The Waterline - Jan 5, 2012

January 5, 2012

The Waterline Vol. XXIX No. 1

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NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Fleet and Family Readiness improves quality of life

By Aaron J. Heiner, NDW Public Affairs When reporting to your new duty station, married or single, chances are good that you may need some type of support whether it's childcare or housing. Regardless of those needs, the Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) programs are available to provide all the resources to enhance your and your family’s quality of life.

FFR at Naval District Washington (NDW) facilitates mission readiness through its Family Readiness, Fleet Readiness and housing programs.

"FFR provides the quality of life programs for the Sailors and their families," said Richard Kozlowski, director of NDW's FFR. The Family Readiness division provides social services through the Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP). These services are provided at the Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) throughout NDW with an excep-

tion at Joint Base Anacosita-Bolling (JBAB).

Kozlowski stated the FFSCs are the "social workers" of the Navy which also encompasses deployment support.

Some of the FFSC services provided include: relocation assistance, deployment support, spouse employment services, the transition assistance program, financial management counseling, child and youth programs, family advocacy and crisis intervention.

"We have the child and youth development programs, and programs that focus on domestic abuse, which are very important these days," said Kozlowski.

Another function provided by Fleet Readiness includes the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. MWR provides Navy personnel access to sports and fitness, outdoor recreation, liberty programs, including tickets and travel, and temporary lodging.

"We provide a lot of different activities, from our core programs such as fitness and the Liberty Centers, which are recreational

Photo courtesy of NDW Public Affairs

The Naval Support Activity Washington's Liberty Center is an "onbase getaway" available to all E-1 to E-6 single and unaccompanied enlisted military personnel. rooms where personnel can relax by watching a movie, or play games," he said.

MWR also offers recreational campsites and cabins that service members and retirees can rent. Recently Fleet Readiness has strived to improve travel lodging through Navy Gateway Inns and Suites.

"Navy Gateway Inns and Suites is what use

FFSP offers many opportunities

By Aaron J. Heiner, NDW Public Affairs Military life is unique and can be tough for service members and their families. Sailors face a number of life’s challenges both on and off the job. However, these challenges may be overcome with the assistance from the many programs offered by the Fleet and Family Support Program.

"The mission of the FFSP is to support military personnel and their family members, to overcome the challenges that arise from the military way of life," said Robert Klebahn, the National Capital Region FFSP manager.

"Some of these difficulties include the stresses involved with deployments and relocation, financial hardship and separations from families."

The FFSP is divided in to three categories: Deployment Readiness, Career Support and Retention, and Crisis Response. These programs are hosted by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC).

FFSC offers deployment support programs to assist with the demands associated with the mobile lifestyle inherent in Navy life.

"We prepare both the service member and family for deployments by providing pre-deployment training," said Klebahn. "We offer these opportunities so Sailors are aware of what to expect before deployment, without any surprises."

The FFSP career support and retention programs address employment assistance for military family mem-

to be known as Visitor's Quarters. We've made great strides to standardize our rooms with Hampton Inn as our model," said Kozlowski."When you stay at a Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, you know what kind of bed you are going to get. It's not going to be a 'hodge-podge' like you would have in the old barracks."

Aside from Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, the Navy offers housing to personnel Navywide. Through a public-private partnership, the Navy is able to provide affordable modern bachelor and family housing at shore based installations.

"Bachelor housing is available for the E-1 through E-4 Sailors only, but family housing is available to families regardless of rank," Kozlowski said.

From FFSC to MWR and Housing, FFR continues to provide those who serve the Navy the tools to perform at their peak.

"Our personnel are extremely dedicated

200 Years of Navy Library Support

By MC2 Gina Morrissette, NHHC Public Affairs

Photo courtesy of NDW Public Affairs

The Navy Lodge located in Bellevue housing near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is one of many travel lodges available through Navy Gateway Inns and Suites within Naval District Washington. bers through the Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP). This service provides the tools needed for family members to find employment, maintain career goals and career progression, and includes resume writing, job searching, interview techniques, and even salary

One of the oldest federal government libraries, and one of the few major military historical libraries open to the public, the Navy Department Library serves an international audience and provides resources vital to the writing and publishing of naval history, as well as information relating to the needs of today's Navy.

“Tourists come and go in Washington. They pass the Navy library by. They do not know that they miss the most interesting library in the United States.”

These words appeared 100 years ago in a New York Herald feature article about the Navy Department Library under the headline "The Navy's Century Old Hall of Fame." Many historians and researchers of today would say these words still ring true.

Founded under the direction of President John Adams in 1800, the library was originally established to be a personal library for the Secretary of the Navy, explained Glenn Helm, director of the Navy Department Library.

“Its focus then was to be a source of information on admiral biographies, operational history and all elements of seamanship that were of naval application – basically it was created to be a profes-

See Library, Page 2

See Support, Page 3

Inside Link directly to the NDW Facebook page on your smart phone

See FFR, Page 3

Around the Yard, Page 2

AFPAK Blog, Page 6

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LIBRARY Continued from 1 sional library for the Navy at the highest level,” said Helm.

Today, the Navy Library is the nation's most highly concentrated and accessible collection of literature on the United States Navy, housing more than 170,000 books, more than 343,000 manuscripts, and thousands of periodicals and government documents. The vast collection consists of naval history, nautical history, military history and relevant political history.

Many of the library’s books cannot be found anywhere else in the world, said Helm, who explained the cataloging of the books is done using an international data base.

“Thirteen and a half percent of everything that we have cataloged has never been cataloged anywhere else on earth, which is a pretty significant amount of material that is unique to this library,” Helm added.

With more than 50 percent of the library’s holdings being unique, when compared against the Naval War College, Naval Post Graduate School and the Naval Academy, researchers and others engaged in naval work or research can find complete references on almost any subject.

“A very high percentage of our collection is unique in that other naval libraries do not have copies, so this is likely to be the place where

people come to do their research,” said Helm.

With the responsibility for housing such unique and rare collections, comes the very real concern for keeping the collections safe, not from thieves, but from the environment.

With works dating back to the 1400s, climate control is a key factor in determining how to work with and store various pieces of the library collection, explained Davis Elliott, technical information specialist for the library.

“The collection needs to be protected from light, both natural and artificial,” Elliott said. “The library staff is continuously working on the collection to prevent its deterioration by using archival materials to house the most fragile materials and by doing simple mending jobs to prolong the life of some of the items.”

Elliott said the staff also pays close attention to temperatures, humidity fluctuations and rough treatment from the users.

To maintain the right conditions, many materials are kept in a secure vault or inside archival boxes that are acid free, explained Allen Knechtmann, senior reference librarian for the library.

When researchers request the older and more fragile materials, the library staff is more than willing to accommodate their request as long as patrons follow the rules.

“We will bring out the materials and let them look at them in our reference room,” said Knechtmann. “We also have them use digital cameras when making copies because most of the materials cannot handle the light from the

scanners. With regard to certain rare materials, we provide reverence copies for patrons to use so they won’t actually be handling the actual document; they will be handling a replica.”

The library does participate in the interlibrary loan program which transfers items to other libraries, however, items over 100 years old, or in fragile condition are not available to be loaned out.

The library’s stock continues to grow every year with individuals making gifts or donations – cruise books, old photographs, welcome aboard brochures, plans of the day, shipboard newsletters and commissioning and decommissioning programs are only a few of the items most recently received by the library.

“We collect these things so that when you’re old and grey or you’ve passed on and your descendents want to know things about what ships you served on or what deployments you were on, they can come to find the information,” said Helm.

Although a small staff, librarians and their assistants will go to great lengths to suggest possible sources of information, such as a book or archival facility, to assist patrons. All detailed questions requiring in-depth research or assistance must be done in person at the library.

“The most satisfying moment of my professional time here was when I had a researcher who was researching the invasion of North Africa in WWII,” Helm said. “He went on to write his book, “An Army at Dawn” by

Rick Atkinson and that book won the Pulitzer Prize in history; if you go into the books acknowledgements, I’m in them.”

“My favorite thing about my job is the multi-tasking assignments in which I get to experience,” he said. “I have contact with a wide variety of materials, old manuscripts to newly published books, and patrons that range in all ages and experiences from school age to World War II veterans.”

Helms, Elliott, and other staffers feel it is an honor and privilege to help maintain and care for the library’s collection and to ensure history is preserved and passed on to future generations.

“We really do care about our collections.

This is valuable naval property; it’s irreplaceable, once it’s gone it gone forever,” said Helms.

For more than 200 years, the Navy Department Library has met many challenges in its history, including everything from the threat of destruction during the War of 1812 to being moved to various locations over the years.

Through it all, the caretakers of this veritable treasure trove of history has continued to make every effort to ensure its safety.

Looking to the future, Helms said they will continue to seek creative and innovative approaches, to care and maintain its unique collection of books, utilizing new technology to not only provide improved reference services, but also to protect and preserve the history housed upon its shelves.

Around the Yard What is your New Year’s Resolution?

“I am planning to quit smoking, and I’ll quit it going cold turkey.”

—Lakisha Hains, Cashier, Rice King

“This year, I intend to get more exercise and get in to shape working out at the gym.”

—Melvin St. Clair Jr., Contractor, Washington Navy Yard

U.S. Navy photos by, Aaron J. Heiner, NDW Public Affairs

The Waterline Commandant, Naval District Washington Rear Adm. Patrick J. Lorge NDW Public Affairs Officer Edward Zeigler Waterline Staff Photojournalist MC2 Kiona Miller Staff Writer Aaron J. Heiner Copy Editor/Page Designer The Gazette/Comprint Military Publications Breton Helsel 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

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

“This year, I plan to spend more time with the family focusing on my children by attending more of their sporting events.”

—Capt. Joseph Campbell, Facilities and Environmental Officer CNIC

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) 473-7538. To place classified advertising, call (301) 670-2505.

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 Naval History 1918 - Establishment of Naval Overseas Transportation Service to carry cargo during WWI 1945 - Carrier aircraft begin 2-day attack on Japanese forces, Luzon, Philippines

January 5 1855 - USS Plymouth crew skirmish with Chinese troops 1875 - CDR Edward Lull begins expedition to locate best ship canal route across Panama.

Route followed 30 years later.

1943 - USS Helena (CL-50) fired first proximity fused projectile in combat and shot down Japanese dive-bomber in southwest Pacific.

1968 - First Male Nurse Corps officer in Regular Navy, LT Clarence W. Cote.

January 10

January 6 1916 - First enlisted flight training class at Pensacola, FL 1942 - Japanese capture 11 Navy Nurses in Manila, Philippines 1967- Operation Deckhouse V begins in Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

1996 - USS Hopper, named for RADM Grace Hopper, commissioned.

January 7 1960 - Launch of first fully-guided flight of Polaris missile at Cape Canaveral (flew 900 miles)

Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command

At a South Pacific base, between battles, circa 1943. This image has been retouched to remove radar antennas from the gun directors and masts.

January 8

January 9

1847 - Battle of San Gabriel (Navy, Marines, Army defeat Mexicans in CA)

1861 - Union steamer Star of the West fired on in Charleston Harbor

Making small changes can have a big pay-off

By Leigh Houck, MHS, Health Educator Many of us, millions in fact, make resolutions this time of year to drop a few pounds. For some, it’s the typical Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday gain that we’re trying to shed. For others, it’s the realization that, over the years, our weight has slowly crept up and we now have significant weight to lose.

Why bother to lose the weight? Many people want to lighten up to look and feel better. They wish to avoid the stigma that can come with being overweight. However, there are many reasons associated with your health and well-being. Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and some forms of cancer (uterine, breast, colorectal, kidney, and gallbladder).

How bad is the problem? Approximately 68 percent of Americans are now overweight or obese, as measured by body mass index (BMI).

Forty years ago that number was only 48 percent. The 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors found that the numbers aren’t much better for our active duty Navy members either with 63 percent are overweight or obese. Also of interest is that in 1960, women ages 20-29 averaged 128 pounds, but by 2000, women in that age group had reached an average of 157 pounds. Clearly, there is cause for concern.

As we begin the New Year, what are some resolutions and small changes you can make to get yourself back on track?

Planning- Plan a healthy weekly menu before you go to the grocery store. Stock-up on healthy items and leave the temptations at the store. Plan ahead and pack your work lunch and healthy snacks the night before.

Water – Substitute sugary sodas and juices you’ve been drinking with thirst-quenching, filling water.

Portion Control - The more food you are served or take, the more you will eat. Keep portion sizes in balance and don’t go back for seconds.

Mindless Eating- Pay attention to every bite you put into your mouth. Savor it, enjoy it, but try not to mindlessly nibble while doing other things like watching TV, reading, or chatting on the phone.

Exercise – Try to get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a minimum of five days a week. You’ll feel better and you’ll burn calories.

Making small changes will help you to achieve your goals – one step at a time, day-by-day, into 2012!

If you are active duty and would like additional help, you may register for the ShipShape Weight Management Program by calling the Health Educator at the WNY Branch Health Clinic at 202-433-6311 or by emailing leigh.houck@med.navy.mil.

For DoD civilian workers, there are often weight management programs or counseling through FEHB health insurance or local hospitals.

1847 - American naval forces occupy Los Angeles.

1917 - Navy places first production order for aerial photographic equipment.

1934 - VP-10F flies first non-stop formation flight from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor, arriving 11 Jan. 1956 - Establishment of first Navy nuclear power school at Submarine Base, New London, CT

January 11 1863 - CSS Alabama sinks USS Hatteras off Galveston 1944 – Aircraft from USS Block Island make first aircraft rocket attack on German submarine

Upcoming ShipShape Weight Management Class The Branch Health Clinic Washington Navy Yard will offer the next session of the ShipShape Weight Management Program from Jan. 12 through March 1. Classes will meet Thursday afternoons from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the classroom at the Branch Health Clinic, Building 175.

ShipShape is an eight-week program that reflects the current most up-to-date knowledge on weight loss. It is designed to assist active duty members in meeting the Department of Navy body composition standards. Active duty members may self refer or will get a referral from their Command Fitness Leader if they fail the body

SUPPORT Continued from 1 negotiation.

"More spouses choose to work to offset the high cost of living in this area," said Klebahn, "and their employment provides an important second income to their Navy family.”

When a service member transitions from a military career to the private sector, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is an important ingredient in preparing separating or retiring personnel with new skills to allow for entry in to civilian employment.

"TAP was created after a large drawdown following Operation Desert Storm. It incorporates information from Department of Defense, Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Labor," said Klebahn."Service members are eligible to enroll in TAP within two years of retirement, or one year in advance of separation."

There are many stresses in life, and military duty can actually magnify personal and financial stressors that may affect the home life of service members and their families ac-

FFR Continued from 1 to the work they do. From the counselors to the fitness center person-

composition assessment portion of the Physical Fitness Assessment.

The program presents a healthy and permanent approach to weight loss and provides basic information on nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and behavior modification techniques to lower and maintain a healthy body weight. Participants will learn about goal setting, building support systems, portion control, and handling obstacles to exercising. To register for the program or get further information, please call the Health Educator at 202-433-6311 or email leigh.houck @med.navy.mil.

cording to Klebahn. The FFSP offers crisis response to assist those with family struggles through family advocacy.

"For many people, the military is the best experience they could ever have. The Navy provides values such as Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Tradition, honor and integrity are some things people never thought of until joining," said Klebahn. "But, since we recruit from our general U.S. population, we access service members who have learned some bad habits in their home life while growing up. Without intervention, they may repeat those bad habits."

When a Sailor or family member crosses the line from a healthy to unhealthy relationship, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) can step in.

Through the use of trained professionals, FAP can break the cycle of abuse, and assist families to develop healthy relationships.

"We have victim advocates to support those who suffer from domestic maltreatment," said Klebahn.

"These advocates work with the victim to assist in locating additional resources and developing new relationship behaviors."

FFSP also offers a new parent support a home visitation program.

These programs educate new or expecting parents in healthy, manageable methods to provide for a safe and nurturing environment for the child.

"Our new parent support program nurses conduct interviews with new or prospective parents to see if there are risks factors for potential abuse," said Klebahn." Our visiting nurses assist care takers and promote positive interaction between parent and child."

At the end of the day, Sailors and their families have a lot on their plate.

FFPS offers to lighten the load with programs and services designed to assist with the challenges ahead.

For more information on Fleet and Family Support Program, please visit: www.cnic.navy.mil/CNIC_HQ_ Site/WhatWeDo/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/FamilyReadiness/FleetAndFamilySupportProgram/index.htm For information on the services provided at the Fleet and Family Support Center, please visit: www.cnic. navy.mil/JBAB/ WarfighterAndFamilyReadiness/SupportServices/index.htm

nel," said Kozlowski. "Everything we do here, we have the Sailor and family in mind."

For more information on the Fleet and Family Readiness and its programs, including the Fleet and Family Support Centers, visit: http://auth

.cnic.navy.mil/JBAB/ WarfighterAndFamilyReadiness/index.htm?ssSourceSiteId=NDW Please visit: www.cnic.navy.mil/ NDW/FleetFamilyReadiness/index.ht m for more information on MWR programs.

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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 information that will benefit the transitioning military member.

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).

Volunteer Program - opportunities are available as an administrative assistant, counseling mediator, transition assistant, Information & Referral assistant, data entry/word processor and a retired activities volunteer.

Retired Activities Office (RAO) - Helps surviving family members of retiree with benefit information and paperwork, conducts briefing and counseling, assists in resolve pay problems with Defense Finance Accounting Services (DFAS); provides National Naval Medical Center preretirement briefing of active duty personnel.

DEPLOYMENT READINESS/ FAMILY SERVICES Life Skills Education - provides a variety of presentations to help commands meet requirements, as well as enhance operational and personal readiness including parenting skills training, couples communication, anger and stress management, conflict resolution, Child Abuse Awareness, Spouse Abuse Awareness and suicide prevention. Trainings can be customized to fit needs of the command.

New Parent Support Program (NPS) Assists new parents in coping with the demands of parenting and military life through parenting education and training and home visits to new parents prior to delivery and after delivery; information and referral for military and community resources; child development screenings and monitoring. All active duty members and their families who are pregnant and or have children in the home from infancy to three

years old are eligible for these home visitation services.

Deployment/mobilization/readiness assisting Sailors and family members prepare for deployment, manage separations and reunite and reintegrate with families and community through services including the Family Accountability and Assessment System, Individual augmentee (IA) Indoc Course and Deployed Family Fun Days

FFR/MWR Phone numbers Child Development Programs Child Development Center 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 767-2890 Child Development Center 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 404-8071 Child Development Center 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-0771 Child Development Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-3223 or (202) 404-1454 Regional Child Placement Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-3055 or (877) 269-9322 Regional Child & Youth School Liaison Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 433-0942

Family Housing Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) - provides assistance to service members with special needs children and family members with medical needs including resource referral to medical, counseling and educational services, support groups and care providers. Assists in finding duty stations where needs are met. Mandatory enrollment per OPNAVINST 1754.2D. Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) assists military personnel and their families in identifying relocation needs and accessing the resource information necessary to meet these needs including attending available workshops such as, Overseas Planning, Sponsorship Training and Smooth Move.

Other services include I&R, Worldwide Welcome Aboard packets, Hospitality Kits (Loan Locker) and Pre-Move Planning Assistance (militaryhomefront.com).

MWR Happenings Travel & Marketing Office Open House The new MWR Travel & Marketing Office will open NEXT Thursday, January 12, 2012!

Please stop by during our all day open house! We are here for all of your vacation planning needs! Please visit us at Bldg 184, next door to the NEX and check out all we have to offer. Ribbon & Cake Cutting will take place at 10 am. Other light refreshments will be available. For more information please call 202-685-8299 or send us an email at navyyardtravel@gmail.com!

Ski tickets on sale at ITT office It's that time of the year again! Stop by the ITT office to pick up your discounted ski and snowboarding tickets. Ski tickets are good for Whitetail, Roundtop Mountain Resort and Liberty Mountain Resort. Tickets include: Midweek & Weekend 8-Hour Lift Ticket, Night Lift Tickets (after 5 p.m.) Learn to Ski Packages, Midweek & Weekend 8Hour Lift Tickets, plus rental and Weekend & Midweek 2-Hour Snowtubing. For more information call, (202) 404-6576 or by visiting http://cnic.navy.mil/WFRJBAB

CERT Members Wanted The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

For those who are interested in this program, please contact, Paul Grossman at 202-433-3562 or by email paul.grossman @navy.mil. You may also contact Robert Klebahn at 202-685-0476 or by email: robert.klebahn@navy.mil

JBAB Housing Office 1, Bldg 414 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-0346 JBAB Housing Office 2, Bldg 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 404-6828

Fitness Centers & Information, Tickets, and Tours (ITT) JBAB Fitness Center 1, Bldg 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 767-5895 JBAB Fitness Center 2, Bldg 419 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-2962 Washington Navy Yard, bldg. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-2484/2829

Military and Family Support Center JBAB MFSC Bldg 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-6151 JBAB MFSC Bldg 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 767-0450

Liberty Program (E1-E6 Single/Unaccompanied Service Members) Liberty Center, bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 685-1802 JBAB Liberty Program Office, Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-2636 JBAB Liberty Center, Bldg. 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 685-1802

Food & Beverage Catering and Conference Center, WNY Bldg. 211 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-3041 Mordecai Booth's Public House, WNY Bldg. 101 . . . . . . . . .(202) 678-0514 or (202) 433-3041 Furnari Restaurant, JBAB Bldg. 418 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 433-2574

Other Important Numbers WFR Administrative Office, JBAB Bldg. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-7707 WFR Marketing and Special Events Office, JBAB Bldg. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-1371 Gateway Inns and Suites, JBAB Bldg. 602 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 404-7050 MWR Sports Program/Sports Complex Rental, JBAB Bldg. 419 . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 685-0483 Outdoor Recreation, JBAB Bldg. 928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(202) 767-9136 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (202) 767-9136/8562

Volunteers Needed!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day More than just a day off!

January 16, 2012 Join Naval District Washington in a community service project for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Bright Beginnings Day Care Center, 128 M Street , N.W. Washington, DC 20001.

Volunteers will organize multipurpose rooms, catalogue books in the library, sterilize children’s toys, and volunteer with artistic skills to paint a mural to commemorate the event. For the online registration, go to www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw then click on community service or contact Naval District Washington Regional Community Service Program at 202-433-6854.

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NDWNews Follow NDW on Facebook and T wit ter 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 The 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

Toastmasters Meetings Want to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Come to Helmsmen Toastmasters! Join us Thursdays, restarting January 5th, 7:30-8:45 a.m., Pentagon Library and Conference Center (PLCC).

The Toastmasters are an international organization that helps everyone speak, think, lead and listen better.

For more info, contact Carl Sabath at carl.sabath@osd.mil or 703-695-2804 or Andrea Clark at andrea.d.clark8.civ@mail.mil or 571-256-8942.

Volunteers Needed for Tax Assistance Center The Washington Navy Yard and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Tax Centers are actively seeking volunteer tax preparers from the National Capital Region.

All active-duty service members, family members, retirees and civilians are eligible to volunteer. NDW will provide volunteers with free training on tax preparation and electronic filing. NDW's Tax Center seeks volunteers who can offer a few hours of their time every week from Feb.1 through Apr.16. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tax preparer with the NDW Tax Center, contact Lt. j.g. Chao Pan at (202) 685-5525 or chao.pan@navy.mil for further information.

Veteran's Helper: Wounded Warrior's weekly source for federal employment assistance The Holidays Have Got Me Down Q: I am working my first federal job after being in the Army for the last eight years. I find that I am alone this year during the holidays. I am alone when I go home, and alone at work as most of my coworkers have taken leave. The place is a ghost town and it’s starting to really get to me. I find myself feeling more depressed, being less productive and thinking about really negative things. Are there any work related resources I can use to help fill my time?

A: The holidays aren’t all happiness and cheer for everyone. It can be really difficult to put on a brave face when people ask over and over about your plans and you really haven’t got any. It doesn’t help if your office empties out and your social network shrinks to a minimum in the month of December. But there are things you can do.

Is there a gym at your location? Many federal employers are seeing the benefit of a positive work /life balance and have updated their facilities to include gyms, fitness classes and sometimes even swimming pools. If you haven’t taken advantage of this yet, do so.

Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and can help to lift your mood. Federal employers may also offer compensatory time so that you can be paid to work out. Find out if you have a work/life policy or instruction at your organization to see if you are eligible.

If you can you start a project that you are really interested in. It may be difficult to get motivated on mundane tasks, but if there is something you have been wanting to sink your teeth into, now may be the time to do it. Fewer distractions can mean more time to puzzle out your scope and direction. But if that isn’t possible, rest assured that this is a generally sleepy time for many federal employers, so your output may not be expected to be at full throttle.

Finally, please take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Civilian Employee Assistance Program (CEAP) if your negative thoughts become too oppressive.

It may not be easy to talk about feelings, but I urge you to try if you are struggling with depression, which is more than just a passing sad mood. You can always give our program a call for additional resources or just a friendly chat—I will be in our mostly empty office all week.

Laura Stanek, Human Resource Advisor and Wounded Warrior Program Manager, is dedicated in assisting wounded warriors and disabled veterans from all branches of service with transition to federal civilian employment. Need employment Advice? Have a success story to share? Email at laura.stanek@med.navy.mil.

Women of the World Bible Study “Women of the Word” is a theological group study focusing on women in the Bible, and the contemporary social issues that women face in today’s society. The women’s group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday in building 101, conference room 132 or 121 at the Washington Navy Yard ( WNY ); please bring a bag lunch. Our upcoming group study will be on Faith (Hebrews 11).

This Bible study is open to all women military and civilian personnel. The Bible study is sponsored by the Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW ) Chaplain’s office. Contact Paula Jackson at Paula.V.Jackson@navy.mil or 202433-9689 for more information.

Transisitonal Benefits: Navy contract will provide outplacement services for ERB sailors From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs Office

Make Your Vote Count, NSAW Voting Assistance Office available to assist With general election fat approaching, the Naval Support Activity Washington Voting Assistance Office is available to assist military and civilian employees with their voting needs during the election season. Please visit the Voting Assistance Office in Bldg 101, 3rd floor suite 340. Hours are Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call us at (202) 433-2008, or contact- Your NSAW Voting Assistance Officer: Cmdr. Dennis Keck at dennis.keck@navy.mil or Voting Assistance Managers Michael R. Murray at michael.r.murray@navy.mil and Willema S. Hardy willema.hardy@navy.mil. For more general questions, you may contact the DoD Voting Information Center ( VIC) toll-free, using the numbers listed on the FVAP website, http://www.fvap.gov. The VIC provides recorded messages from candidates, as well as other information concerning elections, 24 hours a day.

Men's Discipleship Group A Men's Discipleship Group sponsored by the NDW Chaplain's Office, meets every Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. in Building 101, room 242. All men are cordially invited. Bible study, discipleship and prayer is the focus. For more information, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Chris Dickerson, at (202) 781-0602 or email at Stanley.dickerson1@navy.mil.

Recruiting volunteer baseball, basketball, cheerleading coaches The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Youth Center is recruiting coaches for the upcoming season. Coaches receive free certification in first aid and CPR. Coaching certificates are provided through the National Alliance of Youth Sports and Coaching Association. Potential coaches must complete a volunteer package provided by the Youth Center staff to be eligible to coach. For more information, please visit the JBAB Youth Center at Bldg. 4485, or you may also call the center at 202.767.4003.

The Navy will provide personalized career coaching and job search assistance to support Sailors selected for separation by the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) beginning Jan. 3, 2012 as previously announced in NAVADMIN 332/11.

The ERB outplacement services provided by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. (CGC) will start on Jan. 3, 2012. ERB separating Sailors will be contacted via an introductory email starting Dec. 23, 2011, regarding the many services available to them.

"In order to ensure these talented Sailors succeed in the civilian job market, we are providing transition services to help build on their skills, success, and training acquired during their Navy careers," said Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert.

ERB separating Sailors will be eligible for outplacement services which will provide coaching, resume writing and job interview preparation as an enhancement and building upon existing transition assistance programs offered by Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Veterans' Affairs and Commander, Navy Installations Command.

Transition coaching will include an initial interview with member, skills inventory

analysis, development of a personal business/marketing plan, a dedicated career coach tailored to desired work city, peer networking support, and support in starting a business.

Job search assistance is also available including daily refreshed job leads, tailored market research tools, access to industry unique job boards, connections to temporary staffing, technical and professional services companies, and access to career information, webinars, and e-learning courses. Job placement assistance includes online profile management, resume and cover letter preparation, interview preparation, salary negotiation counseling, roleplaying with a coach, and "on-call" consulting with one-on-one live counseling.

The Navy is providing additional transition services no cost for Sailors identified for separation by the ERB to continue to build on their job skills, experience and training acquired during their Navy careers and succeed in the civilian job market.

Sailors separated by the ERB can contact CGC starting Jan. 3, 2012 via toll free number (800-971-4288) or email (CGCUSNavy@challengergray.com).

For more information about the ERB transition support, check out the NPC ERB transition support page at www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB/, contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672), or email cscmailbox@navy.mil.

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AFPAK Blog: On the ground The War That Never Ends: New Perspectives on the Vietnam War Reviewed by CDR Youssef Aboul-Enein, MSC, USN The War That Never Ends: New Perspectives on the Vietnam War edited by David Anderson and John Ernst. University Press of Kentucky, 663 Limestone Street, Lexington, KY. 359 pages, 2007.

Photos by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sean Martin, Kandahar PRT

U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jerry Foster (left), Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team engineer from Gulfport, Miss., and Jack Babon, Kandahar PRT engineer technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Missoula, Mont., verify grid coordinates for a potential Afghan National Police checkpoint in the Dand District Aug. 23. The PRT works with government officials at the district and provincial levels to build sustainable infrastructure capacity.

Kandahar PRT engineers conduct site assessments U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sean Martin, Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Engineers from the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) traveled to the Dand District, Aug. 23, to assess three sites for possible use as Afghan National Police (ANP) checkpoints.

The engineers performed site evaluations for three proposed ANP checkpoint sites. The checkpoints will be buildings between 30 and 50 square meters in size. The buildings will include a hand-pump well and a drainage system for rain water.

“We are making these sites very simple to maintain and operate,” said Jack Babon, Kandahar PRT engineer technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Missoula, Mont.

“We don’t want to give them something that they can’t handle or maintain.”

The first potential site will be located closer to the local area that it supports, and is located next to a school.

“The ANP are currently residing in the school,” said Babon. “This checkpoint will give them a place to go.”

The second potential site is located across the street from a current checkpoint. The surrounding area has a lot of fields and orchards, and the Taliban has been known to transit those areas.

“This is a real strategic area,” said Babon.

“It’s a pretty busy area with a lot of activity.”

"Although this site is small, it meets what they need right now," said Babon.

The third potential site is located in a very critical area--at a crossroad near a canal.

These checkpoint sites provide the communities more choices towards battling the insurgency. They allow the government to be a part of the community and become more involved in the local areas.

“I have seen some places where it is a mud hut,” said Babon. “That setup doesn’t offer them much protection.”

These checkpoints can either be temporary or permanent. They have the ability to be moved around to different areas that will better support the ANP’s mission.

U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jerry Foster, Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team engineer from Gulfport, Miss., measures out land in the Dand District Aug. 23. The land is being evaluated as the site of a future Afghan National Police checkpoint.

The Kandahar PRT is a civilian-military organization whose mission is to improve security, governance and infrastructure capacity throughout Kandahar Province.

“Sometimes the checkpoints do not work as well in some areas,” commented Babon. “This allows the ANP to have the option to move or not.”

The checkpoints will be built by local Afghan contractors who will design and build them as they feel necessary.

“I would like to see the ANP be successful and take pride in what they have concluded,” said Babon. “It will allow them to become more of a part of the community.”

Editors note: AFPAK Hands is a language and cultural immersion initiative which consists of three phases: language and cultural training, in and out of theater deployment. During an out of theater deployment a service member can be assigned to a government agency, DoD command or other organization where their work in country can be applied and then add to their perspective when they redeploy.

America’s National Security discourse starting from the later portion of the 20th century must include either consciously or subconsciously thinking about Vietnam. Despite the passage of over three decades since the end of the Vietnam War, the vocabulary of this war is with us today and include such terms as “hearts and minds,” “Vietnamization,” “credibility gap,” and even as recently as Operation Iraqi Freedom when General Tommy Franks remarked, “We do not do body counts!”

Yet we cannot do these terms justice without understanding the historical context of the Vietnam War. I often debate my colleagues about the usage of such terms as applied to current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as I caution those who attempt to link historical events, as no two wars and exactly similar in conception and closure, yet it is only through a study of military history and such conflicts as Vietnam do we begin to understand the language, grammar and past decision-making of warfare to extract creative solutions to the complex and serious decision of committing U.S. forces to war.

Professor’s David Anderson and John Ernst have collected and edited seventeen essays that explore new questions about the Vietnam War. This exploration includes the role of women in the North Vietnamese war effort, the impact of Buddhism on the course of the Vietnam War, and the tensions between Marxism and Buddhism that appeared to be missed by American policymakers of the time. The book opens with a distillation of the historical debates on Vietnam by David Anderson, it lays the groundwork for much of the debates about what can be learned about Vietnam.

Cornell University Walter LaFeber dissects Vietnam into three phases from 1945 to 1975, each phase redefines America’s involvement in Vietnam and shaped by the events of the Cold War. One of the complexities of America’s earliest intervention in Vietnam is the decision to supply France with the weapons needed to maintain Vietnam as a French colony after World War II. A chapter by Gary Hess discusses the reluctant allies the United States had in the Vietnam War, this included having to pay $80 million in aid to the Philippines to have a 2,300 man engineering task force, known as

the Philippine Civilian Action Group (PHILCAG). Thailand provided vital air basing, and the administration of President Johnson attempted to get Thai troop commitment in Vietnam. Military assistance to Thailand was increased from $60 million to $75 million as an inducement to deploy Thai forces in Vietnam. This program was known as the “More Flags Program.” There is much to learn from this experience at building a reluctant coalition.

A chapter by Robert Brigham shows how Ho Chi Minh amalgamated Marxism and Confucianism to adapt Communism to Vietnamese society. Robert Topmiller writes an excellent chapter on the Buddhist anti-war movement, and what is striking are the opportunities missed by the South Vietnamese regime to elicit Buddhist support and understand that many Buddhists expressed contempt for Communism. Yet it was Ho Chi Minh who understood the nuance and the ability of the Communists to mobilize the country-side and the Buddhist ability to mobilize the urban areas to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and the United States.

The book’s final chapters discuss Vietnam and the media, the Congress and how it has impacted the national debate during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 to Operation Iraqi Freedom today.

Editor’s Note: CDR Aboul-Enein maintains a regular book review column in the Naval District Washington Waterline and Bolling AFB Aviator.

Military Moves: Moving your Household Belongings Did you know?

The movement of your household goods is unique to you, and your family.

What does this mean to you?

A good move depends on you getting involved, and the more you know the better prepared you are. Your move does not end with the delivery of your household goods. A wealth of information pertaining to your responsibilities, and the responsibilities of your movers are available online. Please visit www.move.mil and click the DOD CUSTOMER tab to access the "It's your Move Pamphlet". Please do not hesitate to visit the nearest Personal Property Processing Office or Transportation Management Office at your location, or contact our office at the following website: http://www.belvoir.army.mil/jppsowa

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Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division’s presents hospital ship replacement concept design

By Nicholas Malay, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Public Affairs Office West Bethesda - A design team of engineers from the Center for Innovation in Ship Design (CISD) presented their final briefing on the Hospital Ship Replacement (HSR) concept to representatives from Military Sealift Command (MSC) and Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).

The team's objective was to refine and expand a previous Innovation Cell study on a future hospital ship. Design topics included incorporating maneuverability, reduced draft, flexibility of medical spaces, and efficient patient transfer toand-from the hospital ship using air and sea vehicles.

“The Center for Innovation in Ship Design took on the emerging requirements to replace the current hospital ships with a clean sheet of paper concept design and used advanced technology to develop an affordable and more capable hospital ship for the future,” said Steve Ouimette, Director of Operations for CISD. During the summer of 2011, a multidisciplinary intern team at CISD conducted a concept design study for a ship to replace the current hospital ships, USNS Mercy (TAH 19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), which are nearing the end of their service life. Design goals were guided by MSC as well as BUMED. Both emphasized the need for a ship optimized for the primary mis-

Concept image created by: CISD Design Team

Center for Innovation in Ship Design’s concept drawing of the future Hospital Ship Replacement (HSR).

Official US Navy photo

The current navy hospital ship, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). The USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) has been in the service of the US Navy for over thirty six years. sions of casualty care, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

The conceptual HSR is a 684 ft long monohull with a draft of 23 feet and a full load displacement of 25,000 long tons. The hull is outfitted with a large flight deck for multiple helicopter support and a well deck. Patients will be transported by both air and surface vehicles with the potential ambulance craft involving commercial hovercraft, LCAC, Sikorsky CH-53K, Osprey V22, and other vehicles of opportunity. Additionally, the ambulance craft will support needed stretcher capacities, required medical personnel, and less wounded patients.

Originally starting as a Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP) project, a group of interns chose the LPD-17 as the parent hull because of its shallow draft, large

displaced volume, and access for aerial and surface ambulance vehicles. During the fall of 2011, a second CISD design team of newlyhired engineers conducted a refinement of the HSR concept to expand upon the general arrangements, structures, manning estimate, machinery selection, weights, and stability. The team addressed design concerns of affordability, flexibility, and mission optimization.

“Working at CISD has given me the opportunity to practice naval architecture and future concept ship designs. Having the exposure of working with technical experts from Carderock along with other organizations like BUMED and MSC has been extremely beneficial to my career development,” said project lead Ashley McClelland, a naval architect from the University of New Orleans,

Louisiana.

Efficient patient flow and increased throughput are the main focus points of the medical facilities of the design. The operating rooms, intensive care units, laboratories, and pharmacy are centrally located on 2nd deck in order to minimize the patient transfer vertically. The HSR has incorporated modularity and flexibility into the design. The HSR currently has space to store sixteen medically-outfitted military containers, which will be airlifted to the mission site. Several spaces within the ship are also designated as ‘flex spaces,’ which have the capability of transforming from overflow berthing to any specialty care facilities.

There are three main areas of work that require future attention; acquiring T-AH seakeeping data for performance comparison, improving the interface between the ship and surface ambulance vessels, and optimizing the hull for use of azimuthing pods. McClelland was excited to be involved with the hospital ship project.

“It has been fun watching these

designs evolve through several iterations and there are many design aspects that can feed into future CISD projects. The need for a solution to replace the current hospital ships is emerging within the fleet and I hope that these design efforts will be able to contribute to any Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) that may be conducted in the near future,” said McClelland.

Stood up in 2002 through a SEA 05/NSWC/ONR signed charter, the CISD is an interdisciplinary activity devoted to the creation and development of breakthrough ship design technologies, ship concepts, processes and tools. The Center focuses on People, Knowledge & Innovation to nurture interest and develop experience in the field of naval engineering. Its activities involve faculty and students from the colleges of naval engineering, cooperating with engineers and scientists from the government and shipbuilding industry to support ONR's National Naval Responsibility for Naval Engineering.

Speeding, pedestrian safety on the minds of JBAB brass

by Paul Bello, JBAB Public Affairs The welfare of those living and working on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is a big responsibility for members of its command team.

That same priority is also what’s driving an effort by senior leaders to remind the public on the importance of road safety -- whether driving a vehicle or crossing the street as a pedestrian.

“I’ve seen too many close calls since I took command in April. We even had one incident where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle back in October. Thankfully, it wasn’t serious and that person was okay,” said Navy Capt.

Anthony Calandra, JBAB commander.

“Speeding is often the factor and it’s a constant problem. The next time we might not be so lucky. We want the public to understand that we find this kind of behavior intolerable and unprofessional.

According to Calandra, there’s an estimated 17,000 people who work and live on JBAB. Because days are shorter and night comes quicker, Calandra believes drivers should be extra cautious this time of year when taking to the roads and be on the lookout for pedestrians stopped at a crosswalk. Individuals who are walking on base should also be wearing brightly colored, more visible clothing and, if possible, walking in groups when it starts to get dark out, he said.

“Drivers need to be extra vigilant, especial-

ly in the housing developments where there are children. Be aware of poor visibility like fog or rain and follow the posted speed limits,” Calandra said.

“Vigilance doesn’t stop when you leave your house, either. Let’s look out for one another. Buck the trend to make things safer for everyone.”

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Steven James, J3 commander/Security Enforcement, also believes in policing your neighbor. If someone is doing something wrong, James insists that people contact him or someone from his staff right away. After all, he said it takes a village to make things better.

“I’ve lived on military bases before and most people understand the rules. I’ve also met people who were not shy about reminding their neighbors when they’ve done something wrong,” James said. “JBAB is not unlike any other installation when it comes to concerns about speeding. Though, unlike some other places, we can be more proactive. That’s what we need here.”

James stresses that individuals should slow down and drive more defensively to look out for pedestrians - not just those at the crosswalks. He also said drivers should be aware of street signs in housing developments, such as Children at Play, and to observe posted speed limits at all times. Pedestrians should also look both ways before stepping out to cross any road, he said.

As a means of deterring those from speed-

ing on base, James said selective enforcement is just one approach that JBAB is utilizing. It requires radars to be set up in select areas on base to warn drivers how fast they’re going.

These radars would then be replaced by patrol

officers who issue tickets to those not obeying the posted speed limits. Currently, James said security forces are writing Washington, D.C., as well as federal tickets, for traffic infractions on JBAB.

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Vigilant shield brings JFHQ to Dahlgren

By Andrew Revelos, NSASP Staff Writer Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP) hosted elements of a training exercise Nov. 8 and 9 designed to enhance the United States' ability to respond to national crisis. U.S. Northern Command's (NORTHCOM's) Vigilant Shield 12 exercise presented participants with national security scenarios requiring inter-service, inter-agency cooperation and advanced communication capabilities with assets located across the United States.

Dahlgren's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) supported a portion of the staff from Joint Force Headquarters Command National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR), the NORTHCOM arm responsible for homeland defense in the greaterWashington area. In the wake of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, NORTHCOM's strategy for responding to national emergencies places a premium on a maintaining command and control capabilities across a broad spectrum of government agencies at the federal, state and local level.

Coordinating multiple

Capt. Pete Nette (l.), NSASP commanding officer, greets Maj. Gen. Michael Linnington, commander of Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, after Linnington arrived on board Dahlgren for the kick-off of Vigilant Shield. communications networks and chains of command into one seamless emergency response in no small task; NORTHCOM's annualVigilant Shield exercises helps its personnel and commanders identify areas for improvement and measure progress.

"We like to go through different contingencies," said Col. Burton Shields, operations officer for JFHQ-NCR. "We'll do exercises in different locations just so we can test our ability to establish command and control. Our mission is to provide

command and control for active duty, DOD forces in the national capital region."

Shields spoke about the importance of training for the unexpected. "We never know what the situation is going to be," he said. "We have to be prepared to be flexible, whether it be a hurricane, a terrorist act or a man-made disaster.We've had an earthquake in the national capital region."

Coordinating emergency management with the myriad of government agencies in the Washington region requires

U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos

Chuck Holt (l.), telecommunications specialist for Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR), gives Cmdr. Elvis Mikel, NSASP executive officer, the run down on JFHQ-NCR's Emergency Response Vehicle. more than mastery of advanced communications equipment and protocol, however. People skills continue to be an essential tool in the digital age.

"Another important part of [our mission] is our partnerships with other agencies, be they local, state, federal or regional," said Shields.

"Everything DOD does, in terms of responding to disasters on U.S. soil, is in support of a lead agency. We work a lot with our inter-agency partners-practicing with them, communicating with those agencies and getting to know them is really one of our core competencies."

JFHQ-NCR deployed a key piece of gear to Dahlgren to help it maintain com during Vigilant Shield. The Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) would look like any other Chevy Suburban, were it not for the large satellite dish and multiple antennas sticking out its roof.

Chuck Holt, telecommunications specialist for JFHQ-NCR and operator of the ERV, described not only his vehicle's capabilities, but why such tools are vital to JFHQ-NCR's emergency management.

Holt's mission falls under the broad umbrella of what he called connectivity, though the ERV certainly exceeds the common definition of that term. The short list of those capabilities includes access to multiple radio frequencies, military and civilian information networks, and providing commanders with telephone and video conferencing.

In a world with smart phones, many may take such connectivity for granted. But when emergency services work through the friction of disasters, it can mean the difference between life and death.

"A perfect example was [Hurricane] Katrina," said Holt.

"I was there.

You had one fire department roll in with one [type of] radio, trying to talk to another fire department from another state with another [type of] radio. They couldn't talk to each other. This device that we have will tie those two radio nets together."

Holt's veteran status as an emergency responder served as a motivator to get the most out of Vigilant Shield 12. "We practice this every day in the rear, but when you roll the vehicles out, things break," he said.

"We have to tear into things and get them fixed. What we learn during exercises are how to fix the little issues."

Like all exercises, Shields hopedVigilant Shield 12 would offer both answers and questions to policymakers and the organizations responsible for managing national emergencies. "Most of the lessons we're learning are how to communicate back and forth and share information," said Shields.

"The other half is staff-so we understand what other elements are doing, that we're all on the same sheet of music and providing the commander a consistent message," he added.

In a world where military officers rotate in and out of billets, Shields credited JFHQNCR civilians such as Holt for maintaining his command's capabilities. "About half of our staff are civilians," he said.

"What they provide is continuity. They stay [with JFHQ-NCR] through the years as the military folks rotate out. We have folks that have been to Dahlgren before; they maintain those inter-agency part-

nerships."

Shields had never been to Dahlgren beforeVigilant Shield 12, but thought the setting was conducive to training or operational activities.

"We have the capability here where we can show up and very little prep work has to be done in order to get us quickly operating the appropriate command and control [communications] systems," he said.

"We can talk to other portions of our staff, other agencies. We need to be able to talk to other components: the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, all the component headquarters across the national capital region. All those capabilities we need are resident here, so Dahlgren is a great facility for us."

Tim Bennett, emergency management director for Naval Support Activity South Potomac (NSASP), is a veteran of manyVigilant Shield exercises and appreciated the training value of working with JFHQNCR. "The best way to protect life, safety and government property is to train, train and train, utilizing effective past practices already developed and directed instructions for our population," he said.

"Having a training plan and a well-thought-out emergency plan to guide us when an emergency arises is critical to mitigating, responding to and recovering from disasters. We integrate lessons learned after each event for continuous improvement."

Bennett expounded on a buzzword word in national disaster preparations: interoperability. The mechanism to ensure interoperability, he said, is National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides emergency management guidelines for "all federal, state, local and tribal first responders and incident management."

"The NIMS has been adopted into the all Navy programs and sets a standard approach that uniformly is put to use by all Navy," said Bennett.

"So if you have an emergent event in California first responders and others operate under the same guidelines/practices and terminology as those handling an emergency in Washington."

While Vigilant Shield 12 provided a great training opportunity for emergency management professionals, Bennett encouraged all service members and employees on board NSASP to practice their own emergency preparations.

"Nobody expects an emergency or disaster, either manmade or natural," he said, "especially one that affects Navy families and employees, and the critical missions of host and supported commands. Yet the simple truth is that emergencies and disasters can strike anytime, and anywhere."