4 JET OBSERVER • June 6, 2013
Career
Photos of recent awards, promotions and retirements
MILESTONES
Naval Ocean Processing Facility Dam Neck Change of Command Cmdr. Jeff “Jake” Jacoby (pictured) relieved Cmdr. Daniel McGuinness as commanding officer of Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Dam Neck in a change of command ceremony May 17. Jacoby, a naval aviator, most recently served as NOPF Dam Neck’s executive officer. McGuinness’ next assignment is as chief of staff for Commander Undersea Surveillance, also located on Dam Neck Annex. Cmdr. Robert Trepeta is the new executive officer. The NOPF mission is to provide timely and accurate acoustic cueing to operating and supporting forces, and to conduct continuous maritime surveillance for homeland security 24/7/365. Photo provided
Photo by Harry Gerwien
Master Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Holly Dingle is all smiles after reaching a “huge, huge milestone” with her promotion to master chief May 30. Dingle is the only senior chief attached to NAS Oceana selected for advancement this cycle. Her new collar devices are pinned on by her son Reuben Gillium and friend and mentor, retired ACCS Fredda Bryan. Dingle’s husband, Terieny Williams (not shown) placed her new cover on, in front of a standing-room-only crowd at NAS Oceana Air Operations. Dingle reported back to NAS Oceana in 2012 from USS George Washington (CVN 73) for her third tour at the Master Jet Base. She enlisted in the Navy on Sept. 11, 1990 from her hometown of Cincinnati. As a second class petty officer, she first served at Oceana from 1996 -1999 and returned in 2005 for five years, where she was the facility watch supervisor and mini air boss and then air boss for the annual Oceana Air Show. Dingle enjoys the challenges of working at the Oceana tower, which she said is “one of only eight approach controls in the Navy.” Currently serving as the tower supervisor, she is one of only 21 ACCMs in the Navy and one of just two ACs selected for master chief this year.
During a change of office ceremony, Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Anthony Adams addresses the attendees as the newly-appointed command master chief of Naval Station Norfolk. CMDCM David Carter will transfer to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) where he will assume the role of command master chief. Adams previously served as the command master chief of Carrier Air Wing 3 and strike fighter squadrons 103 and 106, all at NAS Oceana. Photo by MC3 Molly Greendeer
Photo by MCSN Kayla King
Thirty-nine years and seven months after first enlisting in the Navy, NAS Oceana Administrative Supervisor Aulander Sessoms is retiring for the second time. Sessoms, who enlisted in 1974, retired from active duty at Oceana in 1996 as a chief personnelman. He continued serving the Navy in his second career as a Department of the Navy civilian, in the Oceana Administration Department from June 1996 until his retirement this month. Sessoms, best known as “Mr. Sess,” was honored during a luncheon May 30 at the Shifting Sands Club on Dam Neck Annex. Friends and past and present co-workers had many gifts for Sessoms, including the oversized card being presented by YN1(IDW/SW) Victoria Scott and (back l) Kemp Knowlton and Ensign Shakilah Verner from the administration department. Sessoms, a diehard Washington Redskins fan, took a great deal of kidding about his devotion to the team, regardless of their record, and also received many burgundy and gold Redskinthemed items, including a polo shirt and flag, to add to his collection. He was also presented a Letter of Appreciation by NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Geis. During the luncheon, Sessoms recognized his wife of 35 years, Laverne, for her support throughout his active duty and civil service career. After being congratulated for his many career successes, Sessoms closed with “Let the work I’ve done speak for me.”