Issuu

VOL.54 NO. 33 DECEMBER 17, 2015

SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS

Gold Star family honored 47 years later

JET

INSIDE

STORY AND PHOTO BY TONY ROSA NAS Oceana Public Affairs Many service members throughout the history of the United States have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. Today the nation recognizes the ultimate sacrifice that all Gold Star Family members make when a mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter or other loved one dies in service of the nation. The U.S. Navy established the Navy Gold Star (NGS) Program Oct. 1, 2014, to provide continuing support for surviving family members of Sailors who lost their lives while serving in an active duty status. Julie Olson and Dan B. Norton, Jr. are the children of Petty Officer First Class Dan B. Norton Sr., who served aboard USS New Jersey. Norton died Sept. 28, 1968 off the coast of Vietnam from non-combat related illness while the ship was at sea. Naval Air Station Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Louis J. Schager Jr, presented a Navy Gold Star lapel pin to Olson and Norton on behalf of the Navy during a CNIC holiday party at the NAS Oceana Fleet and Family Services Center. “Any time we can honor the sacrifices of service members it really is a special thing,” said Schager. “Family is really important to the Navy and I think this is something we can do to show our support to our Navy family.”

— See “Gold Star” page 3

WELCOME HOME BLUE BLASTERS OF VFA-134 —Page 6

Photo by Rachel Larue Wreaths lay on headstones after being placed by volunteers during the Wreaths Across America (WAA) event in Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 12, 2015, in Arlington, Va. WAA, a nonproﬁt organization, places a wreath on every eligible headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

HONOR AND BALSAM: WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA BY MC2 CHARLOTTE OLIVER Defense Media Activity The impressive spread of vibrant green coniferous trees make the quintessential Christmas trees and wreaths. It is home to Worcester Wreath Company and is also home to the nonproﬁt organization “Wreaths Across America.” The idea for Wreaths Across America (WAA) started in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company, found his company with a large surplus of wreaths near the end of the holiday season. Worcester looked back on a childhood memory as a 12-year-old boy working a paper route for the Bangor Daily News. He had won a trip to Washington, D.C. It would be his ﬁrst visit to our nation’s capital and it would leave a profound impact on

Worcester decades later. “I didn’t want to throw them away, they were nice and fresh so I thought about Arlington, because of the impact it had on me as a boy,” said Morrill, as he looked out onto the spread of trees used to make hundreds of thousands of wreaths each year. With the help of then Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, Worcester was able to make arrangements to have the surplus wreaths placed at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. They were placed in an older section of the cemetery, one that received less and less visitors every year. A local trucking company provided transportation of the wreaths to Arlington and volunteers

— See “Wreaths” page 3

SEE HOW OCEANA CELEBRATES THE SEASON OF JOY —Page 8-9

AEROTHEATHER FREE SNEAK PREVIEW The NAS Oceana Aerotheater will be hosting a FREE sneak preview of Point Break in 3D (PG-13, 120 min.) Dec. 19, 5 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.; seating is limited. For more information, call 433-2495 or 433-2391.

2 JET OBSERVER • December 17, 2015

Serving Naval Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach, Virginia and NALF Fentress in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Commanding Officer Capt. Louis Schager Executive Officer Capt. Richard Meadows Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Colaizzi Civilian Editor Carrie Anderson Military Editor MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Contact us: Jet@militarynews.com (757) 433-3360 www.oceanajetobserver.com https://cnic.navy.mil/oceana

Southside: (757) 222-3990 Peninsula: (757) 596-0853 Fax: (757) 853-1634 Published every Thursday by Military Newspapers of Virginia, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Oceana. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services and NAS Oceana civilian employees. Contents of the paper are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Military Newspapers of Virginia of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. Deadline to submit copy is Thursday, noon, seven days prior to publication date.

BASE BRIEFS HOLIDAY SHUTTLES

MWR HOLIDAY HOURS

Looking for a ride to the airport from Dam Neck Annex this holiday season? Look no further. The Oasis offers a $7 shuttle fee in December to the Norfolk International Airport. Holiday shuttles will be available Dec. 13-23 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. , seven days a week. An additional shuttle at noon will be available on the weekends.For more information, please call 492-6806.

From Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, many Oceana MWR facilities hours will be affected. Dec. 25 all MWR facilities will be closed, with the exception of Great Escape Enlisted Rec Center which will be open from noon to 7 p.m. and the Aerotheater which will open for a 7 p.m. showing. Please call ahead during this time to ensure hours, or visit the Naval Air Station Oceana Facebook page for the MWR holiday schedule. For contact information for each of the facilities, visit www.discovermwr.com.

CHRISTMAS MEAL NAS Oceana galley will be hosting a Christmas meal, Dec. 25, 1 - 5 p.m. Price for E-4 and below and their dependants is $6.80, and $9.05 for E-5 and above. The menu includes shrimp cocktail, oven roasted turkey, baked spiral ham with raisin sauce, crab legs, t-bone steaks and all the traditional sides.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE To prepare for the upcoming holiday season the following is the plan for military leave during the holidays: a. First Leave Period - Begins at 4 p.m. on Dec. 14 and ends at 7 a.m. on Dec. 28

b. Second Leave Period - Begins at 4 p.m. on Dec. 28 and ends at 7 a.m. on Jan. 11. The turnover day will be Dec. 28.

TIPSY TOW AAA wants you and your car to get home safely. Tipsy Tow provides a safe ride home for adults who may have had too much to drink and are unsafe to drive. Tipsy Tow is not a substitute for using a designated driver and reservations are not allowed. To use Tipsy Tow call 637-1700 or 1-800-AAA-HELP.

GOLD STAR PIN If you or someone you know is a Gold Star family member and needs assistance obtaining a lapel pin, understanding your survivor’s beneﬁts or educational assistance available to surviving family members, please contact Navy Gold Star Coordinator Oceana/Dam Neck at 492-6342.

ENERGY AWARENESS TIP OF THE WEEK As we prepare for the holiday season and upcoming vacation time, make sure to close curtains, shades and blinds at night and during unoccupied periods of the day to help prevent warm air from escaping. This will help save energy and keep costs down for the end of the year! Be on the lookout for the Commanding Ofﬁcer’s Energy Challenge!

CHAPEL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Oceana Protestant Bible Study - 9 a.m. Protestant Worship (main chapel) - 10:40 a.m. Children’s Bible Study - 10:40 a.m. Confession and priest’s hours – Wed. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catholic Sun. Mass - 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Protestant Bible Study - Wed. 6 p.m.

Read the Chaplain’s Corner on page 4

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

December 17, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 3

Gold Star: Children receive next-of-kin pin honoring father’s service in Vietnam — Continued from page 1 The Navy Gold Star next of kin lapel pin depicts a gold star in a circle, commemorating honorable service. Four sprigs of oak surround the circle and represent the branches of the armed forces, a decoration introduced by the military in 1977 as a symbol of honor for survivors of deceased service members. While this decoration is normally presented to surviving family members during military funerals, it may also be presented retroactively for service members who lost their lives at any time after March 29, 1973. “This is a really special honor for us,” said Julie Olson.“Just knowing that our father was not forgotten is just something else. It’s really great.”

Navy Gold Star Coordinator Samantha Blackwell reached out to Olson and Norton and was surprised to know that while their mother had received a Gold Star pin, the two children had not. “I feel like we needed to correct a long time injustice for these family members,” said Blackwell. “Their mother received a Gold Star pin, but they did not so it was time that we honored them and their father as well.” Norton said that receiving the lapel pin meant a lot more than just honoring his father. “It shows me and all the families who lost someone that the Navy is a family and they honor all who have passed,” said Norton. “It’s just really great to see that they care about all their Sailors.”

Photo by MC2 Tony Rosa NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Louis Schager, center, poses for a photo with Dan B. Norton, Jr., and Julie Olson after he presented a Navy Gold Star lapel pin to them, on behalf of the Navy, during a CNIC holiday party at the NAS Oceana Fleet and Family Services Center Dec. 11.

Wreaths: Honor those who gave all to their country — Continued from page 1 from a local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts paired with community members to decorate the wreaths with a traditional red, hand-tied bow. Members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. helped to organize the wreath-laying, which included a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This became an annual tribute that went on quietly for over a decade. Then in 2005, a photo was published of the wreaths adorning the headstones covered in snow. Suddenly Worcester found his act of kindness receiving national attention and thousands

of volunteer requests pouring in from all over the country. “We didn’t really know what had happened.That was the 14th year actually, and we placed our 5,000 wreaths,” reﬂected Morrill on that moment.“But then I started getting mail from people and they were sending me checks, and they were thanking me for what we did and all this stuff and I really didn’t understand what this was all about.” “All of a sudden what we’d been doing since 1992, the cat was outta the bag and people wanted to get involved,” said Karen Worcester, Morrill’s wife, and Executive Director of WAA. Worcester was unable to donate thousands of wreaths to

each state; Worcester began sending seven wreaths, representing each branch of the military and POW/MIA service members to every veteran cemetery that wanted to participate in WAA day. In 2007, Worcester, his family, veterans, and others who had helped with the annual Arlington wreath ceremony formed WAA to help continue and expand this event and support other groups around the country who wanted to hold the same type of ceremony. “So in 2006, we decided that we were going to have to do something to answer the call and I think what I love about Wreaths Across America is, it

wasn’t something that the family said ‘oh let’s have a 501-C3’, we were almost led by the call of what the people wanted,” Karen said of the near decade old family run non-proﬁt. “It’s not coming from some brainstorm that the Worcester family had, it’s from listening to the families and listening to the gold star families and the veterans as to what they think is important to put out there for Wreaths Across America and how we can help with our mission.” WAA has a simple, but powerful mission: Remember. Honor. Teach. In 2008, over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veteran’s graves at over 300 locations around the U.S. including Puerto Rico and 24 cemeteries overseas with the help of over 60,000 volunteers. That same year, Congress unanimously voted December 13 as “Wreaths Across America Day”. In 2014, WAA and volunteers

worldwide laid over 700,000 wreaths at 1,000 locations. WAA was also able to include wreath laying ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the sites of the September 11 tragedies. WAA also covered Arlington National Cemetery, placing 226,525 wreaths. To make this possible WAA has had help from over 2,000 fundraising groups, corporate contributions and donations of trucking, shipping and countless volunteers. The wreath laying is held annually on the second or third Saturday of December. WAA’s pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to the nation’s capital is the world’s largest veterans’ parade. They stop at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities along the way reminding people how important it is to ‘Remember, Honor, Teach.’

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Holidays are “holy days”

LCDR VICTORIA CHAPPELL Chaplain Do you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah? Or do you celebrate other religious festivals at other times of year? What we call holidays were originally

called “holy days” (see the connection?). And “holy days” were days set apart for special reasons. Whatever you celebrate, and whenever you celebrate it, our busy lives ﬁlled with non-stop media and the accompanying advertisements urging us into a frenzy of consumerism, seem to focus more on the shopping and preparations than on the reasons we were celebrating in the ﬁrst place. Lost in the hubbub are the rich traditions that, if we’re lucky, have been handed down to us, connecting us to those who came before us, sometimes for many gen-

erations. Suddenly, the holidays aren’t looking quite so holy and set apart for worship, joy, peace, reﬂection, and relationships. Another potential pitfall of the holidays experienced by military servicemembers is being far from family and friends so that even if our immediate family is with us, we still miss the connections and traditions we would experience with extended family back home. So this year, let’s hit the brakes! What is the reason behind your season? Who are the special people in your life you thank your God for: relationships more

Government Flex-Fuel Vehicles must use E85 where available From Naval Supply Systems Command With flex-fuel vehicles making up nearly 30 percent of the government fleet of vehicles, the regional transportation director wants to remind those driving government flex-fuel vehicles to fill up with E85 fuel where it is available. “I suspect that the majority of folks just don’t know,” said Mike Lienemann, referring to drivers who don’t realize they are supposed to be filling up their flex-fuel vehicles with E85 where it is available. Lienemann is the base support vehicles and equipment product line coordinator for Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. E85 is 85 percent Ethanol (from corn or other sources) and 15 percent gasoline. By comparison, regular unleaded fuel is 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.Through Executive Order, the government is required to find ways to save on energy and reduce its dependency on foreign oil. One way the government is

working to do that is by purchasing ﬂex fuel, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles that operate using alternative fuels and other alternative energy sources. American automobile manufacturers GM, Ford and Chrysler have pledged to produce 50 percent of their vehicles as E85 compatible ﬂex-fuel vehicles in support of the Energy Independence Security Act of 2007. “Using E85 reduces our country’s reliance on foreign oil and burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing hydrocarbon emissions,” says Larry Boone, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) automotive program manager. “Not only that, but E85 is produced in the U.S., mostly from corn feedstock, and that keeps the American farmer in business.” The price of E85, in general, runs about 10 to 25 cents cheaper per gallon than regular unleaded gas and, according to some studies, E85 emits less hydrocarbons, or Green House Gases (GHGs). The down side of E85 is that a vehicle using

precious than silver or gold or even than tickets to the new Star Wars movie? May we set these special holy days apart to worship and connect with those we will meet there — especially if we are far from home and in our busyness have somehow neglected to make new friendships. You will be welcomed wherever you go to worship by people striving like you to live life as a soul with a body rather than as a body with a soul. May we keep our traditions going and start new ones that will span the ages. Happy Holy Days, everybody!

E85 versus regular unleaded fuel drives fewer miles per gallon. But that’s not a reason to avoid using the E85, according to Boone. “As an owner or operator of a flex-fuel vehicle, the use of E85 shows your contribution to the benefits of E85 as well as your environmental stewardship,” said Boone. E85 can be difficult to find for those operating a flex-fuel vehicle and many people don’t even realize they could be using the E85 or where to get it. “I think many people are not aware the E85 is there or even know what E85 is,” said Lienemann. In the Hampton Roads area, there are only a few stations that offer E85, and most of them are government-owned. NEX gas stations on Naval Air Station Oceana, JEB Little Creek / Fort Story and Naval Station Norfolk have E85 pumps. Anyone wanting to get E85 for their flex fuel vehicle, including the general public, can get it at these NEX gas stations. “The other problem is that government vehicles will often get driven by people other than the person who rented the vehicle in the first place,” said Lienemann. “That means the message that they need to fill up with E85 isn’t getting passed

Photo provided E85 is 85 percent Ethanol (from corn or other sources) and 15 percent gasoline. E-85 fuel is available at all NEX gas stations.

along and we need that to happen.” Lienemann said his department is working on ways to improve that message, such as stickers on the dashboard or gas cap and mirror hang tags indicating that the government ﬂex fuel vehicle must be ﬁlled up with E85.

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CHILDREN’S

Holiday Party

Photos by Christopher Baker From superheroes to Frozen’s Olaf to Santa Claus himself, big names dropped in on the First Class Petty Officer Association’s Annual Holiday Party Dec. 5 to bring holiday cheer to young and old.

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BLUE BLASTERS RETURN FROM DEPLOYMENT BY MIKE MAUS Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic The “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 returned home Dec. 13 following a deployment of nearly four months. Six pilots ﬂew the squadron’s six F/A-18C Hornet aircraft to the west coast Sept. 3 and joined their air wing, Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW) 2 embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73). While aboard Washington, the Blue Blasters participated in Unitas Paciﬁc and Atlantic Operations supporting Bi-lateral excercises with Peruvian MiG-29 and MIRAGE 2000 aircraft along with Chilean F-16s and Brazilian F-5s. In November, the squadron conducted a

change of command ceremony during which Cmdr. Derek D. Duford relieved Cmdr. Martin L. Weyenberg. The end of the patrol brought another accolade for the Blue Blasters. On Dec. 6, Capt. Max McCoy, CVW-2 commander, presented the “Top Hook” award to the Blue Blasters. The Top Hook award is presented to the air wing’s ﬁxed wing squadron who obtains the best overall arrested landing score. Among numerous other deployment highlights the squadron passed through the Strait of Magellan, participated in the time-honored “Crossing the Line” ceremony as the ship crossed the Equator and visited several foreign ports including Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lima, Peru; and Valparaiso, Chile.

Photos by MC2(SW) Alysia Hernandez

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Don’t forget to make your end of year, tax-deductible gift

usohrcv.com/donate

December 17, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 9

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‘Tis the Season... WINTER WONDERLAND MWR hosted another great family fest event on Dec. 12 celebrating the holidays with Winter Wonderland. The weather was beautiful, making the event perfect for indoor and outdoor fun including bowling, pony and hay rides, crafts, photos with Santa, all kinds of inﬂatables, face painting, rock wall, a special movie at the theather and much more.

PHOTOS BY MC2 (SW) ALYSIA HERNANDEZ FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.OCEANAJETOBSERVER.COM

Gold Star families get proper sendoff for Snowball Express STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC2 (SW) ALYSIA HERNANDEZ NAS Oceana Public Affairs Sailors, Marines and Soldiers lined the path to greet 31 Gold Star family members with cheers at Norfolk International Airport Dec. 12. More than 200 volunteers attended to support the nine Gold Star families to give them a proper sendoff for Snowball Express 2015. Snowball Express brings the children and spouses of military fallen heroes together for a four-day experience ﬁlled with fun activities to connect the families with others going through the same experience. “It is special because it provides a way to recognize and honor children who are grieving the death of a parent in service to this country.” said Samantha Blackwell, NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Annex Gold Star Coordinator. “Snowball Express provides an avenue for children to grieve with other children who ‘get it.’ Healing, strength and support are all outcomes for our Gold Star family members through Snowball Express.” Gold Star families were greeted at the airport entrance and escorted down a path lined by service members in their dress uniforms who gave them loud cheers of gratitude. Following the security checkpoint, more volunteers greeted them warmly and escorted them to their gate, decorated from top to bottom, ﬁlled with holiday fun.

As they awaited their Snowball Express pick-up, they took photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus or in a “Selfie” booth, built and painted crafts with the assistance of volunteers, met Elsa from Frozen, Chicken the Chik-fil-a cow and characters from Star Wars. Children played soccer in the middle of the terminal and the families were provided tables filled with treats all while waiting for their American Airlines flight to Dallas for even more fun. Blackwell was proud of the volunteer coordinators from the Navy and Marine Corps. “They were able to express the significance of this event to the Sailors and Marines in order to provide military presence and support for our Gold Star families. Their contributions, and that of all volunteers present, made the 2015 Snowball Express send off from Norfolk airport a smashing success,” Blackwell said. Blackwell added that the families were overwhelmed by the large military presence and thankful to reconnect with the military community. “Many of the children smiled when they saw active duty personnel wearing the same uniform their fathers had worn. Based on the information from one widow, the sight of our Sailors and Marines wearing dress uniforms brought back happy memories for her children,” Blackwell said. For more information about Snowball Express, or to donate or volunteer with the organization, visit snowballexpress.org.

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PHOTOS BY MC2 (SW) ALYSIA HERNANDEZ FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.OCEANAJETOBSERVER.COM

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VFA-106

QUARTERLY AWARDS

Information compiled by Carrie Anderson

SAILOR OF THE QUARTER

GLADIATOR OF THE QUARTER

JR GLADIATOR OF THE QUARTER

BLUE JACKET OF THE QUARTER

AE1 (AW) Philip Boyer

AZ2 (AW/SW) Davaughn Dyett

LS3 Latia Guest

AEAN Mariah Geiger

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Philip Boyer has been chosen as VFA106’s Sailor of the Quarter. As the electrician leading petty officer and work center supervisor, Boyer led and directed 57 Sailors in the daily scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of 70 F/A-18E/F aircraft averaging more than 35 sorties a day. His efforts led to the timely and safe completion of 4,679 aircraft discrepancies, totaling 17,653 man-hours. As a leading petty officer, Boyer directs the maintenance effort and conducts the ongoing personal and professional mentorship of a team of 57 Sailors. His commitment to training and qualifications resulted in 16 support equipment operators, 12 final checkers, six enlisted air warfare specialist (EAWS) certifications, five lowpower turn (LPT) operators, two LPT Instructors, and 14 CPR certifications. His leadership directly contributed to the selection of the January 2015 Blue Jacket and Gladiator of the Month; February 2015 Junior Gladiator and Gladiator of the Month; Junior Gladiator and Gladiator of the Quarter 2nd Quarter 2015; and three 2016 boardeligible petty officers. Boyer was also active in the community beyond NAS Oceana.As Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society Coordinator, he collected more than $10,600 within the command to raise awareness of the programs and services available to active duty Sailors and Marines. He also helped establish, and serves as coordinator for, the E/F Mentorship Program. According to his nomination packet, “his peerless leadership, technical proficiency, and unparalleled performance are the driving forces behind his work center’s accomplishments.”

Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Davaughn Dyett has been chosen as VFA-106’s Gladiator of the Quarter. Dyett’s primary responsibilities include logs and records day-check clerk, in which he distinguished himself through sustained superior performance during the months of August through October while serving as the logs and records day-check supervisor. He single-handedly ensured that the recent detachment to Mountain Home, Idaho was a success. Through his technical abilities and troubleshooting, he identified several database errors. After countless hours of coordination with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, he corrected the database discrepancies and returned the detachment server to full functionality. His actions ensured that maintainers, maintenance managers and aircrew were assured all flight hours, life-limited components and aircraft status were accurate and up-to-date. Along with his primary duties, Dyett has completed 256 miscellaneous history entries, six aircraft transfers, and issued 380 inspection work orders. Dyett also leads seven junior AZ’s on day check. In this capacity, he established a system for the Maintenance Control desk AZ’s to ensure all tasks are being done proficiently and in a timely manner. His efforts resulted in 70 aircraft discrepancy books being properly verified, 2,023 aircraft data files being processed and 2,406 flight hours. According to his nomination packet, his “performance during the fourth quarter of 2015 has been nothing short of extraordinary... His unmatched professionalism directly contributed to the success of detachments”

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Latia Guest has been chosen as VFA-106’s Junior Gladiator of the Quarter. As First Lieutenant day-check supervisor, she directly managed 10 Sailors in the daily operations of the First Lieutenant division. In this role, she helped lead 10 beautification projects undertaken by the department in which she played a key role. Guest also served as trouble call program manager where she maintained and tracked over 200 trouble calls in four zones throughout the squadron. Additionally, she ensured shop equipment was ready for use at all times. As the work center’s supply petty officer, she ensured command consumable items remained in stock in order to maintain the upkeep and cleanliness of 78 squadron spaces. She was also directly responsible for ordering material for command name tags and plaques for newly assigned officers and chiefs and personnel reenlisting. Proving her reliability, she assumed the role as divisional leading petty officer for two weeks during the incumbent’s absence, performing her duties as a second class petty officer. She personally mentored and provided watchstanding training to her peers and junior Sailors assisting in the timely qualification of 13 duty drivers and three assistant squadron duty officers. According to her nomination packet, “her superb attitude and professional approach to all matters has increased the teamwork and morale in the work center tremendously.”

Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Mariah Geiger has been chosen as VFA106’s Blue Jacket of the Quarter. As an electrician on day check, Geiger performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on electrical, navigational, and instrumentation systems for 67 F/A-18 aircraft. After being assigned to work center 220 for only five months, Geiger out performed her peers, achieving qualifications as nitrogen servicing unit, fuel cell entrant safety observer/ back-up safety observer, and final checker ashore. Her efforts directly led to the removal and replacement of 15 flight control computers, seven A/C compass swings, 56 special inspections and 18 additional wire repair work orders encompassing 1,253 man hours. Geiger’s efforts resulted in the reduction of the work center workload by 30 percent during the fourth quarter. She is also an active member of the command. She was highly involved in the planning and prepping for every food sale and command event involving CSADD. She also placed a box in each work center to collect school supplies for local students. She is also an active member of the greater Virginia Beach community. Geiger spends time outside of work directing fundraiser’s for VA Beach Spikes K9 foundation, which assists military/police dogs with proper equipment and special care needs. She has also volunteered as a tutor at Ocean Lakes High School, accumulating a total of 18 hours this quarter. According to her nomination packet, she “is an outstanding up and coming Electrician’s Mate. Exhibiting phenomenal leadership potential of a well-seasoned third class petty officer.”

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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.

TRANSITION GPS (GOALS, PLAN, SUCCEED)

JOB NETWORK

FOREIGN-BORN SPOUSES SUPPORT GROUP

MONDAY - FRIDAY, 7:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.

This is a monthly one-hour employer panel comprised of three human resource personnel. Ask local and national employers what they like to see on resumes and how to prepare for interviews. Find out about open positions, their application process and what beneﬁts are available. Transitioners, separatees and military family members are invited to attend.

DEC. 17, NOON - 1 P.M.

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

DEC. 18, 10 A.M. - NOON Feeling lonely, homesick, or isolated? Just want to talk to someone from your part of the world? Join other foreign-born military spouses, network and share resources, discuss the American way of life, develop friendships, receive monthly newsletters and learn about the many RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO MAKE YOUR NEW LIFE EXPERIENCE positive.

DEC. 18, 9 A.M. - NOON

EFFECTIVE RESUME WRITING

7ANT TO FEEL MORE CONlDENT AT YOUR NEXT JOB INTERview? This workshop teaches you how. Topics include positive answers to difﬁcult questions, dressing for success and the importance of body language and positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.

DEC. 22 & 29, 9 A.M. - 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.

Photo by Jade Albert

GPS is a five-day workshop for separating military and pre-retirees. It covers military to civilian crosswalk, financial planning, job search and career validation, federal hiring, resumes, VA benefits and other topics that facilitate a smooth transition from the military to the civilian community. If space is available, spouses may accompany the transitioning member. All classes are held Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekly) Registration is Monday at 6:30 a.m. GPS is held in Bldg. U-93 at Naval Station Norfolk. See your command career counselor for a quota and workshop requirements to attend GPS. Transition Assistance Services Available at all FFSCs: s 7ORKSHOPS AND COUNSELING ON ALL lNANCIAL ASPECTS of transition s )NDIVIDUAL TRANSITION PLANNING COUNSELING s 4RANSITION INFORMATION AND EMPLOYMENT REFERRAL

Learn more at

autismspeaks.org/signs Some signs to look for:

No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months

No babbling by 12 months

No words by 16 months

© 2014 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It's time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.

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SPORTS &

FITNESS

Fitness Classes Regularly scheduled ﬁtness classes are held at the NAS Oceana Hornets Nest Gym and the Dam Neck Annex Fitness Center. Offerings include restorative yoga, cardio kickboxing, stroller aerobics, Zumba, high-intensity interval training and more.

NAS OCEANA NAVY BOWLING TEAM

SANTA’S LIL HELPER FUN RUN

DEC. 18, 10 A.M. & 2 P.M.

DEC. 21, 8:05 A.M.

Are you interested in representing NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex on the Base Bowling Team? MWR is currently looking for some talented individuals that can compete against bowlers from the other local Navy bases to represent the US Navy at the Military Bowling Championships.They are looking for both male and female bowlers for the team. Tryouts will be held at Freedom Lanes on Dec. 18 and Jan. 4-8. There will be two shifts daily.The ﬁrst begins with practice at 10 a.m. with the bowling starting at 10:20 a.m.; the second shift begins with practice at 2 p.m. and bowling commencing at 2:10 p.m. Tryouts are open to all active duty and reserve Sailors. Five games will be played across 10 lanes but there will be only one qualifying session per bowler. The same pattern, the Kegel Sport Pattern, will be used for all bowlers. Sign up or call the bowling center to reserve your spot. For more information, call 433-2167.

Join the Norfolk Naval Shipyard community for a two-mile family fun run on Dec. 21 at 8:05 a.m. The run will take place at the Community Recreation Center/Strike Zone Bowling Center. Same-day registration begins at 7 a.m. This free run will conclude with breakfast with Santa and bowling from 9 - 11 a.m. Awards will be presented all children who ﬁnish the run.

BEAT THE BALL 5K DEC. 31, 11:15 P.M. Bring in the new year in a healthy way with your shipmates at NSA HR - Portsmouth with the Beat the Ball 5k. Beginning at Riverview Fitness Center, this family-friendly run/walk includes music and dancing, as well as snacks, refreshment and a midnight toast. Same day registration begins at 9:45 p.m. in the Riverview Fitness Center Gym, building 276. Register online at www.discovermwr.com/nye5k. Come dressed to glow. First 300 people to register will receive a T-shirt and all ﬁnishers will receive a medal.

MWR WINTER SAVINGS PASS

“TIMELY AND REFRESHINGLY

HARD-HITTING.” Scott Mendelson

Photo by MC2(SW) Alysia Hernandez Stay active this winter with a savings pass from MWR. NAS Oceana/Damn Neck MWR Rec Rewards cards offer discounts on some of your favorite MWR activities and services. Each Rec Rewards card is $10 and can be used to get discounts at Dam Neck Shifting Sands Club, NAS Oceana Aeropines Golf Course, NAS Oceana Freedom Lanes, Dam Neck Seaside Lanes, NAS Oceana Outdoor Rental, NAS Oceana Aerotheater and NAS Oceana Skeet, Trap & Archery.

14 JET OBSERVER • December 17, 2015

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

Visit www.oceanajetobserver.com for more events in and around NAS Oceana!

HOLIDAY CARDS FOR VETERANS DEC. 18, 10 A.M. Salute the men and women of the Armed Forces this holiday season by spreading holiday cheer. Visit the MacArthur Memorial Visitors Center and create a card to send to a veteran. All materials will be provided onsite and the cards will be delivered to local installations and veterans hospitals before the holidays.This event is family friendly and free. Supplies are available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

LIBERTY’S ICE PAVILION DEC. 18-24, 10 A.M. Enjoy Colonial Williamsburg’s winter wonderland at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion. Strap on some skates or enjoy the ambience with a cup of American Heritage hot chocolate or hot cider.Admission is $8 for children and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $3.

PAJAMA PARTY MOVIE NIGHT: POLAR EXPRESS DEC. 18, 7 P.M. Free community movie night at Downing-Goss Cultural Arts Center in Newport News. Come in your PJs and snuggle in for the show.

A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS DEC. 22, 9 P.M. Join historic Yorktown in celebrating the holiday traditions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia, recalled through special interpretive programs and, from December 2631, musical entertainment of the period. Tickets cost $9.75 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 6-12. A combination ticket is available with Jamestown Settlement.

DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS TOWNE DEC. 23, 7:30 P.M. This holiday season, journey through a magical world of Christmas characters, Victorian carolers, sweet treats, shops, games and crafts. Along the way, you can enjoy photos with Father Christmas, a London pub, outdoor train rides (Saturday and Sunday evenings), lively musical performances, an indoor Christmas train display, unique seasonal gifts, strolling carolers and Victorian street scenes. This family-focused, walk-through holiday experience is presented in partnership with Virginia Stage Company through Dec. 27. Dickens’ Christmas Towne will be in the lower level of the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center at Nauticus in downtown Norfolk. Admission is $5 per person. Enjoy free, 2-hour metered

parking on Saturdays all day on Sundays and after 6 p.m. daily throughout downtown Norfolk.

SANTA’S SEASIDE VILLAGE DEC. 24, 2 P.M. A new holiday tradition is coming to Hampton Roads for the holiday season. Santa’s Seaside Village at Atlantic Ave. & 30th Street will delight the young and young-atheart with animated displays, shopping, live entertainment and Santa Claus himself. Admission is $4 per person ($1 off discount coupons will be readily available), $10 for a family four-pack (4 tickets; each additional ticket $3), children 2 and under free. For more information and hours of operation, visit www.BeachStreetUSA.com.

MCDONALD’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE BEACH DEC. 24, 5:30 P.M. Now through Jan. 2, take a shiny journey into nautical, holiday and adventure lands - all along the beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk, nightly beginning at 5:30 p.m. Hours of operation are 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday - Saturday. Cost is $15 per car. Combo ticket $20 includes a visit to McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach and admission for four to the new Santa’s Seaside Village at Atlantic Avenue & 30th Street. For more information, visit www. BeachStreetUSA.com.

Friday, December 18 6 p.m. - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (PG-13, 136 min.) 9 p.m. - Steve Jobs (R, 122 min.)

Saturday, December 19 1 p.m. - The Peanuts Movie (3-D) (G, 93 min.) 5 p.m. - SNEAK PREVIEW Point Break (3-D) (PG-13, 114 min.)

Sunday, December 20 1 p.m. - The Peanuts Movie (3-D) (G, 93 min.) 4 p.m. - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (PG-13, 136 min.) 7 p.m. - The Night Before (R, 101 min.) 875 D Ave., Bldg. 531 | (757) 433-2391 | Schedule is subject to change, call ahead for details. Cash or credit accepted for concessions and admission. Doors open approximately one hour before showtimes. Children ages two and younger are admitted free. Patrons 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a paying adult to attend all R-rated movies.

LAST NIGHT ON THE TOWN DEC. 31, 2 P.M. Enjoy family entertainment and an array of performances by local and national recording artists. Virginia Beach will once again celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a festive “Last Night on the Town” New Year’s Eve event, hosted by the Central Business District Association. Held on Dec. 31, the 3rd annual event will begin with a family-friendly celebration at Pembroke Mall, then continue with entertainment at The Town Center of Virginia Beach and culminate with a live performance by a national headliner. Beginning at 2 p.m., bring the children to Pembroke Mall for the Magic of Krendl & Company. Roving performers including stilt walkers and a cirque mime troupe will delight the crowd throughout the mall, while a yoyo artist, animated characters and puppet storytellers entertain on several stages. At Krendl’s not-to-be-missed Grand Illusion Show, adults and children can celebrate together during a countdown celebration. Toast to the New Year in Town Center’s Countdown Square from 5:30 p.m. until mid-

night. Enjoy more roving entertainment and dance the night away to performances by favorite local bands. Performances on the main stage keep things rocking until the New Year. Count down to midnight and enjoy a spectacular laser light and ﬁreworks show that will ring in 2016! All activities and entertainment are free and open to the public.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS SEMINAR JAN. 6, 5 P.M. Are you a service member retiring soon? Have questions about the benefits you’re entitled to? Join Oceana’s Fleet and Family Support Center for a Retirement Benefit Seminar.Topics covered will include the Survivor Benefit Plan and retirement planning, choosing between Tricare Prime or Standard and the GI Bill eligbility and transferring. For more information, call 433-2912.

December 17, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 15

VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED HATS FOR THE HOMELESS

Hats for the Homeless provides new hand-knitted or crocheted stocking hats for the homeless in Newport News and surrounding cities. The hats are distributed by organizations working directly with the homeless. We need stitchers and yarn. If you want to do something to help the homeless, you can do this from the safety and comfort your home. Patterns and stitching lessons provided. Yarn drop off and hat pickup provided. Donations accepted in the form of hats, yarn, stitching, and drivers. If interested, please visit www.volunteertidewater.com.

VIRGINIA BEACH ANIMAL CARE AND ADOPTION CENTER Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center is always on the lookout for new members who would like to help make a positive difference in our city and change the future of any adoptable pet that needs a new home. We need volunteers! You can help save lives - whether you can dedicate just a few hours each month to walk and play with a dog or comfort a cat, help potential

adopters ﬁnd the perfect pet, or would like to help us with special events, gathering donations of supplies and helping to raise awareness to the needs of companion animals in our city. No help is too small and all volunteer opportunities are ﬂexible. If interested, please visit www.beachpetpals.org and click the “Volunteer” link in the navication window.

everyone. Share a few hours a month, learn the history of amazing aircraft, and share their stories with others. All that’s required is enthusiasm! Volunteer opportunities include: docents, photographers, videographers, audio techs, special events, facilities and childrens activities. Call 721-7767 or emailing volcoord@aviationmuseum.us for information about volunteer orientation.

USO HAMPTON ROADS

VIRGINIA AQUARIUM

There are countless ways volunteers support the USO, but they all share an abiding dedication to our service members and their families. Whether it’s helping out at a special event, cheering troops at homecoming, manning a front desk or providing a listening ear, our volunteers are the reason service members know they can count on the USO. To volunteer with USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, visit usohrcv.com/volunteer.

Are you curious about what goes on every day at the aquarium? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge about marine animals or learning about the environment? Do you want to know more about our sharks or Komodo dragons? If you answered yes, then volunteering at the Aquarium is for you! There are many great volunteer opportunities available. Whether you’re 11, 81 or somewhere in between, the aquarium has the perfect spot for you. You don’t need to be a marine biologist, just share our passion for conservation and educating people about marine animals and the environment. For more information, visit www.virginiaaquarium.com/join/volunteer.

MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM Do you like meeting people and vintage airplanes? The Military Aviation Museum has volunteer opportunities for

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16 JET OBSERVER • December 17, 2015