Father’s Day airing of “They Were Our Fathers” ... Some 20,000 American boys and girls lost their fathers during the Vietnam War. In a new documentary film produced by WSRE, several of these Gold Star children, now adult men and women, share their stories which serve as powerful testimonies about the true cost of war. WSRE will premiere “They Were Our Fathers” with a Father’s Day broadcast at 7 p.m. June 19. To learn more about the film, visit wsre.org/fathers.
Vol. 80, No. 24
NMOTC to change command June 27 From Ens. Nasim Hawashem NSTI
Capt. Paul D. Kane will transfer command of Navy Medicine Operational Training Center (NMOTC) to Capt. Mark Goto in a change of command ceremony to be held in the National Naval Aviation Museum June 27 at 10 a.m.
Capt. Mark Goto
Goto is a native of Fresno, Calif. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was commissioned in the Navy in 1989 as an ensign in the Health Professions Scholarship Program at the University Of Pittsburgh School of Medi-
Capt. Paul D. Kane
cine. While in medical school, he was awarded research fellowships from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Deafness Research Foundation and conducted research in balance disorders. In May 1995, Goto received his doctoral degree in medicine and reported to Naval Medical Center San Diego and completed his internship in basic surgery. In May 1997, he was designated a U.S. naval flight surgeon and reported to Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) at See NMOTC on page 2
VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com
June 17, 2016
NASP marinas designated ‘Clean and Resilient’ Environmental stewardship, preparedness planning earn Bayou Grande, Sherman Cove marinas DEP award Story, photo by Mike O’Connor Gosport Associate Editor
NAS Pensacola’s marinas at Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove had a great reason to celebrate on National Marina Day (June 11): both had just earned new certifications from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas – previously recognized by DEP as “Clean Marinas” in 2007 – have added a new laurel: the designation “Clean and Resilient.” The honor comes with a new flag, which may be seen flying over their docks. To earn the designation as Clean and Resilient Marinas, the NASP marinas implemented additional best management practices to improve the facilities’ ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters. The base also works in the community to coordinate emergency preparedness, providing information on potential emergency situations, evacuation routes and shelter areas for both marina facilities. “NAS Pensacola’s Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas are leaders in Florida’s boating and marine industry as demonstrated by their environmental stewardship,” said Shawn Hamilton, director of DEP’s Northwest District. “The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is honored to recognize both
NAS Pensacola marina staff, flanked by Director of Department of Environmental Protection Northwest District Shawn Hamilton, left, and NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin, right, accept the DEP’s Clean and Resilient Marina award June 10.
the Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas as Florida Clean and Resilient Marinas.” The DEP Clean and Resilient flag was presented by Hamilton to NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin and MWR officials June 10 at Bayou Grande Marina. Mike Helms, NASP MWR marina operations manager, was among those on hand at the state’s presentation. “Quite a bit of paperwork, but now we have not only Clean Marina but (also) Clean and
Resilient-level,” Helms said. “You have to achieve excellence in your hurricane preparedness; also in handling hazardous materials. They really focus on those two items right there ... When they started evaluating the procedures we have in place at NAS Pensacola: how we handle hurricane preparedness, evacuation procedures, oils spills, boat fires; they look at things of that nature. They went through See Marinas on page 2
Community support for Blue Angels ... Members of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, hold candles during a pubic vigil June 9 at Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park. Hundreds of community members turned out for the tribute organized by the City of Pensacola and the Blue Angels Association to honor Blue Angels opposing solo pilot, Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, who was killed in a crash June 2 in Smyrna, Tenn. Currently, the team is in an operational pause. Blue Angels No. 2 pilot, Lt. Matt Suyderhoud, said the Blues will be back in the skies over Pensacola soon. “The time to mourn is now, but when that time is over, when that time is right, we will be back in the skies of this great nation. We will fly like warriors. We will not be scared ... because we’ll have Jeff on one wing and the city on the other.” Photo by Janet Thomas
Golf tournament raises $25,000 for NMCRS From Pen-Air FCU
Pen Air Federal Credit Union’s (FCU) held its 16th annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) June 10 at A.C. Read Golf Club aboard Naval Air Station Pens a c o l a (NASP). The tournament had to rescheduled from April 1 due to heavy rain conditions. Despite the rescheduling, the tourna-
ment remained “sold out” and still managed to raise $25,000 for the NMCRS. “We are so pleased that the tournament remained full,” said Stu Ramsey, Pen Air president and chief executive officer. “Pen Air is proud to support Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, because of all the good work they do for our military and their families.” See Golf on page 2
Notice: Use designated car washes ... Prevent pollution and promote compliance with NAS Pensacola’s stormwater permits by using designated car washes. Remember, only rainwater can go into storm drains. Storm drains lead directly to nearby surface waters including Pensacola Bay or Bayou Grande. Base designated car washes are located at Bldg. 606 (near NEX Aviation Plaza), Bldg. 600 and the Auto Hobby Shop at NASP Corry Station. If you sponsor a car detailing company on base to work on your car, escort them to an authorized car wash to do the work. The work cannot be done in areas other than the designated locations. For questions, call NASP NavFac Public Works Department at 4523131, ext. 3027.
Giordano selected as Navy’s 14th MCPON From Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
WA S H I N G TON (NNS) – The chief of naval operations (CNO) announced the selection of the 14th master chief petty officer of the FLTCM Steven S. Navy (MCPON) Giordano June 9 during an all hands call in Newport, R.I. CNO Adm. John M. Richardson said FLTCM Steven S. Giordano will take charge from MCPON Michael D. Stevens Sept. 2, during a change-of-office ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. “This was a very hard decision, perhaps the See MCPON on page 2
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.