The Waterline
February 28, 2013
Vol. XXX No.8
www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw
www.facebook.com/NavDistWash
waterline@dcmilitary.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
NDW Concludes Successful Citadel Shield Exercise Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Patrick Gordon
Naval Support Activity Washington Security personnel and volunteers take part in an active shooter drill at the U.S. Naval Observatory during the Citadel Shield 2013 field training exercise Feb. 22. Six installations within Naval District Washington took part in CS13, training and evaluating personnel in antiterrorism tactics and procedures.
Naval District Washington (NDW) concluded its Citadel Shield 2013 (CS13) exercise March 1. The event, held since 1999, is a field training exercise used to test and evaluate antiterrorism procedures at the installation level throughout the continental United States. Beginning Feb. 19, six installations within NDW - Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Support Activity (NSA) South Potomac, NSA Annapolis, NSA Bethesda, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and NSA Washington took part in various training scenarios with an emphasis on realism to train personnel. Scenarios included active shooters, mass casualty drills, bomb threats, surveillance and false credential exercises. “These exercises are always beneficial in allowing our personnel the opportunity to respond to different events and to utilize preplanned responses designed for specific scenarios,” said NDW Regional Security Officer Rob Shaffer. “They go a long way in testing the knowledge and training that we deliver to our people.”
Training for CS13 had been ongoing since the conclusion of last year’s force protection exercise to ensure that little was left to speculation in the event of a real-world emergency. “We prepare year-round for this,” said NSA Washington Antiterrorism Officer William Holdren. “As we go through this, we make sure that every installation that we have has been fully briefed, they understand what is going on, and that we have their approval for the drills, so there is a lot of preparation that goes behind this. From a police standpoint, we have ensured that all of our gear is up to date. It’s a yearly time to shine; we work extremely hard to be ready for this. Citadel Shield, we know what we’re doing.” The CS13 exercise is all-inclusive, incorporating a number of departments and personnel involved in addition to security personnel. “You have force protection, administration, emergency management, all of those components coming together in to one integrated exercise where all are working as one to complete the mission,” said Installation Training Officer for NSA Washington Audrey
See Citadel, Page 6
Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center Renovations to Enhance Fitness Experience Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
The Washington Navy Yard (WNY) Fitness Center, located in Building 22, will undergo a $2.6M renovation beginning March 1 which is expected to last through October. The main focus of the renovation is to provide renovated locker rooms, adequate HVAC, and an upgraded first floor work out area. “I am excited that the Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center will be getting this much needed renovation.” said Cmdr. David Varner, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Washington. “We have developed a great plan to minimize the impact to our fitness operations during the actual renovation but some minor inconveniences will be necessary. This project will allow us to provide the personnel who work on this base with a much improved fitness experience. A healthy Navy is a strong Navy, and this renovation will make being and staying healthy that much better for our people.” The renovation will progress in three phases to minimize impacts to customers, with select services still being offered dur-
ing the process. Phase 1, beginning March 1, will include renovations to the second and third floor of the Fitness Center. The second floor gym area and locker rooms will be closed, but the equipment and locker rooms on the first floor will still be available during that time. Racquetball court #2 will also be closed, but racquetball court #1 will remain open and available for reservations coordinated through the Fitness Center’s front desk. Alternative racquetball courts are also available in the Washington, D.C., area listed on the website provided for renovation updates, http://www.cnic.navy.mil/NSAW/ FleetAndFamilyReadiness/FitnessandSports/index.htm. The third floor group exercise room will also be closed. During this phase all group exercise classes will be held on the indoor tennis court in Building W73. Towel service will be suspended during the renovation project. Throughout the renovation, leadership intends on providing optimal fitness services to personnel at WNY. “When certain exercise areas are closed during this major renovation, our goal is to
See Fitness, Page 10
Around the Yard, page 2 Link directly to www.dcmilitary. com /waterline on your Smart phone
U.S. Navy photo by Patrick Gordon
Alex Thibau lifts weights in the Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center Feb. 26. The Fitness Center is scheduled for renovations beginning March 1 and is expected to continue in three phases through October.
INSIDE
Military Saves Week Helps Plan for Future, page 3
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
‘DMV 2 Go’ Brings Services to Servicemembers servicemembers especially, because we know how difficult it can be to take time out of their schedules to come to a DMV office,” said Sunni Brown, DMV 2 Go spokeswoman. “We know particularly for military personnel that getting off work to take care of these things can be trying, so large components of our mobile services are dedicated to serving them and their DMV needs.” Brown added that DMV staff can assist with services specific to veterans including applying for the Virginia veterans ID card. The veterans ID card serves as proof of veteran status to receive discounts from retailers and restaurants. Staff will also accept and process certificates of disability, which allow veterans to apply for a registration fee exemption. The DMV also offers more than 30 military-themed license plates. “It really is a win-win for all involved,” said Brown. Installation locations and dates of the Northern Virginia DMV 2 Go mobile office for March are: - March 5 - Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall - 126 Forrest Circle, Arlington, 22211 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - March 11 and 12 - Marine Corps Base Quantico - 3500 Russell Road,Quantico, 22134 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - March 21 - Dahlgren Naval Base - 500 Sampson Road, Dahlgren, 22448 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the DMV 2 Go program, visit www.dmvNOW.com/DMV2GO.
Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mobile customer service center, called “DMV 2 Go,” is traveling across Virginia providing services to military members, veterans, and their families. Throughout the month of March, personnel at select military installations, including some within Naval District Washington, can conveniently meet with DMV personnel for a variety of services. Northern Virginia’s mobile office is a handicap accessible 32-by-11 foot RV, nicknamed “Mozart” in keeping with the ‘Mo’ for mobile office naming convention. Mozart has three customer service work stations, two testing stations and a public kiosk to access other state services through a Virginia internet portal. The office-on-wheels is equipped to process all DMV transactions. Personnel can apply for or renew ID cards and driver’s licenses; get copies of driving records; obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals and transcripts; order disabled parking placards or plates; obtain fishing and hunting licenses; update addresses for your DMV record and voter registration; change organ donor status; set up a “myDMV” account; and many other services. “We like to provide these services to Virginia drivers, and
Courtesy photo
Northern Virginia’s mobile “DMV 2 Go” office offers three customer service work stations, two testing stations and a public kiosk to access other state services through a Virginia internet portal. The truck will be visiting several military installations in Naval District Washington in March.
Around the Yard What did you notice most about this year’s Citadel Shield exercise?
I really didn’t notice anything different. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Collis Foster Branch Medical Clinic Washington Navy Yard
The Waterline
Commandant, Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Patrick J. Lorge NDW Public Affairs Officer Edward Zeigler Waterline Staff Photojournalist MC2 Kiona Miller Writer Pat Gordon Copy Editor/Page Designer The Gazette/Comprint Military Publications Lorraine Walker All stories must be submitted by 4 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. E-mail stories to: waterline.ndw.fcm@navy.mil or bring/mail to: The
I noticed that we stood a few more watches, but other than that, not much. Midshipman 1st Class Alex Kornick United States Naval Academy
Waterline, 1411 Parsons Ave. SE, Suite 205, Washington Navy Yard, 20374. Submissions should be free of military times and should contain the first and last names with ranks/rates, warfare qualifications, job titles and duty station/command of all persons quoted or referred to. All submissions must also include the author’s name and office or telephone number where they can be reached. If you have further questions, call or contact the editor at (202) 433-9714, fax (202) 433-2158. This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, retirees, DOD civilians and their family members. Contents of The Waterline do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy, and does not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute
Nothing, really. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Luis Mojica BFQ Washington Navy Yard
endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy, Naval District Washington or Comprint, Inc., of the products or services advertised. This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 9481520, a private firm in no way connected with DOD or the U.S. Navy, under exclusive contract with Naval District Washington. To place display advertising, please call (240) 4737538. To place classified advertising, call (301) 6702505. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The editorial content of The Waterline is edited and approved by the public affairs office of Naval District Washington.
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This Week in Navy History February 28
1844 - Explosion of Peacemaker, an experimental 14 inch gun, aboard USS Princeton. 1893 - Launching of USS Indiana (BB-1), the first true battleship in the U.S. Navy. 1959 - USS Strong (DD-758) rescues 13 Arab fishermen from Bahrain when their fishing boats floundered in a storm. 1980 - Blue crew of USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) launches four Trident I (C-4) missiles in first C-4 operational test.
March 1
1942 - U-656 becomes the first German submarine of World War II to be sunk by naval air power (VP-82). 1954 – The first of six detonations in the Operation Castle nuclear test. Graphic courtesy of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum
The Seabee name and logo, depicting a bee shooting with building tools in his hands, was adopted March 5, 1942. The name came from the abbreviation of the units’ designation as construction battalions, or “CBs” for short.
March 2
1859 - Launch of USS Saginaw at Mare Island, Calif., the first Navy ship built on the West Coast of the U.S. 1867 - Birthday of the Civil Engineer Corps. 1899 - Act of Congress creates the rank of “Admiral of the Navy” for George Dewey.
1973 - Women begin pilot training in U.S. Navy.
March 3
1776 - First U.S. Navy amphibious landing operation. The Continental naval squadron under Commodore Esek Hopkins lands Sailors and Marines, commanded by Marine Capt. Samuel Nicholas, on New Providence Island, Bahamas, capturing needed ordnance and gunpowder. 1871 - Navy Medical Corps established. 1883 - Congress authorizes four modern ships of steel, “A,B,C, D Ships”; three cruisers, Atlanta, Boston and Chicago; and a dispatch boat, Dolphin. 1915 - Office of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) established. 1915 - Congress creates Federal Naval Reserve. Under it, the Naval Reserve Force is built up. 1960 - USS Sargo (SSN-583) return to Hawaii from arctic cruise of 11,000 miles, 6,003 miles under the polar ice.
March 4
1911 - Appropriation of first funds for experiments in naval aviation.
1925 - Congress authorizes restoration of USS Constitution. 1947 - Operation Highjump, air operations in Antarctica, ends. 1963 - A Navy Hercules aircraft completes 12-day rescue operation of critically ill Danish seaman from Danish freighter off the coast of Antarctic.
March 5
1942 - Name and insignia of “Seabees” officially authorized. 1943 - USS Bogue (CVE-9) begins first anti-submarine operations by escort carrier. 1960 - USS Newport News (CA-148) and personnel from Port Lyautey complete emergency relief operatons at Agadir, Morocco, after an earthquake on Feb. 29, 1960.
March 6
1822 - USS Enterprise captures four pirate ships in the Gulf of Mexico 1862 - USS Monitor departs New York for Hampton Roads, Va. 1942 - U.S. Cruisers and destroyers bombard Vila and Munda, Solomon Islands, sinking two Japanese destroyers.
MARCORSYSCOM Engineers Military Saves Week Helps Servicemembers Plan for Test Saber at Dahlgren Their Futures
Andrew Revelos South Potomac Pilot Staff Writer
Members of Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) recently conducted validation testing of the sighting system on the Marine Corps’ newest anti-armor technology at the Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren airfield. The M41A4 Saber System has replaced the M220A3 TOW Weapon System in Marine Corps infantry and tank battalions. As a premiere military research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) organization, MARCORSYSCOM serves the ever-evolving needs of Marine warfighters. Its engineers came to Dahlgren to test the Saber System’s newest sighting features, for which the airfield at Dahlgren provided an “ideal spot.” Making use of the flat, specific distances at the airfield, MARCORSYSCOM engineers worked to ensure that Saber’s mil dot reticle sight remains true when operators make sight adjustments. It is vitally important that warfighters are able to quickly adjust the sight’s zoom, magnification, day and night features with no change in the missile’s point-of-impact. The concept is not too far removed from the basic principles of marksmanship every Marine learns on the rifle range, though applying those principles to a guided missile system is a considerably more complicated proposition. The goal, however, is exactly the same: one shot, one kill. To accomplish that goal, MARCORSYSCOM engineers depend on feedback from the operating forces and many of the RDT&E professionals who serve the command are themselves former Marines and combat veterans. “Our primary mission is to support the warfighter through the research, development, acquisition, fielding and disposal of equipment that allows Marines to do their job as a premier expeditionary force,” said Kevin Deal, systems engineer for MARCORSYSCOM. “Feedback, from both the operating forces and [the] retired Marines who are present within our development teams at Marine Corps Systems Command, pro-
Patrick Gordon NDW Waterline writer
U. S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
Dave Virkler, a contractor support engineer to MARCORSYSCOM AntiArmor Systems Program Office, uses the M41A4 Saber to sight in a target as part of recent validation testing at the NSF Dahlgren airfield. vides real-world insight into whether or not equipment will meet the demands of the Marine warfighter.” There is no question that anti-armor guided missiles will be a fixture of combat for the foreseeable future. The TOW Weapon System, predecessor of the Saber System, first saw use in the Vietnam War and updated versions were used extensively during the Gulf War. Soldiers famously employed TOW missiles during the Iraq War to kill the sons of Saddam Hussein, Uday and Qusay, who barricaded themselves in a building during a firefight with American forces. Ensuring that the Saber System functions properly for Marines in those kinds of highstress combat zones motivates Deal and his team. “The demonstration of service to others that Marines display in their dedication to our nation is what motivates me to support the Marine warfighter,” he said. “I too wish to demonstrate that same dedication to country and I find the most proper way to accomplish this is through the use of my engineering talents in support of our Marines.” The attitude is a familiar one among Dahlgren’s own professionals, who pride themselves on not only serving Navy warf-
See Test, Page 6
Military Saves Week, a partner in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Campaign, is scheduled to run to March 2. The annual program conducts an annual savings campaign and is part of America Saves and is coordinated by the non-profit Consumer Federation of America. The goal of Military Saves Week is to encourage servicemembers and their families to take the “Military Saves pledge,” a commitment to begin the journey toward financial freedom. The program promotes positive changes in personal financial behavior through the notion that everyone can “Set a Goal, Make a Plan, Save Automatically.” “Without those three elements, saving money is so difficult,” said Paul Grossman, regional work and family life coordinator. “Military Saves Week is a time when servicemembers and families can focus on their future goals. It is a time to pause and rethink their financial goals and strategies for achieving them. Whether young or old, single or married, it’s never too late to start planning and saving. During Military Saves Week, servicemembers should be evaluating their emergency fund, ways to reduce debt, and savings for short and long-term needs. While not considered important by some, financial instability can have a great impact on the lives of servicemembers and mission readiness. In addition to the stress poor finances can cause on an individual’s personal life, it can affect them professionally as well. Poor credit or high debt can lead to loss of security clearances, which affects overall mission readiness. Statistics show that it is a concern, as well. According to a 2012 Consumer Federation of America and the American Savings Education Council Annual Savings Survey, fewer than 50 percent of Americans say they have a savings plan with specific goals. Among the services, 54 percent of military families say that they have not set aside sufficient emergency funds to cover at least three months’ worth of expenses, and
U.S. Navy photo by Patrick Gordon
Financial planning is essential for all military personnel. Military Saves Week, running Feb. 25 to March 2, encourages servicemembers to “Set a Goal, Make a Plan, Save Automatically” in order to better prepare for their futures. 68 percent express that they feel stress from their family’s current financial condition according to the 2012 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Report. Military Saves Week aims to curb those rising numbers by educating servicemembers on how to take control of their finances and plan for their futures. Servicemembers can go to www.militarysaves.org to make a pledge to save, and are encouraged to attend training provided by the Personal Financial Educators at Fleet/Military and Family Support Centers. Throughout the week, Personal Financial Educators will offer various workshops and one-on-one consultations on multiple financial topics. These sessions will assist in debt reduction, investing, credit management, thrift savings plan, retirement planning, and saving for college. “The most successful part of Military Saves Week has been the partnerships established between personal financial educators, commands, and community organizations to deliver workshops, display informational tables, and conduct one-on-one consultations has increased money management
See Plan, Page 10
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
NSA Washington-JBAB Fleet Family and Fun CAREER SUPPORT AND RETENTION The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Offers an array of services and benefits to transitioning service members, including computers setup for individuals to go online to different job banks, college and scholarship resources and career assessment tools. Resume Writing Workshops are offered which includes Federal Resume Writing Interview Skills, information on veterans’ benefits and a professional resource library; Two TAP Seminars and one Executive TAP Seminar - five-day programs - are offered monthly sponsored by the departments of Labor and Veteran Affairs, and include in-
Provides presentations to help commands meet requirements, as well as enhance operational and personal readiness
FFR/MWR Phone numbers
including parenting skills training, couples
Fitness Centers
communication, anger and stress man-
Washington Navy Yard, bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2282/2829
agement, conflict resolution, Child Abuse Awareness, Spouse Abuse Awareness and
Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT)
suicide prevention. Trainings can be cus-
Ticket Office, WNY Bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-2484
tomized to fit needs of the command.
Travel Office, WNY Bldg. 184 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-8299
New Parent Support Program (NPS)
Food & Beverage
Assists new parents in coping with the
Catering & Conference Center, WNY Bldg. 211 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3041/4312
demands of parenting and military life
Mordecai Booth’s Public House, WNY Bldg. 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 678-0514
through parenting education and training and home visits to new parents prior
Military and Family Support Center
to delivery and after delivery; information
MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-6151
and referral for military and community re-
MFSC, JBAB Bldg. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-0450
sources; child development screenings and
Other Important Numbers
formation that will benefit the transitioning
monitoring. All active duty members and
military member.
their families who are pregnant and or have
FFR Administrative Office, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3659
children in the home from infancy to three
FFRP Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-4052
years old are eligible for these home visita-
MWR Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-4662
tion services.
MWR Marketing Department, WNY Bldg. 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-5912
Deployment/mobilization/readiness
Family Housing Office, JBAB Bldg. 414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-0346
Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) Offers seven basic services, which include job search strategies, job readiness, resource information, job referral service, individual counseling assistance, career planning and links to education and volunteer opportunities.
Personal Financial Management (PFM) Program offers individual and family financial counseling, financial classes, and is responsible for the Command Financial specialist training in the Region (NDW).
Improve your speaking skills with Helmsmen Toastmasters Join us Thursdays, 7:30-8:45 a.m., at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center. Toastmasters is an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better. For more info, contact Carl Sabath at carl.sabath@osd. mil, 703-695-2804, or Elizabeth Femrite
Regional Child Placement Office, JBAB Bldg. 414. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3055 Assisting Sailors and family members prepare for deployment, manage separations and reunite and reintegrate with families
Liberty Program/Center, JBAB Bldg. 72. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-1802 Outdoor Recreation/Equipment Rental, JBAB, Bldg. 928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-9136 Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, JBAB, Bldg. 602 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 404-7050
and community through services including the Family Accountability and Assessment System, Individual augmentee (IA) Indoc Course and Deployed Family Fun Days.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
group exercise room will also be closed and
MWR & CMWR are hosting a new special
classes will be relocated to Building 73 on
event. The Bornstein’s are a comedy and
the indoor tennis courts. Two changing
mind-reading duo that will leave you say-
rooms will be provided in Building 73. Tow-
ing “Wow!” The event will begin with a lunch
el service will be suspended throughout the
buffet which includes fried chicken, fish,
Provides assistance to service members
entire renovations. For further information
with special needs children and family
and updates throughout all phases, please
members with medical needs including re-
do not hesitate to ask the staff members at
source referral to medical, counseling and
the Fitness center. You can also sign-up for
educational services, support groups and
email alerts by emailing your full name and
care providers. Assists in finding duty sta-
email to nsaw.marketing1@gmail.com.
tions where needs are met. Mandatory enrollment per OPNAVINST 1754.2D.
MWR Happenings
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Pub March 14 | 4 to 8 p.m. | Mordecai Booths Public House Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a few days early
at elizabeth.m.femrite.civ@mail.mil, 571-
Fitness Center Renovations - Phase 1
at the Pub. Join us after work for some great
256-8674. Remember, great Helmsmen
Begins March 1 | WNY Fitness Center
live music entertainment and Karaoke by DJ
say, “Yes!” To learn more about Helmsmen
Phase 1 will include renovations to the
Scott, party specials, giveaways and more.
Toastmasters, visit http://helmsmen.toast-
2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor gym area
mastersclubs.org
and locker rooms will be closed but the
DEPLOYMENT READINESS/ FAMILY SERVICES Life Skills Education
equipment and locker rooms on the 1st floor will be available for use. Racquetball court #2 will also be closed so please coordinate reservations for use of racquetball court #1 at the front desk. The 3rd floor
The Bornstein’s - A Comedy & Mind Reading Duo March 21 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Catering & Conference Center $15 in advance | $20 at the door (includes admission & lunch buffet)
macaroni & cheese, greens, salad and dessert. After lunch, the show will begin around 11:30am. Purchase your tickets at the MWR ITT offices or call 202-433-5912 for more information regarding this event!
MWR Ticket Office Hours in the Town Center The MWR ITT Office located in Building 22 (Town Center/Food Court) has new hours of operation. They will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you need to contact the office during normal hours of operation you can reach them at 202-433-2484.
March Group Exercise Schedule Please visit the Washington Navy Yard Fitness Center in Building 22 to receive a copy of this month’s Group Exercise Schedule.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
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NDW News Follow NDW on Facebook and Twitter
NDW has a Facebook fan page in order to provide updated information to all NDW residents, tenants, employees (military, civilian, and contractors), and the American public. Show your support, “Like Us,” and become a fan to see exciting news relating to the Naval District Washington. www.facebook.com/NavDistWash Follow us on Twitter @navaldistwash http://twitter.com/NavalDistWash NSAW has a Twitter page for the Washington Navy Yard to provide the public with up-to-date operating hours of the Navy Yard portion of DC’s Riverwalk. Follow us on Twitter @WNYRiverwalk http://twitter.com/WNYRiverwalk.
Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium
The Sea Service Leadership Association has opened registration for its 26th annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium, the largest gathering of military women in the nation. Women from each of the five service branches are invited to register. The twoday symposium will be held March 10-12, at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Attendees may register at www.sealeader.org.
Crews Into Shape
It’s time to start thinking about getting your body back to that fit, energetic, healthy you. The good news is that you can have fun doing it. The 13th annual “Crews Into Shape” challenge will run March 3 to March 30. Begun in 2001, the challenge is a four-week long team approach to wellness where each team member earns points for exercising, maintaining or achieving a weight goal, eating fruits and vegetables, and other activities. Sponsored by the Navy Marine Corps Public Health Center, the challenge is open to the entire DoD family. Find two to 10 crew members, pick a crew leader and register your team by March 3. Sign-ups and forms are web-based, making participation smoothsailing. Crew leaders receive frequent “Crews Notes” during the campaign to encourage their crew members. Crew names and locations are posted on the web. For challenge rules and registration information, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/Pages/crews-into-shape.aspx.
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CEC Officers, NAVFAC Civilians Recognized During National Engineer Week From NAVFAC Washington Public Affairs
Civilian and military engineers at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, the systems command that delivers and maintains buildings for its military supported commands, are recognized during National Engineer Week, Feb. 17-23. Engineers at NAVFAC Washington are involved in all aspects of building facilities, infrastructure and utilities systems including project management, design and construction management on projects that range from smaller public works tasks to multimillion dollar military construction. “Facility engineers and architects are who we are,” said Tom Cox, NAVFAC Washington chief engineer. “We provide all physical infrastructure that exists on these installations. From buildings to roads to utilities, at some time we’ve been tasked to get them in place.” At Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP), this means current projects such as the Agile Chemical Facility at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head. The project supports the existing mission to manufacture nitrate esters, including torpedo fuel. The project consists of constructing several new facilities and renovating existing facilities. Engineers are also working on upgrades to NSF Indian Head’s steam distribution system, to replace the Goddard Power Plant. The project will reduce energy consump-
Courtesy photo
From left, Public Works Department South Potomac engineers Dan McCreery and James Kjelland, and architect Ron Castillo review plans for an active project. tion, decrease utility costs, and improve steam distribution. “The South Potomac Public Works Department provides facilities and engineering services to multiple tenant commands in support of their missions and the joint warfighter,” said Cmdr. Jeffrey Brancheau, NSASP public works officer. “Our personnel interface with a wide array of clients and strive to provide cost-effective and efficient service including construction project support, facilities maintenance,
See NAVFAC, Page 6
NDW Puts Force Protection to the Test
U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
Naval Support Activity South Potomac police officers advance down a hallway in tactical gear toward a role-playing hostage taker during Citadel Shield exercises at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren on Feb. 20; the “stack” had to move in a tight formation to provide cover and minimize vulnerabilities.
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Patrick Gordon.
Security personnel at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Naval Support Activity Washington attend to a simulated casualty during an active shooter exercise Feb. 22. The exercise was one of many held by six installations in Naval District Washington for the Citadel Shield 2013 (CS13) exercise. CS13 is an antiterrorism field training exercise held throughout the continental United States.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 John Hamilton
NSAB security officers crouch behind their police cruiser while apprehending a suspect in a training exercise during CS13.
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Champagne. “It’s the best way to train our people. We can read books and Power Points all day long, but if we’re not out, boots on the ground, with every part of the command doing their part to recover from whatever events are taking place, it means nothing until we’re actually doing it.” With the conclusion of CS13, leadership will continue the process of training and evaluating its personnel, eventually leading up to next year’s force protection exercise; but not before taking the opportunity to review the successes of this year’s event. “The most successful part of Citadel Shield has been allowing us the opportunity to evaluate our own preplanned responses and measure those against what we are trying to achieve,” said Shaffer. For more information from NDW, visit the NDW Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NavDistWash.
facilities service, and environmental support. “The collective effort of the public works team ultimately supports national defense by delivering and maintaining quality facilities essential to the research, development and technology provided by our tenants to
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Continued from 3 ighters, but also the wider military RDT&E community. The installation’s largest command, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NWSC DD), collaborates with MARCORSYSCOM on a regular basis. Deal explained why sharing resources is so vital to military RDT&E. “It is important for military scientists and engineers to share knowledge and resources because by so doing they are able to accomplish more with less through the pooling of talents that would not otherwise be available individually,” he said. “No single person has all the answers to any one problem. It is necessary to collaborate with and be open to teaming with others so that we might gain from one another’s understandings. This is especially true in the world of science and engineering where progress is built on the backs of previous scientists’ and engineers’ research and discoveries.”
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support the joint warfighter,” adds Brancheau. Engineers at NAVFAC Washington bring competencies in several focus areas. These include project management, civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, fire protection, engineering and architecture, and construction management. “In my career with NAVFAC, I’ve been challenged with each new job assign-
ment,” said Liann Lofton, electrical design engineer. “I take great pride in my work in helping to achieve our mission, since I get to see a direct effect on how it affects the morale of Navy Sailors and their families.” The Civil Engineer Corps, which employs approximately 2.5 percent of all Navy officers, is a unique organization with no exact counterpart in any other
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service or any other Navy in the world. The majority of these officers work in contract management, public works or with the Seabees. “The Civil Engineer Corps presents a unique opportunity for engineering professionals,” said Cmdr. Kevin Bartoe, assistant regional engineer. “We are credentialed engineers, contracting acquisition specialists and Navy lead-
ers. The CEC supports construction and maintenance of over $200 billion in plant property across the world, while also being ready to respond to natural disasters and contingency conflicts throughout the world.” Currently two NAVFAC Washington CEC officers are on Individual Augmentee assignments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
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USU Hosts Panel on LGBT Mental Health
Jeremy K. Johnson NSAB Public Affairs staff writer
Photo by Jeremy K. Johnson
Cathy Cooper, left, seated next to her wife of 20 years, Army Capt. Angela Shrader, answers questions from military psychologists about life as a military spouse in a same-sex marriage. Three other panelists, including Shrader, discussed being lesbian and gay in the military before and after the policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and how being lesbian or gay affected deployment experiences.
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The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) hosted the first educational panel to focus on the mental well-being of deployed gay and lesbian service members by featuring four panelists affected by the issue Feb. 6. Three openly gay and lesbian service members and the wife of one panelist sat for an hour and a half in the Sanford Auditorium at USU to answer questions from 31 military mental health specialists about the types of issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) service members, especially when deployed. The panel was part of a 10-day course called “Topics on Deployment Psychology” conducted by the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) based in Bethesda, Md. According to Dr. Ken Furman, who organized the course, CDP’s mission is to train military and civilian mental health providers to provide evidence-based care for service members and their families. “Topics on Deployment
Psychology” focuses on preparing doctors to help service members with deployment preparation, adjustment, sustainment, completion and re-acclimation. The course is designed specifically for uniformed mental health specialists who may not have experience being deployed or may be new to their careers. Furman arranged the LGBT-themed panel based on his professional estimation that the related areas of therapy needed to be discussed. “This is one of the areas I thought needed some consideration,” he explained. “It’s not talked about in terms of training programs and [was] certainly not before ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ [ended].” During the discussion, students asked questions about a variety of LGBT-specific issues that they had seen with patients or wanted to know more about, including coming out in uniform, dealing with harassment, substance abuse, isolation and even transgender issues. Panelists talked about life under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), trust issues with military mental health providers, dealing with hostile coworkers and being isolated when a spouse is deployed. This included testimony from Angela Shrader, an Army Captain, and Cathy Cooper, her partner of 20 years. Together they described life under DADT, navigating conversations among military personnel in such a way as to not be identified as a couple. Shrader recalled a situation where she was having surgery and her supervisor wanted to make sure she had someone looking after her at home. “Cathy was there to help me,” she explained. “But I couldn’t tell my boss that. She was insistent, so I had to make something up. I told her my mother was coming into town, which was not true. It went against everything I believe about Army values and integrity.” Cooper expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share their story, “For me it was a privilege to sit before those mental health professionals as a same sex wife of an Army Captain. I hope they left with more insight into their own comfort level when it comes to treating LGBT persons.” Panelist Todd Burton, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard, shared with the audience his experiences while on deployment the day DADT officially ended. “I immediately came out to my superiors, though it was probably easier for me,” he told the group, “because I was protected as an officer.” All four panelists consistently told the students that the decision of whether or not to come out to fellow service members has a lot to do with the climate of the unit and how safe they feel. Afterward, Burton said being a part of the discussion was a positive experience. “It was an incredible privilege to participate in this forum,” he added. “The students were engaged, interested, and really want to do the right thing as they move from the classroom to the field. They presented challenging questions that really showed their commitment to meeting the needs of all service members.” CDP Executive Director David Riggs said similar dialogs in the past have been limited. “Where it’s come up usually for us is in discussions of professional ethics. The question that has come up over and over again, before DADT was repealed: ‘Do we have the obligation to report that someone has come out?’” He pointed out that the Topics on Deployment Psychology panel was different because it focused entirely on LGBT issues, “I thought it was a very nice discussion. The questions that were asked were clearly on the minds of the providers.” Cooper had a similar reaction, “I know the panel discussion was beneficial because so many attendees came up to us afterward and thanked us for the insight.” Burton said he believes the panel’s inclusion at a military medical training facility was just as significant as the content. “The Center’s decision to address this topic is one of the most important steps to date towards full inclusion of LGBT service members by the military,” he explained. “The medical community is critical. Their willingness to reach out and talk about these issues now and in the future is a necessary step towards full integration and acceptance.” Army Capt. Rich Blake, a student in the course, agreed. “That’s exactly the point,” he said. “More important than the content itself or the perspectives that the panelists gave was the fact that it was actually happening. It was pretty obvious by most of the reactions of the other military psychologists in the crowd that this was a big moment in military history, where there was an open discussion about how policies and regulations were affecting the military’s LGBT community and what we’re going to do to make a positive impact on that.” One of the impacts Furman would like to see, he professed, is students taking what they learned from the panel, as well as the other classes, back to their commands. “All of these folk are going to go back to their training sites, so I would hope that this would open up discussions for them back there with their training faculty to allow them to explore treatment considerations where the folks actually are.” The course is conducted five times a year. After seeing how well the panel went, Riggs said he supports holding similar panels in the future, “I think it’s a good idea; we’ll probably do it.”
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visit www.dcmilitary.com.
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PLAN
Continued from 3 awareness and resiliency for servicemembers and their families,” said Grossman. “Military Saves reports pledges increased by over 30 percent from 2007 to 2012.” The program has shown to be successful since its debut in 2007, with 2012 being the most successful. The last Military Saves Week had the largest participation to date, with 339 organizations signed up or reported participating. Those organizations included 253 installations, commands, and detachments, 62 financial institutions - with over 305 branch locations participating - and 24
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Continued from 1 still be able to provide a quality service, so the alternative exercise area will be the indoor tennis court area in Building 73,” said Lori Riccio-Walker, Installation Marketing Director for MWR and Fleet and Family Readiness Programs. “During phase 1 of the renovation all of the group exercise classes will take place on the indoor tennis court area in Building W73.” The phased aspect of the renovation will also enable more space to be used by customers while renovations are taking place. “Typical renovation projects start at the top and end at the bottom in order to reduce construction traffic in completed areas,” said Andrew Gutberlet, Deputy Public Works Officer at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington. “By starting on the second floor, the contractors will be able to keep the Fitness Center partially operational throughout the construction project.” Riccio-Walker said the renovation will be the first major renovation project the WNY Fitness Center will have had since it opened
non-profit organizations. In the first quarter of 2012, 26,394 individuals took the Military Saves Pledge, increasing the number of people enrolled in Military Saves to over 128,000. “As we move into the future, expect more materials, resources, and information from Military Saves,” said Grossman. “Our focus on a year-round effort has improved and expanded. We will continue to engage with commands and community organizations. Look for financial themes focused on savings throughout the year from your local Family Support Center.” For more information on Military Saves Week, visit www.militarysaves.org, or contact a local Fleet/Military and Family Support Center and learn about the savings events being offered. in the late 1990s. She added that customers can look forward to new floors in the first floor exercise area, updated and reconfigured locker rooms, a modernized HVAC system and a brand new reception area. “The updated HVAC system will provide better airflow throughout the entire facility,” said Riccio-Walker. “The locker rooms are being reconfigured, allowing the first floor locker room area to be Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. The first floor exercise area will be painted and have brand new flooring installed that will extend up the wall, protecting them from damage, and the reception area will be brand new to provide a more welcoming environment for customers when they walk into the center.” For the most up-to-date information regarding the WNY fitness center renovations, sign up for email alerts by emailing your full name and email to nsaw.marketing1@gmail. com. Updates will also be made on the NDW Facebook page at http://www.facebook. com/NavDistWash, the NDW Twitter feed, http://twitter.com/NavalDistWash, and http://www.cnic.navy.mil/NSAW/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/FitnessandSports/ index.htm.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Know an outstanding caregiver or non-profit organization that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Wounded Warrior Caregiver of the Year Award presented by DCMilitary Family Life. Write a short essay about an individual or organization that has provided exceptional assistance to a Wounded Warrior during their time of need over the past year. Submissions will be collected and judged based upon their recent sacrifices and contributions made in order to care for Wounded Warrior(s). 5 finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel appointed by Comprint Military Publications and all will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where the winners will be publicly announced. All finalists will appear in the June issue of DCMilitary Family Life magazine. Cash prizes will be donated to the winners and top finalists.
Visit www.dcmilitary.com/award for more information or email your essay to caregiver@dcmilitary.com Enter by March 29, 2013! SPONSORS INCLUDE:
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