Southernmost Flyer Oct. 2, 2015

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Eye on the Fleet

PHILIPPINE SEA

VOL. 26 NO. 40

WWW.CNIC.NAVY.MIL/KEYWEST NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FLORIDA

Protected species, combat air crews find peaceful co-existence

By MC3 Cody Babin Southernmost Flyer

(Sept. 28, 2015) AO3 Tanner Brach repairs a 20 mm gun system aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Nathan Burke

inside: THIS JUST IN Pet blessing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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aval Air Station Key West is a unique base not only because it’s home to one of the biggest combat air training programs, but it’s also home to nearly two dozen animals that are protected under the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws.

NAS Key West is challenged to conduct year-round operations as well as maintain constant compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws.

“Essentially, I serve as the installation commanding officer’s principal advisor for all environmental matters and his representative to the community,” said Environmental Director Edward Barham.

“Along with the environmental engineers, biologists, environmental protection specialists and environmental protection assistants, I develop and maintain a broad and progressive environmental management system, to ensure full compliance with all environmental laws and regulations

‘A LIST’ BBC recognized. . . . . . . . . . . 4 WWII BOMBER Crash site reviewed . . . . . . . 5 Critter sitter NAS stewardship. . . . . . . . . . 7 TOP OF PAGE ONE: An aviation boatswain’s mate (handling) launches an AV-8B Harrier attached to the Blacksheep of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4).

U.S. Navy photo by Rosa Gonzales

An American flamingo spotted on NAS Key West Boca Chica Field earlier this month is thought to be a stray from see species page 7 a flock found in the Everglades.

Navy observes Energy Action Month Fest offers ghoulishly good family fun From NAS Key West Public Affairs to the ability to provide that presence. ctober is Energy Action To be more effective, more agile Month and the DON con- and better protected, the DON is tinues to work on trans- transforming the energy culture. forming its energy culture.

That goal is reflected in the Energy The mission of the Navy and Action Month’s theme: “Power.

Marine Corps is to provide the Presence.” global presence necessary to “Diversifying our energy supensure stability, to deter potential plies and optimizing our energy use adversaries, and to present options in times of crisis. Energy is critical see Energy page 4

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From NAS Key West Public Affairs hands-on activities and displays teaching about fire safety. The ress in your Halloween safety fair is a precursor to Fire best, grab a pumpkin Prevention Week, which begins and head over to Sigsbee Sunday.

Field for Morale, Welfare and The MWR festival features a Recreation’s annual Fall Fest and wide array of activities, including Fire Safety Fair, which runs from hay rides, face painting, the Home 4 - 7 p.m. Thursday.

Depot Kid’s Workshop, the Monroe Firefighters with Naval Air County Sheriff’s Department petStation Key West’s Fire and Emergency Services will have see fest page 3

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•October 2, 2015

I’m not religious

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Oct. 2 1799 - The Washington Navy Yard is established under the direction of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert.

Oct. 3 1962 - Sigma 7 (Mercury 8) is launched.

The mission is piloted by Cmdr. Walter Schirra Jr.

Oct. 4 1998 - U.S. and Algerian navies conduct the first bilateral exercise - a search and rescue operation involving USS Mitscher (DDG 57) - since Algerian independence in 1962.

Oct. 5 1945 - Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz is given a parade in his honor through downtown Washington, D.C. at the end of World War II.

Oct. 6 1997 - NASA astronaut Cmdr. Wendy Lawrence returns from mission STS-86 Atlantis, the seventh mission to rendezvous and dock with the Russian Space Station Mir.

Oct. 7 1975 - President Gerald Ford signs a law allowing admission of women into service academies (Public Law 94-106).

Oct. 8 1960 - The third USS Constellation (CVA 64) is launched. In 1975, she is reclassified as a multi-purpose aircraft carrier and is designated (CV 64).

ost Sailors will check in with the chaplain when they make a permanent change of station to Key West, and the chaplain will usually ask if the new member has a religious preference.

More and more frequently the response is “none” or “no preference.” A little further questioning might get a response like, “I’m spiritual but not religious.”

This is not surprising because it is the trend throughout the country.

I’ve seen lots of reasons for it.

Some people are very resistant to religion and often I see it as a result of a very powerful negative experience. There was a guy I used to work with who, as a child, had a childhood friend who was hit by a car. Everyone in his church prayed he would live.

When the boy died, my friend couldn’t believe that God really existed, because if God did, such a tragedy wouldn’t occur.

Others lost faith when a pastor they trusted and believed in did something horrible and hypocritical to his own teachings. Others still may cite at how some leaders use religion to manipulate people to do bad things.

Other times I see people who aren’t religious simply because they didn’t grow up in an environment where religion was practiced. Their parents didn’t go to church or make them go, and they just never got into it.

Or people would rather go fishing than sit in church and sing songs and hear about the Bible.

I get it. I can understand all these feelings and reactions.

But, then there is the other side.

The Pope came to Cuba and the U.S. last week and people flocked to see him and hear him. Most people were Roman Catholic, but there were also Methodists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Baptists, athe-

ists, and the spiritual-but-notreligious who came out to see the Pope and were moved.

Rob O’Neal wrote an article in the Citizen this past Sunday on his experience with the Pope: “Ask anybody in town - I am not a religious person, despite the heroic efforts of my mother.

I do believe in God, though, and just try to treat people the way I’d like to be treated. However, while photographing Pope Francis in Havana last week, I think I found some religion.”

Rob was just CHAPLAIN'S one of many “I’m CORNER not religious” people who were deeply touched by the Pope’s visit.

I read a number of articles writCG Sector Key West ten by people, Chaplain who were not Roman Catholic Lt. Cmdr. or even religious, Peter Dietz who were deeply touched by this man, his message, and maybe found some religion.

Religion makes people think beyond themselves. Religion focuses on others, the community and the world we live in.

Without religion would human beings become increasingly selfcentered, not caring about the poor, underprivileged or the environment and how we treat others? I don’t know.

I don’t think religion is the only human institution that promotes these things, either, but it is a major player in focusing attention on things greater than ourselves, and in doing so, makes each one of us better. Religion is human and it is flawed, but it is divinely inspired and led. Religion gives hope and direction. The church is always reforming, correcting past sins and striving to be on the right track. The Pope has been doing this - asking forgiveness for past sins and reaching out to those in need, lost and hungry for some-

thing more.

Doing things for me may make me happy for the moment, but doing things for others gives me fulfillment and a satisfaction that lasts much longer. I do believe that religion has great value and benefit despite its faults; it provides much more meaning than just being spiritual. I am not Roman Catholic, but am glad to see a Christian leader getting out to the people of this planet offering hope, encouragement and direction.

If you want to learn more about what good things religion may have to offer you, you are welcome to attend the Protestant worship service at the Truman Annex Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. You can also speak with a chaplain at (305) 2932318, Naval Air Station Key West, or (305) 292-8788, Coast Guard Sector Key West.

“Go out to others and share the good news that God, our Father, walks at our side. He frees us from anonymity, from a life of emptiness and selfishness, and brings us to the school of encounter. He removes us from the fray of competition and selfabsorption, and he opens before us the path of peace. That peace which is born of accepting others, that peace which fills our hearts whenever we look upon those in need as our brothers and sisters.”

- Pope Francis

Commanding Officer Capt. Steven P. McAlearney Executive Officer Cmdr. Pornchai Davidson PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Trice Denny EDITOR Jolene Scholl STAFF MC3 Cody Babin This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military service and their families.

Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof.

The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Additional copy and photographs provided by the readers of the Southernmost Flyer should be addressed to: Editor, Southernmost Flyer, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Box 9001, Key West, FL 33040-9001. Copy can also be e-mailed to jolene.scholl@ navy.mil.

Telephone (305) 293-2425/2434. DSN 4832425/2434.

Deadline for all editorial copy is 4 p.m. the Friday preceding publication. All articles must be submitted on disk in text format, written in upper/lower case style.

October 2, 2015 •

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T-2C Buckeye makes final flight From Naval Air Warfare Center

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Southernmost Flyer file photo

Youngsters pose at one of the fall photo scenes set up for a previous Fall Festival. Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts the annual Fall Festival and Fire Safety Fair Thursday at Sigsbee Park. The event runs from 4 - 7 p.m.

Fest

encouraged to bring a pumpkin to paint and deccontinued from page 1 orate; MWR will provide the decorating supplies. ting zoo and Balfour Beatty The NAS Junior Enlisted Communities “Trunk or Association will sell food Treat.” Youngsters are and beverages.

Sponsors for the Fall Fest are Duncan Auto, The Home Depot, Waste Management, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fury Water Adventures, Balfour Beatty Communities, Military

Affairs Committee, Sparkling Ice, Navy League Key West Council, Key West Area Chief Petty Officers Association and VFW Post 3911. For information, call (305) 293-2682.

he Navy’s last flying T-2C Buckeye made its final flight at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, Sept. 25, capping 56 years of the aircraft type’s service to the fleet.

Although T-2s were officially retired from service in 2008 with a “sundown” ceremony, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 at NAS Patuxent River continued to use three Buckeyes as safety chase aircraft during test and evaluation flights of the E-2D Hawkeye, P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial system.

“The T-2s have been a reliable and valuable part of our squadron for

the last seven years, following what was already a distinguished career of training thousands of naval aviators,” said VX-20 Commanding Officer Cmdr. William Selk, who conducted the final flight in aircraft 320, along with retired naval aviator Kent Vandergrift. “We’re sad to see her go, but we’re thankful for all those years of faithful service. The T-2 has earned its place in naval aviation history many times over.”

The two-seat, twinengine jet was first introduced in 1959 for training including carrier-based arrested recoveries. The Buckeye had trained more than 11,000 Navy and Marine Corps student pilots before it was replaced by the T-45 Goshawk.

This Just In… Navy Ball tickets Tickets are available for the 240th Navy Ball, Oct. 16, at the Marriott Beachside Hotel second-level ballroom. The cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. The cost per ticket: E4 and below, $25; E5, $30; E6, $40; E7 and above and civilian, $45.

To purchase a ticket, contact one of the following Navy Ball Committee members: MM1 Juliana Gomez, noon - 1 p.m., at the Command PASS office, Bldg. A-324, Boca Chica Field, (618) 248-0325. ET1 Kenneth Deford at

Joint Interagency Task Force South, (305) 293-5416. OS1 Kiara Paulino, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Urinalysis Program office, Bldg. A-515, Boca Chica Field, (786) (202) 8582. LS1 Maximo Gutierrez, at Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 Supply Department, (305) 293-2382. .

Pet owners are asked to keep their pets on leashes or in a carriers, cages or aquariums for safety reasons.

For more information, call Chaplain Dietz at (305) 797-1211 or email peter.w.dietz@uscg.mil.

Vet wins scholarship

The Zonta Club of Key West has awarded the Martina Thurmond Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Peter Dietz, Ongoing Education Scholarship to Coast Guard Sector Key West, will Navy veteran Ariela Mariano, who is conduct a Blessing of the Animals at entering the Florida Keys Community 2 p.m. Sunday outside the Sigsbee Community Center on Sigsbee Park. see this just in page 4

Pet blessing ceremony

Job Title: Firefighter/EMT, NAS Key West Fire and Emergency Services Hometown: Georgetown, Kentucky Prior Duty Stations: Hunter Army Airfield Hobbies: Diving.

Future Plans: Finish my bachelor of arts degree.

Most Interesting Experience: Do what you love and love what you do.

Keith Wray

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•October 2, 2015

BBC wins ‘A List’ award for Truman housing From Balfour Beatty Communities

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his year, military housing residents were asked to provide customer feedback as part of the annual national customer satisfaction survey, also known as the CEL & Associates survey.

Based on feedback results, Naval Air Station Key West Homes, man-

Energy continued from page 1

make us better warfighters by ensuring we have the energy we need, when and where we need it,” according to a DON release quoting Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

“Over the past six years we have made significant progress. We are deploying new technologies that help us save energy on our ships, airplanes, and expeditionary systems. We are giving our Sailors and Marines the tools to make smart energy decisions that increase our reach and capability.”

By the end of this year, the Navy will have one gigawatt of renewable energy in the procurement pipeline, the release the noted.

“We have grown our fleet of alternative fuels-capable vehicles. And, in 2016,

aged by Balfour Beatty Communities, earned an ‘A List’ award for the Truman Annex neighborhood.

As part of the survey, residents graded the property management company on service points from leasing and operations, housing unit features, appearance and condition, as well as quality of maintenance, resolution response time, resident communications,

and other important service criteria. In total, BBC’s Navy Southeast portfolio earned 32 awards across 11 military housing properties, thanks to residents’ participation.

“Best-in-class customer service is what we strive for every day and the CEL resident survey is a critical benchmark of our performance,” said BBC Senior Vice President Anne-Marie

Niklaus. “Our residents have a choice about where they live and we care deeply about their feedback, suggestions and - ultimately - the quality of their living in a Balfour Beatty Communities-managed property.”

Residents with questions or suggestions should contact the Community Management Office at (305) 292-5590.

we will deploy the Great Green Fleet using advanced alternative fuel blends and showcasing energy efficiency measures that increase our combat capability,” Mabus stated.

But there is more the Navy can, and needs, to do.

Navy and Marine Corps leaders are sending the message that Sailors and Marines need to know and understand how their energy decisions can impact operations. Leaders are encouraging those under their command to take action to optimize their energy use.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps has called on Marines to adhere to an Energy Ethos which promotes the shared vision that the efficient use of energy resources is a critical component of mission readiness. The Navy created the Energy Warrior

application to tell the stories of Sailors, civilians, and others Navywide who are leading the charge to improve energy efficiency and increase combat capability.

“Our focus on energy efficiency and supply diversity as combat enablers will extend beyond the month of October,” Mabus stated.

In early 2016, the Navy will deploy the GGF, the centerpiece of which will be a Carrier Strike Group using energy conservation technologies, operating procedures, and/or alternative energy in the course of its normal operations. The CSG will join other platforms, aircraft, amphibious forces, and shore installa-

tions performing planned mission functions, as part of the GGF, throughout 2016.

“Every Sailor, Marine, civilian, and contractor will have the chance to play a part in the GGF, and I welcome your innovative ideas,” Mabus noted.

“Planned tours, engagements with partner nations, and media events are an opportunity to recognize your efforts and underscore the Navy and Marine Corps’ continued leadership in the energy arena.

“Energy Action Month reminds all of us to think creatively about ways to reduce energy consumption and to get more mission out of every gallon and kilowatt hour.”

BBC News The following LifeWorks programs are open to BBC residents only.

Pilates Monday, 9 - 10 a.m., Trumbo basketball court Trunk or Treat Thursday, 4 - 7 p.m., Fall Fest, Sigsbee Field Zumba Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Community Center Contact us: Balfour Beatty Communities Office Number: (305) 292-5590 Service Request Number: (305) 292-5596 Office hours of operation: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday Tuesday, Thursday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.

Website: www.naskeywesthomes.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/naskeywesthomes

This Just In continued from page 3

College nursing program this fall.

Mariano will use the $1,500 award to purchase books, scrubs and supplies. The award is provided to a woman at least 30 years of age enrolled as a new or existing student at FKCC to advance her current career or make a career change “Organizations like this give women like us that extra push we need to keep moving forward to a better life for us, our families and society,” said Mariano.

Zonta created the Martina Thurmond Ongoing Education Scholarship in 2014.

Boating course The Key West Sail and Power Squadron is offering the “America’s Boating Course” Saturday and Sunday at the Key West Sail and Power Squadron, 5205 College Road. The course runs 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. - noon Sunday. An optional Charting Course is offered at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The ABC course provides the boater a Florida State Boater’s ID card, which is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988, to operate a boat of 10 HP or more.

The $60 fee covers the cost of the materials; a family member willing to share materials can register for $15. Students who pass the class are also offered an introductory six-month Power Squadron membership.

For information, call Vince Melendy at (305) 296-1126.

More information is posted at www.usps.org/keywest.

October 2, 2015 •

Navy completes review of WW II bomber crash site From From Naval History and Heritage Command

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he Navy released its findings Thursday in the investigation of a World War II era aircraft wreck site in Osteen, Florida.

Naval History and Heritage Command Archaeologist George Schwarz personally visited the site, examined recovered artifacts and helped organize an ongoing survey of the site to document additional wreckage.

His investigation determined that the evidence from the site is consistent with the wreck of an SBD-5 Dauntless bomber piloted by Ensign William

Bellmire, who died in the crash. While confident of the determination, 100 percent confirmation is impossible without specific airframe identification evidence, which was not available. The crash occurred 16 miles south of DeLand Naval Air Station on Feb. 1, 1944, during a training mission.

“The accident history card for Ensign Bellmire’s plane indicates high-speed impact and demolition of the aircraft which is consistent with findings at the site,” said Schwarz. “Still, there has been no conclusive evidence from the wreck site that directly links it to Bellmire’s aircraft.”

Additionally, during

Schwarz’s visit to Osteen, a search of the site with dogs specially trained to detect human remains turned up nothing. News reports from the time of the accident indicate Bellmire’s body was returned home and buried with military honors at the Delta Cemetery in Delta, Colorado.

Those reports also indicate that Bellmire, 25, was the only child of Clarence Bellmire and Shirley May Roady Bellmire who were from Delta, but living in California at the time of the crash.

The investigation began in December 2014 when NHHC was notified that what appeared to be aircraft wreckage had been

turning up on the property of Osteen resident Rodney Thomas. He contacted Scott Storz, a volunteer at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, who then reached out to NHHC. Schwarz visited the site in February and worked with Thomas, Storz, and 45 volunteers from nearly a dozen organizations to wade through dense vegetation and sift through the Florida sand in search of more clues. More than 240 objects associated with the SBD-5 were excavated and documented, a site map of finds was developed, and a protocol for recording future finds was developed for local see WWII page 8

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This week at FFSC Transition Assistance Management Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bldg. A-515, Boca Chica Field This five-day workshop provides the most current information and referral services to exiting military members and their spouse. Topics offered include individual skills assessment, career research, understanding the civilian workplace, the job search, interviewing techniques and veteran benefits. Contact your career counselor to register.

IA Family Workshop Wednesday, 5:30 - 7 p.m., FFSC Meet and catch up with other IA families in the area.

Explore some of the unique challenges faced by IA and deployment families. The time together helps make connections with other families facing similar issues.

Ombudsman Assembly Thursday, 6:30 - 8 p.m., FFSC A local assembly for Ombudsman provides an excellent forum for sharing community matters affecting the well-being of the command family members. It allows for an opportunity to share successful practices.

Federal Employment Basics Oct. 13, 9 - 10:30 a.m., FFSC Understanding the complexity of the federal hiring process can lead to success in gaining a federal job.

Thrift Savings Plan Oct. 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m., FFSC As a Federal employee or member of the uniformed services, you have the opportunity to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement savings plan similar to 401(k) plans offered to private sector employees. The purpose of the TSP is to give you the ability to participate in a long-term retirement savings and investment plan. This training provides an overview and highlights the many advantages of the TSP. Fleet and Family Support Center’s hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. FFSC offers many services including deployment support, relocation assistance, family employment readiness, life skills education, notary service, sexual assault prevention and response, ombudsman support, transition assistance management, family advocacy and professional counseling. For more information, call (305) 293-4408 or visit the center at 804 Sigsbee Rd., Sigsbee Park.

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•October 2, 2015

MWR Update Zombie 5K MWR’s annual Zombie 5K Run is at 6 p.m. Oct. 22.

The run is free but strollers, pets and children under the age of 13 are prohibited from participating for safety reasons.

Volunteer zombies and safety personnel are needed to support the event.

Register at the Boca Chica Fitness Center, the ITT office on Sigsbee Park or at Beach Patio Recreation Center on Truman Annex. Sponsors are Navy League Key West Council, Sparkling Ice, Fury Water Adventures and the Key West Area Chief Petty Officers Association. For additional information, or to volunteer, call (305) 7977791 or email kwathletics@ gmail.com.

Babysitting break

and civilian performers.

The schedule: MWR is now soliciting cash Saturday: 1 p.m. and in-kind sponsorship to “Pixels,” (PG-13) support the show. Anyone Saturday: 6 p.m. “Ted interested in sponsorship 2,” (R) may contact the air show sponsorship coordinator by Liberty activities emailing emma.harlow@ The Liberty Single Sailor navy.mil or calling (305) Program is open to all sin293-2503. gle or unaccompanied active duty military personnel Child Care E-6 and below. Visit us on Need an extra hour or two Facebook at “MWR Liberty of child care? The School Key West” and request to be Age Care program and the added to the closed Liberty Child Development Center Group. For additional inforoffer hourly care. Families mation email naskwlibermay not exceed 10 hours ty@gmail.com or call (305) of care per child per week 293-2682 or (305) 797-4468. during SAC before and after February’s scheduled activischool program. Children ties: must have an active regisThursday - Volunteers tration on file. Make res- needed for Fall Festival, 4 ervations in person or by - 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 - 12 - Halloween calling the Youth Center at Horror Nights Trip, (305) 293-4437. For CDC $50 deposit required by hourly care, call (305) 293Wednesday.

4498.

MWR’s Child Development Center is offering additional child care. Cost is $4 per child, per hour.

Pre-registration is required two days before the day of care and immunization records are mandatory. For more information, call the CDC at (305) 293-4498.

Oct. 16 - 6:30 - 11:30 p.m. [supporting Navy Ball]; register by Oct. 14.

Oct. 24 - 7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. [supporting Haunted Clinic]; register by Oct. 22.

Family movies

2016 air show

Free movies are shown each Saturday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Beach Patio Recreation Center on Truman Annex. Popcorn and snacks are sold during the show. For more information, call (305) 293-5282.

The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels are coming to Key West on April 2 and 3. The air show also will feature other military

Join MWR for Family Movie Night on the second and fourth Friday of every month. The feature film begins at 6:30 p.m. and is shown at the Sigsbee Youth Center. For more details call (305) 293-2503.

Oct. 9 - “ParaNorman,” (PG) Oct. 23 - “Hotel Transylvania,” (PG)

Free movies

Sigsbee Marina

Sigsbee Marina hours of operation have changed for the winter months. The facility is open 7:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (305) 293-4434.

Disney salute Information, Tickets and Travel, Sigsbee Park, has the 2015 Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets: 4-day ticket with Park Hopper option for only $173.75.

Tickets are available now through Dec. 17. All active military and their spouses, Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard or Reserve can purchase up to six tickets per

for friends and family.

Tickets must be activated by military personnel or spouse at the park and tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days. Tickets must be used

by Dec. 20.

For more information, call the ITT Office at (305) 293-4173.

Ladies volleyball

custom imprinted apparel, NAS Key West logoed products, printing/copying, signage and it is also an authorized notary public. Stop by the new location and learn about services they offer.

Call (305) 293-2884 or email mwrgraphics@hotmail.com.

Fitness schedule

6:15 - 7 p.m. - Cycling (Boca Chica Cycling Studio) Wednesday 5:15 - 6 p.m. - HIIT (Boca Chica Fitness Center) Thursday 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Gentle Yoga (Sigsbee Community Center) 6:15 - 7 p.m. - Cycle (Boca Chica Cycling Studio)

Monday 5:15 - 6:05 p.m. - Cardio Kickboxing (Boca Chica Friday Fitness Center) 11 - 11:45 a.m. - Total 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. - Yoga Body Toning (Boca Chica (Boca Chica Fitness Center) Fitness Center)

A Ladies 4v4 Indoor Volleyball tournament is set for Oct. 13 and 15. The tournament is single-elimination, with a maximum of seven teams. Rosters are Tuesday Saturday due Monday. The games 10 - 10:45 a.m. - HIIT 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. - Circuit play at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. (Boca Chica Fitness Center) (Boca Chica Fitness Center) at the Boca Chica Fitness Center. For more information, or to submit a roster, call (305) 797-7791, or email kwathletics@gmail.com.

Fall basketball The 2015 Fall Basketball Tournament begins Nov. 4 with rosters due Oct. 22.

There is a maximum of eight teams. Games will be at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. on Thursdays at the Boca Chica Fitness Center. Awards are given for first and second place.

For more information, or to submit a roster, call (305) 797-7791 or email kwathletics@gmail.com.

Landing Zone The Landing Zone has relocated to Bldg. A-711 Essex Circle, Boca Chica Field. It is a one-stop shop resource center for quality products at competitive prices. Products include awards and recognitions, plaques and engraving,

October 2, 2015 •

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Southernmost Flyer file photo

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit, an endangered species, also makes its home on Boca Chica Field.

Species continued from page 1

U.S. Navy photo by Rosa Gonzales

A juvenile bald eagle, a protected species, is shown on Boca Chica Field.

U.S. Navy photo by Rosa Gonzales

Boca Chica Field is home to the American crocodile and alligators, both of which are protected species.

applicable to the installation operations.”

As the environmental director, Barham serves as the technical expert in determining appropriate policy guidance and technical assistance to NAS Key West activities on the full range of environmental resources.

The real challenge comes when NAS Key West has to comply with environmental law while keeping pilots on the runway safe from a mishap involving an animal.

To support those goals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program to minimize injury to the birds and pilots that share airspace.

“I secure the airfield and make sure the airfield is safe for flying,” said USDA Wildlife Biologist Rosa Gonzales. “The essential

part of my job is to minimize hazardous risk to the aircraft by scaring birds away from the runways.”

In addition to clearing the runways, Gonzales also studies the behavior and movements of birds in relation to the airfield environment and military training routes by pilots and air crews. This is a critical factor in trying to reduce bird strikes, she said.

“The hardest times [of the year], I would have to say, are during the fall and winter migrations,” said Gonzales.

“Raptors such as falcons, hawks and vultures arrive in large numbers, and are seen kettling in warm updrafts created by the pavement on the airfield,” she said. “This can be very dangerous for the birds and the pilots.”

According to birdstrike. org, bird and other wildlife strikes by aircraft are estimated to cause over $900 million in damage to civil-

ian and military aviation annually. Furthermore, these strikes put the lives of aircraft crew members and their passengers at risk: Over 250 people have been killed worldwide as a result of strikes since 1988.

The BASH program has successfully reduced strikes nationwide within the bounds of an airport environment since its implementation.

In addition to rare and protected birds, NAS Key West is home to many other endangered and protected species, such as American crocodile, silver rice rat and the Lower Keys marsh rabbit.

“The Navy not only understands that we need to comply with laws, but we also aim to be good stewards for the environment,” said Barham. “The Navy aims to enhance and preserve the environment while also completing the mission.”

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•October 2, 2015

U.S. Navy photograph by Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Lenzini

Naval History and Heritage Command archaeologist George Schwarz, right, and University of West Florida graduate student Nicole Mauro clean artifacts recovered from the crash site of a World War II Navy aircraft.

WWII

continued from page 5

volunteers who intend to assist with continuing the search for aircraft remains under NHHC guidance.

Schwarz says identifying wreckage and sites like this is important work.

“In addition to a better

understanding of our history and heritage, site investigations are part of our obligation to those who choose to serve, we will not forget their service and their sacrifice,” said Schwarz.

“Normally a site investigation like this one will provide a grieving family with some sense of closure,” he added, “but in this case,

with the body of the pilot recovered and returned to the family, the investigation is really being driven by the people we worked with in Osteen who are very interested in honoring the life and service of an American Sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. I was proud to join them.”

NAS Classifieds HELP WANTED NAS Key West’s Fleet and Family Support Center has an open clinical and advocacy position.

Visit www.usajobs.com and use word search clinical+ and+advocacy+technician , and include Key West in the location search.

Hiring front- and back-ofhouse personnel at new beachfront cafe on Boca Chica Field. Applicants must pass a background check. Full-time and parttime positions available.

Hourly plus benefits. Call Guillaume at (305) 9235983 or email flyawaycafekw@gmail.com to apply.

Bartenders wanted: American Legion Arthur Sawyer Post 28 on Stock Island is currently seeking part-time bartenders. Send resumes to post28adju-

tant@gmail.com, stop at the post for an application and/or call the post commander at (305) 797-4250.

NAS KEY WEST CLASSIFIEDS are free for activeduty and retired personnel, their families and civilian base employees only.

Deadline for submissions is noon the Tuesday prior to that Friday’s issue. Make submissions to the NAS Key West Public Affairs Office by email, jolene. scholl@navy.mil; mail, P.O. Box 9001, Key West, FL 33040-9001; or fax submis-

sions to (305) 293-2627.

Unless otherwise directed, ads will run for four issues.

Name and phone number must accompany all requests in order for them to be considered for publication. For more information, call (305) 293-2425.