Panorama May 23, 2014
Navy Voluntary education turns 40
Fleet and Family Support Center Events this Week From the Fleet and Family Support Center
By MCC Jayme Pastoric, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs
The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va. celebrated 40 years of the Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED), May 14. Staff and current and former VOLED pioneers joined together to celebrate the anniversary of the program at CPPD headquarters, located at Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex. The Navy's VOLED program was officially launched May 14, 1974. Since then, thousands of Sailors have taken advantage of educational opportunities leading to a professional credential and/or a college degree. "Because of the VOLED team's dedication, Sailors like me have attained their educational dreams and created a better, brighter tomorrow for themselves and future generations," said CPPD Commanding Officer Capt. John Newcomer. "Our Sailors' successes are the Navy's successes and have a direct link to Navy mission readiness and accomplishment." Guest speakers from the Navy VOLED team, past and present, were recognized by Newcomer for their dedication to the VOLED mission and the Sailors it supports. Kenn Smith joined the Navy VOLED team in 1975 and spoke about how VOLED has grown over the years. "Through an arrangement with Adm. Grace Hopper, I was able to bring the first computer to Navy Campus in 1985," said Smith, referring to the organization's original name of Navy Campus for Achievement that changed in 1999 to the Navy College Program (NCP). NCP is currently administered by the VOLED directorate of CPPD.
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For more information about local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) events, visit www.facebook.com/NaplesFFSC.
UPCOMING FFSC NAPLES EVENTS Call 081-811-6372 for more information or to register. All classes require registration.
Rear Adm. Jack Scorby, commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, speaks in front of teachers, students and other community members before a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Navy's Volunteer Education program at Naval Support Activity Naples, May 14. The day's events included a number of receptions, opportunities to meet with distinguished guests and visitors, as well as a performance by the Naval Forces Europe Band. (Photo by MC2 Luke B. Meineke)
"Looking at Navy College offices today, I am in awe of the research capabilities and nontraditional education opportunities Sailors have," he said. Director of Navy Voluntary Education Ernest D'Antonio spoke passionately about the VOLED team that works tirelessly to help Sailors achieve their life-long educational and credentialing goals. "For 40 years, Navy VOLED as an institution has helped hundreds of thousands of Sailors achieve an education and develop critical thinking skills," said D'Antonio. "We support our purpose and the ones who are our mission -- it's the Sailor who is the heart of my organization." The ceremony concluded with
awards celebrating the many successes of VOLED team members and a cake cutting by Newcomer and VOLED trailblazer Sandra Barnes, accompanied by Kathy Jones, the daughter of former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Robert J. Walker, third MCPON of the Navy and VOLED champion. "Navy VOLED has experienced many changes through its 40 years," said Newcomer. "One thing that hasn't changed is the team's mission to equip Sailors with strong analytical skills through quality educational opportunities, and provide great educational counseling and outstanding customer support." For more information on the Navy College Program, visit
• May 27, How To Make Homemade Fragoncello (variation of Limoncello flavored with strawberry) • May 27, Federal Employment Process, 1 to 4 p.m., Support Site FFSC • May 28, Sponsorship Training, 9 a.m. to noon, Support Site FFSC • May 28, Relaxation Techniques for Labor and Delivery, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Support Site FFSC (2 of 2 Sessions) • May 28, Managing Your Mood, 2 to 4 p.m., Support Site (4 of 4 Sessions) • May 28, Italian Cooking Class, 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., (Leaves from Support Site – Meeting Point is inside Support Site TLA Lobby) Note: Cost is Euro 15, 00 to be paid at the Restaurant. Requires prior purchase of 2 E1 bus tickets at NEX Coffee Shop • May 30, Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 10 a.m. to noon, Support Site FFSC (4 of 7 Sessions) • May 30, Nurturing Touch Child & Infant Massage, noon to 1:30 p.m., Support Site FFSC • May 30 Legal Assistance, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., (appointments only), Support Site FFSC
UPCOMING FFSC GAETA EVENTS Call 081-568-8354 for more information or to register. All classes require registration. • May 29, Historical Trails of Sperlonga and Photographic Workshop, 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Energy Conservation Phantom Power Drain From the NSA Naples Energy Management Team Computers, appliances, televisions, chargers and various other common electrically-powered devices can be sources of phantom power drain. A device that causes phantom power drain is one that consumes electricity even when it is turned off. Approximately ¾ of power consumed is from devices that are in “off” or “standby” mode. Devices that support remote controls have part of the circuit always “on” to receive the remote’s signal. Conserve electricity by unplugging devices when not in use. A simple solution to consider is the application of switchable power strips. The power strips can restrict the flow of electricity distributed to the devices with the flick of a switch. Phantom power drainage has a significant effect on energy consumption. It is not always enough to simply turn off devices.
NSA Naples to Collect Radon Detectors From U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy Public Affairs
U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy will begin collecting radon detectors to complete a one-year test of radon gas concentrations indoors as part of an ongoing Navywide program. Personnel from the NSA Naples Environmental will collect radon detectors installed in Navy facilities at Capodichino, Support Site, Gaeta, Carney Park, and Navy-managed buildings at JFC (Lago Patria). They have been placed in basements and ground-level indoor spaces inhabited at least four hours daily over the last year. The radon detectors, called alpha-track detectors, were placed in the spring of 2013. “In order to account for seasonal changes, radon detectors will be collected in June, one year from the time they were installed,” said Rob Chichester, the base environmental director. Radon is a gas that is naturally occurring from rocks and soils. It is present in outdoor air, but may collect in basements or ground level spaces. Indoor environments are commonly studied to determine whether radon is present at high concentrations. Long-term exposure to radon gas at high concentrations can potentially impact health over time. Testing is the only way to know if there is an indoor radon concentration. Navy facilities in Naples were last tested in 19911992, but the base infrastructure has since changed necessitating the completion of this new study. “The last time we tested, Support Site in Gricignano did not exist and the administrative activities currently here at Capo were located in Agnano,” said NSA Naples Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Gray. “The Navy’s footprint at Capodichino was significantly smaller. Back then, Capo’s main function was to support flight and logistical operations.” “If we find an issue in any of our spaces, we will work to correct it as soon as possible,” said Gray. “Elevated indoor radon levels may easily be miti-
Crime Report for May 14 - May 20 From the NSA Naples Command Investigative Division and NCIS
gated by properly ventilating spaces and upgrading building foundations.” Results from the study are expected to be available in the fall of 2014 and will be published by NSA Naples through the Panorama newspaper and PAO Notes. For U.S. Environmental Protection Agency information on radon, go to www.epa.gov/radon. If anyone has questions regarding the Radon study, please call the Environmental office at DSN: 6266706/6644 or 081-568-6706/6644.