CCI. "It's not work, it's a blast," he said. When asked how difficult Oxford's farewell will be, Skelley compares the experience to sending his kids off to college. "You wouldn't want them not to go, but in a way you wish it hadn't happened so soon ... but it's the right thing to do," he said. "And when Oxford graduates and is paired with his new partner, we will be in the audience beaming like proud parents." As "puppy raisers," the Skelleys get lots of help from the regional CCI office in Medford, and the Washington, D.C., chapter. They say being a puppy raiser for CCI is not hard, it just requires a bit of time, patience and lots of love. Service dogs change the lives of numerous disabled people every day. To learn more about volunteering for CCI, visit www.cci.org.

Although each Coast Guard member has a specific job title, each performs a variety of roles. Since the station is responsible for its own maintenance and upkeep, each member must be able to step in and do jobs outside their specialties. "There's a lot of variation in the job," said Machinery Technician 1st Class Derick Thrappas. "I'm a (mechanic), but being in the Coast Guard, it's sort of like getting a new job every three years. I can't imagine sitting behind a desk doing the same thing every day." Koll agreed, "It keeps it interesting. New location, new job; it's never boring."

supply and administration, medical allied sciences, Optometry and Pharmacy. The MSC has grown from 251 plank-owners, crew members of a ship in commission, to a diverse professional corps today of nearly 2,900 active-duty and Reserve naval officers, representing 31 specialties of clinicians, scientists and administrators. "The Medical Service Corps has scientists conducting world-class, operationally relevant health and medical research solutions, clinicians providing high-quality patient care to warfighters in the battlefield and medical treatment facilities around the world, and administrators leading the way in maintaining the health and wellness of our fighting forces and beneficiaries. Wherever MSCs are needed, they work globally to build medical capability," said the Director of the Medical Service Corps, Rear Adm. Eleanor Valentin, in her 65th birthday message. Deploying around the world and serving in harm's way, Navy MSC officers provide relevant and critically important services to Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen, as well as coalition partners throughout the world.

Stress-reduction technique: Choose your attitude By Al Kaniss Guest contributor There are a lot of reasons to feel stressed these days: too much work, too little time, uncertainty about the future, other people's unreasonable expectations of you, and of course, change, change and more change. One of the big causes of stress is feeling powerless. I'm sure we've all had experiences such as being late and stuck in a traffic jam, feeling trapped in a job we didn't like, or having a sickness or injury that kept us from performing our normal activities. The thing to keep in mind about feeling powerless is you never really are; you can always choose the way you look at a situation, that is, your attitude. Many people in the Bible went through very tough times and did just that. The person I think of first is Joseph. His brothers hated him. When they got the opportunity—out of their father's sight—they threw him in a pit and planned to leave him there to die. They changed their minds, though, and sold him into slavery, never expecting to see him again. Even as a slave, Joseph had a good attitude and worked diligently. Then his boss' wife falsely accused him of attacking her, for which he was sent to prison. Joseph spent years in prison until God set up the circumstances

Al Kaniss for him to become prime minister. Was Joseph stressed? Sure, but he just made the best of each situation and trusted in God to get him through his difficult times. Another person who chose his attitude was Job. He was one of the wealthiest men in the Bible. But in a brief time, all of his 10 children died, he lost all his wealth and he lost his health. Talk about stress! But he chose to have a godly attitude, understanding that we can receive bad as well as good at the hand of God. Eventually, his wealth and health were restored, and he even had 10 more children. If anyone had a reason to be stressed due to feeling powerless, it was Jesus. As a young man in His early 30s, His father arranged for him to die the cruelest execution possible, crucifixion, when he hadn't ever done anything

wrong. Was he scared? Yes. Could he have escaped? Of course, but he chose his attitude by yielding to the will of God. It's easy to think we have to act a certain way because of circumstances. But we always have a choice. We can choose to be bitter or to forgive.We can choose to hate or to love. We can choose to be jealous and resent others who have more than we have, or be thankful for what we have. We can choose not to sweat the small stuff, and consider it all small stuff. James 1:2-4 tells to actually count it as joy when we have problems, since dealing with them builds character. One quote I like very much is from Randy Pausch, a young professor at Carnegie Melon Institute who became famous with his "Last Lecture" shortly before he died. His attitude was: "don't complain, just work harder." Rather than feeling powerless, like a victim, do something about it. One of the best ways to stop feeling powerless and sorry for yourself is to help someone less fortunate that you. Look around, there are many. Hard as it is to accept, stress is self-generated. Only you have the power to relieve your stress. You can look at the glass half empty or half full.You always have the power to choose your attitude.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tester

Ceremony marks leadership change for Harrier program By Marcia Hart Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Public Affairs The AV-8BWeapons Systems Program Office (PMA-257) at NAS Patuxent River appointed a new program manager during a change-of-command and retirement ceremony Aug.10 in the base's Hangar 201. Former Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 Commander Col. Charles Gray relieved Col. Thomas Walsh, who retired from the Marine Corps after 25 years of service. "Colonel Walsh is a fearless leader," said Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis, the program executive officer for Tactical Aircraft, called PEO(T), which oversees PMA-257. "He is hardworking, steadfast and intense." The PMA-257 program office manages the life cycle sustainment of the AV-8B Harrier Weapon System, for the Marine Corps and its allied partners the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy. The program engineers, procures, fields and sustains readiness and capability improvements forVertical/Short TakeOff and Landing attack capability. Gaddis thanked Walsh for his service and praised him for his accomplishments as the PMA-257 program manager. "He is a Marine who simply gets things done and done quickly," Gaddis said. During the ceremony, Gaddis welcomed Gray into the PEO(T) fold, encouraging him to "take the lead and shape the dialogue" for the Harrier program office. Gray, a native of Paramonga, Peru, accept-

ed the challenge and said he has come to appreciate the "elegance of the AV-8B Harrier." "This capability is not enabled by millions of lines of software code nor by hundreds of man years of modeling simulation efforts" Gray said. "It is enabled by the minds, the hands, the hearts and the sweat of Marines, and these enablers will never be matched, will never be beatenâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;in peace or in war." Gray was commissioned in the Marine Corps in May 1989 upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. Most recently, Gray was assigned in July to VX-23 as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter government flight test director. Gray was responsible for execution of the Developmental Test program of both the Marine Corps ShortTake Off andVertical Landing and Navy carrier variant of the F-35 Lightning II, and oversaw milestones, such as the first flight of the F-35B. Gray was subsequently assigned as chief test pilot forVX-23 in January2009 and served as commanding officer from September 2010 until March 2012. During this period, VX-23 accomplished multiple aviation milestones. Gray has accumulated more than 2,600 flight hours in multiple aircraft. Gray holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College from U.S. Navy photo by Adam Skoczylas which he holds a Master of Strategic Studies Col. Charles Gray, left, accepts command of the AV-8B Weapons Systems degree. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy and Marine Program Office (PMA-257) from Col. Thomas C. Walsh during a change-ofcommand ceremony Aug. 10 in Hangar 201 at NAS Patuxent River. Corps Commendation Medal.

NAVAIR mentors help summer intern reach dream of working on a carrier By the Mentoring - Externally Directed Team A NAVAIR summer intern had the opportunity of a lifetime when he spent almost a week working on one of the U.S. Navy's premium aircraft carriers. University of Missouri Science and Technology student John Staples, an aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering major, spent his summer working in NAVAIR's mission systems, and thanks to his NAVAIR mentors, Howard Beaver and Michael Heinz, the 22-year-old fulfilled his longtime dream of working on an aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) while at sea July 1520. "My first impression was awe at the sheer scale of the ship," Staples said. "You're standing on the pier staring up and up and up at this huge, floating piece of steel. All of which was closely followed by an intense sense of patriotism at seeing four and a half acres of sovereign U.S. territory that can go anywhere in the world and put ordnance on target." As a temporary member of NAVAIR's Precision Approach and Landing Systems Certifica-

tion Flight Test Team, based out of NAS Patuxent River, Staples helped certify USS Truman for aircraft instrument landing operations up to fully automatic control to touchdown. Under the guidance of Heinz, the lead flight test engineer, and Beaver, the senior flight test engineer, Staples helped support the logistics of executing flight tests at sea, participated in briefs and debriefs, logged and entered data during tests and communicated data to the test team. Life on the ship was different from life back at home, Staples said, comparing it to camp. "Never forget shower shoes," he joked. His most memorable experience on the ship was the carrier onboard delivery, or COD, ride off.The COD is the type of aircraft that can ferry people, mail and high-priority cargo, such as replacement parts, on and off a naval ship, typically an aircraft carrier. "After waiting for what seemed like an eternity in the cramped passageways of the carrier, we get the thumbs up, saying that our glorious chariot back to civilization has arrived," Staples said. "So we pile though the hatch into the alternating blasts of cool sea breeze and

John Staples NAVAIR Intern sweltering jet exhaust-laden air. All the while, all I can think of is, 'I'm on a carrier's flight deck in the middle of flight ops.' " The group huddled behind the island while the COD was fueled and positioned on the flight deck. They were then led, single file, to the tail door of the COD. Staples shuffled down the narrow aisle to the front of the aircraft and sat in one of the backward-facing seats, next to Beaver. The engines began to spool, the door closed, and the aircraft began to shake, bounce and scrape down

the flight deck, Staples said. "With another bounce and a shake, I feel the launch bar hook in to the catapult, and I begin to grin like a madman. I am about to be shot off an aircraft carrier's catapult," he said. "With the aircrew's warning yell, and my sweaty death grip on my harness, we begin the 3G acceleration of the catapult stroke. After a small, stomachchurning dip, we are airborne, and firmly in one of the coolest moments of my life." Staples' mentors said they were happy to help make one of his dreams come true. "My hope is that John was left with an understanding of the challenges and dedication our customer, the fleet, have to complete their mission," Beaver said. "And, it's a valuable experience to build both his confidence and motivation to make the significant difference to the fleet, which he is capable of." To learn more about NAVAIR's Mentoring Program, visit https:// mentoring.navair.navy.mil or contact Donna Belcher, NAVAIR's mentoring program manager, at 301-342-5096. If you have a mentoring success story to share, contact Veronica Miskowski at 301757-8391 or Lonnie Snead at 301757-8252.

NEX Continued from 1 NEX shoppers can also be satisfied knowing they're saving an average of 23 percent over civilian retail stores, according to this year's NEXCOM market survey. The annual survey, done by an outside company, compares the prices of approximately 350 branded items in the NEX inventory to those charged in other outlets, including discount stores, mass merchants, full-line department stores and category-killer stores, across the Continental United States and Hawaii. While 23 percent is the average savings for items at NEXs, shoppers actually save more because they don't have to pay sales tax at an NEX. The NEX also accepts manufacturers' coupons, which can be combined with NEX coupons or coupons from another Military Exchange Service. However, the combined amount of the two coupons cannot exceed the price of the product. NEXs operate as a non-appropriated fund business, with 70 percent of revenues generated used to support MWR programs, while the remaining 30 percent is used for recapitalization: new stores and renovationsandpayingsalariesandutilities.

(Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs contributed to this article.)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tester

Commentary

It’s not our money anyway By Capt. Tracy Barkhimer Air Combat Electronics Program Manager

Rather than whining about how we're going to do more with less money or the same with less money, I've decided to take inspiration from my father, a frugalist. Dad turned off the lights every time he left a room, kept our home thermostat just above freezing and cautioned us not to use too much toilet paper. While I have no plans to start monitoring my staff's toilet-paper use, I have found ways for the Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA209) to be better stewards of our citizens' tax dollars. Here is a snapshot of some of the ways we're saving money in PMA-209:

Taming the paper tiger

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We've reduced costs by printing documents doublesided—including those ubiquitous Power Point slides—or recycling documents. I've even asked my staff to print in blackandwhitesowecansave on purchasing color toner.

Running on fumes

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With travel budgets in the

should close the blinds and shut off the lights. When that person is me, I even turn off the printers.

Anticipating volatility

Capt. Tracy Barkhimer crosshairs, I've started personally approving and disapproving staff travel. I advocate for more virtual teleconferences, phone conferences and reducing the number of personnel who will attend mandatory events to the bare minimum.

Friday night lites

I end my week with "Friday night lites," an email to my team recapping the week's events, sharing upcoming activities and highlighting a wide range of items. As a tribute to my dad, my "lites" always include a reminder that the last people out of their work spaces

Recently, while contracting for hardware procurements for PMA-209, we have seen several instances in which the quantity of items originally solicited has varied from the quantities specified in the solicitation and proposal. Typically, this type of change requires the contractor to revise or re-price its proposal, which leads to delays—some significant—in contract award. This type of event will most likely become more common with the possibility of a fiscal year 2013 Continuing Resolution Authority, and our current budget challenges across the Navy. Accordingly, we now include in every solicitation for hardware a requirement for the contractor to propose to a "range" or "step ladder" quantity. That's what we're doing to save money in PMA-209. What are you doing? Send me an email so we can share ideas: pma209ace@navy.mil.

Ask the Lawyer:

Do Miranda rights apply to me?

Mathew B. Tully If service members believe the answer to a question would be self-incriminating, they should invoke their right to remain silent or to counsel. Once they do this, questioning must immediately stop. This invocation, however, must be clear, according to the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals, or NMCCA. For example, in the 1999 case of U.S. v. Shiloh the NMCCA said that, "no particular words or actions are required to exercise one's right to remain silent, but its invocation must be unequivocal before questioning must stop." In Shiloh, the court found that a Navy dental technician's statement to a Navy Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS, agent that, "I don't have anything to say," was equivocal, especially when considering he remained seated in a room

when his interrogators gave him the opportunity to leave. However, the dental technician's assertion that, "I want to leave," and his subsequent departure from the room, were unequivocal. Sometimes interrogators fail to read the Miranda/ Tempia warning or ignore such unequivocal assertions and continue questioning the service member. If this happens, any statements the service member makes should not be admitted as evidence in court-martial proceedings. It is up to the accused's attorney to fight prosecutors' attempts to utilize improperly obtained incriminating statements. The 1999 case of U.S. v. Mitchell involved a Navy ordnanceman who was found guilty at general court-martial of, among other things, premeditated murder. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, or CAAF, set aside the finding of guilt and ordered a rehearing because of the erroneous admission of pretrial statements. In particular, CAAF took issue with a statement the ordnanceman, charged with premeditated murder, made in response to a question asked by his chief petty officer out of personal curiosity. The petty officer asked, "Was it worth it?" and the ordnanceman responded, "... it was an eye for an eye." He made this statement

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after he had been read his Article 31 rights and made a request in writing for counsel. Considering the petty officer was a command representative who was questioning someone in jail and whom he knew was suspected of an offense and with whom he had no personal relationship, CAAF found the government violated the ordnanceman's rights. Service members questioned about an offense should request to consult with a military-law attorney. A lawyer could advise them of their rights and ensure they do not volunteer any self-incriminating statements. If the service member has already made statements, a lawyer could explore whether interrogators violated his or her Article 31 rights. Mathew B. Tully is an Iraq war veteran and founding partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC. E-mail questions to askthelawyer@fedattorney.com. The information in this column is not intended as legal advice.

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By Mathew B. Tully Guest contributor Q. How am I supposed to respond if a superior superior officer asks me a question and the truthful tr uthful answer answer would probprobably get me in trouble? trouble? A. If a service member is suspected of committing an offense and is questioned by a superior or law-enforcement officer about his or her involvement in it, the suspect should have been informed of his or her options. Namely, these options, as described in the military justice system's "Miranda/Tempia warning," include the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Under Rule 305 of the Military Rules of Evidence, until suspects are advised of their rights, military personnel cannot begin interrogating a suspect who is in custody. Also, an interrogation cannot commence if the interrogator is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and is acting in a law-enforcement capacity. This rule defines an "interrogation" as: "any formal or informal questioning in which an incriminating response is sought or is a reasonable consequence of such questioning." Under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a service member cannot be forced to incriminate himself or answer any question if the answer can incriminate him.

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