FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
Eye on the Fleet
ATLANTIC OCEAN
VOL. 26 NO. 37
WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA
NPM week 2 focuses on home fires (Sept. 6, 2015) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman L. R. Mcintyre, assigned to the ‘Fist of the Fleet’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, cleans a muzzle-clamp for a 20 mm machine gun in the hangar bay of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN L. A. Preston
inside: TEST TIME Going for second. . . . . . . . . . 3 FRC VISIT Commanding officer . . . . . . 4 ACT Proclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 HULA ON MWR luau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 TOP OF PAGE ONE: An E-2C Hawkeye, assigned to the ‘Wallbangers’ of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, performs a ouch-andgo’ on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
From NAS Key West Public Affairs
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Ramrod Key family of three perished in a home fire this summer. In 2009, a young Coast Guardsman died when his Sigsbee bachelor quarters caught fire. Home fires cause thousands of dollars in damage and take lives. This week, home fire safety is the focus National Preparedness Month, which takes an all hazards approach to emergency preparation. Unattended cooking has been the cause of at least two fires on Naval Air Station Key West. Other causes of home fires include unattended candles or overloaded electrical outlets. Smoke alarms can warn of smoke and fire but families need be prepared to escape. As part of their emergency preparations, families should make and practice an escape plan. The plan should include every family member knowing how and when to safely exit the home. It should also include a see NPM page 2
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cody Babin
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus speaks to Marines from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 during Mabus’ visit to Naval Air Station Key West Thursday. Mabus was on a fleet visit to the air station to meet Sailors and Marines and discuss Navy air and port operations in Key West.
SECNAV visits southernmost naval air station
From NAS Key West Public Affairs
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ecretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made a quick fleet visit to the southernmost city to visit with Sailors and Marines at Naval Air Station Key West Thursday. Mabus toured Boca Chica Field and spoke with the Marines of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 and Sailors at Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 and Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111. After Boca Chica Field, NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Steve McAlearney took Mabus to the Truman waterfront to talk to units training in the waters off Key West. Mabus spent the short time in Key West chatting with Sailors and
Marines and posing for their every photo request. Mabus also spoke to NAS Key West’s chief petty officer selectees, wishing them strength in the final week of their CPO Phase 2 training. With more than 100 naval installations spanning the globe, McAlearney knows it is imperative to show off what makes NAS Key West unique and valuable to the Navy. Before SECNAV’s arrival, he spoke to the hard work accomplished at the air station. “When you work in paradise, there’s a perception up north that you don’t work as hard, and I want to show the Secretary how hard our Sailors and civilians work here every day,” said McAlearney. “I’m excited for him to
see us at work and for the opportunity to show off just what all we accomplish here on a daily basis, not just for the Navy, but all of the Department of Defense, as well.” At the end of the day, Mabus saw firsthand that Key West is capable of producing more than just perfect sunsets and that NAS Key West is a world-class installation with support from the Key West community. “I greatly appreciated the opportunity to visit with Sailors and Marines and see the outstanding capabilities of Naval Air Station Key West,” said Mabus. “We have always received tremendous support from the community here and I would like to thank the people of Key West for their hospitality.”