Inside This Issue Page 4 New Chiefs
COMMAND CORNER
Believe and Achieve
Cmdr. Derek Wessman NRD Phoenix, Commanding Officer
Page 8 EVIT Page 10 Armstrong Memorial Page 11 Around the Fleet
Road Runner Staff Cmdr. Derek Wessman Commanding Officer Cmdr. Alex Ortiz Executive Officer
I recently asked many of our Officers and Chiefs, CMDCM(SCW/SW) Eric Cole “What characteristics define a Command Master Chief championship team?” Here were their answers: MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez - Teamwork Public Affairs Officer - Hard work Editor/Layout and Design - Sacrifice - Humility The Road Runner is a monthlynewslet- Dedication ter produced by the U.S. Navy Recruit- Planning ing District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is intended primarily, but not exclusivly, - Pro-activeness for the use, information and entertain- Leadership ment of it’s active duty and reserve - Discipline members, civilian employees and their - Trust families. Any views exspressed herin are - Character not necessarily the official postions of the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff Training encourages feedbacl from it’s readers. Please submit all articles, suggestions, ideas, comments, photos, compliments or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@ navy.mil.
As I look at what we’ve accomplished in FY-12, I can say with confidence, that NRD Phoenix has every one of these characteristics. Can we improve? Absolutely! There’s always room to get better and we did fall short in a few areas on the full spectrum of our mission including selfassessment inspection, officer &
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enlisted production sub-categories, discipline, physical fitness, and kit quality to name a few. However, it is important to realize that failure is most often a step on the pathway to success. Any successful person who tells you he/she never failed is a liar. It’s our actions after a mistake or short-fall that determines whether we succeed or fail. If we allow these short-comings to remain, then we are allowing “failure” to change from “something we did on the way to the top” to “something we are”… and we are NOT failures. Far from it! We succeeded in multiple categories in FY-12, many of which will be determined as the Fiscal Year numbers are tallied, such as the Recruiting “R”, Quality “Q”, Officer “O”, etc.. We recently made seven new Chiefs (not counting the three that just transferred - the most in the past three years) and our overall promotion rate was nearly double the national average. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of our capabilities. Last month I wrote about goal-setting, so I want to share my ONE goal for the District in FY-13. It’s simple and easy to remember – TO BE #1! Lofty? Yes. Attainable? Definitely! There are many smaller goals, of course, built into accomplishing this overarching goal, but I BELIEVE IN YOU! Why? Because I know the talents, abilities, skills, knowledge, experience and dedication that each of you possess, I’ve seen what you’re capable of achieving, and I need you to believe in yourself as well. Believe Continued On Page 3
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In looking at the list above, there is one VITAL characteristic missing - ATTITUDE, positive mental attitude (PMA), a contagious WINNING ATTITUDE! Any championship teams, that I’ve had the privilege to be a part of, all started with the belief that we could be champions and it permeated through every level of the organization, team
or command. Without a doubt a winning ATTITUDE is half the battle to success. The other half is executing the game plan, trusting in each other and believing in yourself. FY-13 is a new year. It starts now and a clear path to success is at our feet. It’s in our prospecting plan, goaling letters, PT schedules, exam study, MOP, self-assessment POAMs, etc, but it starts with our own belief in
ourselves. Take a moment to watch the below video clip: http://www.212movie.com/
Believe it and we will achieve it! Happy New Year, Stay Hungry & let’s get after it! Skipper
Happy Birthday America’s Navy
CMDCM(SCW/SW) Eric Cole NRD Phoenix Command Master Chief Shipmates and families, Congress passed a resolution this month we celebrate the Navy’s calling for 2 battalions of Marines Birthday. It was on Oct. 13, 1775 to support the fleet. when our Navy was “born”. Over the course of the war It was on this day in 1775 for independence the Continental the Continental Congress in Navy had 50 ships in total, with Philadelphia voted to purchase, 20 ships active at its maximum and arm, two sailing vessels. The strength. Our Navy seized 200 Andrew Doria and Cabot were British ships as prizes, carried to sail against British merchant diplomats to Europe, seized enemy ships. The first ship in commission supplies, and hauled ammunition was the USS Alfred, which from Europe to the colonies. was purchased on Nov. 4 and After the war the ships were sold commissioned on Dec.3rd. On off and the Sailors released from Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental service. In 1789 the Constitution empowered congress to provide and maintain a Navy. In 1794 in response to the actions of Barbary Pirates, congress ordered the construction of 6 frigates. Those ships were the United States, Constitution, President, Constellation, Chesapeake, and Congress. The USS Constitution remains in commission to this day. USS Constitution fires a 21-gun salute toward Fort Independence on Castle Island during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the weeks, the chief petty officer selectees will live and train aboard Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kathryn E. Macdonald)
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In 1972 the Chief of Naval Operations established Oct. 13th as the Navy’s Birthday. Since 1972, Oct. 13th is a day to celebrate our rich heritage and traditions. We will have celebrations throughout the district on Oct. 12 and the Navy Ball on Saturday, Oct. 13 . I ask you all to take some time to learn about our history. We have much to be proud of. You are all part of history. All of you have served your country in a time of armed conflict. You should be proud of your contributions as one day they will be part of history. Happy Birthday shipmates!
NRD Phoenix Newest Chiefs Ready to Take on Leadership Challenges Story and Photos by MC1 Adrian Melendez Seven Sailors from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix took the next step in their Navy careers when gold fouled anchors were pinned on the collars of their uniforms and they took the role of a Navy Chief Petty Officer, Sept. 14, at Davis-Monthon Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz. After more than a month of training and transitioning from a First Class Petty Officer to a Chief the Sailors stood tall alongside their proud family members, friends and fellow Chiefs ready to take on the great leadership responsibilities that would be before them. Cmdr. Derek Wessman, NRD Phoenix Commanding Officer, had many inspiring words for the new Chiefs, but wanted drive home the importance of the new role they will play in their personal lives, the Navy and in the lives of the Sailors they will lead. “Always remember that an effective anchor is always attached to a chain. And the chain that I am talking about is symbolic of more than just the chain of command,” said Wessman. “First it represents
the Sailors under your charge, whose strength depends on your leadership. Second, it represents the family; friends and mentors that are here today and have gotten you to where you are today standing here waiting to get those anchors pinned on you. And finally, and most important, it represents your fellow Chiefs.” The transition period taught the new Chiefs many things about what it means to be “The Chief”, but also made some reflect on what
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it took to get where they are today. “The Sailors that worked for me had a huge effect on why I’m standing here today. They’re probably the main reason. Without their hard work and dedication I probably wouldn’t be standing here today,” said Chief Navy Career Counselor Sean Erickson. Chief Personnel Specialist Collette Moon said that it was the leaders that mentored her as a junior Sailor that also assisted her in reaching her goal to become a Chief. “They (her Chiefs) always pushed me to be better and showed me the way. My mentors had a great effect on why I’m here,” said Moon. Erickson had the Chief’s Anchors that belonged to his grandfather, Harley Erickson, in which at the time of his retirement Chief Personnel Specialist Collette Moon has her Chief Petty Officer Anchors pinned on by her son, Kaleb, and friend Carlos Becerra. Seven Sailors from NRD Phoenix were advanced to Chief Petty Officer at Davis-Monthon Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 14.
Command Master Chief Eric Cole presents a plaque to Chief Navy Career Counselor Sean Erickson on behalf of the NRD Phoenix Chief’s Mess
in the 1940s he was the most senior Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. Erickson was proud to carry on that family Navy tradition and looks forward to implementing everything he has learned on what it takes, and what it means, to be a Chief. “It’s been a journey that has taught me a lot, inspired me a lot and it got me to open my eyes on how we support our Officers, our Sailors and the Chief’s Mess,” he
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Chief Navy Career Counselor Khalid Jaffar receives a hug from his daughter during the Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony.
said. “ But overall you must take care of your Sailors. The Sailors are number one.”
Chief Utilitiesman Carl Magee salutes Command Master Chief Eric Cole and asks for permission to join the NRD Phoenix Chief’s Mess as part of the time honored tradition of a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony.
Photos Courtesy of John Bering
RDAC Expands Into the East Valley By Daymond Howell Photos by MC1 Adrian Melendez Paul “Doc” Johnson, the Campus Director at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) recently hosted Cmdr. Derek Wessman, Lt. Cmdr. Erin Ocker, Dammage Controlman 1st Class Patrick Donaher, and Mr. Daymond Howell to discuss partnership opportunities between the Navy and the over 35 programs offered on the EVIT Campus. Johnson, a retired Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF), has been a key member of the Recruiting District Assistance Council (RDAC) since its inception, and integral interface between Navy Recruiting District Phoenix and Arizona’s technology academic programs. According to Johnson, the classes offered at EVIT are an extension of the student’s normal high school day. “Students have to keep- up with their demanding studies at their home high schools before coming to EVIT for elective courses that specifically lead to relevant jobs in industry.” Johnson went on the elaborate that his students
Principle for the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) EVIT offers a variety of classes , Paul Johnson, speaks to Cmdr. Derek Wessman, NRD Phoenix Commanding Officer, about the education and hands on training students at the school receive. EVIT offers courses in more than 35 different programs to high school Juniors and Seniors, and Adults, including nursing, firefighting and the culinary arts.
make significant sacrifices to attend courses at EVIT as they recognize that gaining early focus and momentum on career or academic goals while still in high school places them several steps ahead of the typical undecided graduate. In short, Johnson proudly asserts that each of his students “want to be
here”. During the campus visit, Johnson provided Wessman and team a first-hand view of the hard working students and staff on campus. A unique and impressive feature of this visit was that each class had a student representative present an overview of each program extemporaneously- as well as individual perspective and challenges of the curriculum. Rhonda Doolen, a Registered Nurse and Healthcare Education Administrator at EVIT stated that her students “ultimate goal is to become either a nurse, doctor, or other health care professional” each student also has the opportunity to earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate during their time Rhonda Doolen explains some of the skills taught to nursing students at EVIT during a tour of the school for NRD Phoenix personnel.
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Lt. Cmdr. Erin Ocker talks with Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Austin Byers during a tour of EVIT. Byers, who just happened to also be visiting EVIT while on leave, is a former student of both EVIT and of Ocker when he attended Hospital Corpsman “A” school.
at EVIT. Ocker also had the opportunity to briefly discuss Navy nursing and healthcare programs with the students as well as offer further support to the staff and students in the EVIT medical programs. Donaher had the opportunity to discuss Navy firefighting, metal fabrication, and welding
programs with the respective Department Chairs and Instructors. EVIT’s firefighting programs also include the opportunity for students to earn their Emergency Medical Technician Certification. According to the Firefighting Technology Department Chair- Mr. Terry Baugher, “90 percent of our
Paul Gregory Johnson
after as a Machinist’s Mate later cross-rating to Hospital Corpsman. Mr. Johnson retired from the Navy after a 22 years of service as a Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SW/AW) March 1999. After his Navy service he became Operations Manager for a Fortune 200 company in VA after which he transitioned to a teaching and administrative career Arizona. He is currently the Campus Director, and Principal, for the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, Ariz. Mr. Johnson also serves as a Fellow in the Arizona Career and Technical Education of AZ and CTE Director for East Valley
Paul Johnson graduated from Yuma Union High school, in Yuma, Ariz., in 1977 and entered the United States Navy shortly
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students pass their examination for certification on their first attempt”. Baugher, along with his instructor Mr. Rick Shearer also proudly shared the many successes of current and former studentsparticularly those who serve in the military. By happenstance, one of firefighting program’s former students, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Austin Byers was visiting his former mentors and instructors during our visit. According to Byers, “EVIT was the foundation that sparked my curiosity to look into the Navy.” Currently serving on Okinawa with the 3rd Marine Logistics Company, and further showing that indeed the Navy is indeed a small place, Byers was also a former student of Ocker at Hospital Corpsman “A” School. Wessman expressed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to explore new ideas and forge a partnership between EVIT and the Navy that supports its impressive staff and students’ academic goals. School districts supporting EVIT. He currently holds an AS degree from Central Texas College, a Bachelors Degree in Health Care from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, a Masters of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and a Principal/ Superintendent certificate from Arizona State University. He was married to the Melissa M. Wood from Trenton, MI, who passed away, they had four children together and he currently has two grandchildren. Mr. Johnson currently reside in Peoria, Ariz., and is engaged to Ms. Jodi Swaney of Peoria, Ariz.
Phoenix Sailors Honor Neil Armstrong By MC1 Adrian Melendez
Sailors from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix’s Division 4 and the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) participated in a ceremony to honor Neil Armstrong at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria, Ariz., Aug. 31. The guest speaker for the ceremony honoring the astronaut and former Navy aviator was Lt. Cmdr. Ray Fryberger, Executive Officer of NOSC Phoenix. Fryberger spoke of the life accomplishments and historical significance of Armstrong, but also touched on the personal influence the fellow aviator and Ohio native had on his own life. “When I was a kid I went to his (Armstrong’s) museum. That was one of those experiences that opened my eyes to being a Navy pilot and in aviation. That was one of my first experiences when I thought about being a pilot,” said Fryberger. “In Ohio he definitely was an icon and I think he was
NC1 William West from Navy Recruiting Station Arrowhead in Glendale, Ariz., salutes as MM1 Douglass Boykin and EN1 Ronald Hardy raise the American flag during a memorial ceremony for Neil Armstrong at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria,Ariz., Aug. 31. The three Sailors from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix’s Division 4 participated in the flag raising ceremony to honor the first man on the moon and fellow Shipmate who died Aug. 25. Armstrong served as a Navy pilot between 1949-1952 before becoming a test pilot while still serving in the Navy Reserve until 1960.
pretty important to me becoming a pilot.” Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Douglass Boykin, Navy Career Counselor 1st Class William West and Engineman 1st Class Ronald Hardy also participated in a flag ceremony outside the space center, raising and then lowering the American Flag to half mast while Taps was played to show respect and appreciation for a fallen shipmate. “It’s always good when we honor great Americans,” said Fryberger. “In ten years we had gone from sub orbit of the planet NC1 William West, MM1 Douglass Boykin and EN1 Ronald Hardy salute the American flag during a memorial ceremony for Neil Armstrong at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria, Ariz., Aug. 31.
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to putting a Saturn 5 rocket in to space and a man on the moon. It just goes to show that America is the greatest nation in the world, and that if we put our mind to it we can do almost anything. “
West’s Last HOOYAH, Stevens Takes Helm
By MCC (SW/AW) Sonya Ansarov Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy WASHINGTON - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West gave his last ‘HOOYAH’ during the change-of-office ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, Sept. 28. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert was the guest speaker for the ceremony and highlighted MCPON West’s accomplishments during his naval career while thanking him for his leadership. “MCPON West, you made the Navy better through your willingness to listen and learn,” said Greenert. “I watched you firsthand in the Pacific Fleet, at Retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West, right, U.S. Fleet Forces, as VCNO, and passes the cutlass to MCPON Michael D. Stevens during the MCPON Change of I had the honor to serve with you Office ceremony at the Sail Loft at the Washington Navy Yard. Stevens replaced for one year as CNO. MCPON West as the 13th MCPON, and was selected while serving as the U.S. Fleet Forces West had the heartbeat of the Navy. Fleet Master Chief. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kiona Miller) Sailors communicated with him. the mandatory enlisted warfare his retirement remarks, instead He challenged Sailors and they designation. focusing on thanking family, loved it.” “MCPON West made a friends, shipmates and mentors The ceremony marked the difference and led by example. He who helped shape him into a leader end of a nearly 32-year career for made a tangible improvement in and the memories he’ll take with West, who had served as the 12th our Navy,” said Greenert. “I say to him of his years of service. MCPON since Dec. 12, 2008. you and Bobbi (wife), thank you “There is simply no way I During his time as MCPON, West very much and our nation and our can mention you all. Just know that instituted the Senior Enlisted Navy thanks you.” if you are here today, you played Continuation Board, introduced MCPON Continued On West did not discuss Page 12 CPO 365, and implemented personal accomplishments during
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some part in the success that I have enjoyed,” said West. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve our great Navy for nearly 32 years and especially to serve as MCPON for the last four. Thirty-two years is a long time, but when you are talking about the end of a fantastic journey, it was just a “flash of time.” I’ve never had a “bad command” because I feel commands are what you make of them and how you choose to seize the opportunities.” “The thing I’m going to miss the most is, by far, the people and the energy and innovation of our Sailors and families. The ‘engine’ that truly drives our Navy is our people. Our Sailors are what makes our Navy the best that’s ever sailed the world’s oceans,” said West. MCPON (AW/NAC) Mike D. Stevens took the helm of the enlisted force as the Navy’s
13th MCPON after receiving the ceremonial cutlass from MCPON West. “I was honored to pick MCPON 13,” said Greenert. “It was not an easy task. MCPON Stevens is a proven and effective leader. This is a guy ready to lead our Navy and I look forward to your insight and perspective.” Stevens, a native of Montana, joined the Navy in 1983 and most recently served as Fleet Master Chief for U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Master Chief in Norfolk. His previous Command Master Chief tours included U.S. 2nd Fleet, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, and Naval Air Station Pensacola. MCPON Stevens thanked Admiral Greenert for his trust and faith in his selection as MCPON. “I am both humbled and honored to have been provided this
magnificent opportunity to lead and serve our Sailors, their families and our government civilians as the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy,” said Stevens. Stevens thanked West for his service, leadership and friendship and spoke to the Navy, saying he is excited about the future and looking forward to serving the Navy as MCPON by working together to carry out the Navy’s mission. The MCPON serves as an advisor to the CNO and to the Chief of Naval Personnel in matters dealing with enlisted personnel and their families. The MCPON is also an advisor to boards dealing with enlisted personnel issues; is the enlisted representative of the Department of the Navy at special events; may be called upon to testify on enlisted personnel issues before Congress; and maintains a liaison with enlisted spouse organizations
Navy Sets Course for Path to Chief Petty Officer From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. - The Navy announced guidance for the administration of the Cycle 218 Chief Petty Officer Advancement Examination and the Fiscal Year 2014 Active Chief Petty Officers (CPO) Selection Board via Navy message Sept. 26. NAVADMIN 294/12 pertains to first class petty officers from the Full Time Support (FTS) and active component communities. Navy Selected Reserve (SELRES) exam dates and selection board information will be announced in a separate message. The Navy will administer exams to active component and FTS Sailors Jan. 17, 2013.
Exam ordering timelines, eligibility criteria, deadlines for commands to confirm eligibility lists, waiver application procedures and special requirements are contained in the NAVADMIN. The message also outlines procedures and deadlines for submitting correspondence to the selection board. Sailors should review their Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) for accuracy at www.bol. navy.mil. According to the message, the selection board will review the OMPF and performance summary record (PSR) parts I, II and III of all candidates as well as any items
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submitted by candidates. Each eligible candidate is responsible for ensuring their OMPF is correct and up-to-date with the latest evaluations, awards and other appropriate information. Candidates may submit a letter to the board to provide any new information or missing information that is not currently in their OMPF. Letters to the selection board for FTS CPO eligible candidates must be received by the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) customer service center by April 22, 2013. The FTS Selection Board CPO Continued On Page 13
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is scheduled to convene May 13, 2013. Letters to the selection board for active component CPO Selection Board eligible candidates must be received at NPC customer service center by May 28, 2013. The active component selection board is scheduled to convene June 17, 2013 and is the largest selection board held at NPC. Letters to the board may be mailed or submitted electronically. Submission procedures and mailing addresses are outlined in the NAVADMIN. Communication to the board must originate from individual candidates; correspondence from the command or from any source other than the candidate to the president of the board will not be accepted or considered.
Chief Master-At-Arms Mark Jones, left, assigned to the Naval Station Norfolk security department, and his wife, Chief Operations Specialist Priscilla Jones, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), pin anchors on each other after attending their separate chief pinning ceremonies at Naval Station Norfolk. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2Austin Rooney)
CNO and MCPON to Host Worldwide Navy Birthday All Hands Call From Defense Media Activity – Navy WASHINGTON - In celebration of the Navy's 237th birthday, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) will hold a worldwide all hands call, Oct. 11, at 1:00 p.m. EST. The all-hands call will be televised on Direct-To-Sailor (DTS), The Pentagon Channel (www.pentagonchannel.mil) and online without the chat function at www.navy.mil, and with the chat function at www.livestream.com/ usnavy. Questions may be submitted in advance for CNO and MCPON to answer live at the all-hands call. Submissions should be emailed to usntownhall@gmail.com prior to and during the all hands call. Questions can also be posed during the
all-hands call via www.livestream. com/usnavy. Personnel submitting questions should include their name, rank, rate and command. October is the month of our Navy's birth and as such it is an appropriate time to reflect on the integral role we play in accomplishing the Navy's warfighting mission. Information about the Worldwide Navy Birthday All Hands Call can be found in NAVADMIN 303/12 http://www.public. navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/ messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2012/NAV12303.txt. "October is #Warfighting Month focusing on Navy warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression on, above, and below
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the sea," Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, director of the Navy Staff in the Pentagon, explained in the NAVADMIN.