Inside This Issue Page 4 #SAAM
COMMAND CORNER
Defining Success
Cmdr. Derek Wessman NRD Phoenix, Commanding Officer
failure to control airspeed and stay on course. Similarly, success in one aspect of life will be short lived Page 6 Officer Training (and even meaningless) if the other aspects are not in balance. Former Page 7 Hero Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Alford McMichael put it more Page 8 Navy Week bluntly – “If you put more emphasis on loving the Corps than you do lovPage 11 NOSC ing your family, then you get to the top without anyone to share it with.” Page 12 RDAC In contrast, as I gained flying experience, I learned that there Page 13 Around the Fleet are many “failures” along the way to “success.” For example, very rarely were my altitude, airspeed Road Runner Staff and course ever “perfect.” How ever, I would stay out of hot water Cmdr. Derek Wessman How do you define success? That’s with my instructor as long as I was Commanding Officer not a rhetorical question, so take constantly correcting to get back on a minute to write down a few track. Recognizing these “failures” Cmdr. Alex Ortiz thoughts… Next answer this quesand taking immediate corrective acExecutive Officer tion: How do you define failure? tion minimized their overall impact Again, put your thoughts in writing. and ensured the safety and overall CMDCM(SCW/SW) Eric Cole Do your answers describe “success” of the flight. Over time, as Command Master Chief events and specific actions? Or do I learned to “keep my scan moving,” they state characteristics, values, the required corrections were minor MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez attitudes and results? Are your and less frequent making it easier to Public Affairs Officer answers focused on only one aspect sustain successful balanced flight. Editor/Layout and Design of life (i.e. – work, education, fit So take a look back at your ness, family, etc.)? Or do they cover answers to the opening questions everything under the sun? and consider these final thoughts: The Road Runner is a monthlynewslet As a student pilot, I was ter produced by the U.S. Navy Recruit- Failure happens – It’s a ing District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is made painfully aware of the impornecessary step in the pathway to suctance of “keeping my scan movintended primarily, but not exclusivly, cess, but we can’t let it define us. It’s for the use, information and entertain- ing.” For example, I had trouble what we do with it that determines ment of it’s active duty and reserve holding altitude, so I would put overall success or failure. As noted members, civilian employees and their all my effort toward it until it was families. Any views exspressed herin are author Charles Stanley states, “Fail“perfect.” Meanwhile our airspeed not necessarily the official postions of ure is something you do, not somewas getting dangerously slow and the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff thing you are.” encourages feedbacl from it’s readers. we were rapidly drifting off course - Success requires balance – Please submit all articles, suggestions, because I was unaware that we were Whether on a personal or team level, ideas, comments, photos, compliments in a constant right turn. As you can or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Success Continued on see, my success in holding altitude Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@ Page 3 was quickly overshadowed by my navy.mil. Page 5 Robotics
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Success Continued from Page 2
true sustainable and meaningful success is inherently balanced and is achieved through integrity of actions. - Success is measured by results produced, but defined by the values of the person/team responsible. As we go forward with an eye toward achieving success, remember the final part of our command philosophy…
Results: Success requires balance between home and work, yet in our Navy Family, they are mutually supportive and highly dependent on each other’s strength and the relationships within. Make deposits into these relationships by putting our Navy Core Values into Action at home and on the job. We must PRO-ACTIVELY drive every challenge, don’t let it drive us. This will produce measurable results … WINS that we will all celebrate
together as ONE Navy Family! … with this approach, our failures will simply be “lessons” along the way and success won’t just be what we DO, but what we ARE. I am continually impressed with your professionalism and drive to make our Navy even stronger. Thanks for your continued Honor, Courage & Commitment to our mission. Stay Hungry! Skipper
Summer Safety Starts with You CMDCM(SCW/SW) Eric Cole NRD Phoenix Command Master Chief Shipmates and families, this month as it starts to warm up throughout the command. I ask that as you all think about your summer plans take a minute and include safety in your planning. In the Navy every evolution has safety built into it. All too often we do not think safety in our personal activities. Do you have a first aid kit? Fire extinguishers? Can you recognize heat injuries? The Critical Days of summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day is an especially highrisk period because of increased travel and outdoor activities. Too often we participate in trips or outdoor activities without thinking safety. Prevent mishaps and avoid tragedy by including safety in your plan. Most things that can hurt you or go wrong are easy to anticipate and avoid. Some specific things to think about in extremely hot weather:
Drink fluids in the right amount to avoid dehydration at least 8 quarts a day while doing routine activities (carry emergency water in your car) Wear light-colored, loosefitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool, and for added protection from damaging sun exposure, the neck, face and ears should be protected Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Make sure children are also adequately protected. Monitor those at risk - previous heat injury/elderly Good physical conditioning and proper weight is key, exercise and work outdoors before sunrise or after sun set Use alcohol with caution in the heat, it dehydrates! If you drink, DO NOT DRIVE, one drink can be one too many behind the wheel There are many resources and courses available to help you
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make a safe plan. Start online, the Naval Safety Center is a good start. The Red Cross has many good classes, sign up for a first aid course. If you are taking up jet skiing, take a safety course. If you are planning a long road trip, plan rest stops and make sure your car is mechanically sound. Take advantage of being stationed here, there are many outdoor activities and sites to see. DO IT SAFELY, MAKE A PLAN.
Hurts One, Affects All
By HM1 Aaron Spaulding April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the Department of Defense is “Hurts One. Affects All … Preventing Sexual Assault is everyone’s Duty.” It presents a chance for commands to dedicate attentiveness and education on the importance of abolishing this crime. The Navy is committed to combating sexual assault everywhere. Our ultimate goal is a Navy culture of gender respect where sexual assault is completely eliminated and never tolerated. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (The new DOD program replacing SAVI) – This is not a position; it is the umbrella name for the DOD program to reduce sexual assault. Each year, as required by law, the military services supply detailed statistics and other summary information on sexual assaults for the Department of Defense’s annual report to Congress. In fiscal year 2010, the Navy had 611 reports of sexual assault, including 441 unrestricted reports and 170 restricted
reports; moreover, 49% of the unrestricted reports were aggravated sexual assaults. Most of these incidents involved alcohol. Reported sexual assaults in the Navy increased by 6 percent between FY09 and FY10. We believe this change reflects improved reporting and not an increase in criminal behavior. Restricted reports allow victims of sexual assault to confidentially disclose the crime to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling without triggering the official investigative process. Unrestricted reports initiate an official investigation of the crime, which includes their chain of Command. Alcohol was involved in 46% of sexual assaults in fiscal year 2010. Consent must encompass positive and willful participation, voluntary action and knowledge of the act. If a person is intoxicated he or she cannot legally consent to sex. A single drink is grounds to declare a person as being intoxicated. Sexual assault is a real issue in the Navy. Every day at least one
of our shipmates becomes a victim of sexual assault. All of us have an obligation to look out for each other and intervene if something is not right in a situation. If something does happen, it’s important to know what to do and who to go to. For questions or reporting, please contact one or more of the following; HM1 Aaron Spaulding (623) 687-4844 MA2 Katherine Embleton (520) 604-8572 NOSC Phoenix 24/7 (602) 531-9004 AZ Sexual Assault Network (866) 656-HOPE SAPR 24/7 Luke AFB Advocate Response (623) 856-4878
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NRS Chandler Participates in Robotics Competition Story and Photos By MC1 Adrian Melendez CHANDLER, Ariz. - Recruiters from Navy Recruiting Station Chandler took time out of their weekend to interact with the future of America’s science and engineering community at the 10th Annual Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz., March 23 and 24. The three recruiters volunteered as judges at the competition, which showcased robots from more than 45 teams made up of students grades 9-12 from Arizona and New Mexico, as well as teams from Mexico, Brazil and Canada. Navy Career Counselor 1st class Craig Amos, one of the volunteer judges for the event, said he was surprised by the size of the competition, but even more amazed about the knowledge and level of skills that the students had to build the machines. “I’m 30 years old and I feel like I’m learning a whole new side of what’s going on, from an educational standpoint, when it comes to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,“ said Amos. “Just to see what these kids can do in a six month time frame is amazing.” The Navy judges were split up in to three teams and were in
Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Craig Amos, from Navy Recruiting Station Chandler, Ariz., asks a student from the Brophy College Preparatory school robotics team about their robot at the FIRST Robotics Competition at Hamilton High School in Chandler, March 24.
charge of judging each robotics team on creativity, teamwork and sticking to the FIRST Robotics Core Values •We are a team. •We do the work to get the job done with guidance from our coaches and mentors. •We honor the spirit of friendly competition. •What we learn is more important than what we win.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Pete Williams listens as a student explains his team’s robot at the 10th Annual Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at Hamilton High Scholl in Chandler, Ariz., March 24.
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•We share our experiences with others. •We display gracious professionalism in everything we do. •We have fun. Chief Judge Advisor for FIRST, Cynthia Stong said she was very appreciative of all the volunteer judges, and added that having service members out to see the projects and interact with the students a great opportunity to show, and talk about, the technical side of the military. “We have military out at several of our events across the country,” said Stong. “It shows the kids that their technology can be used in things you guys (military) are doing.” Stong, who is also a mechanical engineer at Boeing, stressed the need for more mentors FIRST Continued on Page 6
Officer Recruiters Receive Assistance with Medical Mission By NCC Angela Jaynes and MC1 Adrian Melendez PHOENIX - Officer recruiters from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix took part in Medical Officer recruiting training program at the Navy Officer Recruiting Station El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque March 26-30. The training aimed at assisting the recruiters with prospecting techniques and to give them a better understanding of the Navy’s Medical program. Navy Recruiting Command National Trainer and Inspector, Chief Navy Career Counselor Ryan Bastien led the training and stressed the importance of the topic and why the knowledge can better serve them to get qualified medical professionals in America’s Navy. “Navy Medical Programs on the reserve and active duty side are NRC Priorities. Some of these programs can be challenging,“ said Bastien. “The training and education of new recruiters is beneficial in getting them comfortable with interviewing medical professionals, giving them new ideas on how to tackle the areas in which they have had some push back within the medical communities and universi-
ties.” Ensign Peter Bazalaki, Division Officer of NRD Phoenix ‘s Division 2 agreed that the training was very beneficial to helping the officer recruiters in meeting their mission. “The most beneficial part of the training was the fact that I was able to get real time, hands on training on how to sell to the open programs & residency medical directors in our area,” said Bazalaki. Although the instruction was focused on medical recruiting, Bastien said that the same concepts can be applied to any recruiting initiative to better help all recruiters across the board. “The more training a recruiter gets the better they will be able to maneuver within enlisted and officer recruiting,” said Bastien. “The more prospecting any recruiter does with the proper training the more processing they will be able to do.” “It was a much needed experience,” said Bazalaki. “The instructor was very knowledgeable about the programs that we needed
FIRST Continued from Page 5
gram does,” she said. Amos also echoed the same sentiment as Stong, adding that the presence of the Sailors and conversations with the kids shows them that there is a very technical side of America’s Navy that they may have previously not known. “The biggest selling aspect we have when it comes to Navy Recruiting is presence. Just being out there with the individuals in the community who are promoting STEM is a huge deal, because
in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math communities to help guide kids to programs such as FIRST and foster creativity and innovation that is strongly needed. “There’s this cliff in front of us where in about 5 years 40 to 50 percent of our engineers will be retiring. So we’re trying figure out how to transfer knowledge between the older engineers and the kids, and that’s exactly what this pro-
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Navy Recruiting Command National Trainer, Chief Navy Career Counselor Ryan Bastien provides Medical Officer Recruiting training to Chief Navy Career Counselor Tonia Branco, from Navy Officer Recruiting Station Albuquerque, in Albuquerque, March 29. U.S. Navy photo by NCC Angela Jaynes.
to focus on in our area of responsibility. NCC Bastien assisted us in laying down the ground work for us to better penetrate a market.”
these kids are who the Navy needs and are our future innovators.” FIRST Robotics is a not for profit public charity that designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate youth to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills and has more than 1,400 youth robotics teams world wide.
Phoenix Recruiter Nominated as Hero for Month of March By MC1 Adrian Melendez
PHOENIX - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Aaron Spaulding, from Navy Reserve Recruiting Station Phoenix, was chosen as KFYI 550 AM’s My Military Hero of the Month in Phoenix for March 2012 Spaulding’s wife, Lety, heard about the contest while listening to a local country music station and immediately thought of entering her husband. “I had to write a short essay about him and his service to our country and why I thought he should be nominated,” she said
“His heart is what makes him truly a hero.” -Lety Spaulding Aaron was unaware of his wife nominating him for the award, but said she did her due diligence when writing the essay. “I had no idea she was putting me in for the contest,” Aaron said. “I didn’t realize how much she had actually written until I read
Hospital Corpsman 1st class Aaron Spaulding’s, from Navy Reserve Recruiting Station Phoenix, photo stands high above Interstate 17 outside downtown Phoenix as KFYI Phoenix’s My Military Hero for the month of March. Spaulding’s wife entered him in the contest by writing an essay on why her husband is a hero. Spaulding was awarded a $500 gift certificate and will be entered in a drawing with 11 other military heroes for a chance to win a new Ford Mustang at the end of the year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
the essay. She went through all my awards and evaluation write ups to get my career information to put it all together. I was really impressed.” Aaron’s military accomplishments aren’t the only thing that makes him a hero. Lety said that it’s his dedication to religion, family and country that makes him a hero in her eyes. “He always looks out for the best interest of others, dedicates his time and energy and is willing to lay down his life at all times. He is a wonderful Christian father and a devoted husband. His heart is what makes him truly a hero,” said Lety. Spaulding was awarded a $500 gift certificate for being Hospital Corpsman 1st class Aaron Spaulding stands proud with his son Jack after after his re-enlistment at Adams Traditional Academy in Phoenix, April 2. U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Structual Mechanic 2nd Class Jose Vallejo
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nominated and will be entered in a drawing with 11 other My Military Hero nominees for a chance to win a new Ford Mustang. But he said that one of the coolest parts of being picked as the Hero for the month of March was having his picture on a Billboard for the whole month on Interstate 17 just outside of downtown Phoenix. “It was pretty cool to see myself up there. I was getting phone calls, texts, and Facebook messages from everyone telling me they saw it,” said Spaulding. Even though Aaron was nominated as the hero for March, both agree anyone serving in America’s Navy and the other armed services are all heroes every day of the year. “I appreciate my husband’s service and sacrifice along with all the other countless families and soldiers. Everyone of them should be recognized and they are all heroes,” said Lety.
Phoenix Recruiters Conclude Successful Navy Week By MC1 Adrian Melendez
PHOENIX - Sailors from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix wrapped up Phoenix Navy Week 2012, March 31, flawlessly executing months of planning for the six day celebration of America’s Navy through more than 80 different events across the Valley of the Sun. Throughout the week Sailors from NRD Phoenix, Navy Operational Support Center Phoenix and Tucson, USS Ford (FFG 54), Explosive Ordnance Mobil Unit 1 (EODMU1), USS Constitution, Navy Band Southwest, Navy Office of Community Outreach and Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, The Leap Frogs, participated in numerous school visits and community events to showcase the brave Sailors in today’s Navy and to show the public what it means to be part of the Global Force for Good. “I think it went really well,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st class Douglass Boykin, Leading Petty Officer at Navy Recruiting Station Surprise, one of the 13 stations that took part in the various events in the Phoenix area. Boykin said that he was very excited and happy about how well received the America’s Navy Simulator and Suburban, EODMU 1, and the Navy Band Southwest rock band “The Destroyers” by the students and staff at Willow Canyon High School’s Navy Day in Sur-
Seaman Deidre Foster, assigned to USS Constitution, shares her cover with a child while answering questions about the Navy from students at Little Big Minds pre-school during Phoenix Navy Week. U.S. Navy photo by Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Thomas Rooney
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James Woods, assigned to the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, lands on the football field at Desert Ridge High School in Gilbert, Ariz., during a special event at the school, March 28. More than 2,000 students from the High school and Desert Ridge Junior High School packed the stands to see the team perform. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
prise, Ariz. “We did really well spreading Navy awareness and talking to the students about what we do and our experience in the Navy.” said Boykin “Several of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students came up to me to thank us for coming out to the school. It was a very positive experience.” One of the most popular events of the week was the Leap Frogs who performed two demonstrations at local schools to an audience of more than
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
3,200 students and staff. “Having the Navy Leap Frogs come to Desert Ridge High School was such a wonderful experience, and truly the event of the year,“ said Pier O’Brien, Career Center Coordinator at Dessert Ridge High School in Mesa, Ariz. “The performance that the Leap Frogs put on for our students was top notch. The 3,000 students who attended could not take their eyes off of the [performers] and continued to talk about the experience long afterward. We hope to have them back again.” As the week wound down, and the last few events were completed, many of the recruiters were very satisfied and happy with the success of all the events and the amount of awareness and conversations about the Navy they were able to spread throughout Phoenix. “It’s very important that we have these type of Navy Weeks here in Phoenix,” said Boykin. “This wasn’t just a chance to show what the Navy does, but also a chance to show the community that we are here in Phoenix and everywhere else throughout the country. We’re not just near water and on ships. We’re part of the community.”
Rear Adm. Patrick H. Brady, commander of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, throws out the first pitch during a pre-season baseball game at Tempe Diablo Stadium as part of Phoenix Navy Week. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
Rear Adm. Patrick H. Brady, commander of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, is greeted by Arizona Governor, the Honorable Janice K. Brewer prior to a ceremony honoring over 180 Korean War veterans and their sacrifice at the Korean War Veterans Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
Musician 2nd Class Heather Downing from the Navy Band Southwest ‘Destroyers’ sings with students at Mesquite High School in Gilbert, Ariz., during a school performance, March 26. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
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U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Adrian Melendez
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Steve Carlson
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NOSC Phoenix Celebrates Completion of Navy’s First LEED Platinum Facility By Lee H. Saunders Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs PHOENIX - Navy officials celebrated the opening of the first LEED Platinum certified facility in the U.S. Navy with a ribbon cutting ceremony March 30 for Naval Operational Support Center (NOSC) Phoenix at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz. The $11.2 million facility is also the first LEED Platinum certified building built for the Navy by a small business. A&D GC Inc. of Santee, Calif. was the prime contractor. TECTONICS of San Diego was the architect-engineer of record for the design-build project. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum is the highest of four standards established by the United States Green Building Council that measures sustainability by describing how well the design and construction process reduces life cycle costs, conserves natural resources, and enhances the quality of work life for its occupants. “This modern facility is extraordinarily environmentally friendly to help preserve the scarce financial resources of our country,” said Capt. Michael T. DeWitt, NOSC Phoenix commanding officer. “I am proud to announce just a couple of weeks ago the U.S. Green Building Council has designated this facility as a Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building! This is the first such building onboard Luke Air Force Base, first such building within the Naval Reserve Force and within the Navy Installations Command Enterprise, and the third such building within the entire
Capt. Marco Cromartie, commanding officer of Navy Region Southwest Reserve Component Command, Cmdr. Brian Sheakley, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Capt. Michael DeWitt, commanding officer of the Navy Operational Support (NOSC) Phoenix, Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, reserve deputy director for Joint and Coalition Warfighting, J7, Joint Staff, Capt. Clifford Maurer, commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and Andrew Otero, president of A&D General Contracting, Inc. cut the ribbon during a dedication ceremony for the new Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Phoenix building at Luke Air Force Base. The new NOSC includes a 32,055 sq. ft. facility on a 1.85 acre site that will accommodate full-time command and administrative staff, a medical unit and more than 750 drilling reservists. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
Department of the Navy.” A NOSC is a facility used to provide operational support for training and administrative services to Navy Reserve Units. NOSC Phoenix will support over 750 Navy Reservists in sixteen Navy Reserve units. “This new state of the art facility will significantly enhance our Navy Reserve Forces’ ability to provide strategic depth and operational capability to the fleet and Department of Defense,” said DeWitt. The new 32,055 square foot, one-story facility is located
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on a 1.85 acre site at an active air force base with sufficient parking and a secured perimeter to meet current anti-terrorism and force protection standards. The NOSC will serve a full-time command and administrative staff, a medical unit, and reservists during drill weekends. It also has a 4,800 square foot drill hall, command staff offices, reserve unit administration spaces, medical and dental examination areas, six classrooms, a distance learning center, a physical fitness room, and NOSC Continued on Page 14
RDAC Launches Outreach to Connect With Female Future Sailors By Daymond Howell NRD Phoenix Today, nearly every naval community is open to women and female Sailors continue to excel in almost all facets of naval duties both ashore and afloat. More than 54,000 active duty women and more than 10,000 female Reservists are serving in the Navy, comprising 17.1 percent of the force. As our Recruiting District Assistance/Advisory Council (RDAC) continues to embark on specific committee initiatives to expand its outreach Command-wide, our Women in Non-traditional Ratings (WINTR) RDAC team has taken a proactive approach to enhancing the DEP experience of our female Future Sailors. TEAM PHOENIX is fortunate to have an experienced cadre of female RDAC leadership and mentors who are willing to share their own stories & experiences, disperse wisdom, and prepare our female Future Sailors for unparalleled success. Recently, The Cardinals of Division Four facilitated their “Mega-DEP” meeting at Friendship Park in Avondale. This event was a tremendous opportunity to bring together our Future Sailors, families, and friends and command leadership for training and fun competition. Prior to this event, Equipment Operator 1st Class Alana Seigwald, a recruiter from NOSC Phoenix and RDAC Steering Committee developed an impressive mentorship RDAC team to specifically reach-out to our female Future Sailors. According to Petty Officer Seigwald, “the “Mega- DEP” event was a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase specific examples of Women in Non-Traditional
Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Christine Martinez address female Future Sailors about what it is like to be a woman at the Navy at the Division Four ‘Mega DEP’ meeting at Friendship Park in Avondale, Ariz. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Adrian Melendez
Rates who have served both on active- duty and in the reserve forces. Our future sailors were able to see first-hand and interact with several women across all ranks and rates.” In addition, Seigwald went on to describe a common question frequently asked from female Future Sailors “I’m just wondering if you could tell me about your experience as a female going through boot camp and the Navy in general, it’s been really difficult to hear about it from a that perspective.” TEAM PHOENIX is fortunate to have our proactive RDAC members to answer these important questions. Our WINTR RDAC Outreach Team, comprised of Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Christine Martinez, Master at Arms 2nd Class Angela Aiuto and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Jana Mikkelsen also demonstrated the proper wear of the Navy Working Uniform
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(NWU), Navy Service Uniform and Woodland Camouflage Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). Senior Chief Martinez provided solid motivation by describing the many opportunities for both personal and professional growth the Navy affords everyone who is willing to work hard and remained disciplined. Martinez went on to describe explained how each rate is like a piece in a puzzle, and we as a Navy need all of them equally to complete the big picture. Finally, when asked for specific advice from a Future Sailor about the best approach to entering the Navy on positive footing, Mikkelsen simply stated “I think if you go in with a positive attitude, push yourself to be better than you think your best can be, and make the most of the opportunities presented to you, you’ll do a terrific job and be a great addition to the Navy!”
NCIS Highlights Text Tips to Report Sexual Assault From Naval Criminal Investigative Service Public Affairs QUANTICO, Va. - Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) officials reminded the fleet April 12 of their NCIS Text Tip Tool reporting system. The Text Tip Tool allows people to remain anonymous while reporting a sexual assault-or any type of crime. The smart phone app “TipSubmit” can be downloaded and used to contact NCIS and other participating law enforcement agencies. Open the app then choose NCIS from the drop down menu. Type “NCIS” first in your tip before sending it to 274637 (CRIMES) to ensure that the information is properly routed to where it needs to go, as quickly as possible. Susan Raser, NCIS Executive Assistant Director for Criminal Investigations, says “more and more people are making texting part of their daily routine; it’s how people communicate these days especially young people. NCIS just wants to take make the most of that instant communication capability so we can get the tips that will help us solve crimes and keep DON personnel safe.” “The idea of this program is to give the user the option of be-
ing known or unknown,” said Kris A. Peterson, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Norfolk Field Office. “This program allows people to text or submit information regarding a crime or suspicious behavior without having to reveal their identity.” Michael Church, an NCIS Special Agent in Norfolk, said the program is unique in the fact that the tipster and an NCIS agent can remain in contact while the tipster remains unknown if they choose. “We now have the ability to talk back and forth, almost like chatting with the tipster, even if the tipster wants to remain anonymous.” said Church. “The agency will assign the tipster an alias code, which will be used to identify them without the agency collecting any personally identifiable information from them.” EAD Raser stresses that the Text Tip Tool is NOT a replacement for 911. “In any life-threatening situation when seconds count your first call should be to 911. The purpose of the Text Tip Tool is to allow anyone with information about a crime to get that information to investigators working the case.”
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The NCIS mission is to investigate and defeat criminal, terrorist and foreign intelligence threats to the Navy and Marine Corps. Types of crimes investigated by NCIS include: rape, narcotics, child physical and sexual abuse, burglary and robbery, theft of government and personal property, fraud and homicide. Within the Department of the Navy, NCIS also has exclusive investigative jurisdiction into actual, potential or suspected acts of espionage or sabotage. “Our goal is to get tips on SAAM Continued on Page 14
SAAM Continued from Page 13
any kind of crimes,” said Peterson. “It’s not ever bad to have more information. We can certainly screen through it if people are concerned that it isn’t a crime, but there really is no downside if they give us that information and we can contact them if we need more information.” “Tipsters need to make sure to put ‘NCIS’ first in the text because there are over 900 law enforcement agencies who use this system and without that information it probably won’t be routed to NCIS,” said Church. According to the NCIS website, all text messages are encrypted, entirely confidential, are completely anonymous and are im-
mediately processed by the NCIS. NCIS does offer financial compensation for tips which contain valuable information for the agency and will negotiate the level of compensation based off of the information provided. “We want to appeal to people’s patriotism and their need to do the right thing,” said Peterson. “But we know that economic times are tough and we have the money to pay people, so that is something that interests people. If that is something that interests people and helps get the word out and the tips in, we’re happy to use that method.” For more information on the Text & Web Tip Hotline, visit the NCIS website at www.ncis. navy.mil and select the “report
a crime” tab at the middle of the page. If you don’t have a smart phone you can use the web-based email tip form, found on the same section of the NCIS web page. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of the Navy is working to aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable.
Navy Sets Zero Tolerance for Sexual Assault Chief Mass Communication Specialist Maria Yager Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. - There is no place for sexual assault in our Navy and efforts are underway to eradicate it from our ranks, said the director of Navy’s 2012 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) initiative April 4. “We can get this right in our service. We can set the example of what is really acceptable behavior; what is a good professional command climate, how we set the right environment for the right behavior to occur and we can really get to a zero incidence,” said Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, chief of naval personnel and SAAM director. Approximately 600 sexual assaults were reported in the Navy last year according to Van Buskirk, “But no incident of sexual assault is acceptable in our Navy.” Department of Defense (DoD) defines sexual assault as
intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, forcible sodomy (oral or anal sex), and other unwanted sexual contact that is aggravated, abusive, or wrongful (including unwanted and inappropriate sexual contact), or attempts to commit these acts. According to Van Buskirk, about half of the sexual assaults reported last year were alcohol related and Navy is introducing new training to better educate Sailors, Marines and their families to affect behavior and raise awareness. “We have this opportunity here to leverage sexual assault awareness month to really hit home about how important it is for us to become more aware and more educated about sexual assault in our
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Navy and Marine Corps and really as a nation,” said Van Buskirk. “We’re going to take the time in April to stand down, to stop all work so we can have a good opportunity to make ourselves more aware and educated about this,” said Van Buskirk. “It is a very important issue.” The Navy will focus on four themes during SAAM: Hurts One, Affects All, Prevention is Everyone’s Duty, and We Will Not Tolerate Sexual Assault. According to Van Buskirk, training will include a segment on bystander intervention, a DoD strategy to engage all hands in preventing sexual assault. Under the strategy, active bystanders take the initiative to help someone who may be targeted for a sexual assault in ways that are Assualt Continued on Page 15
NOSC Continued from Page 11
a quarterdeck. “None of this could have been done without tremendous support from Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest and the Civil Engineering Squadron from Luke Air Force Base,” said DeWitt. “The Luke Air Force Base community has greeted the Navy with open arms. I want to personally thank Brig. Gen. J. D. Harris, Wing Commander for the 56th Fighter Wing, for welcoming the Navy to Luke Air Force Base and making the transition for our Assualt Continued from Page 14
intended to avoid verbal or physical conflict. Active bystanders take the initiative to help friends, who are not thinking clearly or whose judgment may be clouded from the effects of alcohol or other substances, from becoming victims or offenders of crime. “Intervention does not mean that you directly intervene to stop a crime in progress, rather,
Sailors as seamless as possible.” Some of the significant sustainability features of the NOSC include a 67kW solar photovoltaic solar array for on-site renewable energy, demand-control ventilation, day lighting, a high-efficiency chiller, a robust thermal envelope for the building, and variable frequency drives for the mechanical system. Native and adapted plant species were utilized in landscaping to conserve water. “The MILCON project, which will support NOSC Phoenix and reserve component operations for many decades into the future, represents all what is right
about the Navy’s capital investment program,” said Capt. Clifford M. Maurer, NAVFAC Southwest commanding officer. “This 32,055 square foot facility consolidated operations that occurred in no less than twelve separate facilities. It was built with environmental sustainability incorporated in every aspect of construction, achieving LEED Platinum certification, the first for any Navy facility; it was constructed with an unblemished safety record, receiving STAR award status and it boasts impeccable quality throughout. This was a great team effort.”
these steps are early intervention before the crime begins to occur,” said Van Buskirk. Scripts and videos for each week’s theme, engagement products, posters and other tools, are available on Navy Personnel Command’s Sexual Assault and Prevention website, http://www.sapr.navy. mil. Van Buskirk said his goal is to establish a baseline of education, training and awareness for the entire Navy that is sustainable year
after year until we can eradicate this problem from our ranks. “We’ll leverage this month as a prelude to continuing our robust program which we already have established in our Navy,” said Van Buskirk. “Talking about it, being aware about it isn’t enough. We have to stop it. We have to be willing to intervene. We have to be willing to speak up. We have to be willing to act. That is what my expectations are of each and every one of you.” Mineman 1st Class Burel Jones, from Boston, assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron, Detachment 1, embarked aboard the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2), and Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Joshua Washington, from El Paso, Texas, stationed aboard Independence, hammer nails into the roof of a Habitat for Humanity project house. Seven Sailors from Independence volunteered with Habitat for Humanity as part of a community service project to help build houses in the local community. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Trevor Welsh
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