2 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 3 U.S. Navy photos
Chaplain’s
Corner
Shine your light BY LT. JOHN GIBSON Carrier Air Wing 1 Chaplain “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 The sound was coming from upstairs, in another part of the house, and yet even though it was rather faint, there was no mistaking its source … nor its effect on me.As I listened to my 8-month-old daughter laugh almost uncontrollably, I myself began to laugh right along with her. I realize that to fully appreciate what I’m describing here, one would almost have to have been in our home while this was taking place. However, if you have ever had the blessing of listening to an infant laugh, you can probably relate pretty well already. At any rate, I soon determined that the “big important writing project” on which I was working at our kitchen table — and which was working on my nerves at that moment — could wait and quickly found myself heading upstairs to where my wife and daughter were playing and making each other laugh. Once I arrived,I myself was able to participate in the merriment, as well. The moral of this little illustration: my infant daughter’s laughter was an attractive alternative to the writing project on which I was working, and was also able to lift my spirits in the midst of a difficult situation. What is it about joyful situations and people that attract us? Is it the mere fact that they’re joyful? Does it have more to do with the fact that much of life is tedious, if not downright depressing? Is it a combination of both? Whatever the case may be, one of the realities of the human experience is that we are constantly seeking ways to minimize pain and unpleasantness, while at the same time seeking ways to maximize and enhance which brings us the most joy and pleasure.This tends to include our relationships with others. Put simply, we prefer being around those who give us hope and comfort, while tending to shy away from those whose demeanor is constantly negative. Now does this mean that we should always be happy and upbeat so that we are always ready to — See Joy, Page 8
On March 9, a P-3C Orion patrol craft departs from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan (l) and a Navy SH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter (r) from USS Pinckney (DDG 91) departs to aid in the search efforts of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The flight, which disappeared from radar early on March 8, had 227 passengers from 14 nations, mainly China, and 12 crew members. According to the Malaysia Airlines website, three Americans, including one infant, were also aboard the Boeing 777 aircraft.
Navy helping search for Malaysia Airlines jet BY CHERYL PELLERIN American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is contributing to the international search effort for a Malaysia Airlines jet that dropped off the radar of Subang, Indonesia, traffic controllers early Saturday morning while over the South China Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Seventh Fleet public affairs office. Flight MH370, a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, departed Kuala Lumpur at 12:41 a.m. March 8, local time, and was scheduled to land at Beijing International Airport at 6:30 a.m. Beijing time. The flight has 227 passengers from 14 nations, mainly China, and 12 crewmembers. According to the Malaysia Airlines website, three Americans, including one infant, were also aboard. USS Pinckney (DDG 91), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer homeported in San Diego, was dispatched March 8 to the southern coast of Vietnam to join teams from Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam in search and rescue efforts already underway, according to the Malaysia Airlines website. Pinckney was diverted from a training mission in the South China Sea to search for signs of the missing aircraft. The ship could be in the vicinity of the missing jet within
24 hours and carries two MH-60R helicopters that can be equipped for search and rescue. Its MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are designed for search and rescue, as well as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, communications relay, naval gunfire support and logistics support.It can fly a maximum of 180 knots with a ceiling of 13,000 feet and maximum range of 245 nautical miles. bringing long-range search, radar and communications capabilities to the efforts. A second Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. USS Kidd (DDG 100), is also working alongside other navies in the region in sharing search tactics, exchanging information, and assisting in the collective effort to locate MH370. A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion took off from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan and arrived on station in the early afternoon of March 9, with approximately three hours of fuel remaining for searching the site. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this tragic event,” PAO officials said in the statement, which also requested that all questions about the event be directed to the Navy Office of Information, or CHINFO, duty officer. — Information also obtained from USS Kidd and U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs press releases
NEX Customer Satisfaction Survey earns high marks BY KRISTINE M. STURKIE Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH,Va. (NNS) — The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) released the results of its 2013 NEX Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) survey March 6. The survey results, which show how customers rate the NEX in a number of different areas including customer service, pricing, problem resolution and customer experience, remained at a very high level of 85, based on a 100
point scale. “A score of 85 keeps the satisfaction level of the NEX on the same plane as some of America’s most customer focused retailers, such as Nordstrom and Kohl’s,”said Robert J. Bianchi, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) chief executive officer. “This year’s scores are steady or slightly improved for all areas of the survey. Plus, high scores are now the norm across the organization, proving that our focus on premier customer service is working.” — See Satisfaction, Page 8
4 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
Coastal Riverine Force admits women to combat billets WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Department of the Navy announced March 7 that women can now be assigned to previously closed positions in the Coastal Riverine Force, continuing in the Department of Defense’s rescission of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule. The 30-day Congressional notification requirement ended March 6, which now opens 267 Navy positions in the Coastal Riverine Force (CRF) for the assignment of women. The 267 Navy positions in the CRF small craft include both female officers and enlisted. “Our continuing effort to maximize all professional opportunities for women in the Navy and Marine Corps takes another step with opening the Coastal Riverine Force to female officers and Sailors,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.“We consistently strive to ensure all Sailors and Marines, regardless of gender, have a path toward a successful military career.This not only makes us better warfighters, but it ensures our Navy and Marine Corps remains the finest expeditionary fighting force in the world.” With the opening of these billets to females, the only remaining community that is still closed to women is Special Warfare — an issue Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the Navy continue to work on together. Thirteen women have been identified as the first candidates for the newly-opened positions. Since last fall, nine enlisted women have been administratively assigned to
Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2, Delta Company, 1st Platoon, located in Portsmouth,Va. The administrative assignment was done to assist with management of the training cycle, in anticipation of Secretary of Defense and Congressional approval to open previously excluded billets to women. CRS-2 will be the first unit in the CRF to assign women to boats capable of the Riverine mission. The nine women in CRS-2 have completed the required training,have been screened for the billets,and all nine have been awarded their Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC).The end of the congressional notification period clears the way for these women to deploy with their squadron and potentially be assigned as crewmembers on boats. There are two other active component squadrons with the same mission: Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 in Virginia Beach, and Coastal Riverine Squadron 3 in San Diego. With the complex and intense training required of Coastal Riverine Sailors, and in preparation for the lifting of the women in combat exclusion, both squadrons are implementing plans to incorporate women into squadrons capable of the riverine mission as soon as feasible. CRS-2 is scheduled to deploy this summer and is currently in pre-deployment training. CRS-4 recently returned from deployment and CRS-3, Delta Company, recently deployed.
Tuition Assistance Program funds awaiting Sailors’ use
After furloughs and a government shutdown, Fiscal Year 2014 (FY-14) hasn’t been a routine year,” he said. Lt.Cmdr.MarkWadsworth,director of CPPD Support Site Saufley Field in Pensacola, Fla., leads the team that monitors CPPD’s Navy TA spending. He said FY-14 TA execution is currently trailing FY-13’s execution rate by just over $6 million year-to-date. “We think a variety of things influenced our being below the TA budget right now. Our execution rate dropped in October with the government shutdown and that’s carried through the year,” he said.“The usage rate steadily increased in November and December. But then it dropped back down in January, probably due to uncertainty with the federal budget.Although we have funding now, the usage rate hasn’t increased significantly since then. Sailors need to understand that their education benefits reset each year, and unused amounts don’t carry over.” D’Antonio said,“We want Sailors to continue to pursue their education and submit their TA requests — we work hard to allocate every TA dollar available to give Sailors the most opportunities to use their TA funding allotment for each fiscal year.” He said more than 25,000 Sailors have used TA benefits so far this fiscal year and emphasized that a Sailor’s command is an important part of TA authorizations because
BY SUSAN D. HENSON Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Officer The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) is asking Sailors to submit their Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) requests — and now would be good — said the director of Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED) March 3. According to Ernest D’Antonio, CPPD’s VOLED program director, the expenditure rate for TA funding is currently below normal levels, which means there’s more funding available than usual at this time of the year.“We use historical‘burn rates’as a guide for allocatingTA funding throughout the year,”he said.“We plan really well for routine years.
Navy file photo by MCSN Heather M. Paape
ENC Patricia Cooper, a student in the Riverine Combat Skills course, patrols the training grounds during a field training exercise in Camp Lejeune, N.C. in 2012. The Navy announced March 7 that women can now be assigned to previously closed — From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs positions in the Coastal Riverine Force.
they’re the first step in the process after a Sailor submits a request. “It’s each command’s responsibility to ensure their Sailors are aware of and meet all relevant TA policies, are comfortable with their Sailors’ ability to complete a requested course, and process each Sailor’s TA request promptly,” he said. “A command approver can review a Sailor’s request and deny it if all Navy requirements aren’t met, if the Sailor’s performance isn’t up to standards, or if the command’s mission might not permit the Sailor to complete the course. Ultimately, it’s the commanding officer’s decision,” said D’Antonio. He also recommended each command approver continually review the Sailor’s education progress. “Our biggest reason for disapproval of TA requests is they aren’t received from the Sailor’s command approver prior to the course start date, as required by DOD instruction. Often when we review a TA request, a Sailor may be missing some of the TA prerequisites such as a current education counseling by a Navy College Office (NCO) or Virtual Education Center (VEC) counselor, or an individual education plan or degree plan on file, or missing a grade from a past course,” he said. — See Tuition Assistance, Page 6
March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 5
Wright selected as SFWL Civilian of the Year STORY/PHOTO BY MCSN KAYLA KING NAS Oceana Public Affairs
Randell Wright, the automated data processing officer, is presented the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Civilian of the Year award by Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Capt. Mark Weisgerber March 5. Wright, a retired senior chief information systems technician, began working at the wing in 2008. He is responsibilities for ensuring all the computers work properly and also accountable for using the proper security measures for the computers.
Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (SFWL) announced their 2013 Civilian of the Year during an awards ceremony March 5. Randell Wright, the automated data processing manager at SFWL, was presented the award by Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Capt. Mark Weisgerber. The commodore began by thanking everyone who had come to congratulate Wright and recognizing all of Wright’s accomplishments and dedication to SFWL. Wright’s wife Lisa also attended the ceremony. “I really appreciate everyone taking time out of their day to recognize and honor one of our finest,” said Weisgerber. “Randy Wright is our Civilian of the Year. For those of you who know Randy will probably agree and those of you who don’t, should know this … he is a ‘go-to, can-do’ individual.And the depths of responsibilities that we have entrusted in him are really quite large.” Randell, a native from Kenner, La., retired after 20
years of naval service as a senior chief information systems technician (IT) and began working at SFWL in 2008. His responsibilities involve making sure all the computers work properly and he is also accountable for using the proper security measures for the computers.Wright is also the “go-to” guy for 60 ITs. Wright had only a few words. “Thanks for nominating me. I really appreciate that and thanks for the load of confidence.The people that work around me helped me out, all the ITs in the squadrons.We really have a good staff.” “You’re the right-hand man at implementing all the variety of directives that you see come across your NMCI here. Seems like multiple times a month,”Weisgerber said while pointing to Wright. “Randy Wright’s name is all over making sure that it works properly and that we get what we need each and every day to do our jobs, and you do it with an attitude that, like I said earlier, and most importantly to me, is can-do,”Weisgerber said.“I’ve never seen you turn any technician away or even an individual who calls you. You always make time and you are always available.”
6 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
Chris Rice, head of the FRCMA Aircraft Department, explains to Vice Adm. David Dunaway, commander, Naval Air Systems Command, the work done by the department to repair a dorsal longeron, a component which is essentially the spine of the aircraft, for an F/A-18. Dunaway toured FRCMA Feb. 20 and also visited FRCMA Oceana where the admiral visited the production workcenters and learned about the successes and challenges faced by the command.
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Vice Adm. David Dunaway visited Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA) Feb. 20. Dunaway currently serves as commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at NAS Patuxent River, Md. NAVAIR’s mission is to provide full life-cycle support of naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems operated by Sailors and Marines. This support includes research, design, development and systems engineering; acquisition; test and evaluation; training facilities and equipment; repair and modification; and in-service engineering and logistics support. During his visit to FRCMA, Dunaway was given an indepth tour of FRCMA Aircraft Department by department
Tuition Assistance: More funding than normal available at this time of year
head Chris Rice of the hangar facility where full-service depot level maintenance, repair and overhaul are completed. FRCMA Aircraft Department capabilities include providing scheduled integrated maintenance inspection and repair,unscheduled emergency in-service repair,structural repair and electrical and electronic system modifications. The production efforts of FRCMA Oceana, a Level II facility, was also part of the admiral’s tour where FRCMA Oceana Maintenance Officer Cmdr. Richard Fairchild showed the admiral production workcenters and explained some of the great improvements that have been made over the past few years, along with some of the future challenges FRCMA Oceana faces. “It is always a good feeling for me when I can get out on the deckplates and see firsthand the awesome work that our Sailors, Marines and civilians do daily to make our organization run like a well-oiled machine,” said Dunaway.
— Continued from page 4 VOLED professionals work with Sailors to get the requirements in on time, but if the Sailor’s account is incomplete or not updated before the course start date, they are unable to fund the TA request, D’Antonio said. “So I repeat this message constantly:30 days prior to the course start date is not too soon for Sailors to submit their TA request. In fact, a TA application can be submitted a year before the actual class start date, which will help ensure the Sailor’s TA request is funded and allows us to better manage expenditures.” D’Antonio also stressed that Sailors should work closely with an NCO or VEC
counselor to help them reach their educational goals. “The VOLED team is here to help, bottom line. Our job is to work with Sailors, inform them about options, provide impartial counseling and point out avenues for Sailors to pursue their life-long educational and credentialing goals.” According to CPPD Commanding Officer Capt. John Newcomer, Navy leaders are committed to providing Sailors with voluntary education opportunities.“We know that educated Sailors are strong performers with well-developed critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed decisions. A college degree is an investment in a Sailor and a contributing factor in Navy mission accomplishment.
March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 7
Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training Event showcases talent and skills BY MCC (AW/SW) SHAWN D. GRAHAM Center for Service Support Public Affairs FORT LEE, Va. (NNS) — Culinary specialists (CS) and military chefs from around the world have gathered at the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, Fort Lee,Va., to showcase their unique talents and cooking skills at the 39th Annual Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training Event (MCACTE), March 9-14. The MCACTE is one of largest culinary competition in North America. Since 1973, the competition has been conducted each year with the exception of 1991 and 2003, during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The competition is sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and showcases the talents of military chefs from around the globe in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. According to CSC (SW) Chad Shiflett, assigned to Commander Submarine Force,the MCACTE is a chance to show off the culinary skills of those who feed the fleet. “The entire training aspect of training junior Sailors excites me,” said Shiflett.“We want to perform well and learn from guidelines set forth by the ACF.” The ACF is comprised of more than 22,000 members in 230 chapters across the United States, and is known as the authority on cooking in America. Its mission is to make a positive difference for culinarians through education, apprenticeship and certification, while creating a fraternal bond of respect and integrity among chefs everywhere. “We have really talented chefs throughout the Navy who don’t always have a chance to showcase their enormous skillset,” said Shiflett.“Training opportunities like the MCACTE allow our junior Sailors to blossom into great chefs. It will also instill pride.That pride translates to highquality food for Sailors serving aboard ships and shore installations. Many of the culinary specialists participating have trained many months for countless hours prior to the competition.They are really focused and want to represent the Navy well at this competition.” Each chef will rely on their own talent and creativity to produce entries for nine categories and myriad sub-categories. “This event is quite challenging, especially for a young cook,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Alejandaro Rodriguez from Naval Air Station Oceana.“We don’t do a lot of scratch cooking out in the fleet. Everyone will gain a lot of new skills and techniques they will use in their respective galleys. Cooking at this event really brings out the creative passion in me.The MCACTE gives all participants an opportunity to compete against other top notch military chefs. It’s an amazing experience.”
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8 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
Women: Continuing to make history today with Navy ‘firsts’ — Continued from page 1 Nurse Corps, awarding her the Navy Cross for service in the line of her profession and unusual and conspicuous devotion to duty. In 1944, the Navy commemorated Higbee’s naval service, naming a ship in her honor. USS Higbee (DD 806) was the first combatant ship to be named after a woman. The Navy’s first enlisted women, more commonly known as yeomen (F) or yeomanettes, provided clerical support during World War I. Capt. Joy Bright Hancock initially enlisted as a yeoman (F), serving until the end of World War I, by which time she had risen to the rank of chief petty officer. In 1942, during World War II, she was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) program. Hancock rose to the rank of captain and led the WAVES through the 1940s and 1950s, facilitating the addition of women as a permanent part of the Navy. Master Chief Yeoman Anna Der-Vartanian entered the Navy through the WAVES. She was not only the first woman to hold the rank of master chief in the Navy, but also across all armed services. Reflecting on her service, DerVartanian noted that most of the personnel she led treated her with respect and professionalism.The few exceptions where her authority was challenged, she maintained her professionalism with the saying,“Fall in and pipe down!” Upon her retirement after 21 years of naval service, DerVartanian continued serving her country by joining the Central Intelligence Agency. Darlene Iskra was one of the first female line officers to graduate from the Naval School of Diving and Salvage in Washington, D.C.
File photo by MCSN Karl Anderson
Capt. Sara Joyner, who was then the commander of CVW-3, and Lt. Cmdr. Eddy DePuy exit an E-2C Hawkeye, from the "Seahawks" of VAW-126, on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Dec. 14, 2013. Joyner became the first woman to ever command a strike fighter squadron when she took command of VFA-105 and became the first woman to command a Navy carrier air wing. Looking back, Iskra said, “Dive school was the most physically challenging thing I had ever done to that point in my life. Had it not been for the support of my fellow classmates, especially my roommate and diving partner [present day] Rear Adm. Martha Herb, I would have probably quit.” As a lieutenant commander, Iskra became the first Navy woman to command a ship when she assumed command of USS Opportune (ARS 41) in 1990. Iskra took her ship, a Bolster-class rescue and salvage ship, to patrol the Suez Canal during Operation Desert Storm, ensuring the canal
remained clear for commerce. Reflecting upon her time as the first female commanding officer of a naval ship, she now understands that being a trailblazer means opening new ground for others to follow and that sometimes there are hazards along the way. Iskra retired in 2000 as a commander, with 21 years of service. Most recently,Vice Adm. Michelle Howard was nominated for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as vice chief of naval operations. Upon confirmation, she will make history as the Navy’s first female four-star admiral, and first African-American and first woman to serve as the vice chief. The character, courage, and commitment shown by Higbee, Hancock, Der-Vartanian, Iskra, and Howard paved the way for women serving in the contemporary Navy.Today, women in the Navy, both officer and enlisted, hold leadership positions aboard warships, of carrier air wings and squadrons, recruiting districts, training stations and shipyards. As progress continues forward, previously closed billets will open to women and the Navy will continue to witness women making history and new “firsts.” Commands are strongly encouraged to increase their knowledge and awareness of the contributions of women to the Navy and nation by celebrating the National Women’s History Month theme, “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment,” through programs, exhibits, publications and participation in military and community events. For more information about the history of women and their numerous contributions to the Navy, visit http:// www.history.navy.mil/special%20highlights/women/ women-index.htm.
Satisfaction: Survey score keeps NEX on same Joy: Try to be the person level as customer-focused commercial retailers who encourages others — Continued from page 3 In 2013, NEXs focused increased attention on sales flyers, merchandise and pricing as these have the highest impact on overall customer satisfaction.These three areas either showed improvement or remained steady in this year’s survey — merchandise remained at 82, while both sales flyers and pricing increased one point each to 85. Areas that continue to show a positive trend include satisfaction, NEX shopping, NEX connection, military loyalty, NEX loyalty, likeliness to recommend to other authorized patrons and engagement. Each NEX reports to a district which is overseen by a NEXCOM district vice president. Scores for each NEX within a district were averaged out to calculate each district’s score. District scores in the continental United States remained the same at 88 while overseas districts remained the same at 85.Individual NEX district scores for 2013 were as follows:Mid-South increased one point to 90; Northern increased two points to 88; Southeast rose one point to 88; Northwest remained the same at 87; Guam
rose two points to 85; Western remained the same at 89; Tidewater and Japan decreased one point to 87; Hawaii decreased two points to 85; Europe decreased one point to 84. More importantly, virtually all stores now score in the 80s on the CSI survey. “The survey told us that three-fourths of our customers recommend shopping the NEX to other authorized customers,” said Bianchi.“This figure is reflected in a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 66, which compares very favorably to an average score of 33 for the top 29 U.S. retailers. I am thrilled that our customers realize the benefits of shopping the NEX and are telling other people to take advantage of it as well.” In 2014,merchandise,including assortment and store instock rates, will be a top priority for NEXs while continuing to build on identified survey strength areas of associates, pricing and sales flyers. NEXCOM began surveying its customers in 1998.Nearly 13,500 NEX customers around the world were asked to participate in this year’s survey.
— Continued from page 3 dispense healthy doses of encouragement to anyone and everyone that crosses our path? Certainly not. To be quite frank, I personally tend to regard people with such a demeanor as inauthentic and superficial. The truth is that we all have bad days and thus, we all need people who are going to uplift and encourage us during those difficult times; just as those people surely need others to encourage them. No, my encouragement to you today is not to find ways to be perpetually happy so that you thoroughly eliminate unhappiness in your life. My encouragement rather is for you to reach out to and lean on those who can encourage your spirit on difficult days. And in turn, if you know of someone who is having a difficult time, try to be the person who encourages them yourself.
March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 9
CSADD: Two 2014 events accomplished, many more on the horizon at Dam Neck — Continued from page 1 course of success through good decision making.” It is a “peer-to-peer mentorship program” that is used throughout the Navy that focuses on Sailors 18–25-years-old to support their culture of shipmates helping shipmates. Capt. Brent Kyler, the commanding officer of TSCHR, also sees the significance in an organization like CSADD. “I think it’s very important for both the advocacy and the prevention piece of it … good order, discipline and good behavior,” Kyler said.“The best part of CSADD is that it’s Sailors leading Sailors and I think that’s what makes it special.” Kyler also said he hopes to see more events from Dam Neck’s CSADD. “More events, reaching out beyond the confines of Dam Neck and working with Oceana and Norfolk, and even Southwest,” Kyler said.“At the TSC of Hampton Roads, I’ve got staff and students at all those locations, so there’s a lot of great work here and the momentum is here and I think we can carry it over to those other bases.That’s what I’d like to see.” Kyler also came out to support CSADD’s talent show on Feb. 21, which was a great success with 17 participants and a full theater of guests.The members of CSADD who organized the event were pleasantly surprised with the overall turnout. “I didn’t expect this many people to show up and I didn’t expect people to stay throughout the entire event. It was really good,” Barbour said. CSADD also takes turns having an association,like MWR or the first class petty officers’ association, sell refreshments at the events as a way to help them fundraise.The talent show was such a success that MWR sold out of refreshments and raised $160. Fire Controlman Seaman Robert Thomas Carillo placed first in the talent show for his singing and guitar playing. “I’m very proud to have played here at the first CSADD talent show,” Carillo said.“I feel like everybody had a good time.” Carillo said as soon as he heard about the talent show he instantly knew he was going to participate and what he’d do. “I saw the flyer, took a picture of it, and hit up YN2 Daker as soon as I could,” Carillo said. Kyler said he likes what he’s seen come from CSADD so far.
MWR News
LEFT: AMAA Andrew Bowman plays guitar and sings “I Remember You” by Skid Row in Dam Neck CSADD’s talent show at the Dam Neck theater Feb. 21. TOP RIGHT: SA Richard Ayala sings “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson in CSADD’s talent show. BOTTOM RIGHT: From left, second place winner SN Jeffrey Kuncaitis, first place winner FCSN Robert Thomas Carillo and third place winner RPSA Steven Caldwell pose for a photo after CSADD’s talent show. Photos by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez
“What I like about what we’re seeing here is that this CSADD team here, the Sailors that have volunteered their time and effort are not just TSC Hampton Roads Sailors, they’re Sailors from a lot of the different tenant commands here on the base and they’re coming together. So right there we’ve got goodness, we’ve got exposure to other people, just by the folks leading CSADD,” Kyler said.“Just imagine what that kind of momentum can do when we touch students, the junior most folks in our fleet concentration areas.” “I’ve been a proponent of CSADD since it was established and what I see and experience here at Dam Neck, (NOFFS) workshop will be March 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dam Neck gym. Space is limited, so participants must register in advance by contacting Debbie at 492-7483 or debbie.mirabello@navy.mil.
T-ball registration There is still time to register your children for T-ball offered through the Oceana Youth Sports program. The deadline is Friday, March 14. The cost is $40 per child. For more information, call the Oceana Youth Program at 433-3976.
NOFFS workshop The next Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling Series
MWR offers employment opportunities Are you good with children? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you like promoting and encouraging regular physical activity? MWR offers employment opportunities in food service, maintenance, recreation assistants at outdoor equipment and skeet; program assistants for childcare; sales clerks at ITT; custodial workers for the cottages; recreation aide
it’s exceeded what I thought it would be, it’s more active than what I’ve experienced at my other commands,which is fantastic,” Kyler added. CSADD’s next event is a sports tournament, including volleyball and dodgeball, which will take place at Dam Neck’s Fitness Center March 21 at 2 p.m. Sign-ups will be the day of the event.Volleyball teams should include six or seven people and dodgeball teams should include seven people. For more information about CSADD events, visit Dam Neck CSADD’s Facebook page or contact your command representative.
for fitness; laborers and tractor operators at the golf club; laborers at the stables; lifeguards and certified swim instructors and recreational lodging manager. MWR positions offer opportunity for advancement, a team-oriented environment, training and development, competitive salaries and excellent benefits. For these and other career possibilities, contact the NAF Human Resources Office on NAS Oceana at 4334939 or visit www.discovermwr.com/nafhr/jobs_nasodn-html. The NAF Human Resources Office for Oceana and Dam Neck is located in building 531, 875 D Ave. on Oceana.
10 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
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Hampton Roads Squadron Association of Naval Aviation hosted their monthly luncheon with special guest Tom Halley, the F-35C manager with Lockheed Martin, Feb. 6 at Shifting Sands at Dam Neck Annex. Halley, a retired Navy captain,served at NAS Oceana as the commander of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic.
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BY RETIRED MARINE LT. COL. MARSHALL LEFAVOR Hampton Roads Squadron Association of Naval Aviation A capacity audience attended at the Hampton Roads Squadron Association of Naval Aviation’s Feb. 6 luncheon, hosting Lockheed-Martin’s F-35C Joint Strike Fighter Business Development Manager Tom Halley. It was a homecoming of sorts for Halley. The 28-year, 4,000 hour retired Navy captain had served at NAS Oceana as the commander of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic and was aboard to brief HRANA, as well as a contingent of active duty aviators from Oceana and Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic on the current status of the services’ fifth generation stealth fighter acquisition. Halley’s presentation focused on three main points emphasizing that the Lightning II was not the replacement for the Hornet but rather a significant addition to the Navy and Marine Corps’ power projection from the sea. He discussed the impressive list of capabilities of the aircraft, including its speed in getting to the fight, the low-observable Active Electronically Scanned Array radar (AESA), its own radar reflective skin and fuselage design, its multi-functional advanced data link, weapons array and on-board digital maintenance log system. He addressed the issue of current CV operations, outlining the status of Lockheed and the Navy’s identification of problems encountered with initial at-sea tests and the significant progress made in their correction. He also discussed critical issues of interest to the audience, the timetable and milestones and numbers for integration into the Navy and Marine Corps and the Air Force acquisition and operations at Eglin Air Force Base.
March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 11
FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER WORKSHOPS
» » »» » »»» SAPR REFRESHER TRAINING March 18, 9 -11:30 a.m. This workshop is an advanced training that provides SAPR program updates.Any individual previously trained as a SAPR point of contact, data collection coordinator or advocate in Hampton Roads should plan to attend.
SMOOTH MOVE WORKSHOP March 18, 4 -7 p.m.
Transferring to a new duty station? This workshop offers tips to help make your move as painless as possible. Topics include hints on shipping household goods, travel and financial planning, entitlements, family preparation, and ways to cope with relocation. Open to all active duty, retiring, and separating military personnel, and their families.
OVERSEAS TRANSFER WORKSHOP March 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Will you be transferring overseas soon? This workshop is a great way to prepare yourself and your family for this challenging adventure. Information will be provided on household goods and auto shipment, financial planning, travel arrangements and passports, personal security, and culture shock. Open to active duty and family members, 12 years and older.
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT SYSTEM March 19, 9 a.m. to noon Gain the advantage in your job search
with the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process, and how to understand standard qualifications and testing requirements.
DEVELOPING YOUR SPENDING PLAN March 19, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Do you want to get control of your financial life? This workshop can help you develop a realistic spending plan. With a spending plan in place, you’ll be on your way to paying your bills on time and achieving your short and long-term financial goals.
CAR BUYING STRATEGIES March 19, 2:30 - 4 p.m. Looking for a car but don’t want to get taken for a ride. Learn all the important do’s and don’ts before you step onto the car lot in this program.Topics include negotiating, trade-ins, discounts, financing, high-pressure sales tactics, and tricks to watch out for.
EFFECTIVE RESUME WRITING March 20, 9 a.m. to noon These days, only a top-notch resume will get you an interview. Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with an impressive resume. This workshop includes tips on translating military terminology.
TEEN JOB FAIR March 21, 3 -5:30 p.m. Fleet and Family Support Center Oceana and Lincoln Military Housing are hosting a Teen Job Fair in the Lincoln Military Housing Community Center, 1200 S. Birdneck Rd., Virginia Beach. Speak to employers from more than 20 companies, including Ocean Breeze Water Park, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, Navy Exchange, Wells Fargo and many more. Attend workshops on networking job fairs,and getting money for college. For more information, call the FFSC at 433-2912.
Fleet and Family Support Center Oceana is located 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.
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12 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
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March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 13
SPORTS & FITNESS » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » A few of Navy’s finest compete for gold during Paralympics From Defense Media Activity FORT MEADE, Md. (NNS) — The Navy has three wounded warriors participating in the Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, which opened March 7. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Tyler Burdick, Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Kevin Burton, and Lt. Cmdr. Dan Cnossen will all compete for gold in their respective events. For Burdick, that’s snowboarding. However, after his injury, he wasn’t sure he’d even walk, let alone snowboard. It was with one week left of his third deployment that Burdick’s armored vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, resulting in serious injuries to both of his feet. He decided against amputation, instead undergoing limb salvage and intense physical therapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda, Md. When he had regained enough muscular strength in his feet and lower legs, Burdick was fitted for a pair of cuttingedge braces that allowed him to stand and walk upright again. An avid snowboarder before the accident, he was introduced to the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. There, he began training with Team Utah, a competitive snowboard team for both able-bodied and adaptive snowboarders. He excelled immediately in his first season of competition, notching five top 10 performances in world cup events. “After my injury, my goal was to snowboard again,” said Burdick.“I told myself,‘When I ride again, I’ll consider myself recovered.’ To not only return to snowboarding, but to relearn how to do it well at the world-class level; yeah, I feel fully recovered. My passion is renewed and I have something that drives me to excel and to never look back or feel sorry for myself.” Burton was in his ninth year serving as an Arabic linguist with the U.S. Navy, including tours to Iraq and Kuwait, when in 2010 he was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Before being medically retired in February 2011, Burton went through treatment at the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center Augusta’s Blind Rehabilitation Center in Georgia, where he learned how to complete everyday tasks without his eyesight. Three years later he is gearing up to compete in the Paralympics as a Nordic skier in the cross-country skiing and biathlon event. A biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Let that sink in for a moment. Burton competes with the aid of a guide who skis in front of him and gives him directions on the course.To aim his shot, he listens to headphones that tell him how close he is and whether or not he is on target. An avid crosscountry skier before his accident, Burton wore skis again for the first time in March 2012 at the VA’s National Dis-
abled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo. “It always helps when you hear people cheering you on,” said Burton.“It also helps that I ski with a guide so I always have someone to chase.When things get really tough, I just focus on my guide’s feet and worry about one stride at a time. Due to the nature of my vision, when I do that I don’t see what is around me, how fast I am going or how far I have left to go. I just keep taking that next step until all of a sudden I’m at the top of the hill or across the finish line.” Cnossen was serving as the platoon commander for SEAL Team 1 in Afghanistan in September 2009, when he stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) and was injured in the explosion.The accident caused Cnossen to lose both his legs just above the knee. He is the only double-amputee Navy SEAL in history. The U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Topeka, Kan., na-
tive found ways to be active again as soon as possible. Exactly one year from the date of his accident, Cnossen ran a mile with his prosthetics for the first time. Since then, he has completed the 2011 New York City Marathon in 2 hours, 38 minutes (handcycling 16 miles and running 10.2), and earned four Warrior Games medals. He also began cross-country skiing, something that he had never tried prior to his injury. He worked with the U.S. Army’s 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and, given his natural talent for the sport, began training exclusively in cross-country skiing and biathlon the U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing National Team. “I know that all my teammates and competitors are giving 100 percent on the course, and it pushes me to do the same,” said Cnossen.“Especially knowing that the competition is so intense, I have to give it everything.”
CAPTAIN’S CUP OVER-30 BASKETBALL VFA-106 earned top honors in the Oceana Captain’s Cup Over-30 Championship game Feb. 25 at the Flightline Fitness Center. BELOW: VFA-106 is presented the championship trophy by Oceana Sports Coordinator David Crowley. Team members (not in order) are CMC Antonio Perryman, NCC Brian Harden, NC1 Carl Johnson, retired YNC Carvin Jones, LSC Mark Tillery, PRC Leslie Bynoe, ATC John Wright and AD1 Morin Wilson.
Photos by MCSN Kayla King
During the game between Carrier Air Wing 7 and VFA-106 Feb. 25, Lt. Jason Rogge from CVW-7 (in black jersey) battles for the ball from AD1 Morin Wilson from VFA-106, while AOCS Stephen Black (r) waits to grab the ball.
14 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014
COMMUNITY CALENDAR » » » » » » DOLL SALE March 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for great bargains on antique, vintage and modern dolls, including the American Girl, as members of the Precious Memories Doll Club and other vendors are cleaning out their closets and doll collections for the 3rd annual sale at Scott Memorial Methodist Church, 409 First Colonial Road,Virginia Beach. The sale will also include teddy bears of all kinds, as well as clothes to fit all sizes of dolls, including popular 18-inch and 23inch varieties, accessories, wigs, stands, and more.Admission is $2 adults, under 12 free. For more information, including being a vendor,contact Eleanor at 567-2020.
April 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advance registration is being accepted for the annual Spring Dust Off,being held at Finn McCool’s Fishhouse and Tavern, Landstown Commons in Virginia Beach. Presented by the Virginia Chevy Lovers, the event is open to all cars and trucks, 25 years and older. There will be awards and door prizes, including cash and dash plaques and T-shirts to the first 100 on the field. Preregistration, including vendors, is $20 or $25 on day of the show.To preregister by April 5, contact John Herbert at 421-0749 or blkpwdrfrm@ cox.net. Rain date will be April 19.
CAUSE 4 PAWS April 5 The Portsmouth Humane Society presents its 6th annual Cause for Paws outdoor festival at the North Landing Park in Olde Towne Portsmouth. It will be a day of activities, live music, great food and lots of canine companionship. The festival includes a 5K race through the Olde Towne; a 1-mile kids’ fun run; and a 1-mile dog walk. The 5K begins at 10 a.m.; 1-mile events at 11. New this year will be the “Doggie Olympics,” consisting of seven events and happening in waves. Each time slot is limited to 20 participants and begins at 11 a.m. For all of the events, there is an option of fundraising for support or paying a flat registration fee. The goal is to raise $20,000 to support life-saving programs at the Portsmouth Humane Society.For more information and registration, visit www.portsmouthhumanesociety.org.
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March 13, 2014 • JET OBSERVER 15
Classifieds TO PLACE AN AD...
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16 JET OBSERVER • March 13, 2014