NAS Pensacola to host 9/11 commemoration ceremony ...
In commemoration of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Naval Air Station Pensacola will present a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard the base at 10 a.m. Sept. 11. Seven-time New York Times bestselling author John Weisman will be the guest speaker for the event, which will include a traditional “two-bell” ceremony, the playing of “Taps” performed by the NASP Honor Guard and a 21-gun salute. The public is invited to attend.
Vol. 77, No. 36
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September 6, 2013
Region Southeast changes command Story, photo by MC1 (SW) Greg Johnson Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) – Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville Aug. 29. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson relieved Rear Adm. John C. “Jack” Scorby Jr. as the region’s commander. “I can now attest first hand that the flawless reputation this region enjoys around the fleet is extremely well deserved,” Williamson said. “I am amazed not only at the quality of programs at our installations, but also the sheer magnitude of Sailors and families you serve throughout the region. I’m sure it will be an honor and a privilege to work with each of you over the next couple years.” Williamson is a Jacksonville native and a 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a bache-
lor’s in computer science. He also holds a master’s in business administration from the Naval Post Graduate School and is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College. Williamson reported to CNRSE from his previous assignment as Commander, Navy Region Midwest. Vice Adm. William D. French, commander, Naval Installations Command, was guest speaker at the ceremony. “Rear Adm. Williamson is an outstanding naval officer with significant operational experience as a surface warfare officer,” French said during his remarks. “I know he’s excited to be back home in Jacksonville (Florida) and ready for the great challenges and rewards that this region offers.” Scorby, who was awarded the Legion of Vice Adm. William D. French speaks as Rear Adm. John C. Scorby Jr., left, and Rear Adm. Rick Williamson listen Merit during the ceremony, during the Navy Region Southeast change a of command ceremony Aug. 29 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. had commanded CNRSE Scorby was relieved by Williamson during the ceremony. “At the end of the day, will think of each and since August 2011. Under ceeded the fiscal year 2013 installation wind turbine his leadership, installations energy usage reduction impact analysis study that it’s been one team, military every one of you each time throughout the region goal of 24 percent. He was developed a nationally and civilian, and you I pin it on.” Scorby will assume made significant reduc- also instrumental in the supported legislative out- proved it day after day,” tions in energy costs Navy’s pursuit of compat- reach effort and ensured Scorby said. “The personal command of Navy Region through an active regional ible land-use strategies, safer air operation areas award that I received today Europe, Africa, Southwest belongs to all of you and I Asia in October. energy council that ex- which included the Navy’s and mutual co-existence.
Training command commissions new CWO September:
AOC Lucas Kneipp, an instructor at Naval Air Technical Training Center, has his daughter Julie and son Dylan place warrant officer shoulder boards onto his uniform during his chief warrant officer commissioning ceremony. Kneipp is the second NATTC staff member to be commissioned this year. Story, photo by Lt. Jonathan Bacon NATTC PAO
AOC Lucas Kneipp, a native of Shreveport, La., and an instructor at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), was commissioned a chief warrant officer (CWO) during a ceremony Aug. 30.
Family, friends, well-wishers and staff gathered inside NATTC’s John Finn Memorial Hangar to see Kneipp’s transition from chief petty officer to “mustang.” Capt. Alan Dean, NATTC’s commanding officer, presided over the ceremony and watched as Kneipp passed his chief’s anchors down to the next generation of chiefs.
Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt.Tavares Bush, AOC Joshua Shryock and AOC Michael Holmes removed the anchors from Kneipp’s collars and his chief petty officer cover, signifying the beginning of his transition from the chief’s mess to the wardroom. Kniepp then passed his chief’s anchors down to AO1 Glenn Kirkland and AO1 Richard Corrigan, expressing the hope that they will one day wear them as chief petty officers. Afterward, with the help of his family, Kneipp put on his new officer’s uniform insignia. His wife, Kelly; daughter, Julie; and son, Dylan, placed his warrant officer shoulder boards on his shirt and his officer’s combination cover on his head. “The support of my family and co-workers, the values my parents instilled in me growing up, and the hard work of many Sailors that I have led, brought me the success I have had to this point in my career,” said Kneipp. “It’s important that the best Sailors in the fleet come back as instructors to training center’s such as NATTC, as I did, to pass their experience down to the next generation of Sailors.
See CWO on page 2
Navy Suicide Prevention Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
Suicide prevention goes beyond training people to recognize risk factors, warning signs or what to do in a crisis. You may not realize it, but suicide prevention happens every day when you do something kind for someone who did not expect it, or just take the time to actually listen to someone when you ask how they’re doing. It’s hard to quantify exactly how many lives you’re impacting or how you’re impacting them, but the one fact you can count on is that the little things you do mean something big to someone else. Often when we realize that we’ve helped others, we have a renewed sense of purpose and contribution even when we’re experiencing
our own challenges and setbacks. Each September, the armed forces recognize Suicide Prevention Month to encourage ongoing proactive conversations about stress so service members and their families feel more comfortable seeking help. The Navy’s theme for Suicide Prevention Month this year is “Thrive in Your Community.” Recent Navy THRIVE communications focus on the importance of taking actions to help people grow in the face of stressors. The ability to thrive is the next step in building resilience and solidifying the relationship between personal responsibility and supportive communities. This year’s Suicide
See Month on page 2
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