A round the Oct./Nov. 2012
First-Hand Accounts of Sandy
Region
“Honoring our Sailors’ Service & Sacrifice”
Volume 2 Issue 11
SELRES SUPPORT SANDY RELIEF EFFORTS
HTCS(SW,SCW,SS) Randolph Bowers, New York State Naval Militia (Reserve drilling unit is SurgeMain) Delmar, NY. “Being a member of the militia is a volunteer assignment, doing good for others caries that part of wearing the uniform that makes you feel good at the end of the day. After seeing first hand the devastation that Sandy has caused, the small amount of help that we have provided makes a difference, because I know that their are others behind me that will continue the effort.” Capt. Robert S. Bazan, USN Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for New York Glenwood Landing , New York. “I serve as the Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (NEPLO) for New York, responsible for coordinating the communication between the FEMA Region II Defense Coordinating Element and the New York State National Guard/Dual Status Command Element. With great personal satisfaction I am helping to ease the suffering and speed the recovery to my fellow New Yorkers, especially since I live in the state. I live on Long Island which was severely affected by the storm, and thankfully my family and-
SELRES Sailors attached to NOSC Schenectady prepare to leave on a hurricane Sandy relief mission, Nov. 1. They continue to work with the New York City Naval Militia in support of hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Photo courtesy Lt. j.g. Carl Zeilman By Lt. j.g. Carl P. Zeilman, Public Affairs Officer, Navy Office of Community Outreach and member of the New York Naval Militia
NEW YORK, – New York State Naval Militia members received a call to duty to respond to Hurricane Sandy. Not knowing what to expect they packed their bags and prepared for one of the worst natural disasters to affect New York state. The hurricane damaged infrastructure, waterways and commerce. In some cases complete municipalities were destroyed. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered more than 2,000 citizen Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors to mobilize to New York City and Long Island to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts for Operation Sandy. Of those called to serve, more than 90 were Naval Militia members. The militia is a 2,200 member force made up in part with Navy and Marine Corps Reservists who operate a fleet of emergency service patrol
boats to secure state waterways and assist where manpower is needed. “The New York Naval Militia gives maritime capability to the military forces of the state of New York, as well as the ability to call to duty, within hours, highly trained, Reserve Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen,” said Naval Militia spokesperson Trip Powell, a retired Navy captain. As New Yorkers began to emerge from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, emergency service boats were patrolling the New York City harbor, and running missions along the Hudson River. While most would assume these boats were a part of a federal force, the five boats deployed were in fact operated by the state’s Naval Militia and manned with men and women who also call themselves Navy Reservists. “The Navy Reservists in the Naval Militia bring the individ-
ual skills and knowledge they’ve honed on active duty or in the Reserve and put them to work for the people of New York during natural disasters, emergencies and day-to-day ops,” said Eric Durr, the director of public affairs for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. Some of the 40 Naval Militia members were assigned to the Lexington Avenue Armory in hard-hit lower Manhattan. Many of these Sailors faced their own challenges brought on by Hurricane Sandy but stepped up and answered the call to serve their community and neighbors in need. The Navy Reservists working as Naval Militia were tasked with various missions from evacuating a major downtown hospital to handing out food and water to displaced victims. The Naval Militia Sailors, part of a joint force, helped hundreds of men, women
Cont. on pg. 4
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NOSC Baltimore CO’s Team Wins Wilderness Challenge By Yorktown Weapons Station Public Affairs
YORKTOWN, Va.–“Trample the Weak Hurdle the Dead” was named the 2012 All-Military Wilderness Challenge champions, Oct. 6, with a winning overall time of 7:11:13. Defending champions, Team “HT18B” from Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., came in second with a time of 7:24:01 and Team “MCAS New River Patriots” from Marine Corps Air Station, Jacksonville, N.C., was third with a time of 7:29:23. The challenge was sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Region, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department, Naval Weapons Station (WPNSTA) Yorktown and ACE Adventure Resort, West Virginia’s largest outdoor outfitter. More than 200 military personnel representing all five branches of the Armed Forces competed in a series of five outdoor adventure races-52 miles over two days-in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and on the New and the Gauley Rivers in West Virginia. Team “Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead” was comprised of four Naval officers from four different commands across the country: Cmdr. Sue Himes, U.S. State Department; Cmdr. Todd Gagnon, Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC), Fort Gordon, Ga.; Cmdr. Andrew Cawlfield, Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center, Baltimore, Md.; and Lt. j.g. Travis Dill, NIOC, Fort Meade, Md. Their camaraderie, dedication and determination brought them together for this win. “Between the four of us, we’ve all had a lot of experience doing the Wilderness Challenge. Even though we never trained together, we knew what we had to do,” Himes said. “We all got along - they were all quality guys with the right attitude - a perfect balance of the desire to win with the desire to have fun while doing it. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.” Forty-one teams participated in the Wilderness Challenge, competing in an 8K mountain run, a 12-mile mountain bike race, a 14-mile forced hike through the mountains, a 13-mile whitewater raft race on the Gauley River and a seven-mile kayak race on the New River. For the 12th year, West Virginia has hosted the event and the state is quickly becoming a familiar
Sandy Accounts Cont. from pg. 1
home were spared. We are providing shelter and assistance to our neighbors in need throughout this ordeal.”
Commanding Officer of NOSC Baltimore Cdr. Drew Cawlfield is pictured with his team “Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead, Oct. 6 before completing and winning the 2012 All-Military Wilderness Challenge. Photo Courtesy Cdr. Cawfield
site for everyone involved. “It was such a pleasure to be involved in the 2012 All-Military Wilderness Challenge at Ace Adventure Resort, and what an honor it is for West Virginia to host this exciting event year after year,” said Keith Gwinn, Cabinet secretary, West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. He attended the challenge to support the teams and represent the state of West Virginia in welcoming the participants. “For a state that truly embraces military veterans and also offers some of the most extreme outdoor adventures, there couldn’t be a better match,” he added. For some of the challengers, it was not only the spirit of competition, but the chance to compete against the top athletes in the military that brought them to the Wilderness Challenge. “We are all seasoned athletes who compete on our own in various types of endurance events (triathlons, marathons, ultra marathons, half Ironmans, etc.) so we all knew what we needed to do individually to be ready for this endurance event,” Gagnon said. In its 12th year, the All-Military Wilderness Challenge is reaching commands from all across the United States, from as far away as Iowa and even Puerto Rico. Over the challenge’s two days, teams had to deal with everything from flat tires to broken wrists in their quest for the title of “most extreme” military team. “Every team dealt with adversity, whether it was injuries, illness, fatigue, or breakdowns,” Cawlfield said. “Our team (Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead) possessed a positive attitude which allowed us to pull together and encourage each other when faced
with obstacles.” “A positive attitude, a little perspective and the ability to laugh at yourself are attributes our team possessed and it made the entire experience enjoyable,” he concluded. The top teams from each branch of service were also recognized at the awards ceremony. For the U.S. Army, Team “Dog and Pony Show” from U.S. Army Reserve Unit, Ames, Iowa, were first with a time of 8:56:12. For the U.S. Air Force, Team “OL-Q” from Defense Security Service, Quantico, Va., were first with a time of 9:29:18. For the U.S. Coast Guard, Team “Ducky Fuzz & the Master of Rubber” from the Deployable Operations Group, Arlington, Va., were first with a time of 7:44:10. Team “HT-18B” also took top honors for the Marine Corps and Team “Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead” for the Navy. “This event could not have happened without the great teams that competed this year or without the support of Rick Bayes and ACE Adventure or the great staff from MWR Mid-Atlantic,” said Mike Bond, MWR director, WPNSTA Yorktown and the event coordinator. Even as this year’s competition comes to an end, participants and organizers are already preparing for next year’s Wilderness Challenge, building on the success of this year to make it even better. “Congratulations to the winners of this year’s challenge and to all who participated. I look forward to seeing you back here again next year,” Gwinn concluded. For more news from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, visit www. navy.mil/local/nwsyorktown/.
LT Stefan “Steve” Neuhaus Amphibious Construction Battalion Two, S1R and Acting S4R Home Town: Chester, NY “Basically the 15 of us assembled at Floyd Bennett Field which is across the water from the Breezy Point Section that was impacted by fire and flooding. Our task was to split the 15 members into 4 groups and man four patrol boats along the Breezy Point Coast and inter coastal areas for debris, unsecured vessels and any other way we could assist. Our presence alone was a source of comfort to the civilians on shore. We often had people shouting thank you and God bless you. With no power, a fuel shortage and reports of looting we represented a safe harbor so to say for the citizens. -Initially communication. For the first 48 hours after the hurricane, cell service was very scattered so it was difficult to get orders from our command in upstate NY. -Also food and berthing were not available so we had to take the initiative and fend for ourselves. Most of the time we slept on the floor in various locations with sleeping bags we had brought with us from home. One night I was able to secure us a room at the HQ for NYPDs Special Operations Division. The NYPD took very good care of us and provided us with a room, cots, blankets and more importantly a hot shower. We were even able to watch the movie “Master and Commander” on one of their training TVs. In addition, we had to feed ourselves once we were in the field. Luckily, we assisted one homeowner in the Mill Basin section of Brooklyn who happened to own a deli. Long story short, he was so appreciative of our help (we helped him secure his boat) that he gave us all sandwiches on the house! “
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RCC Mid-Lant Hosts Regional Commander’s Summit
November NAVAL HISTORY Nov. 1, 1841 “Mosquito Fleet” commanded by LCDR J. T. McLaughlin, USN, carries 750 Sailors and Marines into the Everglades to fight the Seminole Indians. Nov. 3, 1931 Dirigible USS Los Angeles makes 10 hour flight out of NAS Lakehurst, NJ, carrying 207 persons, establishing a new record for the number of passengers carried into the air by a
Reserve Component Commanders from all regions including Capt. Jay Adelmann, commanding officer RMARCC, meet with Rear Adm. Cutchen, Commander Navy Reserve Command, at RMARCC for the 2012 Commander’s Summit, Nov. 7. Photo by MC2 Maddelin Angebrand
Senior Chief Barte’s Unit Celebrates Navy Birthday
Nov. 5, 1775 Commodore Esek Hopkins appointed to Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy. Nov. 7, 1861 Naval forces under Rear Admiral Samuel F. DuPont capture Port Royal Sound, SC. Nov. 8, 1861 CAPT Charles Wilkes seizes two Confederate diplomats from the British steamer Trent, causing an international controversy with Great Britain (known as the Trent Affair).
Navy Reserve Capt. Teresa Fairbanks, ISAF Senior Navy Representative, and the youngest Sailor in the unit cut a cake in honor of the Navy’s 237th Birthday, Oct. 13 in Kabul Afghanistan. Photo by PSC Anton Barte Lt. j.g. Amy Hession, International Security Assistance Force Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan – Sailors at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, celebrated the U.S. Navy’s 237th birthday Oct. 13 with a ceremony which included a remembrance of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. “The War of 1812 served a critical turning point for our Navy on this 237th birthday, we have the honor to serve in the greatest maritime fighting force the world has ever seen,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Trevor Cater as he read the Navy birthday message on behalf of the
Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan Greenert. More than 90 participants attended the celebration, including ISAF leadership and service members from other coalition nations. Participants observed the Navy tradition of asking permission to come aboard as they entered the ceremony grounds where they each received a commemorative coin. Participants observed a passing of the flag ceremony as well as recognition of U.S. Marines. “I would hope that people take away from the ceremony today how important we feel the Navy is to the United States and the impact it makes in the traditions we hold near and
dear to our hearts,” said Capt. Teresa Fairbanks, ISAF’s senior Navy representative, who served as the guest speaker for the event. The event closed with the cutting of the Navy birthday cake by the base’s youngest Sailor and its oldest Sailor. The U.S. Navy was established Oct. 13, 1775 by Congressional Resolution allowing George Washington to command armed schooners to intercept British supply ships. In 1972, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy’s birthday. Today it is celebrated by active forces as well as Reservists, and Navy veterans.
Nov. 20, 1856 CDR Andrew H. Foote lands at Canton, China, with 287 Sailors and Marines to stop attacks by Chinese on U.S. military and civilians. Nov. 22,1914 Title Director of Naval Aeronautics established. Nov. 23, 1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints Admiral William D. Leahy as U.S. Ambassador to Vichy France to try to prevent the French fleet and naval bases from falling into German hands. Nov. 25, 1775 1775 - Continental Congress authorizes privateering.
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Sandy Relief Efforts Cont. from pg. 1
SELRES Sailors attached to NOSC Schenectady deliver food and water along with other resources to Hurricane Sandy survivors, Nov. 1. These Sailors continue to work with the New York City Naval Militia in support of hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Photo courtesy Lt. j.g. Carl Zeilman
Cont. from pg. 1 and children get through a difficult situation. “Being healthy and able, I felt it was my obligation to go out and help those who were affected the most. New York is my home and it hurts when you see it suffer,” Machinist Mate 1st Class Luis Donarye, a Navy Reservist from Long Island and New York State Militia member said.
“Giving a helping hand was the right thing to do. What I enjoyed the most was working with other Sailors and Marines who selflessly dedicated lots of hours of hard work, lack of sleep, time away from home and other discomforts in order to assist the people in need.” In addition to providing help to citizens affected by the hurricane, 20 Navy Reservists manned five emergency service boats. The boats
were used on patrol missions to assist the Coast Guard secure waterways and identify displaced residents. “To see the destruction was heartbreaking,” said Electrician’s Technician 3rd Class Heather Oligny of Navy Operational Support Center Schenectady. “Every small thing we did made someone’s suffering lessen and that is why we serve.” The importance of the New York’s
State’s Naval Militia has proved to be a valuable asset to New York State’s Defense forces, helping to secure New York state’s waterways and provide relief to residents in need. The skills Navy Reservists bring to the New York Military forces — whether in construction, nuclear engineering, electronics, or boat handling — could not be replicated in a state volunteer-only force, Durr added.
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Region Mid -ATLAnTic At a Glance
FCPOA Hosts PFA Meltdown
Senior Gunkel Reenlists on Halloween
RMARCC’s First Class Petty Officer Association hosted a luncheon after the official PFA. The FCPOA is actively involved in boosting command morale and providing leadership to junior Sailors.
LSCS Todd Gunkel recites the Oath of Enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony on Halloween. Gunkel says Halloween is his favorite holiday. Cdr. Greg Stehman conducted the reenlistment.
Photo by MC2 Maddelin Angebrand
Photo by MC2 Maddelin Angebrand
Senior Chief Skehan’s Baby Shower IT’s A BOY! YNCS Angela Skehan, RMARCC’s Operations Chief, was given a surprise baby shower by her friends at the command, Nov. 9.
Photos by MC2 Maddelin Angebrand
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Our page is always being updated with new photos and information. Don’t forget to upload your NOSC’s photos to keep everyone informed on the great things you are doing! This month we would like to thank NOSC Baltimore for their active campaigning and keeping us informed on all their recent community events and ceremonies! www.facebook.com/pages/NOSC Baltimore
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ACROSS 2. Offensive measure to deter terrorism 3. Days of leave following childbirth 4. “Recall” flag 9. Projecting visibility to defeat terrorist attacks 5. Maximum days of advance leave 10. “Affirmative” flag 6. Category of most pesticides 11. Abatement 7. Building cooperative working relationships 13. Service members can always contact 8. Authority granted to officers/ petty officers 16. Article 94 12. Examination of records 18. Years of good service for gold service stripes 14. Annual leave 19. Knot used to tie a neckerchief 15. Maximum award points granted for E6 20. Number of broad award categories exam DOWN 17. Careless/ abusive use of government 1. Cancer caused by smokeless tobacco resources
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Around the Region Photos of the Month
(LEFT) NOSC Syracuse Sailors play volleyball for command PT.(MIDDLE LEFT) NOSC Pittsburgh Sailors attended a Tribute to Veteran’s Gala event, Nov. 10. (MIDDLE RIGHT) NOSC Greensboro Sailor cuts cake with Rear. Adm. Cutchen at the Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 13.
SELRES Sailors attached to NOSC Schenectady deliver food and water along with other resources to hurricane Sandy survivors, Nov. 1. These Sailors continue to work with the New York City Naval Militia in support of hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Photo courtesy Lt. j.g. Carl Zeilma (RIGHT)