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Vol. 82, No. 28
TraWing-6 change of command July 19 From Rick Weaver Admin Officer Training Air Wing Six
Capt. Mark G. Stockfish will turn over command of NAS Pensacola’s Training Air Wing 6 (TraWing-6) to Capt. Scott Janik July 19 in a 10 a.m. ceremony to be held at the National Naval Aviation Museum Atrium.
Capt. Scott Janik
A native of Corvallis, Ore., Janik was commissioned in 1995 via the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Villanova University and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in August 1996. He is a career EA-6B and EA-18G Electronic Warfare Officer and holds a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering.
Capt. Mark G. Stockfish
He commanded VAQ135, the World-Famous Black Ravens. He led the squadron on its maiden EA-18G Growler deployment in a combat zone supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. During his tenure VAQ135 received consecutive Battle “E”s, Safety “S”s and was named the Association of Old Crows Outstanding Naval Aviation Unit of the Year for 2012. As commanding officer he also received the 2012 Don Quinn Leadership Award from the Navy See TraWing-6 on page 2
July 13, 2018
USCGC Dauntless arrives at NASP By Kaitlyn Peacock Gosport Staff Writer
A month after U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Decisive (WMEC 629) docked at Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP), USCGC Dauntless (WMEC 624) arrived July 10 as the second ship scheduled to shift homeport to NASP. Dauntless and its 80-member crew were greeted by base officials, Pensacola community representatives and a crowd of eager families welcoming their loved ones home. “The men and women (of the Dauntless) just really appreciate all the support that Pensacola has given us,” Coast Guard Cmdr. Timothy Sommella, the commanding officer of Dauntless, said. “It’s really an outstanding time to be here and we are excited about the future relationship between Pensacola and the United States Coast Guard.” Dauntless sailed from a dry dock in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Pensacola after a complete overhaul, including a fresh coat of paint. Just before arriving in Pensacola, the crew celebrated the ship’s 50 years of service; Dauntless was commissioned June 10, 1968. As with Decisive, Dauntless will patrol the waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, conducting search-and-rescue missions, drug interdictions and enforcing maritime law. “We partnered with the Navy to take advantage of the logistics and operational proximity to our operating area in the Caribbean to do counter-drug missions,” Sommella said. As one of the oldest and most decorated cutters of its class, Dauntless has been involved
(Above) USCGC Dauntless throws heaving lines as the ship ties up at NAS Pensacola (NASP) Port Operations July 10. Photo by Mike O’Connor (Left) As TV cameras roll, NASP Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Christopher Martin, left, greets USCGC Dauntless CO Cmdr. Timothy Sommella. Photo by Kaitlyn Peacock. For more photos of USCGC Dauntless’ arrival, visit www.GosportPensacola.com.
See Dauntless on page 2
Braving the Blues: Five tips to survive Blue Angel weekend Dress rehearsal today, July 13 • Pensacola Beach Air Show tomorrow, July 14 By Heidi Travis Ballinger Editorial Intern
While the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show never fails to thrill, it is not for the faint of heart. First timers may be in for a few surprises aside from the Blues’ death-defying aeronautic feats. Venturing out to the crowded Pensacola Beach can be as harrowing as it is enchanting and if you want to survive, there are a few things you need to know. GET THERE EARLY – The show may not start until 2 p.m., but if you want premium parking and your choice spot to catch the
show, you need to get there before 7 a.m. Make like a homesteader and stake your claim early with your lawn chairs and beach umbrellas because it gets pretty competitive out there. GAS UP – The Blue Angels Air Show draws a lot of people which means a lot of traffic. People come and go in droves and it can get pretty congested, particularly on the Pensacola Bay Bridge. Ex-
pect to sit in traffic for a long time. Best gas up before heading out to the show and, if you can, carpool. BRING EARPLUGS – The Blue Angels Air Show is a sensory experience – the incredible, mid-air acrobatic sights; the smell of the salt in the air; the rumble, roar and scream of the jet engines so close you can feel it in your chest ... and your ears. You will most definitely want to consider taking a good pair of earplugs for this.
USE SUNSCREEN – You are in for a full day of fun in the sun so protect yourself. Use plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat, and find a shady spot to chill out once in a while. Take a dip to cool off in the Gulf waters, but make sure you reapply after. HYDRATE – Florida summers are unrelenting. July’s heat and humidity are killer if you do not prepare and take care. Take plenty of water or sports drinks with you. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, so be sure to drink before you head out and take plenty of sips throughout the day.
Changes coming to TRICARE NASP Marines conduct change of command Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) By 2nd Lt. William Schreiber From TRICARE
Do you have TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) coverage now? If so, then you need to know that the TRDP will end on Dec. 31. Not to worry – anyone who was in TRDP this year or would have been eligible for the plan, will be able to choose a dental plan from among 10 dental carriers in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). You will be able to enroll in FEDVIP during the 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2019. Previously, FEDVIP was not available to Department of Defense beneficiaries, but it will now be available to those who would have been eligible for TRDP. As an added bonus, they will also be able to enroll in FEDVIP vision coverage, along with most active duty family members. See TRICARE on page 2
The Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 (MATSG-21) conducted a change of command ceremony onboard NAS Pensacola (NASP) June 28. Col. David C. Forrest relinquished command to Col. Michael H. Johnson and will officially retire later this year. The ceremony featured Retiring Officer Brig. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, assistant deputy commandant of aviation and an AV-8B Harrier aviator by trade. MATSG-21 provides administrative support
Col. Michael H. Johnson
Col. David C. Forrest
to assigned personnel in addition to other tasks as directed by the commandant. This support is directed primarily toward personnel in the naval aviation training command with five subordinate commands. The
command is principally manned by approximately 21 percent permanent personnel and 79 percent aviation students; both enlisted and officers. Forrest, an AV-8B See Marines on page 2
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