Gosport - May 4, 2012

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Vol. 76, No. 18

VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com

May 4, 2012

VCNO holds town hall discussion aboard NASP By Ed Barker NETC PAO

The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) held a town hall discussion aboard NAS Pensacola as part of a capstone event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), April 30. The forum, hosted by Adm. Mark Ferguson, focused on sexual assault awareness and prevention, and was attended by more than 1,500 Sailors from Pensacola-area training commands. The event was also live-streamed to audiences around the world via the Pentagon Channel, Navy social media platforms and direct to Sailors at sea. “Today marks the last day of April, which is sexual assault awareness month. But it’s really the first day of the rest of the journey; our job is not done,” said Ferguson. “Our goal this month has

Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, addresses NAS Pensacola Sailors and a worldwide broadcast audience on the subject of sexual assault awareness at a town hall meeting April 30. Photo by Emily Benner

been to raise sexual assault awareness within the Navy and to communicate some very important messages. The first is that we will not

tolerate sexual assault. The second is that we have to support the victims of this crime, to offer them assistance and to encourage

them to come forward; to encourage them to seek the help that we offer. And lastly, to hold those who are perpetrators of this

crime accountable.” The hourlong program featured a panel discussion moderated by Jill Loftus, director of the Department

of the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DoN SAPRO). The discussion highlighted victim advocacy resources available in the fleet, ongoing prevention efforts and Sailor-led programs to curb destructive behavior. Panel members included two airmen from the Naval Air Technical Training Center’s chapter of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and victim’s advocate. The panel members shared their experiences as leaders who are committed to the common goal of eliminating sexual assault in the Navy. “This forum underscores our commitment, at every level of leadership, to combating sexual assault in the Navy,” said

See VCNO on page 2

NHP’s main entrance closing for upgrades; entry only via 61st Avenue From Rod Duren NHP PAO

Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP)’s main entrance on U.S. Highway 98 will be closed to incoming traffic beginning the morning of May 7, tentatively through June 19, for upgrades to traffic flow and security measures. The project is part of Navy

Medicine mandated security measures and will be the first time since the hospital opened in 1976 that the main entrance has undergone an upgrade. Entrance to the hospital compound will be via 61st Avenue only. Traffic will obviously flow at a slower pace through the back gate during construction on the front entrance, especially during the early morning hours.

However, the hospital will allow departure off the compound via the U.S. 98 gate during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital has been working with the Escambia County Transportation and Traffic Operations and State of Florida Highway Department to assist with the accommodation of these plans. Traffic signage will be in place on U.S. 98 to assist drivers to the 61st Avenue entrance.

Westbound traffic on U.S. 98 will turn north (right) onto 61st Avenue. Eastbound traffic turning from U.S. 98 onto 61st Avenue will cross traffic at the left-hand turn traffic signal. Southbound commuters on 61st Avenue will turn into the compound across the northbound lane of 61st Avenue. Commercial deliveries through the 61st Avenue gate have been planned for

See NHP on page 2

NASP recycle drive 2012:

‘Team up to recycle’ From NavFac SE

NASP CO Capt. Christopher Plummer (left) presents Arthur J. Vick Jr. with a plaque and letter of appreciation May 1.

Dry cleaner recognized for support to NASP honor guard Story, photo by Mike O’Connor Gosport Associate Editor

A good deed should never go unnoticed. Area dry cleaner Arthur J. “Jake” Vick Jr., of Vick’s Cleaners, has been dry cleaning the NAS Pensacola honor guard’s uniforms for free, ever since learning the Navy didn’t cover the charge. NASP Commanding Officer, Capt. Christopher Plummer, expressed his

thanks to Vick in person May 1, with a plaque and a letter of appreciation. More than 20 command Sailors attended the ceremony, shaking hands with Vick afterward. According to the citation, during the last three years, Vick’s Cleaners has saved the NASP honor guard and funeral detail $4,493.60 in cleaning service expenses. During that time, the honor guard

See Vick’s on page 2

In celebrating the spirit of Earth Day every day, NAS Pensacola is having a competition to determine, “who’s the biggest recycler.” The NASP Recycle Center is asking for commands, tenants and even individuals to participate in this event to raise awareness about recycling onboard NASP, as well as earn some recognition and a chance for prizes. Participants should collect recyclable items May 10-17. Keep in mind to collect items wherever possible within your participating group’s area, even if it is rescuing items from your cubicle or neighbor’s trash can. This also would be an excellent opportunity to do a little spring cleaning and pull out unneeded books, files or other materials that can be recycled. Additionally, be mindful of your facility’s trash pickup dates. Be sure to register by May 10. Registration forms will be available at the NASP Recycle Center, Bldg. 2691 and Radford Gym Bldg. 4143. For this competition, items that can be collected by participants include: plastics, scrap metal, aluminum and tin cans, newspaper, magazines, office paper as well as single and corrugated cardboard. Take your recyclables to Bldg. 2691, Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. or onboard Corry Station, Bldg.1079, 10-11:30 a.m. Onboard Saufley, take recyclables to Bldg. 856, 89:30 a.m. For more information, contact Eric Thomas,

See Recycle contest on page 2

Sailors past, present meet aboard USS Alabama ... AE1 John Kopelakis, from Lake Worth, Fla., a member of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and 88year-old Frank Radulski Sr., a native of Pennsylvania, stand in the USS Alabama (BB 60) Command Information Center (CIC) as Radulski explains how he would track aircraft by marking their locations on the transparent plotting board. Radulski is a member of the USS Alabama Crewmen’s Association who served aboard the Alabama during World War II. Kopelakis was with a group of first class petty officers who are board-eligible for the rank of chief petty officer from NASP commands who visited the ship recently as part of the Navy’s MCPON 365 training. Photo by MCC Russell Tafuri

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


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