Lone Star Flyer-August 2023

On the Cover: Security personnel provide a Military Working Dog demonstration during National Night Out

In This Issue...

4 8 10 11 12

50 years of the Masterat-Arms Rate

A Gift from WWII Veteran Don Graves

Medal of Honor Museum Topping Out

Who are the Sea Cadets?

MWSS-473 & VMFA-112

Kick off Annual Training

Fat Albert Finds a New Home

The NASJRBFTW Lone Star Flyer is an authorized monthly publication for members of the DoD. Contents within the newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the U.S. Navy. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Commanding Officer, NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas. Questions and concerns may be directed to the installation public affairs office at 817-782-7815 or FTWO.PAO@navy.mil

The Lone Star Flyer features base-wide news, announcements, upcoming MWR events and more. The Lone Star Flyer is open to submissions which can be sent directly to FTWO.PAO@navy.mil by Thursday of the last full week of the month. Include “FOR NEWSLETTER” in subject line. Be clear and concise, but include as much relevant details as possible: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY or HOW. Submissions may include photos, flyers, graphics, text, etc... DO NOT submit unverified information. DO NOT include personal emails, numbers or PII on any flyers or graphics.

CAPT Mark McLean Commanding Officer

CDR Clayton Johnson Executive Officer

LCDR Tom Kuhrt Chief Staff Officer

YNCM(AW/EXW) Natasha Livingston Command Senior Enlisted Leader

Ms. Sandy Owens Public Affairs Officer

LONE STAR FLYER STAFF

MC2(SW) Kay Richards Editor & Content Creator

Remembering MA1 Patricio Zamarripa

"He joined [the Navy] at a young age. He's been to Iraq before, and when you come out of a situation like that and then you still seek a job where you're going to be in the line of fire, that tells me a lot about his character, about his heart and about his loyalties. And as a chief, you never want to lose any of your people. I was proud to have him serve under me and I was proud to serve with him and he won't be forgotten."

Officer

"I learned a lot of things from him. A lot of it just came down to the fact he was a real down to earth guy that knew how to talk to people. When we first met each other, we clicked very quickly. We both had similar backgrounds. We both had young daughters and our friendship grew quickly, and he would always give me little hints and ways to take care of my daughter. And we only grew closer once we were assigned on to the same task force."

Master Chief Master-at-Arms Cesar Rodriguez, fellow Dallas Police

Josh Rodriguez, Patricio's former partner.

Master-at-Arms:

50 years of Dedication and an Eternal Tribute to MA1 Zamarripa

NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TX—On August 1, the Masterat-Arms rate celebrated 50 years of legacy and dedication as a critical component of the United States Navy.

Navy installations nationwide are protected by dedicated servicemen and servicewomen who have faithfully guarded the gates for the past five decades. Despite facing severe weather and local threats, these brave individuals display unwavering commitment and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others. They are the defenders of the families and veterans who consider NAS JRB Fort Worth their home.

Among these selfless guardians, is Master-at-Arms 1st Class Patricio Zamarripa who served his country and city with honor, embodying the principles of service and sacrifice. Tragically, on July 7, 2016, Zamarripa made the ultimate sacrifice during a police ambush in which he, along with four other Dallas Police Officers, lost their lives. NAS JRB Fort Worth and the city of Dallas proudly remember and pay tribute to Zamarripa as one of their own.

"Patrick was a kind, compassionate, and caring person. His bravery and valor that fateful day were truly the highest acts of selflessness. That was Patrick, or Z, to all who knew him," said retired Chief Master-at-Arms and current Northwest Neighborhood Patrol Officer Sergeant David Deleon. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man may lay down his life for his friends," John 15:13.

On July 7, 2023, patrol officers of the Navy Police at NAS JRB Fort Worth gathered at the main gate to remember

the sacrifice of Zamarripa and the Dallas Police Officers who lost their lives, observing a moment of silence and remembrance.

"We came together for a moment of silence to honor our brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price to ensure they are never forgotten. We paused to remember the ones who were close to us, the moments we’ve shared and memories we made," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Zachary Mullin. "We reflect on their sacrifice, we know how easily it can happen anywhere without notice, and how we have to be mentally prepared to face unspeakable violence if it comes."

Despite wearing 45 pounds of gear, strapping rifles to their chests and being prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, MAs are equally committed to building strong relationships with the local community. One way they achieve this is through their participation in National Night Out, an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.

"Being a military community member, it is important to me that we emphasize the unity between our service members and the departments both within and outside our gates," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Rhett Hubbard. "My objective in coordinating National Night Out was to encourage our community to interact with all the first responders who assist our installation and to foster connections with those who have the potential to support and respond to our community. This event serves as a reminder that we are not undertaking these efforts alone, but as part of a collective community."

U.S. Navy Story by Sandy Owens

U.S. Navy photo by MA1 Zachary Mullin

MAster-at-arms

50th Birthday Run and National Night Out

U.S. Navy Photos by MA3 Antonio Williams

R O U N D T H E B A S E

First Responders participate in the installation’s Region Assessment (RASS) at July 27, 2023. RASS is part of Commander, Navy Installations Command’s (CNIC) Navy Security Force shore training and certification cycle, which tests an installation’s security force response and readiness.

Right:Members of the 301st Fighter Wing gather to help fight hunger at the Tarrant Area Food Bank Distribution Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Below: Service members gather for lunch during MWR's Food Truck Thursdays.

A R O U N D T H E B A S E

Left: Two aircraft attached to 112 taxi out to the runway to head to New Orleans in support of 4th MAW’s Change of Command.

Above: Two aircraft attached to 112 sit waiting for clearance to head to the runway to head out in support of UNITAS.

Thank You

Don Graves!

On July 27, Don Graves, a WWII Marine Corps Veteran who served in the historic Battle of Iwo Jima, presented NAS JRB Fort Worth with a flag he recently had flown over the USS Arizona Memorial, in honor of all those who gave their lives in service to our Nation. By honoring their memories every day, we ensure that the fallen will never be forgotten.

From all of us at NAS JRB Fort Worth, thank you, Don Graves, for your service and for the tangible reminder that we are truly the home of the free because of the brave.

Medal of honor Museum Topping out

WilliAmS

NAS JRB FoRt WoRth hAd the hoNoR oF

pARticipAtiNg iN A “toppiNg out” ceRemoNy FoR the upcomiNg NAtioNAl medAl oF

hoNoR muSeum July 20, 2023. thiS eveNt

celeBRAted A mAJoR mileStoNe iN the muSeum’S coNStRuctioN With the pl AcemeNt oF the BuildiNg’S FiNAl Steel BeAm.

u.S. NAvy photoS By mA3 ANtoNio

Who Are the Sea Cadets?

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corp is a youth organization that challenges youth of today and helps them become leaders of tomorrow. United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) is for American youth ages 10-18 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms appropriately marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to: introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs.

This national youth organization is made up of two distinct groups, League Cadets ages 10 to 13 and Sea Cadets ages 13 to 18. To join the program, the prospective Cadets and parents attend an orientation where they learn more about the program and see if this program is something that they would like to take part in. The Cadet program is NOT a participation trophy type program. Cadets have individual academic and physical expectations set out for them and are expected to maintain and/or surpass them.

Once basic recruit trainings are accomplished, then the real fun begins!

Cadets have the opportunity to attend advanced trainings regionally and across the country at different military bases and Coast Guard stations. Cadets train right beside active duty and reserve personnel, learning various jobs in the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Examples include: Basic and Advanced Medical, Mountain Rescue, Master at Arms, Aviation, SCUBA, Culinary Arts, Leadership, STEM,

Story by SMSgt,Retired, Scott H. Voigt

Special Warfare, Fire Fighting, and Communications, just to name a few.

Lone Star Squadron, Fort Worth

The Lone Star Squadron drills one weekend a month (normally the second weekend) at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth JRB. We also have several community service opportunities allowing our youth an opportunity to give back to local organizations.

Since our commissioning, we have grown into a nationally recognized unit. Beginning in 2001, Lone Star entered into the Top 10, a ranking of the best units in the Nation. Since 2001, Lone Star has been a Top 10 unit eleven times, reaching the #1 spot in the Nation in 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019.

We look forward to inviting your Cadet into our family and helping turn them into leaders for a better tomorrow. Your cadet will learn teamwork, leadership, communication, and service while making lifelong friends.

Our next new Cadet Orientation is scheduled for 5 AUG 23.

If interested in the program, please contact LTJG Luedicke at Anthony.luedicke@yahoo.com. To learn more about our organization, check out www.seacadets.org

To support our Squadron directly, contact Sanci Hall at s.hall@seacadets.org Sea

Cadets is one of our Nation’s best kept secrets, and an adventure of a lifetime!

MWSS-473 and VMFA-112 kick off annual training

Courtesy Photos by MWSS-473

The Marines from Airfield Operations Company teamed up with VMFA-112 and kicked off MWSS-473's annual training with an aircraft arrestment at NAS JRB Ft Worth!

These skilled Marines worked with the pilots of VMFA-112, showcasing the power and precision of their joint forces. It was an incredible demonstration of the capabilities and readiness of Marine Forces Reserve.

Mals-41 participate in first ever mobile maintenance facility exercise

Courtesy

Photos by MALS-41

During this year's Annual Training, the Marines of MALS-41 participated in the first ever Mobile Maintenance Facility Exercise.

This exercise provided valuable hands on training in the construction and deconstruction of Mobile Maintenance Facilities in order to provide aviation logistics support to VMFA-112 and VMGR-234. This exercise was crucial in providing MALS Marines with a simulated experience of operating in an expeditionary environment while continuing to provide world class aviation logistics support. This exercise solidifies the Marines' charge to operate in any climate and place.

NAS JRB Fort Worth Relocates Fat Albert

NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TX— On July 11, Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth relocated Fat Albert to a more prominent location on the installation off of Highway 183.

The process of relocating Fat Albert started at 0700 requiring the use of an aircraft tug, which guided Fat Albert down the tarmac with meticulous precision. The move took three hours and was successful due to the coordinated efforts of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR234), Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 (MWSS-473), NAS JRB Fort Worth’s Air Operations team and Public Works department.

“The decision to place Fat Albert near 183 was primarily driven by its convenient location and the fact that no dismantling was required for transportation,” said Airfield Manager Lee Robinson. “Typically moving an aircraft of this size would involve removing the wings and tail sections before transporting them to the site and reattaching them. We were able to avoid any expenses by towing Fat Albert directly to this site without the concerns of electrical high lines. We were also able to position the aircraft near a major road, allowing the local community to easily view it. This was a win/win situation.”

Units on the installation displayed their varying skill sets and

“MWSS-473 and VMGR-234 in coordination with local base entities conducted forward aviation combat engineering (FACE) to improve the existing surface for the transportation and display of Fat Albert for community viewing,” said MWSS 473 Detachment Commander of Detachment Bravo, Captain Adam Olson.  “The project of constructing the taxiway took three months to plan and gave reserve personnel from California an opportunity to exercise their skills. While this project has strengthened the relationships with the host installation and has highlighted MWSS- 473’s ability to rapidly build an airfield.”

Assistant Maintenance Chief of VMGR-234, GySgt Samuel Stevens expressed his unit’s pride in contributing to the relocation of Fat Albert.

“The Marines of VMGR-234 maintenance department were honored to be a part of the movement of Fat Albert to its location as a static display on the base. This aircraft was flown by Marine Corps officers and enlisted aircrew that we have served with in various units,” said Stevens. “The Marines of VMGR-234 maintenance department inspected and serviced the aircraft to ensure it was safe to be towed. We assembled a tow team and towed the aircraft down the taxiway to its final resting place.”

U.S. Navy Story by Sandy Owens

Photos by Sergeant Luis Saldana and Carl Richards

effectively demonstrated their collaborative efforts through unique contributions during the move.

The successful relocation of Fat Albert was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the following team members: Mr. Lee Robinson, AO1 Murray, Scott, AD1 Behrel, Emily, AME1 Edmonds, William, AO2 Godsey, Aaron, GySgt Stevens, Samuel, Sgt Bowie, James, Cpl Garret, Tyler, Cpl Armstrong, Jesse, Mr. Jacob Knight, Mr. Curtis Moore, Mr. Matt Kiefer, Capt Olson, Adam, GySgt Dixon, George, Sgt Guerra, Sgt Amaya, Edgar, Sgt Leos, Sgt Adams, Sgt Okal, Cpl Bolano, Cpl Cornwellsynder, Cpl Lopez, Cpl Peeters, Cpl Greenleaf, Cpl Ozzy Mirales, Cpl Romero Delarosa, Cpl Thompson, Cpl Lopez, Cpl Renville, Cpl McCabe, Cpl Boote, Cpl Groce, LCpl Osborn, LCpl Saavedra, LCpl Olson, LCpl Reetz, LCpl Philips, LCpl Rose, LCpl Bautista, LCpl Armstrong, LCpl Lennox, LCpl Hildebrand and PFC Christensen.