VOL.54 NO. 20 JULY 2, 2015
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS
NSW holds recruiting brief on NAS Oceana
JET
INSIDE
BY MC2 (SW) ALYSIA HERNANDEZ NAS Oceana Public Affairs More than 20 Sailors gathered for a Navy Special Warfare (NSW) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program recruiting brief June 18 at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit auditorium at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana. Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (AW/ EXW) Luis Ventura, the leading petty officer of the NSW Special Reconnaissance Team 2 UAS troop, along with the officer in charge of his team, Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Fogarty, led the brief which included information on how to apply to join the NSW UAS community, the UAS mission and a description of the aircraft they fly, the training pipeline, who they are looking for and the program requirements. Ventura began the brief by explaining what the NSW UAS program is. He discussed each of the systems they operate and described all the training a Sailor would go through entering in the program. Sailors would start with ScanEagle, Raven and Puma operator schools and Federal Aviation Administration ground school. Next would be Expeditionary Combat Support — 4-weeks in Mississippi to learn basic combat skills followed by five weeks of Direct Support which is NSW training. “You need to get qualified in order to support the teams, so that’s why some people call it a little more high-speed — [Direct Support] is where you do your rucksack for 12 miles … close combat, a lot of shooting, and a lot of [physical training],”Ventura said. Who NSW is looking for “We need highly motivated, multitalented Sailors … an outside-the-box
— See NSW, page 6
NAVAL AVIATORS GET THEIR START AT OCEANA —Page 8
Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, left, and NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Louis J. Schager, right, help children and staff members cut a ribbon during a ceremony at the new NAS Oceana Youth Center.
New, state-of-the-art youth center opens on NAS Oceana PHOTO/STORY BY MC2 TONY ROSA NAS Oceana Public Affairs Naval Air Station Oceana hosted a ribboncutting ceremony for the installations new $5.8 million Youth Center June 29. The center supports the military community with a state-of-the-art facility for children ages 5-18. The 16,684 square foot facility includes a vestibule, lobby, administrative offices, staff area, a snack prep area, large commons area, nine identified classrooms, a Teen Center, a closed circuit television system, child monitoring system, a rock wall and direct access to outdoor play areas. “This new facility gives children a wonderful place to learn and grow,” said NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Louis J. Schager.
“The place looks amazing and I can’t wait to get inside to see what it has to offer.” Schager, as well as the Commanding Officer of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Rear Adm. Rick Williamson and honored guests, were given a tour following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The tour included in-depth descriptions of each classroom and its function in the new center. “This is definitely something my daughters would love,” said Williamson.“There’s so much going on here and it seems like a great environment to learn and grow.” Some of the daily activities kids can participate in include computer games, drama, music---complete with a drum set and several
— See Youth Center, page 3
DAM NECK CELEBRATES FAMILY FEST —Page 10
SPECIAL FOURTH OF JULY MEAL Join the NAS Oceana Hornets Nest Galley for a special Fourth of July BBQ meal July 2. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a meal featuring BBQ spareribs, grilled 8-piece chicken, the cheesiest mac & cheese, corn on the cobb, hamburgers, baked beans, asparagus, potato salad, fruit salad and a variety of chips.
2 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
Serving Naval Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach, Virginia and NALF Fentress in Chesapeake, Virginia.
BASE BRIEFS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015
Executive Officer Capt. Richard Meadows
Join the NAS Oceana Chaplains for vacation bible school 2015 on July 7 - 11 from 6 - 8:15 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m. - noon on Saturday. Children 4-years old through sixth grade are welcome to attend. Registration forms are now available at the chapel. Sign up to participate today.
Editor Carrie Anderson
HEIGHTENED THREAT ENVIRONMENT
Commanding Officer Capt. Louis Schager
Assistant Editors MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez MC3 Kayla King 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.
FBI, DHS and NCTC remain concerned that U.S. based violent extremists and overseas terrorists, particularly those supporting ISIL, aspire to target military facilities and associated events in the Homeland. While we currently lack credible indications of any plots being timed to coincide with or target events associated with the upcoming U.S. federal and military holidays, we are aware of recent information
suggesting U.S. military bases, locations and events could be targeted in the near-term. Recent calls by ISIL and its supporters to target U.S. government employees, mass gatherings and critical infrastructure as well as thwarted plots by ISIL and alQa’ida supporters in the West demonstrate that violent extremists aspire to attack large scale events associated with the U.S. Government.
BLACKLION BASH Support the Wounded Warrior Project and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation by attending the Blacklion Bash charity event at the NAS Oceana Officers’ Club July 24 from 6 p.m. - midnight. Come hungry because, for the first time ever, three local food trucks will be providing a gourmet meal for attendees, included in the ticket price.
OPM data breach information updated From the Department of Navy Chief Information Officer In April, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) became aware of a cybersecurity incident affecting its systems and data that may have compromised the personal information of current and former federal employees. OPM began conducting noti-
fications to affected individuals using email and/or USPS First Class mail on June 8. Recognizing the inherent security concerns in this methodology, with OPM and CSID support, DoD suspended notifications to employees on June 11, until an improved, more secure notification and response process isin place. Late June 15, OPM ad-
There will be live music, a silent auction featuring items from local businesses, select complimentary beverages and more. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on blacklionbash.com or military personnel can purchase tickets at the door.
NAS OCEANA AUTO TENT SALE The auto tent sale will return to the NAS Oceana main gate park July 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and July 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. New and used cars will be avalable as well as on-site financing.
SHOW & SHINE NAS Oceana MWR is hosting a car, truck and bike show & shine July 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NAS Oceana main gate park. Awards will be given. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For details or registration, call 433-2560.
vised that email notification resumed. Email notifications were scheduled to be completed by June 22. U.S. Postal mail notifications will take longer. In the course of the ongoing investigation into the cyber intrusion that compromised personnel records of current and former federal employees (announced June 4), it was discovered that additional OPM systems were compromised. These systems contain information related to background investigations. OPM, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investiga-
tion (FBI) are working as part of an ongoing investigation to determine the number of people affected by this separate intrusion. OPM will notify those individuals whose information may have been compromised as soon as practicable. Since the investigation is ongoing, additional exposures may come to light; if this occurs, OPM will conduct additional notifications as necessary. The Freqeuently Asked Questions document related to these breaches was updated on June 29 and can be accessed at www.doncio.navy.mil.
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.
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
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 3
Youth Center: $5.8 million facility now open — Continued from page 1 board games, and a library area to read books. “We want to give children that come here a variety of opportunities,” said Nancy Byrne, director for MWR. “There are a lot of fun and interactive ways to keep these kids learning in such a great new building.” The new Youth Center is a stateof-the-art facility, built with energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology in compliance with the Navy’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics such as energy savings,
water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources. Along with the state-of-the-art facility, the staff is trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of the job. “In the music room we have a dedicated staff member who teaches our kids how to play and even read music,” said Youth Center Director Elizabeth Kettl. “Our staff is really caring and enthusiastic every day they come into work. The kids love them and they do a great job of helping the kids grow.” The facility is open year round, and is currently offering an 11week summer camp program to children ages 5-18. In the fall, they offer before and after school programs to school-age children and a winter and spring break camp. For more information call 433-3976.
NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Louis J. Schager helps a child color during his tour of NAS Oceana’s new MWR Child Youth Center.
Photos by MC2 Tony Rosa Children and staff construct projects out of legos during a tour of NAS Oceana’s new MWR Youth Center June 29. The center will support the military community with a state-of-the-art facility for ages 5 - 18.
CAC change aids visually color-impaired security officers BY TERRI MOON CRONK From DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON — The Defense Department’s common access card is undergoing modification to make it easier for visually color-impaired security officials to identify bearers who are military, government or contractor civilians or foreign nationals, a Defense Human Resources Activity official said recently. The changes to the cards are federally mandated, Sam Yousef, a DHRA identification card and benefits policy program manager, said in a DoD News interview June 16. Beginning in July, only new CACs will be issued with the changes — encircled letters “W” for military and civilian employees, “G” for contractors and “B” for foreign nationals, Yousef said. The encircled
letter will appear under the card’s expiration date. The letters will accompany white, green or blue bands across the cards, so security officials who cannot discern color can rely on the letter instead, Yousef said. Security officials will recognize the new format as valid DoD cards on military installations both stateside and overseas, Yousef said. Another change on the CAC will be varied type size to accommodate the length of employees’ names, he said. Standard type size is 10 point, but 7-point type will be used for longer names, he explained. Yousef emphasized that DoD employees with up-todate CACs do not need to get new cards. The new format will only be issued for new and expiring cards. “The change is going to be implemented through the
Image provided New DoD common access cards will aid security officials who are visually color-impaired by adding encircled letters “W” for military and civilian employees, “G” for contractors and “B” for foreign nationals.
natural life cycle of the cards, so people don’t need to have their cards replaced for this purpose,” he said. New CAC holders and those whose cards are about to expire can update them at their Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System ID card office, Yousef said.
4 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
Students in military families earn scholarship awards BY MIKE PERRON From Defense Commissary Agency FORT LEE, Va. — Seven hundred students of military families will each receive a $2,000 scholarship this year, thanks to the 2015 Scholarships for Military Children program. The scholarship, created in 2001, recognizes the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and celebrates the commissary’s role in enhancing military quality of life. “The scholarship program helps improve educational opportunities for military children,” said Marye Carr, Defense Commissary Agency liaison for the program. “And at DeCA, we are proud to be a small part of honoring the best and the brightest young students in our military communities.” No government funds are used to support the program. DeCA’s industry part-
ners — vendors, manufacturers, brokers and suppliers — and the general public donate money to fund the program. Every dollar donated goes directly to funding the scholarships. “I’ve always been amazed and impressed with the intelligence, the creativity and the dedication, the pursuit of scholastic excellence shown by these students,” said Michael J. Dowling, DeCA’s deputy director and chief operating officer. “Our stores host awards ceremonies for scholarship recipients,” Dowling added, “and we all recognize the support of the many folks, our industry partners and the Fisher House Foundation, for making the scholarship possible.” The scholarship program is administered by Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to service members and their families. “The competition among applicants
The scholarship program helps improve educational opportunities for military children.” -Marye Carr Defense Commissary Agency liaison
was keen,” said Fisher House Foundation Vice President Jim Weiskopf. “Those who were selected had excellent grades, had leadership positions in school, extracurricular activities and were active volunteers in their communities. Some had full-time or part-time work experience.All wrote thoughtful, well-researched essays.” Some 4,000 applications were submitted for this year’s scholarships. The number of scholarship awards each year is based on funds available, but the pro-
gram awards at least $2,000 at each military commissary. If there are no eligible applicants from a given commissary, the funds designated for that commissary are awarded as an additional scholarship at a different store. Planning for next year’s program is underway, and an announcement of open dates to apply is usually made in the fall. “For the coming year’s scholarship program, we will remind students the program is open with banners at commissary entrances,” Carr said. Applications will be available in commissaries worldwide and online at http:// www.militaryscholar.org. To apply for a scholarship, a student must be a dependent, unmarried child, younger than 21 — or 23, if already enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university — of a service member on active duty, a reservist, a Guardsman, a retiree or a survivor of a military member who died while on active duty or of a retiree. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military ID card, officials said.
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Photo by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Lt. Col. Damian L. Spooner, right, is relieved by Lt. Col. Elieser R. Smith as commanding officer of Marine Detachment Dam Neck during a change of command ceremony at the Center for Information Dominance Hampton Roads June 23. Spooner will be attending the College of Naval Warfare in Newport, R.I.
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 5
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6 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
NSW: looking for motivated, multi-talented Sailors — Continued from page 1 thinker — somebody who has common sense — energetic self-starters.” He explained that you could be in America one day and across the globe with nothing more than a sleeping bag and a mat under you the next and they need a person willing to make that shift without complaint. He said they need a Sailor that can stand on their own two feet and present their case on why or why not to execute a mission or evolution. “At the same time, with that kind of alpha personality, we are looking for somebody who is humble enough to swallow their pride and turn around and ask his or her teammate for help … It takes more courage to do that than lifting 400 pounds off the bench, to swallow your own pride, I’m telling you from my own experience,” Ventura said. As an NSW Sailor, Ventura said, “You directly impact the global war on terror; you see the results right away. It goes back to what we were talking about before, about what you experience sometimes sitting in the tower as an [Air Traffic Controller] or as a maintainer on the flightline; you don’t see the other side of what you do — over
“I always say to whoever inquires about the program, don’t be scared about the PT portion. Push-ups, sit-ups, swimming, pull-ups – that stuff can be worked out. We can get you to that point … What we can not put inside you is the motivation to do the job – that’s something you have to have.” - AD1 (AW/EXW) Luis Ventura
here you will see that.” Requirements The requirements for joining the NSW UAS program include being physically fit.
Photo by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez AD1 (AW/EXW) Luis Ventura, leading petty officer of the NSW Special Reconnaisance Team 2 UAS troop, conducts a recruiting brief for the NSW UAS program at the CNATTU auditorium June 18.
The minimum requirements for the physical screening are: 400-meter swim in under 12 minutes and 30 seconds, 42 pushups, 50 sit-ups, 6 pull-ups and a 1.5-mile run in under 11 minutes and 30 seconds. “I always say to whoever inquires about the program, don’t be scared about the PT portion. Push-ups, sit-ups, swimming, pullups — that stuff can be worked out. We can get you to that point … What we can not put inside you is the motivation to do the job — that’s something you have to have,” Ventura said. You also have to be 2nd class swimmer qualified, have an excellent or higher on the Physical Health Assessment (PHA) and you have to be able to qualify for the appropriate security clearances. Applying Ventura said there are three parts to applying, the first being the screening form package that needs to be filled out and the team will review it to see if the Sailor applying is a suitable candidate. After the screening package, the Sailor will do a physical screening and an interview conducted by the team. “We do a personal interview with the members — 5 or 6 of us we sit and we do a board and we try to get to know the person by asking questions about the package, about your life and see if you are a fit to the community,” Ventura explained.“This is not against the person themselves but with the time that we have spent doing this job, we identify things that we need to look for
people coming into the community.” Ventura explained that some Sailors may be good in a structured command but moving into special warfare — it’s structured differently and thinks differently. “We don’t want to hurt neither your career, nor the mission on our side,” he said. “If you want to come and work with us — it starts with you. You need to do the leg-work. I want to see that motivation because I am going to be on that board looking at your face and I want to remember that this guy told me that he wanted to come over here and he really wanted it — he’s here,”Ventura said. The team is looking for all aviation rates but they also have non-aviation sourced ratings on a case-by-case basis. “We are looking for everybody who is willing to come over,”Ventura said. “As an F/A-18 pilot that flew out of here for 10 years, I was an instructor at [VFA] 106 and got to do over 100 combat missions in Afghanistan,” Fogarty said. “The stuff we did while we were deployed was — on a daily basis as significant as my most significant events in those ten years. When we say you a0re impacting the war on terror in a direct way — it’s extremely direct and it’s really exciting and very rewarding.” The first step for Sailors interested in the program is contacting the team; to request an application or for more information, e-mail uaveast@navsoc.socom.mil or you can reach AD1 Luis Ventura at 763-3873.
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 7
TEAM NAVY BRINGS HOME 43 MEDALS FROM WARRIOR GAMES 2015 BY SHANNON LEONARD From Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor Public Affairs and Ensign Rob Kunzig QUANTICO, Va. (NNS) — The 39 seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen who competed on behalf of Team Navy won 43 medals, including 12 gold medals, at the sixth annual Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games June 19 - 28 in Quantico, Va. “This is a holistic approach to ensuring our wounded, ill and injured warriors are given all the tools to recover, reintegrate and be part of a team again. It is a chance once again to put on a jersey and represent their service and represent their country. They are in the game again. It’s all about camaraderie and teamwork. They are back in a unit again,” said Major Gen. Juan G. Ayala, commander, Marine Corps In-
stallations Command. In the final days of the games, the volleyball competition ended early for Team Navy. The pressure was on for them to beat Team Special Operations Command Care Coalition (SOCOM) in the single elimination tournament. Team SOCOM showed no mercy winning the first game and looked determined to win the bracket despite Team Navy’s drive to reclaim the gold medal from last year’s games. Final score placed SOCOM on top 25 to 18. Among the highlights of this year’s DoD Warrior Games was Team Navy’s two gold medal wins in the shooting competition. Retired Navy Airman Sadie Strong finished at the top in the air rifle prone (open) finals and the air rifle standing (open) finals. “I just started practicing air rifle standing a month ago. I credit the coaches
Retired Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristen Esget poises on her mark, ready, for the 100-meter race in the swimming competition at Freedom Aquatics Center June 27.
for my outstanding performance today. I usually stay calm, but in the beginning of prone, I felt my heart racing. Before I shot, I closed my eyes, took deep breaths and visualized a 10.9 score,” said Strong. “I plan to continue shooting when I get home, setting my sights on the nationals competition or even the Olympics.” Team Navy continued its positive momentum leading into the final DoD Warrior Games sports — swimming and track. The wounded warriors plunged into the pool and took home nine medals from various swimming events. Senior Chief Petty Officer Ryan “Austin” Reese, who took home one gold and two silver medals, won his 50-meter freestyle heat after a stunning lastminute surge. “I just heard coach yelling at me, so I swam faster,” Reese said, grinning. His teammates passed by his wheelchair for high-fives; among them, four would bring home medals for Team Navy, including Brett Parks, a medically retired air crewman. Parks won silver medals in the 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke and in the 100-meter freestyle. “It’s like ... when you’re home, out and about, you feel a little uncomfortable,” he said. “But not here.” Parks was shot twice while trying to break up a robbery in Jacksonville, Fla.; when he woke from a coma 20 days later, he was
Photos by Ensign Rob Kunzig Retired Petty Officer 3rd Class Redmond Ramos finishes his lap as retired Navy Airman Brett Parks begins his during the men’s relay in the swimming competition at Freedom Aquatics Center June 27.
missing his right leg below the knee. “We’re in this together, in one unit,” he added. “I can feel safe in my own skin. We’re competing, but we’re also celebrating.” Rear Adm. Raquel Bono was present at the Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas, Va., to cheer on Team Navy. A former competitive swimmer and coach, Bono said she was impressed by the warrior-athletes’ form. “It’s all so much fun to watch — people overcoming anything, helping each other and achieving a goal,” she said. Track is often a sport where individuals shine, but for Team Navy, it was all about teamwork -- with each other, and even with competitors. Just ask retired Navy Lt. Steve Simmons, who kept pace with friend and Team Air Force competitor Jessie Graham as the two wheeled around the track for the 1,500-meter race. Simmons was disqualified from an earlier race; both he and
Graham disagreed with the ruling, so they decided to cycle the 1,500 together. When they neared the finish line, Graham let Simmons pull ahead, granting his friend the medal he missed earlier. During the 4x100 relay, Team Navy used teamwork and precision handoffs to snag the bronze in a lightning-fast contest. Parks, the relay anchor, held his Air Force competitor at bay as he blazed across the finish line. Team Navy earned medals in the individual events, as well. Retired Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Donald Jackson took gold in the 200-meter dash, making it look easy with a time of 23.9 seconds. “I’m excited to be here with everyone else,” said the Seattle, Wash., native. “You know, everyone here has overcome something.” Retired Navy Master-atArms 2nd Class Adrian “AJ” Mohammed took bronze in the men’s visually-impaired 200-meter dash. Moham-
med, who was combatwounded while on patrol in the Middle East, said he was initially hesitant to attend the DoD Warrior Games. He wasn’t sure how he’d react to a military environment after eight years of civilian life. “I decided I’m ready,” he said with a grin. “And now I’m addicted.” Thirty-nine seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen competed on behalf of Team Navy this year. The DoD Warrior Games were held June 19-28. Approximately 250 wounded warrior athletes participated in the competition. Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, which sponsored Team Navy, is the Navy and Coast Guard’s wounded warrior support program. Team members had upper-body and/or lowerbody injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses and post-traumatic stress.
8 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
FUTURE NAVY AVIATORS GET THEIR START AS GLADIATORS BY CARRIE ANDERSON Jet Observer Before becoming the squadron everyone knows as the Gladiators, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 began as Bomber Fighter Squadron (VBF) 17 at Agana Air Field, Guam on January 11, 1945. Flying F6F-5 Hellcats, VBF17 embarked aboard USS Hornet (CV 12) one month later to participate in combat operations against the Japanese at the end of World War II. Operations included strikes against Tokyo, Iwo Jima and Okinawa as well as the first major air strikes against the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. In late 1946, the squadron moved from Guam to Naval Air Station (NAS) Norfolk, Va. Redesignated again in July 1948 as Fighter Squadron (VF) 62, the squadron transitioned to F8F Bearcat aircraft. In August 1950, the squadron received F2H Banshee aircraft and moved to NAS Cecil Field, Fla.VF-62 officially became the “Gladiators” on April 16, 1952. The squadron saw combat action in the Korean Conflict in
1953 from USS Lake Champlain (CVA 39) when the Gladiators were tasked with striking key bridges on the Korean mainland. The squadron was redesignated as Attack Squadron (VA) 106 in March 1955 and received F9F8B Cougar aircraft later that year. In June 1958, the transition was made to Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawks. During the ensuing peaceful years, the Gladiators participated in various Atlantic Fleet exercises and numerous Mediterranean cruises. On July 17, 1967, the Gladiators launched into combat over Vietnam. VA-106 returned home in September 1967 for a brief turnaround prior to deploying again in June 1968.The Gladiators remained on station flying combat missions into Vietnam for more than 6 months. The squadron was subsequently decommissioned on November 7, 1969. Fifteen years later, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 was commissioned at NAS Cecil Field on April 27, 1984 and flew the Navy’s newest tactical aircraft, the F/A-18 Hornet. In 1999 VFA-106 moved from NAS Cecil Field to NAS Oceana.
Swordsmen change command BY LT. KHALIA BATES From VFA-32 Public Affairs Officer The “Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 welcomed a new commanding officer on June 5 when Cmdr.Tracey Gendreau relieved Cmdr. Peter Hagge in a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana. The completion of a command tour is one of many accomplishments during Hagge’s career as a naval flight officer. He reported to VFA-32 as the execu-
Photo by MC1 Brian Morales An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gladiators of VFA-106 takes off from Boca Chica Field during a March, 2015 exercise.
As the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron, the Gladiators’ mission is to train F/A-18 replacement aircrew and maintainers to support fleet commitments. Every 7 weeks a class of between 8 to twelve newly-winged Navy and Marine Corps aircrew begins the 10-month training course in which they learn the basics of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions culminating in day/night carrier qualification and subsequent assignment to a fleet Hornet squadron. There are approximately 1,250 Navy, Marine Corps and contract support personnel, as well as instructors and students assigned to VFA-106. VFA-106 typically has 130+ F/A-18s of various models
tive officer in January 2013 where he subsequently led the squadron through an arduous workup cycle and 9-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hagge has amassed 3,200 flight hours and 1,000 carrier landings and will now report to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. Prior to taking command, Gendreau reported for duty as the executive officer of VFA-32 in March of 2014. He has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours and 830 carrier landings. Cmdr. Wade Blizzard has assumed the duties as executive officer. He has over 2,400 hours and 500 carrier landings. Gendreau and Blizzard move into their new positions while the squadron is currently engaged in a fleet readiness training period to prepare for future deployments aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN- 69).
assigned. There is a permanent VFA-106 detachment in NAS Key West, Fla. “In my short time onboard as CO, I have been tremendously impressed with the Gladiator’s overall performance, dedication, and commitment. In order to accomplish our mission and meet fleet replacement demand signals, VFA-106 essentially operates as a 24/7 organization.The scale of our daily operations is truly immense. We routinely execute flight schedules in excess of 100 sorties per day and upwards of 25,000 flight hours per year, sometimes concurrently from three different locations,” said VFA-106 Commanding Officer Cmdr. John Greene.
The Gladiators are also well known for the airshow Tactical Demonstration Team. The team flies the F/A-18F and F/A-18 to show sites in the eastern United States. The team demonstrates maneuvers used in training and combat flights. Typically two F/A18s are sent to the show site, one being the demonstration aircraft and the other being a spare in case the demo jet suffered a mechanical problem. Since it’s commissioning VFA106 has earned numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and three Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards (most recently in 2014).
Photo by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Cmdr. Tracey J. Gendreau speaks during the VFA-32 change of command ceremony in which he relieved Cmdr. Peter A. Hagge as commanding officer June 6 in the CNATTU hangar at NAS Oceana.
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 9
NAVY’S SECOND FEMALE AVIATORS CAREER AND TRAINING SYMPOSIUM BY LT. TABITHA KLINGENSMITH From Naval Air Forces Pacific Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Female naval aviators from across the country convened at the Admiral Kidd Club on Naval Base Point Loma June 23 - 24 to attend the 2015 Female Aviators Career and Training Symposium (FACTS). The nearly 200 attendees included female aviators from the ranks of ensign to admiral with both male and female guest speakers spanning chief petty officer to admiral. The theme guiding this year's symposium was "Fly, Fight, Lead: Mission Planning for Success" and covered a wide range of topics including talent management, operational leadership and mentorship strategies. Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, and commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, not in attendance, provided a welcome message for the attendees. "We must maintain the wholeness of our existing aviation forces," Shoemaker said describing the importance of viewing naval aviation as a "team sport". His message led directly into the overarching themes of the symposium that focused on professional knowledge and development with the intention it will spread throughout all of the wardrooms in the fleet. Rear Adm. Kenneth R.Whitesell, assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-4), launched the symposium with remarks on the Navy's latest talent management initiatives. According to Whitesell, the Navy faces numerous talent management challenges, including the fact "women are the most underrepresented demographic, and not enough are staying in." To solve these challenges, the Navy is about to embark on a new frontier of talent management initiatives with policy changes focused on modernizing the personnel system, enriching culture and providing ready and relevant learning supported by innovation and information technology. "There is nothing sacred out there right
now," said Whitesell, on barriers to improving the personnel system. "If there is a policy, we'll change it; if there is a law, we will urge legislative action. Everything is on the table." Many of the new initiatives focus on employing tools successfully implemented in the civilian sector while still maintaining an operational workforce. These include expansion and customization of the Career Intermission Program, removing the rigid constraints of timing for promotion and advancement, increasing the ability of commanding officers to manage talent at the command level, reducing roadblocks to alternate career paths and finding ways to provide support for the lifestyle the Navy requires, including expanded hours at child development centers. While the secretary of defense is already reviewing some of the new objectives, many more require new and innovative solutions. According to Whitesell, "flexibility is the name of the game," and working groups are seeking out of the box ideas from the fleet. Recently deployed Carrier Strike Group 1 Commander, Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, provided fleet perspectives and spoke on the importance Naval Aviation and the U.S. carrier fleet contributes to advancing U.S. objectives in foreign areas of responsibility (AOR). The successful completion of 2,375 combat sorties during the strike group's recent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AOR was a direct result of naval aviation's "constant commitment to tactical excellence throughout the Fleet Response Plan," said Grady. With reference to his experience with female aviators on deployment, Grady stated, "Gender does not matter in combat or in upholding the standard of excellence. [Female] tactical leaders were represented in every squadron." Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun delivered one of the highlights of the symposium, a presentation regarding
"Authentic Leadership." "Nobody had told me that women couldn't do everything the guys could do," said Braun, regarding the limited pipelines available to women early in her career. "I'm going to go and do the best that I can do; you never know when it will open up." Today, 96 percent of billets offered by the Navy are open to women, including combat aviation. "Take what you see from those around you," said Braun. "Be true to yourself, be true to who you are, and don't stereotype what a leader is...you are carrying a tremendous legacy, and we are immensely proud of you." The symposium concluded with a leadership panel focused on "Operational Leadership," comprised of Rear Adm. Sandy Daniels, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group and commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific; Capt. Heidi Fleming, commanding officer, Naval Air Station Patuxent River; and former operational squadron commanding officers, Cmdr. Tamara Graham, Cmdr. Jennifer Wilderman, Cmdr. Erin Osborne and Cmdr. Molly Boron. Naval aviation is known for promoting a challenging path to command often referred to as “The golden path", but according to Daniels the "True golden path is pro-
viding leadership opportunities." "Every step along the way the Navy prepares you for the next," said Fleming. "Do not miss an opportunity to learn." An attendee asked the panel when an officer knows he or she is ready for command. "You know you are ready for command when you have a vision for that command and where you want it to be," said Daniels. Female aviators have had a long and impactful history with the Navy, and as retention rates rise, they will continue to contribute to future successes with their individual leadership styles, drive to succeed and the talent they bring to the fight. Boron spoke of closed doors and open windows, adding a bit of sage advice: "You might not have a choice in the challenge, but you have a choice in how you react to the challenge." This symposium served to emphasize the importance Navy leadership places in fostering the development of their leaders and the seriousness of their views towards increasing collaboration within the fleet. In the words of Vice Adm. Shoemaker, "We need your talents and perspectives to continue moving this great institution forward ... I look forward to seeing you out in the fleet!"
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75)
Photo by MC3 M. M. Gillan Sailors fight a simulated fire on the flight deck aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) June 28. Truman was underway conducting Final Evaluation Problem, or FEP, which demonstrates the ship’s ability to survive complex casualty control situations under dynamic conditions; to conduct simultaneous support functions and combat missions as well as the capability to deploy.
10 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
Dam Neck Family Fest
Photos by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Sophia Avellaneda makes an attempt to grab a beanbag on the ‘bungee run’ inflatable at Family Fest. Other Family Fest activities included free bowling at Seaside Lanes, pony rides and live entertainment.
Michaela Harvil pets a horse, Charlie, from the NAS Oceana Stables at the horseback riding station at Family Fest.
NEXCOM gives $46.6 million to MWR BY KRISTINE M. STURKIE From NEXCOM Public Affairs
Children from the NAS Oceana Youth Center dance in front of the DJ booth during the annual Family Fest at the Dam Neck ball field.
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) released its fiscal year 2014 audited financial report which showed a $46.6 million contribution to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). “NEXCOM’s mission is to provide our customers with quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy quality of life programs,” said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, (Ret), Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “Each year, we contribute 70 percent of our profits to MWR to accomplish that mission. For 2014, we gave Navy MWR $46.6 million from our sales. Shopping at the NEX not only saves our customers money, it also contributes to their quality of life.” Navy MWR uses the dividends from the NEX in a variety of ways. Installations receive part of the funds for specific installation level MWR efforts.The remaining funds are used for MWR capital projects to improve facilities. "Our MWR effort relies on the dividend we get from NEXCOM to continue to offer a quality recreation experience for Sailors and their families. These funds are very important in helping us to upgrade facilities and equipment, as well as support the diverse recreation needs of the military community that we serve," said Lorraine Seidel, Recreation Program Manager for Navy Installations Command. NEXCOM operates on the retail fiscal year calendar, which in 2014 was February 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015.
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 11
FFSC
Fleet and Family Support Centers
WORKSHOPS 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.
CHILDREN AND DIVORCE JULY 7, 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. This workshop addresses the pain and loss of a family breakup from the child’s perspective.
SPONSOR TRAINING JULY 7, 9 - 11 A.M. This training, available for presentation at your worksite, teaches command personnel to serve as sponsors.
BUILDING EFFECTIVE ANGER MANAGEMENT SKILLS JULY 7-23, 9:30 - 11:30 A.M. Do you ďŹ nd your anger racing from zero to 60 at work or at home? BEAMS is a sixsession, skill-building program for active duty service members designed to prevent anger from escalating to violence.
SAPR COMMAND DATA COLLECTION COORDINATOR TRAINING JULY 9, 9 - 11 A.M. This training will certify individuals designated by their Commanding OfďŹ cers to collect data through coordinated efforts with all agencies assisting a victim of sexual assault.
ities, preferences, and work values.
“I
FOUND ANOTHER WAY TO SERVE. THAT WAS MY MOMENT.� Scott Green Undergraduate Cybersecurity Student
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES JULY 14, 9 A.M. - NOON Learn more about the crucial steps in the job search process.
SAPR VICTIM ADVOCATE CONTINUING EDUCATION TRAINING JULY 14, 9 - 11:30 A.M. This training facilitates maintaining victim advocates DOD Sexual Assault Advocate CertiďŹ cation Program (D-SAACP) credentialing.
ENHANCING STEPFAMILIES JULY 14, 4:30 - 7 P.M. This workshop includes discussions on the myths of stepfamily living, the different roles a stepparent may assume, the stages a stepfamily goes through as they develop and tips for handling discipline.
PARENTING IN A MILITARY FAMILY JULY 15 & 16, 9 - 11:30 A.M.
PROGRAMS IN HIGH-DEMAND FIELDS After being injured while serving his country, Scott experienced his Moment when he found another way to serve by pursuing his undergraduate degree in cybersecurity. He wants to make a GLÎ? HUHQFH E\ OHDUQLQJ WKH SURSHU WHFKQLTXHV SROLFLHV DQG SURFHGXUHV to protect and defend information systems in local and broad-based domains. UMUC can help you transition to your post-military career LQ KLJK GHPDQG Č´ HOGV ZLWK • Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cybersecurity, information technology, business, and more • Up to 60 transfer credits for your military experience and training, saving you time and money
This workshop explores what it means to discipline children and the ways it can be accomplished most effectively.
• More than 140 classroom and service locations, including military
RESUMÉ WRITING
JOB NETWORK
UMUC Is the No. 1 University for Veterans.*
JULY 9 & 15, 9 A.M. - NOON
JULY 15, NOON - 1 P.M.
Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments, and experience with an impressive resume.
This is a monthly employer panel comprised of three human resource personnel.
CAREER PLANNING
INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
JULY 13, 9 A.M. - NOON
JULY 16, 9 A.M. - NOON
Whether you are looking for a job or information on career planning, learning through self-assessment will enhance your chances in ďŹ nding satisfying employment. In this three-hour workshop you will be guided through career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abil-
Want to feel more conďŹ dent at your next job interview? This workshop teaches you how. Topics include positive answers to difďŹ cult questions, dressing for success and the importance of body language and positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.
installations throughout the world
Call 301-852-0445 or visit military.umuc.edu/oceanacyber to learn more.
Creating Moments, Building Your Future. Copyright Š 2015 University of Maryland University College
*Military Times ranked UMUC No. 1 in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2015 annual survey of online and non-traditional colleges and universities.
12 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
SPORTS &
FITNESS
Splash & Dash NAS Oceana MWR is hosting a splash & dash at Dam Neck Annex beach July 14, 8:30 a.m. The event includes a 250-meter swim and a 2-mile run. For more information, call 433-3928/2695.
SAILOR ATTRIBUTES WARRIOR GAMES MEDALS TO FAMILY’S SUPPORT BY SHANNON COLLINS From DoD News, Defense Media Activity QUANTICO, Va., — Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Austin Reese earned a gold medal in the men’s 50-freestyle and a silver medal in the 100-freestyle in classification 1.0-3.0 during the swimming competition at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center in Manassas, Va., yesterday as part of the 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games. He earned his first silver medal here June 21 in the hand cycle event, and he said he couldn’t have earned any of his medals without the support of his family. “It was great sitting at the starting line and hearing my daughter yelling, ‘Let’s go, Daddy!’” Reese said. “There was so much positive energy and excitement when I was coming around the corner as I saw my mom and cousins there. It was awesome.” His family showed up in force to support him at his cycling event, as well as at the seated shot put and discus competitions, and they were present yesterday at his swimming competition. “We came out to support him and let him know that we’re behind him all the way,” said Reese’s wife of nine years, Charity. Reese missed trying out this year’s Navy team, because his now-3-monthold daughter, Aspen, was due the week of the trials. He said his showing at last year’s trials probably helped his chances on making the team this year. Reese said he joined the Navy because he wanted to do something a little differ-
ent and found out about the explosive ordnance disposal career field. He was only going to do his four-year hitch, he said, but he loved his job and will mark 14 years of service in July at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va. When Reese wasn’t conducting his EOD duties, he taught sailors how to free-fall jump into tactical situations. In September 2013, with more than 2,000 skydiving jumps under his belt, Reese was conducting instructor development training for the military when he made a miscalculation of his altitude and hit about the ground at 75 to 80 mph. He has a permanent L-2 and complete spinal cord injury. Charity said her husband is the same person now that he was before his injury. “There’s nothing different about him, except that he happens to have wheels attached to him now,” she said. “He just has a different way to get around now. He’s still the same him.” Reese said his family helped him through some dark times as he recovered. “My wife and my oldest daughter have been the biggest factor in my recovery,” he said of his wife and daughter, Nadia, 4.“If they weren’t there, I would’ve been in some pretty bad places. I can’t thank my wife enough — my immediate family, my wife and daughter — [for] how patient and how great they’ve been for me and for helping me out. Wounded warriors need a support network. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help or to talk to people. It’s the best thing that you can do to get a good support system af-
Photo by EJ Hersom Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Austin Reese awaits the start of bicycle racing at the 2015 Department of Defense Warrior Games at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 21. He earned a silver medal in the hand cycle in his classification division.
ter any type of injury.” Charity said Reese has an extra wheelchair, and he and Nadia race each other. “She rides in it, and they race. It’s pretty fun,” she said. “His lap is her favorite place to ride.” Reese said it was hard for him to find joy initially, because he enjoyed skydiving so much. “My whole life revolved around jumping out of an airplane, and to take that away so quickly, I’m still on that path of finding what I really like and what really makes me excited.” He first found out about adaptive sports late at night while he was searching the Internet, he said. He had his recovery care coordinator sign him up, and he got clearance from his doctors. Reese said he’s enjoyed his first Warrior Games and the camaraderie he’s experienced here. “I love how we look at each other like family,” he said.“You could see somebody with missing legs or in a wheelchair or walking completely normal, and nobody judges you. It’s just, ‘Hey, how’s it going? Good luck in whatever sporting event you’re in.’ I would love to see these
games stick around for the long haul.” Charity said she can see the positive changes the Warrior Games have made in Reese. “They’re such a huge benefit for him emotionally, physically and mentally,” she said.“They give him something to really look forward to, and people to connect with that have those same types of injuries or issues to work through. I’ve seen a huge change in him. It’s just amazing to refocus him and let him know there’s lots of fun still to be had and lots of things to do and to focus on.” Reese recommends that wounded warriors who are still in that dark place of recovery should find a good support system and to ask for help. “If you ask for help, people will go a thousand steps, and if they need to go a thousand more, they’re going to do it for you,” he said. “They’re going to help you out, because they want to see our military members who have been wounded or injured or whatever succeed, and they want to see them do other things that they want to do. Just look and ask. It never hurts to ask. The only thing they can say is no.”
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 13
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR Visit www.oceanajetobserver.com for more events in and around NAS Oceana!
CELEBRATE FREEDOM JULY 3, 5 P.M.
Friday, July 3 7 p.m. - Entourage (R, 104 min.)
Saturday, July 4 1 p.m. - Tommorowland (PG, 130 min.) 4 p.m. - Mad Max Fury Road (R, 120 min.) 7 p.m. - Entourage (R, 104 min.)
Sunday, July 5 1 p.m. - San Andreas 3D (PG-13, 116 min.) 4 p.m. - Pitch Perfect 2 (PG-13, 117 min.) 7 p.m. - Spy (R, 122 min.)
Wednesday, July 8 7 p.m. - Pitch Perfect 2 (PG-13, 117 min.)
Thursday, July 9 7 p.m. - San Andreas (PG-13, 116 min.) Specials: — Buy one admission ticket to any showing on Saturday, July 4 and receive a second admission ticket free (to be used at the same showing). — Free small popcorn for kids 15 and under every Wednesday at the 7 p.m. showing. — Half-priced concessions every Sunday at the 7 p.m. showing - does not include value packs or combos. — Free admission for active duty and reservists every Wednesday 7 p.m. showing in July, every Thursday 7 p.m. showing in August and every Saturday 9 p.m. showing. Join the Aerotheater’s weekly e-mail blast! Be the first to receive news on the Aerotheater schedult, promotions and sneak previews. Simply send an e-mail to nasoaerotheater@gmail.com with “JOIN EMAIL BLAST” in the subject line. 875 D Ave., Bldg. 531 | (757) 433-2391 | Schedule is subject to change, call ahead for details or visit www. discovermwr.com for an up-to-date schedule. 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.
Celebrate Freedom in Chesapeake, at Chesapeake City Park, located at 900 City Park Drive, with the U.S. Army TRADOC Command Band from Fort Monroe providing stirring patriotic sounds. Following the concert, fireworks by Pyrotechnico will illuminate the dark sky after sunset. Parks, Recreation & Tourism also brings you the best in children’s activities and family entertainment: face painting, a 3-years-and-under play area, giant lawn games, inflatables and more. Chesapeake Arts Alive! and Fine Arts Commission will offer a silent auction of unique items and a raffle of their famous gift baskets to provide scholarships for Chesapeake’s talented students. A variety of food truck concessions will be available. Bring your own chairs or blanket. Pop-up tents are not permitted. Park opening, family entertainment, children’s activities, concessions and interactive demos all begin at 5 p.m. Presentation of colors along with the national anthem will take place at 7:35 p.m and the TRADOC concert will begin at 7:45 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. On-site parking is $5. For more information, call 382-6411.
STARS & STRIPES EXPLOSION JULY 4, 7:30 P.M. Multiple live performances on Virginia Beach Oceanfront stages will attract thousands of visitors and residents of Virginia Beach to a “star-spangled” salute to this great country of ours at Stars & Stripes Explosion. Scheduled entertainment
offers something for everyone: patriotic and classical to Motown, a musical tribute dedicated to Billy Joel, and world-class magic performed by an internationally-recognized illusionist. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information on Stars & Stripes Explosion and a full schedule of events, visit www. BeachStreetUSA.com, or call 4917866.
GREAT AMERICAN PICNIC & FIREWORKS JULY 4, 5 P.M. - 10 P.M. Norfolk Festevents is celebrating the 33rd Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic in Town Point Park, along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. The festivities begin with The Shore Thing Concert & Independence Day Celebration with Coolin’ Out on July 3 in Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk. Fireworks will light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. for both events in their designated locations. Admission for each event is free and open to the public.
MEDITERRANEAN WEEKEND: MY BIG FAT GREEK PARTY JULY 10 - 12 A little bit of Greece is coming to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for three days of pasta, pizza, great Greek food and world-class familyfriendly entertainment. The event will take place at the Cox Cultural Pavilion located at 24th Street. People from all walks of life and backgrounds join in one community for a three-day celebration of everything Greek. At My Big Fat Greek Party, feast on world famous Greek cuisine prepared by authentic Greek chefs. Tantalize your sweet tooth by enjoying desserts and pastries such as baklava, koulourakia and loukoumades. Dancers of all ages will be on hand throughout the weekend.They will entertain with their talents and teach everyone Greek dances. Join the fun with live entertainment featuring Greek and American music by live bands and DJ’s. Authentic Grecian cultural items will be available for purchase.
SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS AT RED MILL COMMONS JULY 10, 6:30 P.M. Join Red Mill Commons on Friday, July 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the kick-off for the free Summer Movie Nights series at Red Mill Commons with a block party to remember, featuring live music from Swell Luck starting at 7:00 p.m. Hot 100.5 will kick off the movie at 8:15 p.m. The featured film, Paddington, will start promptly at 8:30 p.m., but make sure you get there early to get the party started and snag a front row spot. Enjoy the best of summer outdoor entertainment for free with the whole family. You can vote for upcoming movies on the Red Mill Commons’ Facebook page.
FREE COUPON CLASS BY LAURA OLIVER JULY 11, 10:30 A.M. Attend the popular “Seven Weeks To Savings” Coupon Class, held by Laura Oliver of www.afrugalchick. com, for free on July 11th at the Atlantic Shores Baptist Church. Here are some of the topics we will cover: how to organize your binder using social media as a savings tool, how to coupon stack for maximum savings, smart phone apps to help you save big, which stores double coupons and checklists and learn what N.I.C.E. coupons are and where to find them. To register visit www.afrugalchick. com/class/.
BSV 2015 BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL JULY 11 Join the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Butterfly Society of Virginia for the 2015 Butterfly Festival. Enjoy educational booths and speakers, demonstrations, activities for butterfly enthusiasts and families, vendors and food, gardening information and much more. Free with Garden admission, the Butterfly Festival includes: Butterfly Society of Virginia plant sale & boutique, butterfly crafts & games and Pollination Station Guided Bristow Butterfly Garden Tours.
14 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
KIDS MINI CHALLENGE 12 & UNDER
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
MILITARY DISCOUNT
$5 OFF ENTRY FEE
THEMILITARYCHALLENGE.COM
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the USO of Hampton Roads/Central VA.
July 2, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 15
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers are needed to lead small groups, bible study, music, dance, arts and crafts, food service and security. during the upcoming Vacation Bible School to be held at the Chapel of the Good Shepard at NAS Oceana. Volunteers can sign up at the chapel to participate or call the chaplains at 433-2871.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampton Roads is seeking adult volunteers to be caring, consistent and compassionate mentors. Mentors provide one-on-one individualized time and attention to a military affiliated child in their community or school. Bigs and Littles are matched based on shared interests and compatible personalities. In just a few hours a month you can be a positive role model, provide valuable support and encouragement and give your Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. You will receive professional coaching to ensure that both you and your Little have a successful match. Choose between 1 hour/week at a school or 9 hours/month in the community. If you are interested, please visit www.volunteertidewater.com/.
SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS YWCA CRISIS LINE
VIRGINIA BEACH ANIMAL CARE & ADOPTION CENTER
The South Hampton Roads YWCA Crisis Line seeks volunteers on an on-going basis to provide coverage (on volunteer’s cell or home phone) during weekday and weekend day, evening and overnight shifts. This is a crisis hotline that assists callers who are survivors of sexual and/or intimate partner violence. Prospective volunteers must pass a background check and complete a 32- hour accredited volunteer training program. If you are interested, please visitwww.volunteertidewater.com/.
Do you love animals and want to give back to the community? There are many ways that you can help, from walking dogs, cuddling cats or advertising pets that are up for adoption. Among volunteer opportunities available are: cat room volunteer, dog walker volunteer, front desk greeter, lost/found assistance and PetsMart Cat Center volunteer. Prospective volunteers will need to complete an application including authorization for a criminal background check. To volunteer, visist www. volunteertidewater.com and mention your opportunity interest(s) in the “Additional Information” section of the Volunteer Information form.
OCEANA VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF HAMPTON ROADS
TEAM UP MENTORING Team Up Mentoring (The Up Center) is seeking volunteer mentors age 24 and older for its Face Forward program. This group mentoring program matches caring adults with first time juvenile offenders aged 16-24. The commitment is for one year. Groups will meet weekly for fourteen weeks and then one-on-one for the rest of the year. Mentors will help mentees by sharing their own life experiences and success stories. If you are interested, please visit www.volunteertidewater.com/.
EQUI-KIDS THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program, located in Virginia Beach, provides, promotes and supports equine-assisted activities for individuals who have mental, physical, emotional, social or learning disabling conditions. They currently have a number of volunteer positions available through www.volunteertidewater.com. Riding-related volunteers: Lesson Sidewalker, Horse Leader and Barn helpers. Learn to be a sidewalker or horse leader to allow students with disabilities, both children and adults, to enjoy a safe and educational riding lesson. No horse experience is needed, training is provided. All volunteers must be at least 14 years old. EQUIKIDS Ambassadors help increase community awareness and financial support by assisting with special and signature events, EQUI-KIDS and third-party fundraisers, public awareness promotions, and much more!
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In need of full time mechanic for our Norfolk location. Must have experience. Must have own tools. Must have VALID driver’s license and good DMV record. MUST be able to pass background check. CDL a PLUS. We offer excellent pay, benefits, uniforms, O/T, tool allowance. Fax resume to 757-321-1636 or apply in person at 2224 Springfield Ave, Norfolk, VA 23523
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The City of Richmond’s Department of Emergency Communications is currently seeking an Electronics Technician II. The desired candidate will have knowledge of and experience with trunked two-way radio equipment and systems, Certified Electronic Technician, w/ 2 yrs diagnosing, installing & repairing electronic equipment. An FCC Electronics License is a plus. This position is full-time w/a comprehensive benefits package. To apply go to richmondgov.com Call (804) 646-8999 for questions.
EVERY MORNING MY HUMAN SHAVES OFF HIS FACE FUR, HE’S FUNNY LIKE THAT. —TUCK adopted 05-04-11
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16 JET OBSERVER • July 2, 2015
Happy Birthday, America.
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