VOL.55 NO. 4 MARCH 3, 2015
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS
Navy announces winners of 2015 CNO Environmental Awards
JET
INSIDE
FENTRESS REVAMPS BASE CEMETERIES
From Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division Public Affairs WASHINGTON — Vice Adm. Phil Cullom, deputy chief of naval operations for fleet readiness and logistics (N4), announced 29 winners for the fiscal year (FY) 2015 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Environmental Awards competition in a naval message on Feb. 22. Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Air Station Hampton Roads NW Annex NR Support Team,Virginia were recognized in the category of “Natural Resources Conservation, Individual/Team.” The CNO Environmental Awards are an annual recognition program that highlight the accomplishments of nominated ships, installations, and individuals for exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship. The FY 2015 winners, listed alphabetically within each category, are shown below. Natural Resources Conservation, Small Installation - Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan - Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii Natural Resources Conservation, Individual/Team - Ian Trefry of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine - Southwest Marine Biology Team of Navy Region Southwest and NAVFAC Southwest, San Diego Environmental Quality, Non-industrial Installation
— See Awards, Page 3
—Page 3
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Rear Adm. John Haley speaks to senior leadership Feb. 24 at the Naval Air Station Oceana Conference Center about the importance of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society annual active duty fund drive which began March 1.
NMCRS KICKS OFF ANNUAL ACTIVE DUTY FUND DRIVE
F/A-18C FLIES FOR THE LAST TIME —Page 6
STORY/PHOTO BY MC2 (SW) ALYSIA HERNANDEZ NAS Oceana Public Affairs
draw from every year for any of our shortfalls that we have.That reserve fund, initially when it was started in 1942 was to cover the major Last year, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief So- disaster-type events … How do we cover the ciety (NMCRS) spent $8.8 million helping shortfall? We draw off of the reserve fund.” 12,000 military service members in Hampton The purpose of the active duty fund drive Roads. Because the only funds they receive is two-fold. One is to raise awareness about are from donations, NMCRS brought in $1.2 NMCRS and the services it offers, and the other portion is to raise funds to help continue million in 2015. “We’re giving out 7 times more than what assisting Sailors and Marines. One of the most popular services offered by we’re bringing in,” said Oceana NMCRS director Lolita Sheats at an informational breakfast the NMCRS is interest-free loans to active duty for command coordinators and leadership at or retired Sailors or Marines, eligible family the NAS Oceana Hornet’s Nest Galley Feb. 24. members, surviving spouses and some reservMarch 1 marked the beginning of the ists on active duty.According to Sheats, repayNMCRS Active Duty Fund Drive, one of their ment of their interest-free loans is a constant revolving door - as the money comes back to biggest fundraisers of the year. “We’ve been in existence since 1904 ... 112 NMCRS, they can use it for someone else who years, we’ve been doing this that long,” Sheats said. “We also have a reserve fund that we — See Fund Drive, Page 4
HEROES AT HOME Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year awards. When you nominate a deserving military spouse by March 27, you are automatically entered in to a drawing for two tickets to Toby Keith at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach. Visit www.heroesathomeva.com for details and to submit a nomination.
2 JET OBSERVER • March 3, 2016
Commanding Officer Capt. Louis Schager Executive Officer Capt. Richard Meadows Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Colaizzi Civilian Editor Carrie Anderson Military Editor MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Contact us: Jet@militarynews.com (757) 433-3360 www.oceanajetobserver.com https://cnic.navy.mil/oceana
Southside: (757) 222-3990 Peninsula: (757) 596-0853 Fax: (757) 853-1634 Published every Thursday by Military Newspapers of Virginia, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Oceana. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services and NAS Oceana civilian employees. Contents of the paper are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Military Newspapers of Virginia of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. Deadline to submit copy is Thursday, noon, seven days prior to publication date.
BASE BRIEFS
»»»» SPRING CYCLE 1 PFA The Spring 2016 Cycle 1 PFA is scheduled for April 25 - May 6. For Spring Cycle 1, the PRIMS application has not been programmed to allow for the new PFA changes. Therefore, Cycle 1 2016 will not be released until the programming is completed.Expected completion is sometime in March 2016. All PARFQs for the Cycle 1 2016 shall be manually completed from a hard copy and returned by March 31. If your PHA expires prior to April 29, you will need to make an appointment with your primary care manager (PCM) to have it completed. Please have them print out your individual medical readiness (IMR) and turn a copy into your department command fitness leader (CFL). All NASO personnel will weigh-in at Building 230 in the CMC Conference Room/Training Class Room. Uniform will
be the blue and gold Navy physical training uniform (PTU) only.The body composition assessment (BCA) will be conducted on the following dates: • April 25, 27, 29: 7 a.m. - noon • April 26, 28: 7 - 11 a.m. and noon - 2 p.m.
»»»»
Serving Naval Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach, Virginia and NALF Fentress in Chesapeake, Virginia.
• May 4: 8 a.m. - Galley/UPH/Security; 1 a.m. - Swim @ NOB • May 5: 7 a.m. - Fentress; 10:30 a.m. - Security; 3 p.m. - Air Ops • May 6: 7 a.m. - Stragglers
MARCH MADNESS PHYSICAL READINESS TEST The PRT will be conducted from May 2 - 6 at the Field (weather permitting). The Hornet’s Nest Gym (PRT Gym/Small Gym) will be the alternate location. Not turning in PARFQS, medical waivers or PHAs prior to dates listed will result in a failure for Cycle 1 2016 PFA. The PRT will be held at the following dates and times: • May 2: 7 a.m. - Admin/AFF; 10:30 a.m. Security/Galley/UPH • May 3:7 a.m.- Air Ops;10:30 a.m.- Admin; 1 p.m. - Security
Enter the 3-on-3 March Madness Basketball Tournament for your shot to win 48 hours of special liberty.The tournament will be held at Flightline Fitness Center March 11 from 9 a.m. until one team wins.The entrance fee is $5 per person.First place wins 48 hours special liberty and a trophy; second place wins 24 hours special liberty and a trophy; third place wins a half-day of special liberty and a participation certificate. Sign-up sheets are located in Bldg. 536. Rosters and payments are due to ABE2 Robles (UPH) at Building 536 by March 9. For more information, call 433-2676.
ENERGY AWARENESS TIP OF THE WEEK If you have a refrigerator in your office, regularly defrost it whenever ice builds up more than one-quarter of an inch. Buildup decreases the energy efficiency of the unit. Join the Commander’s Energy Challenge today and win a $50,000 towards a Public Works project of your commands choice!
CHAPEL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Oceana Protestant Bible Study - 9 a.m. Protestant Worship (main chapel) - 10:40 a.m. Children’s Bible Study - 10:40 a.m. Confession and priest’s hours – Wed. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catholic Sun. Mass - 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Protestant Bible Study - Wed. 6 p.m.
Read the Chaplain’s Corner on page 5
Chapel by the Sea, Dam Neck - 492-6602 Contemporary Protestant Worship Sun.,9 a.m. Adult & Children’s Bible Study Sun., 10:30 a.m. Confession Sat., 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. Catholic Mass Sat., 5 p.m. Interfaith Coffee House - Wed., 6 p.m.
Naval Station Norfolk Jewish Services - Fri. - 7:30 p.m., Naval Station Norfolk - 444-7361 Islamic Services - Fri. - 1:30 p.m., Masjid al Da’waj 2nd Floor (building C-7)
Call the Chaplains NAS Oceana at 433-2871 CVW-1 at 433-3676 CVW-7 at 433-7712 CVW-8 at 433-2337 CVW-3 at 433-2096 FRC Oceana at 433-5933
March 3, 2016 • JET OBSERVER 3
AWARDS: Oceana announced among winners — Continued from page 1
Mere hours after beginning the overhaul of one of NALF Fentress’ three cemeteries, Sailors had turned the site around, giving it the appearance of a proper cemetery.
FENTRESS SAILORS WORK TOGETHER TO REVIVE 1 OF 3 BASE CEMETERIES STORY/PHOTOS BY MC2 (SW) ALYSIA HERNANDEZ NAS Oceana Public Affairs On first approach, you wouldn’t think anything of what looked to be just a hill of brush; but mere hours later, a motivated group of Sailors had the brush chopped and cleared, giving Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress’ unbeknownst cemetery a respectable appearance. A request received by Master Chief Darrin Campbell, NALF Fentress assistant officer-in-charge, by a family waiting to visit a relative’s grave site sparked the beautification project. More than 20 Fentress Sailors bundled up and faced frigid temperatures to complete the overhaul. “The only information that we had from the family was that it was behind the church that’s right out front of Fentress,” explained Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Nick DeWeese. “So, we started looking and we located the grave. It happened to be about three quarters of a mile off any travelable road.” DeWeese added that since one family member requesting to visit the area is 97 years old, special considerations in the restoration plans had to be made.. “Considering the terrain of the location, we pretty much had to create a road and overhaul the route as well as the cemetery,” he said. On the morning of revitalization Sailors split into four groups. One group went to the base’s main entrance, while others focused on the other two
Upon first arrival, the graveyard was so heavily covered in brush, from a distance it was unrecognizable.
cemeteries on base to do general cleanup and maintenance prior to helping the final group with the overhaul at the third cemetery. “Everybody from Fentress chipped in and said ‘hey, we’ll make this happen,’ and we’ve got tools and everybody is out here in 22 degree weather making it happen,” DeWeese said. DeWeese added that the experience was an awesome opportunity.“Most people feel that they would do anything for their parents or grandparents. So, I kind of look at it like that — as if it were my own grandmother wanting to visit a loved one.”
- Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania - Navy Region Center Singapore Environmental Quality, Individual/Team - Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka PWD Environmental Management Division Team, Japan - Naval Station Norfolk Environmental Compliance Team, Norfolk - NAVFAC Northwest Environmental Management System Team, Silverdale,Washington Sustainability, Industrial Installation - Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida - Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, San Diego - NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center San Diego Environmental Restoration, Installation - Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Norfolk - Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Maine Environmental Restoration, Individual/Team - Naval Base Ventura County Environmental Restoration Team, San Diego - St. Juliens Creek Annex Environmental Restoration Program Partnering Team,Virginia Beach,Virginia - Vieques Environmental Restoration Program Team, Puerto Rico Cultural Resources Management, Large Installation - Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada - Naval Support Activity Crane, Indiana - Naval Weapons Station Yorktown,Virginia Environmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition, Large Program - P-8A Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Team, Patuxent River, Maryland Afloat - Large Deck Combatant - USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - Littoral or Amphibious Warfare - USS Sentry (MCM 3) - Military Sealift Command - USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) - Surface Combatant - USS Chafee (DDG 90) - Submarine - USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Cullom commended the awardees in his message announcing the winners. “I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all of the fiscal year 2015 Environmental Award winners.Your efforts not only embody the environmental stewardship ethic, but also aid in fulfilling the Navy’s national security mission. I applaud all of the nominees for their tireless commitment to preserving resources and bettering the environment.” Winners of the CNO Environmental Awards will advance to the Secretary of the Navy level of competition to compete with U.S. Marine Corps nominees. For further information on the CNO Environmental Awards program, visit greenfleet.dodlive.mil/environment/awards.
4 JET OBSERVER • March 3, 2016
FUND DRIVE: Allows NMCRS to continue assisting Sailors, Marines — Continued from page 1 needs assistance. Sheats explained loans don’t come back as fast as they go out; allotments for the donations trickle in month to month - so there is always a shortfall. NMCRS has “moved with the times,” Sheats said. She recalled years ago when car repairs were limited to one vehicle in the household - it did not matter if both people were working in different locations,if the family had one working vehicle NMCRS would not even look into helping with the second vehicle. Emergency travels were limited to parents and grandparents - today they can look at helping with aunts, uncles and cousins.The quick assist loan didn’t exist until 2008. “As times and needs change our board of directors look at that and as our funds are available we try to make the chang-
NMCRS NMCRS provides financial assistance and education, as well as other programs and services, to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows, and survivors. The Society also receives and manages donated funds to administer these programs and services.
es and go with the times and meet the needs of the service members as best we can,” Sheats said.“For the last three years, we have drawn $10 million off of that reserve fund. At some point if we don’t start improving in the fund drive then we might have to start looking at what services we provide.”
Sheats explained to the coordinators that every year the goal has been 100% meaningful contact. She said it’s more than just handing service members a form and asking them to fill it out - it’s talking to them and educating them about what NMCRS is about. “This is their fund drive, it is their resource for them to help themselves,” said Sheats. Later in the day, Rear Adm. John Haley separately met with command leadership at the NAS Oceana Conference Center to express the urgency of this year’s fund drive and to encourage leadership to go beyond the usual mantra of 100 percent contact. Haley discussed how NMCRS has been operating at an out-flow, giving more money than they are receiving, for four years in a row. “The bottom line is we need to fix this,” Haley said. “We need to make it so [NMCRS] can continue to help Sailors in the future.” Haley gave leaders the command goal of raising their donations by 25 percent. “I’m convinced that if we let Sailors
know what [NMCRS] does and we let them know the position that we’re in, the Sailors will come through for us,” Haley added. Assistance from NMCRS can be done around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Sheats explained that emergency travel situations do not wait for an NMCRS to be open, necessarily. Service members can get assistance to get the transportation where they need to go after hours by contacting the American Red Cross. If a service member is in need of assistance and is not in the area of an NMCRS office, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard bases all have relief agencies that can act on their behalf. In Hampton Roads there are four fullservice officers: NAS Oceana, JEB Little Creek, Norfolk and Portsmouth. The offices work on an appointment basis so if in need of assistance or more information, you can reach the NAS Oceana office at 433-3383/3384. The NAS Oceana office is located at 1896 Laser Road, Suite 130. To learn more about NMCRS you can also visit their website at www.nmcrs.org.
TSC SALUTES MCPON3 WALKER
Photo by MC2(SW) Alysia Hernandez Chief petty officers render a salute as the motorcade of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Robert J. Walker passes the building which holds Walker’s name on Dam Neck Annex. Walker, the third MCPON passed away at the age of 87, February 15, with his family by his side.
March 3, 2016 • JET OBSERVER 5
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
Patience is a virtue
LT. ROB FASNACHT Chaplain “Patience is a virtue,” a phrase that has become cliché, is reported to have originated in a 5th century Latin Poem. In the poem, Patience is attacked by An-
ger, but Anger cannot defeat nor injure Patience.Anger is driven mad by this fruitless effort and dies at his own angry hands. Patience wins simply by outlasting Anger. This truth can apply to many of our daily interactions. If we want to win an argument, perhaps we need just to wait until the other person has blown their top, then calmly ask them if they are ready to discuss the topic and not be angry and ugly about it. Other times, when we parents want to teach our kids valuable lessons, we must wait until their temper
tantrums have subsided and prove to them that we will not give in to their whims. This may be embarrassing when the tantrum erupts in public, but each time the parents’ patience loses to the child’s anger, parents lose the battle to proper and expected behavior, ensuring that the next battle will be that much more difficult to win. During a tantrum, our patience must outlast our pride. Patience is indeed a virtue. Yet there are times or seasons in which patience is the wrong response. Parents cannot be patient
when their child is in trouble or in danger. Lovers should not be patient in expressing their love to one another. Patience should lose overwhelmingly to world hunger and thirst.We must use our affluence to feed the needy. Don’t confuse Martin Luther King, Jr.’s non-violence with patience. He saw an injustice and rallied the masses to do something about it now. Still today, we cannot wait for someone else to fix the wrong around us. Knowing when to act and when to wait is part of discernment.
As a Christian pastor, I teach discernment as a spiritual gift.Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to know the difference between right and wrong and to choose right. As a pastor, I also teach that patience is a fruit of the Spirit, as found in Galatians 5:22-23:“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” As much as the Christian life should be defined by the spirit of love, so should the Christian be defined by patience and self-control.
Fruit must ripen on the vine.We are to stay connected to the Vine and to know that we are the branches. To mature, new things are tried with both success and failure. Our evaluated life experiences should deepen our discernment. So today, may we each live a life where we are patient with each other’s flaws, proactive to fight injustices, and may we have the self-control required to know which event requires which action. May we defeat anger by patiently waiting in love.
6 JET OBSERVER • March 3, 2016
VFA-113 SAYS GOODBYE TO THE F/A-18C HORNET BY ENSIGN TIMOTHY COLE VFA-113 Public Affairs Officer LEMOORE, Calif. — The “Stingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 conducted the last flight of a fleet F/A-18C Hornet based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore Feb. 17. The flight was conducted by VFA-113’s maintenance officer Lt. Cmdr. Kristen “Dragon” Hansen. VFA-113 completed the transition from the A-7E Corsair II to the F/A-18A Hornet Dec. 14, 1983, making the Stinger’s the Navy’s first fleet operational combat ready strike fighter squadron, and establishing the squadron motto of “First and Finest.” In 1989, VFA-113 accepted delivery of the upgraded F/A-18C hornet. In March,VFA-113 will begin transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. In August 2014, the squadron embarked on its final combat deployment with the F/A-18C and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).The Stingers flew 367 combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. “The legacy F/A-18 has served the Navy brilliantly as a supersonic fighter for over 30 years,” said Cmdr. Eric C. Doyle, the commanding officer of the Stingers.“While we remain proud of all the good work we have done with the F/A-18C, we are excited to begin transitioning to some brand new F/A-18E Super Hornets.” “It has been an honor and a privilege to fly the F/A-18C Hornet across the Lemoore flightline for the last 10 years,” said Hansen.“Although I am excited about receiving our new jets, the ‘Charlie’ has served me and the majority of the Lemoore Hornet community well over the course of our careers. Our maintainers have done a spectacular job of keeping these aging aircraft combat ready despite the many challenges associated with highflight-hour jets. I’ll appreciate the extra gas, but admit that I’ll be a little sad when I have to say ‘Rhino Ball’ vice ‘Hornet Ball’ behind the boat!”
Photo provided The Stingers of VFA-113 conduct final pre-checks before the last flight of the F/A18-C Hornet at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Photo provided Lt. Cmdr. Kristen “Dragon” Hansen poses for a photo before piloting the final flight of an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
After the completion of carrier qualifications for the pilots of VFA-113, the final step in the transition process to the F/A-18E being certified as “Safe-for-Flight.” Part of that process involves the loading and delivery of live ordnance. Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific will conduct the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI) for VFA-113 at the beginning of June. Following the completion of CWTPI, the Stingers will become the newest member of the Super Hornet community, making NAS Lemoore an all Super Hornet flightline. Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class David Shimizu is looking forward to the benefits of the transition as well. “As we think of the word ‘transition,’ we think of strenuous and difficult times, but in reality, it is our opportunity to purge and rethink our priorities and be intentional about new habits,” said Shimizu. “As individuals we set out new goals to be our personal best whether if it is in the work environment, or life in general. We as a team have always pushed ourselves to strive to be the best at any task put forth. Now as we close one chapter of our lives and open a new one, we have the opportunity to make our new normal anything we want.”
For more photos of NAS Oceana squadrons currently deployed, check out www.oceanajetobserver.com
March 3, 2016 • JET OBSERVER 7
Dogs on Deployment: connecting military pets with temporary homes STORY/PHOTO BY MCSN CASEY J. HOPKINS Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Fire Controlman 1st Class Carl LaToore and his miniature dachshund, Rocky, have been separated by over 5,000 miles of land and sea for six months.Just as the sun was setting at Chesapeake City Dog Park Feb. 17, the two were reunited, thanks to Dogs on Deployment (DoD). DoD is a non-profit organization founded in June of 2011 by Navy and Marine Corps couple, Lt. Shawn Johnson and his wife, Capt.Alisa Johnson. The Johnsons decided to start DoD when Shawn, a MH60S Sea Hawk pilot, was preparing to deploy, and Alisa, a KC-130J Hercules pilot, had orders to attend six months of military training in Quantico,Va. Luckily, they had family to look after their miniature Australian Shepherd, JD, but they knew that there had to be other military pet owners that went through the worrisome process of trying to find someone to watch their pets while they were away. They spent the last few days they had together before Shawn’s deployment building a website and Facebook page and what is now Dogs on Deployment was born. DoD has since grown into a nationwide organization, with hundreds of volunteers that not only house military pets when the pets’ owners are deployed, but also help at community and military events, work at speaking engagements or help out behind the scenes at their offices. “People who want to volunteer in any capacity register
through our website,” said the DoD Hampton Roads Coordinator, Myra Smith. Katie Roberts and Electronics Technician 2nd Class Dane Saunders volunteered to board Rocky during LaToore’s deployment. “When I first signed up for Dogs on Deployment online,” said Roberts,“I just kept an eye out and looked around for dogs that would fit us. I kept in mind the dog I have and what I think he would get along with. So I kept looking online and I found Rocky, and since he was another small dog like ours I thought it would be a good idea.” “They are truly awesome volunteers,” said Smith.“They are foster boarders and regularly volunteer to represent Dogs on Deployment at community and military events.” Along with linking military pet owners to volunteer boarders, DoD also works with military members and boarders when situations arise that require the military pet owner to deploy at a moment’s notice. Through the network of volunteers, DoD has a huge group that really scrambles to help find a home and put together matches between military pet owners and volunteers,”said Debbie Gaskell, executive director of DoD. “We don’t want any military member to surrender their animal, whether to a shelter or some other situation like craigslist — that’s not what we want to see.We do everything within our power to find a home for pets,” Gaskell said. According to their website, DoD has successfully boarded 851 pets since their start. Smith explained that DoD
FC1 Carl LaTorre is reunited with his miniature dachshund, Rocky, after returning from a six-month deployment. LaTorre met his volunteer boarders through Dogs on Deployment, a non-profit organization created by Navy and Marine Corps couple Lt. Shawn Johnson and his wife, Capt. Alisa Johnson.
boards most types of animals. “We board dogs,cats,birds,snakes,fish,hamsters,gerbils, rabbits; just about anything,” she continued. LaTorre, who was deployed to Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Systems Romania, said he felt very nervous and excited before he got to the dog park. Rocky even had his own Facebook page, set up by Roberts, so LaTorre could see pictures and videos of his puppy. “This organization is great, I don’t know what I would have done without Dogs on Deployment,” LaTorre said. “Knowing he’s with a family makes it a little less stressful.” Along with connecting boarders to military pet owners, DoD also advocates for military pet owner rights, provides educational resources and grants financial assistance for military pet owners during times of emergency.To find out more about DoD, visit www.dogsondeployment.org.
What do you do with your pets when you’re deployed? Compiled by MC3 Kayla King
“I was lucky to have a supportive family member who took my dog for my nine-month deployment aboard USS Kearsarge. It’s nice to know my dog is safe when I’m not there to care for him.” – EM3 Breonna Shaw, NAS Oceana Administrative Department
“I live with two roommates who I have been friends with for a very long time and am fortunate enough to have had them watch my dog on two eight-month deployments.” – FC2 Timothy Baldan, VFA-106
8 JET OBSERVER • March 3, 2016
NAVY CYP ANNOUNCES 2016 NAVY TEEN SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BY ROBIN HILLYER-MILES Special to Navy Installations Command Public Affairs WASHINGTON — Navy Child and Youth Programs (CYP) is currently accepting applications through April 8 for the 2016 Navy Teen Summer Camp Scholarship Program (SCSP). Since 2011, Navy CYP has encouraged teen dependents to apply for the SCSP, which offers all-expenses-paid summer camps that promote healthy, lifelong hobbies. The camps also provide teens with opportunities to make friends, reduce stress and stay active during the summer. “Over the years, we have communicated that these specialty camps are the experience of a lifetime,” said Brent Edwards, Commander, Navy Installations
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Command youth programs coordinator. “We know this because we continue to hear from families that these camps are better than expected; that families are astonished that the scholarships actually do cover all airfare, meals, lodging and activities; and that teens are continuing their relationships years after their camp.” Photo by MC2(SW) Alysia Hernandez The camps being offered this summer include: Hike Hawaii,Tour d’Italy, Sail An- Children play tug of war at the Naval Air Station Oceana youth center. napolis, Explore Japan, Scuba Dive Florida, and OAC Euro Camp. All camps are staffed with a professional team of fully- word processed, provide proof of eligi- twitter.com/NavyTeenSCSP or by emailtrained adults who are passionate about bility and they must include GPA, tran- ing navyteenscsp@navy.mil. Navy Installations Command is comtheir jobs and can be counted on to keep scripts and a character reference. All applications are thoroughly screened by a prised of approximately 52,000 military everyone safe. “The staff know the local area and are panel of judges, and selections are based and civilian personnel worldwide responsible for the operations, maintenance and excited to share the summer of a lifetime on merit. Interested teens and parents can find quality of life programs to support the with our teens,” Edwards added. Applications are due by April 8 at the full specifics regarding SCSP at www. Navy’s fleet, Sailors and their families. 11:59 p.m. CST.The applications must be facebook.com/NavyTeenSCSP and www.
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FFSC
Fleet and Family Support Centers
WORKSHOPS Fleet and Family Support Center Oceana is located on NAS Oceana in building 531. It offers a variety of programs and workshops to assist active duty and their families. Registration is required for most programs. Call FFSC at 433-2912 for more information or registration, unless otherwise noted or register online at www.cnic.navy.mil/ navylifema.For a complete list and description of FFSC programs and workshops, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/cnrma/pdfs/ FFSC/Signal.pdf.
TRANSITION GPS (GOALS, PLAN, SUCCEED) TRANSITION GPS is a ďŹ ve-day workshop for separating military and pre-retirees. It covers military to civilian crosswalk, ďŹ nancial planning, job search and career validation, federal hiring, resumes, and programs, and VA beneďŹ ts and other topics that facilitate a smooth transition from the military to the civilian community. If space is available, spouses may accompany the transitioning member. All classes are held Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekly). Registration is Monday at 6:30 a.m. TRANSITION GPS is held in Bldg. U-93 at Naval Station Norfolk. See your command career counselor for a quota and workshop requirements to attend TRANSITION GPS. TransitionAssistance ServicesAvailable at all FFSCs: • Workshops and counseling on all financial aspects of transition • Individual transition planning counseling • Transition information and employment referral.
TRANSITION GPS CAREER TRACK WORKSHOPS Accessing Higher Education Are you planning to pursue higher education after the military? The Accessing Higher Education track can help identify education goals, higher education institutions, funding and assistance with the admission process. This track will be held at NAS Oceana April 12 - 13 and July 19 - 20. Career Technical Training The Career Technical Training track is designed to assist with deďŹ ning technical career goals, identifying required credentials, ďŹ nding technical training opportunities, identifying local veteran resources
and utilizing your VA education beneďŹ ts. This track will be held at NAS Oceana March 21 - 22; June 21 - 22; and Sept. 7 - 8. Entrepreneur This workshop will help you decide if starting a business is right for you and if your business idea is realistic. This track will be held at NAS Oceana May 2 - 3 and Aug. 3 - 4. Each track is also held at other locations in Hampton Roads. For more information or to register, call FFSC at 4332912. These workshops are open to service members who are separating from the military and retirees. Spouses are also welcome as space permits.
JOB FAIR & EDUCATION EXPO Transitioning service members,veterans or military spouses are invited to the VAACME Job Fair & Education Expo March 15, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. Meet 45+ employers, including Lockheed Martin, AMSEC, BAE, AECOM, Virginia Beach Public Schools/ Parks and Rec/Police Dept., NEXCOM, OfďŹ ceTeam, Accountemps and many more. Call your local Fleet and Family Support Center to register for a resume class, to review your resume or to schedule a mock interview. For more information call FFSC Oceana at (757) 433-2912 or visit www. vaacme.org. Fleet and Family Support Center Oceana is coordinating the fair in collaboration with Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME). Visit colleges and get ďŹ nancial aid options from the Educational Opportunity Center, Opportunity Inc. and Troops to Teachers. The Job Fair and Education Expo are the beginning of the VA-ACME Symposium, March 15, 16 and 17.
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10 JET OBSERVER • March 3, 2016
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
Visit www.oceanajetobserver.com for more events in and around NAS Oceana!
TRAIL RIDING EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY Cowboys, cowgirls and city slickers are invited to come on out to the NAS Oceana Stables for trail riding every Saturday and Sunday.Trail rides are tailored to both novice and experienced riders ages nine and older. Pony rides are also available for children ages eight and under. Call 433-3255 for prices and to make your reservations.
HAMPTON ROADS TATTOO ARTS FESTIVAL MARCH 4 - 6 The Hampton Roads Tattoo Arts Festival returns to the Hampton Coliseum to celebrate all aspects of the tattooing industry and welcome talented artists from across the country. Highlights of this year’s
festival include daily categorized tattoo contests, art vendors, tattoo supply vendors, Southside Pro Wrestling, Team TDH, magician Tony Jones and George Bell,The Tallest Man in America. Military members can get a discount weekend pass for $35; daily admission is $25. For more information, visit hrtattoofest.com.
LIFEGUARD TRAINING CLASSES MARCH 18 - 20 Get certified as an American Red Cross lifeguard for free at the Dam Neck Pool’s Lifeguard Training Classes. Participants must be at least 15 years old and able to pass a 300-meter swim test, followed by two minutes of treading water with no hands and a timed 10-lb.brick retrieval from deep water.Classes are held from 4 - 8
p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Training sessions will also happen March 25 - 27 and April 1 3.To sign up or for more information, call 492-7183.
SPRING FLING EXPO MARCH 19, 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. Looking for a job? Looking for some fun? Then MWR is looking for you. Come and enjoy a day of fun and information about MWR at the NSAHR-Northwest Annex and find out what they have to offer you. There will be lots to see and do including visiting the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, a bounce house, an arts and crafts table and face painting. The event will take place at the Mariner Community Recreation Center. Call 421-8250 for more information.
SPORTS &
Friday, March 4 6 p.m. - Hail, Caesar! (PG-13, 106 min.) 9 p.m. - 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (R, 144 min.)
Saturday, March 5 Noon 3 p.m. 6 p.m. 9 p.m.
Kung-Fu Panda 3 (3-D) (PG, 95 min.) - Ride Along 2 (PG-13, 101 min.) - The Choice (PG-13, 111 min.) - The 5th Wave (PG-13, 112 min.)
Sunday, March 6 1 p.m. - The Finest Hours (PG-13, 109 min.) 4 p.m. - Norm of the North (PG, 86 min.) 7 p.m. - Hail, Casesar! (PG-13, 106 min.) 875 D Ave., Bldg. 531 | (757) 433-2391 | Schedule is subject to change, call ahead for details. Cash or credit accepted for concessions and admission. Doors open approximately one hour before showtimes. Children ages two and younger are admitted free. Patrons 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a paying adult to attend all R-rated movies.
NAS OCEANA ENDUR-A-THON
FITNESS MEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION MARCH 16, 5 P.M. Join the Aeropines Men’s Golf Association at their 2016 kick-off meeting in the restaurant area of the Aeropines pro-shop. All skill levels are welcome and membership is only $10 annually.There are montly outings with prizes awarded every month. Join to play and compete with fellow active duty, retired and DoD employees.Visit the website at amgagolf.com for more information and to join the email distribution list.
MARCH MANIA 5K MARCH 23, 11:30 A.M. Come ready to strut your stuff at the first 5k of the year at Dam Neck Gym. Pre-
registration for the March Mania 5k ends on March 18, same day registration begins on race day at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 492-7483.
SAND SOCCER ENTRY DEADLINE APRIL 15 The North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC) is inviting military command teams to show they really “got game.” The June 10 - 12 crucible of sand soccer competitions will feature a special “Beach Masters” adult division for active duty, reserve and retired military personnel. Sand Soccer is 5v5 competition on 30x40 yard grids. For more information, visit www.sandsoccer.com/ participants/application.
Photo by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Participants in Hornet’s Nest Fitness Center’s Endur-a-thon wrap up the event with yoga Feb. 26. The two-hour fitness event included Zumba, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and yoga. Participants dressed up in their best getups to “bring back the 80s!”
March 3, 2016 • JET OBSERVER 11
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED
ister as a volunteer, visit www.artandfarm. org/#!get-involved/codrg.
NAS OCEANA CHAPEL Volunteers needed for Sunday morning school each week from 9 a.m. - noon. Experience the reward of helping children grow in their faith. For more information, call Ms. Lillian Doctor at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd 433-2871.
VETERANS ART & FARM THERAPY Veterans Art and Farm Therapy is a charity extension of Stargazer Stables, located on West Road in Chesapeake. The Veterans Art and Farm Therapy Program allows veterans to experience the helpful therapeutic benefits of art and farm activities. The animals on the farm have years of experience working with active children and are super quiet and patient for the veterans. They are currently seeking volunteers to work with the veterans at the farm. For more information or to reg-
SETON YOUTH SHELTERS Seton Youth Shelters offers emergency shelter and counseling for runaway and homeless youth. Seton leads the way in delivering critical help to teens in crisis throughout Southside Hampton Roads. At Seton opportunities to volunteer include Residential Shelter Volunteer which entails landscaping duties; cooking and freezing meals; conducting donation drives to collect non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies and other items; and facilitating arts and crafts, recreational activities or holiday celebrations. Seton is also looking for mentors age 20 and older to be a positive influence in a child’s life by volunteering at least four hours per month for one year. For more information on these opportunities, visit www.setonyouthshelters.org/volunteer.
SINKINSON DYSLEXIA FOUNDATION Sinkinson Dyslexia Foundation, located on Pacific Avenue in Virginia Beach, seeks volunteer reading tutors for children or adults with dyslexia. Tutors will be trained to use a structured reading program and are asked to commit at least one hour a week. Tutors will be monitored and coached throughout the process. Tutors must submit to a background check and have completed one semester of college. If interested, please visit www. volunteertidewater.com
RED CROSS The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients by giving blood this February. During the winter months, inclement winter weather and seasonal illnesses can keep regular donors from giving blood. Healthy donors of all blood types are needed to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in their own communities as well as areas where donors were unable to give due to severe winter weather. Individuals with types O, AB, B negative and A negative blood are especially needed.
Make an appointment to help maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need this winter by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767. Upcoming donation opportunities: — Feb. 19, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hall Chrysler Showroom, 3152 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach — Feb. 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Chesapeake Square Mall, 4200 Portsmouth Boulevard, Chesapeake — Feb. 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Virginia Beach Blood Donation Center, 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd.,Virginia Beach — Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Virginia Beach Blood Donation Center, 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd.,Virginia Beach — Feb. 24, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.,Virginia Wesleyan Batten Student Center, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk — Feb. 24, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.,American Legion Post 327, 705 Lesner Avenue, Norfolk — Feb. 24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., City of Virginia Beach Police, 2509 Princess Anne Road,Virginia Beach — Feb. 25, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sentara Virginia Beach General Front Lobby, 1060 First Colonial Road,Virginia Beach
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