Coastal Compass May 2016

Coastal Compass Naval Surface Warfare Center panama City Division

NO. 4 VOL. 5

MAY 2016

Memorial Day: Honoring the Sacrifice of the Fallen

Summer Safety

101 Critical Days of Summer

Technical Center of Excellence for Littoral Warfare & Coastal Defense

View from the Bridge

By Commanding Officer Capt. Phillip Dawson III

Shipmates, Navy Families, and friends, Good day! Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer, with all the outdoor activities that Panama City is so well known for. It is a time for quality moments with family and friends, re-establishing some work-life balance as we go swimming, boating, biking and camping.

Many of you know it is also recognized by the Navy as the beginning of “The 101 Critical Days of Summer,” as many of these activities carry higher risks. This month’s Coastal Compass will review in more detail precautions we should take to stay safe, so I’ll limit the warning to be careful out there.

Have fun and recharge, but please do so with an eye on safety.

This Memorial Day, I ask all of you to reflect on our Navy history and core values with great pride. We often hear the words, “Freedom is not free.” We preserve our freedoms by supporting and defending, and at times sacrificing our very lives for the guarantee of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness to every citizen.

There is absolutely no greater sacrifice than giving one’s life for their country.

Our job here at the Warfare Center is to prevent this loss of life. You work to enable the Warfighter, to make sure our Sailors and Marines stay out of a fair fight, to help to keep them out of harm’s way to the greatest extent possible; to

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‘keep our Sailors out of the minefield.’

Memorial Day allows us to remember our fallen heroes, our loved ones who served and pay our respects to the many Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who have donned the uniform for their country. It is because of their selfless contributions that missions are completed, battles are won, and our nation continues to thrive in freedom.

Memorial Day is just one way to show our appreciation and gratitude. But, how do we extend the reverence we feel on the last Monday of May through the other days of the year? And more importantly, how do we instill and deepen the tradition of this special day for the coming generations of Americans? How do we ensure that Memorial Day continues to be observed with profound reverence regardless of whether or not we are a nation at war?

Here are a few suggestions.

We must teach others about the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf so that we might continue to enjoy the liberties and freedoms granted in our Constitution. We must help future generations understand that, politics aside, the act of committing yourself to your country and being willing to fight for the freedom of others is among the most noble of endeavors. We can do this by volunteering to help those veterans who are still with us, by assisting a family who is grieving the loss of a service member, by visiting those injured in service to the nation to help them build a new life.

Each of us must find ways to ensure the legacy of our heroes endures in what has become a “sound-bite” culture. These dedicated men and women are worth more than that - more than a 20-second sound-bite. Their

history deserves telling and re-telling. Find a way in your life - at work or home, at church or a youth group meeting, wherever - to keep their memories alive. Honor their sacrifices, tell their stories, and cherish their memories.

Take the time to visit a cemetery and place flags on the graves of veterans.

Share your appreciation of family members and friends (and their ‘sea stories’) who have served in uniform on social media. Tell your friends and family what you do to protect our Sailors and Marines. These are just a few ideas; I’m sure you have more of your own.

To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.” This Memorial Day, I encourage each of you to pause and reflect on those that have given their all in defense of freedom. Thank you for your time and for all you’ve done to help ensure our Warfighters come home safely. ♦

Coastal Compass - May 2016

Navy Engineers Develop Dive Buddy to Assist Divers

By Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida — Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) scientists and engineers collaborated with the Naval Post Graduate School and developed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) as a tool to aid U.S. Navy divers in navigation, communication, search and transportation.

The up-and-coming device is known as the Dive Buddy Remotely Operated Vehicle (DBROV). The Dive Buddy is a purpose-built hybrid vehicle that can be operated as a ROV, a Diver Propulsion Vehicle, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, or any combination of the three.

Lee Cofer, NSWC PCD electronics engineer and Dive Buddy project lead, says the DBROV has a variety of beneficial aspects which will significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness of the diver’s assignments.

“I believe all Navy diving will benefit from the Dive Buddy, in particular, expeditionary diving,” said Cofer.

Cofer said the Dive Buddy was created to fulfill the need for a fly-away, agile base unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) platform with autonomous capabilities that is scalable and adaptable to the diver’s needs. This also fulfills the need for a platform to have the ability to be outfitted with equipment and sensors that divers need for their specific mission at hand.

The DBROV is able to carry backup life-support systems, tools, items of interest, perform dive site reconnaissance and tagging, navigate and transport the diver to dive sites, perform small area searches and provide forward looking sonar information and voice/video/data communications to the surface.

During the process of developing the DBROV, the team of Navy scientists and engineers met with divers and individuals in the Navy diving community to get their input about what functions they need in a system.

Cofer refers to the need for such an unmanned system capability as three-pronged.

“There is a for a system that can aid in decision support by providing dive supervisors and their teams with real time sensor feeds providing information on critical aspects of their underwater mission,” Cofer said. “There is also a need for the human and machine teaming aspect that multiplies the diver’s effectiveness.”

Cofer added that while the diver is the most critical and capable component in a dive mission, some tasks that are simple and/or repetitive can be assisted by or offloaded to an unmanned system. By doing this, there is better utilization of the limited bottom time of the diver for the more complex tasks that require greater agility.

The DBROV will not only increase diver safety, but it provides decision support through harvesting a greater situational awareness and command and control for dive supervisors.

Command and control is part of a three-tier technology pillar for Initial Response Diving, which also includes thermal management and decompression support. According to Cofer, it is

Coastal Compass - May 2016

PANAMA CITY, Florida (April 19, 2016) - A computer-aided design (CAD) model of a diver using the Dive Buddy Remotely Operated Vehicle (DBROV) used in diver propulsion mode. U.S. Navy Photo. (RELEASED) 160419-N-PD526-001.

beneficial for the Fleet to use this system.

“Navy capability for subsea human intervention that is rapid, low cost and safe is extremely limited yet critical for all domain access, maritime security, power projection and sea control missions. Divers are necessary for these missions until the situational awareness, adaptability, agility and dexterity of a diver is duplicated in machines, likely decades from now. Meanwhile, unmanned systems are needed to sustain the Navy’s undersea asymmetric advantage,” said Cofer. “Addressing these operations by teaming divers with a specialized UUV has potential to safely achieve greater capability while addressing numerous documented mission needs.”

Examples of missions where the DBROV would be useful include; disabled submarine escape assessments or assistance and recovery of classified debris before they are reached by hostile forces.

Cofer stressed the significance of the Dive Buddy development, but explained it is not a replacement for human interaction. “DBROV is not a replacement for a diver, but a tool in their tool belt,” Cofer said. “The DBROV/diver relationship is an example of human and machine symbiosis.”

All manufacturing of the Dive Buddy is completed inhouse at NSWC PCD. Along with benefitting the Fleet, this project was used as an innovative mentorship tool to allow scientists and engineers to foster learning with the up and coming workforce.

The DBROV efforts are part of the Navy Innovative Science and Engineering (NISE) program, a sub effort of the Office of Naval Research’s N-STAR program. The program was established to seek, build and maintain a robust science and technology (S&T) workforce within the Naval Research Enterprise. The program consists of a broad consortium of naval warfare S&T elements throughout the Department of Navy.

After developing the DBROV project for over three years, Cofer and his team briefed attendees about DBROV at the NISE/219 demonstration at the Pentagon April 21, 2016. Water testing is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2016 with a demonstration by the end of this fiscal year. ♦

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Stay Safe During 2016’s 101 Critical Days of Summer

By Dan Broadstreet, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida — Summer is approaching quickly and while the mercury rises across the country, so does the risk of injuries and accidents as people begin enjoying the warmer weather.

This is why the Navy refers to May 25th through September 7th as the 101 Critical Days of Summer.

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) employees are fortunate to live in sunny Panama City, Florida, an area where many tourists travel to spend their vacations. This article shares tips about how to safely enjoy those activities that draw more participation during the summer.

Traffic: Although this year didn’t see as many Spring breakers, Panama City, Florida still attracts many other tourists from biker rallies to family vacationers and people from all over the world. So, for those of us living here, it can be frustrating trying to drive from point A to point B with the increased traffic congestion resulting from all the visitors. Remember to not let these conditions make you impatient or distract you while driving to your own recreational destinations. Expect to allow for extra driving time to reach your destinations safely.

You may need to plan earlier departures by as much as a half hour or more depending on traffic conditions.

According to the Naval Safety Center (NSC), it is during this time of year when we see an increased number of accidents during off-duty hours. For example, So far in Fiscal Year 2016 (FY-16), to date, (May, 3, 2016) the Navy has experienced six motorcycle deaths. This is up from five deaths incurred during the same time frame in FY-15. During the summer of 2015, 14 Sailors and 12 Marines lost their lives between Memorial Day and Labor Day in offduty personal motor vehicle accidents, other vehicle accidents, and recreational activities. Several of these accidents were associated with alcohol use.

Traffic safety is important. Take the proper precautions before road trips. Be sure to check tires for correct air pressure and treadwear. Change the oil if needed and replace worn wiper blades. Get a good night’s rest and always buckle up before starting your road trips. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the leading cause of death for people age 4 and for ages 11 through 27 in the U.S. With 45 to 60 percent effectiveness, seat belts are the single most effective means of reducing the risk of death in a crash and have saved nearly 300,000 lives since 1975 in the U.S. alone.

Sun Exposure: Temporary sunburn discomfort pales in comparison to the cumulative effects of frequent and severe sun exposure. Large, irregular doses of sun exposure without sunscreen are the number one cause of skin cancer. In fact, the NSC reports that one person in the U.S. dies from skin cancer each hour.

Planning activities in the sun? Make sure to apply sunscreen and wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Try to limit your direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply and reapply sunscreen often, especially with a protection factor of at least 30. Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty and try to avoid drinking beverages with alcohol or caffeine in them. Guard your eyes by wearing sunglasses that will

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PANAMA CITY, Florida - Pictured above is a beach front with a break in the incoming wave. This is a visible sign of a rip current. (Photo courtesy of NOAA: Delaware Sea Grant)

absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight.

Summer has its heat waves, so watch out for signs of heat stroke – hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse and shallow breathing. If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat stroke: • Call 911 and move the person to a cooler place.

• Quickly cool the body by applying cool, wet cloth or towels to the skin and fanning the person.

• Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the people lying down.

Water Recreation: Swimming at our local beaches is a great way to beat the heat.

However, Gulf beaches are notorious for drowning deaths. People drown while swimming in the Panhandle beaches every year, so before you begin packing towels, remember to follow some of the following tips: • Stay within designated swimming areas. These areas are usually marked by ropes or buoys, and are more likely to be free of weeds, rocky underwater terrain and other dangers.

• Pay attention to warning flags. A red flag flying over another red flag means the water is closed to the public. A plain red flag means high hazard due to high surf and/or strong currents.

A yellow flag conveys a medium hazard, indicating moderate surf and/or strong currents. A green flag signifies a low hazard, meaning water conditions are calm, but exercise caution.

A purple flag means that dangerous marine life is present. Cold water and currents can challenge the strongest and most experienced swimmers. Start out slowly and don’t swim too far from shore.

Rip Currents at Beaches: According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), a rip current is a narrow stream of water traveling swiftly away from shore. Rip currents are formed when water piles up on the beach instead of flowing sideways away from the breaking waves as it normally does.

Eventually, so much water builds up that the pressure cuts a narrow path through the waves back out to sea. The resulting current can be 30 to 100 feet wide. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet

See SUMMER, page 5 Coastal Compass - May 2016

Inside This Edition View from the Bridge.......................................2 PCD Engineers Develop Dive Buddy............3 101 Critical Days of Summer..........................4 Daughters and Sons to Work Day.................6 Diversity Council Mentors Local Students.....8 AAPI 2016 Proclamation Signing...................9 HR: Award Goes To.......................................10 Need to Know: Shipping and Receiving......11 Foreign Liaison Officers Visit PCD...............12 Granado Sworn into Navy Reserve.............12 Small Business Office Deputy Awarded......12 Fleet Integrated Sustainment Team.............13 Safety: Don’t Text While Driving...................13 PCD Prepares for DoN Financial Audit.......14 ALMDS Brief for Maj. Gen. Owens..............14 Out and About the Commands Collage......15

SUMMER per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured.

Rip currents are common around piers and jetties so it is wise to avoid swimming near these areas. Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

Every year in the United States, over 100 people drown due to rip currents. The USLA reports that rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers.

The key to surviving a rip current is to swim out of it, not against it. This is done by swimming parallel to shore. Since rip currents are fairly narrow you will be out of the “rip” in no time. You can either swim back or let the waves help you back to shore. The following are tips to help you survive should you accidentally get caught in a rip current: • If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

• Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water.

When out of the current, swim towards shore.

• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: Face the shore, wave your arms and yell for help.

• If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911.

Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions

from page 4 on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Boating: Boating is another enjoyable water recreation, but before heading out you should brush up on some basic boating safety rules, such as: • All boaters should first learn to swim.

The American Red Cross offers swimming lessons for everyone. If you’re not comfortable taking a class, arrange for private instruction.

• Take a boating-safety course. Check with the American Red Cross or U.S. Coast Guard. Topics typically include what to do in an emergency, basic navigation, the effects of wind, water conditions and weather.

• Wear a life jacket. Stock the boat with enough Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone. More than 80 percent of people who drown in boating accidents aren’t wearing life jackets.

• Avoid alcohol. Water sports and alcohol don’t mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination – all essential for safe boating.

Panama City’s beaches are among some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

By keeping ourselves safety focused during these 101 Critical Days of Summer, we can keep the summer of 2016 as one of our most cherished memories! For more information about summer safety, visit NSC’s web site at: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/. ♦

Military Spouse Appreciation PANAMA CITY - Tom P. Haney Technical Center cosmetology students, Kassy Byrd and Austin Maddox, provide a manicure to Kim Benjamin during Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 6, 2016 at the Long Glass Conference Center aboard Naval Support Activity Panama City. Military Spouse Day or Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day. Many U.S. citizens take this day to acknowledge the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of spouses of their Armed Forces U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp (RELEASED) 160506-N-PD526-002

Coastal Compass - May 2016

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PCD Employees Bring Daughters and Sons to Work

By Katherine Mapp and Dan Broadstreet, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Employees at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) joined parents across the nation by participating in this year’s annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, April 28, 2016.

The country’s annual observance of Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day gives NSWC PCD parents the chance to show their children the value of their education by showing how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies can lead to interesting and rewarding future careers.

Students and family members were able to see NSWC PCD facilities, speak with experts and experience hands-on interaction with state-of-theart technologies that shape the practices of U.S. Navy functions across the globe.

As the day began, employees and their children were welcomed by NSWC PCD Commanding Officer Capt. Phillip Dawson III and numerous Sailors, and were taught how to render the proper honors before first call to colors, including how to fold the American flag.

Following colors, guests were invited to start their day by meeting NSWC PCD Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul Werring, where he and Mineman Master Chief Dean Venczel showed different types of inert mines and explained how their work requires an understanding of STEM studies. Students learned that their parents are the world’s expert scientists, engineers and technicians in littoral warfare and coastal defense.

“We have a wide variety of research and development projects that we work on here at NSWC PCD,” said Werring. “What we specialize in more than anything here is in Mines and Mine Countermeasures.”

For employees, having this event gives them an opportunity to share their wealth of knowledge with future generations to encourage their interest in such rewarding career fields offered at NSWC PCD. SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Test Pilot and retired Navy SEAL, Sean McCready, described the event as an opportunity to promote the importance of teamwork.

“When it comes to operations, you have to learn to work together as a team to make things work,” said McCready. “Navy technicians make the

PANAMA CITY, Florida - Mechanical Engineer Greg Holbrook fits a student with the U.S. Navy’s MK V Helmet. The MK V was used by the US Navy from 1916 until 1984. U.S. Navy photos by Katherine Mapp (RELEASED) 160428N-PD526-007

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PANAMA CITY, Florida - Students learned about mines in the water from the most senior Mineman in the U.S. Navy who is stationed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), Mineman Master Chief Dean Venczel, USN, during the command’s annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day held April 28, 2016 in Panama City, Florida. U.S. Navy photos by Katherine Mapp (Released) 160428-N-PD526-007

vehicles work, SEALs operate the vehicle, divers give their diving support, etc. It is really a team effort to operate effectively and efficiently.”

Mechanical Engineer, Greg Holbrook, demonstrated a MK V helmet display which allowed students to try on the helmet and experience some of the weight the navy divers have on their shoulders while wearing it.

Holbrook explained to one student that diving is not just for boys – girls can dive too.

“It doesn’t matter if you are good in the water, it doesn’t matter if you are extremely smart, but if you couldn’t physically climb the ladder and get yourself out of the water, you couldn’t qualify to use the equipment,” said Holbrook. “We have had at least 12 female master divers who have qualified for this MK V diving helmet and suit. It is based on ability, not gender.”

From touring navy hovercraft to sitting inside the cockpit of an MH60S Mine Countermeasures helicopter to being shown how science and technology are involved in their parents’ jobs, children were continually being reminded how STEM skills were inherently part of every work site they visited.

Many of the activity areas consisted of hands-on and interactive displays to engage student’s imaginations and help them to better understand the concepts and how they are used in the U.S. Navy.

Examples of agenda items included: Hands on demonstrations with damage control and firefighting equipment to include thermal imaging through a smoke screen, an SDV display, demonstrations of prototype and fabrication systems including etching and water jet, landing craft air cushion (LCAC) tours, Naval Support Activity Panama City Fire Department demonstrations and learning about diving and life support systems at the Hydrospace Lab. Pizza, hotdogs and sodas were provided as a fundraiser for the Navy Ball Committee followed by sweet treats and ice creams from the Federally Employed Women’s program. ♦

Coastal Compass - May 2016

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Highlights

PANAMA CITY, Florida - Naval Air Crewman First Class Christopher Nelson teaches students how to properly fold the Ensign during Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day April 28, 2016. U.S. Navy Photo by Katherine Mapp (RELEASED) 160428-N-PD526-010

PANAMA CITY, Florida - NSWC PCD Aviation Safety Officer Lt. Elizabeth Janca explains the mechanics of a MH-60S aircraft to fourth grade student, Kayda Daigle. U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD (RELEASED) 160428-N-PD526-002

PANAMA CITY, Florida - NSWC PCD’s “DragonMasters” Aviation Unit crew explain the mechanics of a MH-60S aircraft to local student. U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD (RELEASED) 160428-N-PD526-022

PANAMA CITY, Florida - NSWC PCD SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Test Pilot and retired Navy SEAL, Sean McCready describes the SDV’s mission to a local student. U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD (RELEASED) 160428-N-PD526-022

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Naval Support Activity Panama City Emergency Responder personnel demonstrate emergency care with children during the annual Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day April 28, 2016.

U.S. Navy Photo by Anthony Powers (RELEASED) 160428-N-CD100-010

PANAMA CITY, Florida – U.S. Navy sailor teaches a student how to properly fold the Ensign during NSWC PCD’s annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day April 28, 2016. U.S. Navy Photo by Ron Newsome (RELEASED) 160428-N-PB086-008

Coastal Compass - May 2016

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Diversity Council Mentors Local Students

By Katherine Mapp, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Members of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Diversity Council (DC) are making great strides in the local community through mentoring.

At the 2014 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Observance Ceremony, Rev. Dr. Rufus Wood, Jr. delivered a keynote address encouraging audience members to be proactive community volunteers. Inspired by Wood’s first-hand anecdotes in mentorship, Dr. Jermaine Kennedy led DC members in proposing an outreach initiative to assist and encourage students to succeed in our local schools. The proposal addressed a salient need in our local schools. Since Fall 2014, members of the DC assisted local students by joining the efforts of an ongoing mentorship program at Oscar Patterson Elementary School (OPES).

This school year, 14 DC members signed up and were trained to be mentors (6 primary and 8 substitute mentors). At least three mentors visit the school each week to host two half-hour mentoring sessions with third, fourth and fifth grade students.

During each session, mentors meet with students of their assigned grade level and focus on improving the students’ reading comprehension and vocabulary. Students read the assigned stories and are instructed to circle new and unfamiliar words. The mentors can further explain meaning and develop students’ skills with context clues.

Students answer several questions and review their responses with mentors.

Dr. Wendell Saintval, NSWC PCD scientist and team lead for the DC outreach mentorship program, believes the students’ grades have significantly improved since the DC mentorship program has gone into effect.

“Between the first and second quarter, the mentored students’ reading performance increased as follows: third grade had a 10.8% increase, fourth grade had a 15.3% increase and fifth grade had a 4.5% increase,” said Saintval. “More telling, when compared to standardized exam scores for reading comprehension in Bay District Schools, OPES students are now scoring at a rate on par with the rest of the district. These increases show some evi-

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Coastal Compass Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Panama City, FL, 32407-7001 (850) 235-5990 DSN: 436-5990 Commanding Officer Capt. Phillip Dawson III, USN

PANAMA CITY, Florida - Oscar Patterson Elementary School third grade student, Ja’zariah Brooks, reads alongside her mentor, Tiphanie Spradlin, during a mentoring session on April 21, 2016. U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp. (RELEASED) 160421-N-PD526-002

dence of the beneficial academic results of the collaborative mentorship effort.”

The sessions are also helpful for guiding and positively reinforcing good behavior. During the sessions, the students can earn “dojo points” to reinforce positive behavior, such as staying on task. At the end of each week, the students are able to redeem their points for prizes from classroom teachers. This concept intends to encourage students to strive for success by attentive, positive behaviors.

Darnita Rivers, OPES principal, believes the students have improved not only in their academics, but in a personal way as well.

“The mentors from NSWC PCD have a significant impact in the academic progress of students who see the assignments as challenging. Without the tutors, these issues may not have been addressed,” said Rivers. “In addition, I feel like the mentors are truly caring and personable. It is important for the students to have another adult they feel they can count on in Title I schools such as OPES.” Rebecca Boxerman, NSWC PCD engineer and DC mentor, said during the last few minutes of each session, the mentors give the students an opportunity to talk about whatever is on their mind. Students often ask questions about their mentors and what is like to work at NSWC PCD. She believes having the mentorship program is an important asset for these students to have more confidence in speaking to adult figures.

“I think it is really important for these students to see a diverse group of people

Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul G. Werring Jr. Division Technical Director Edwin Stewart (SES) Public Affairs Officer Jeffrey Prater Editor and Media Liaison Dan Broadstreet

Public Affairs Specialist Jacqui Barker Public Affairs Specialist Katherine Mapp

Coastal Compass is published monthly by NSWC PCD and is an authorized medium for news of general interest about employees of NSWC PCD and their work.

Contents of Coastal Compass are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense or Department of the Navy.

Coastal Compass’ content is provided and prepared by the NSWC PCD Office of Corporate Communications.

For details about submissions, contact NSWC PCD Corporate Communication Editor Dan Broadstreet at (850) 235-5990.

To contact NSWC PCD’s Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline, call: (850) 234-4462

See MENTOR, page 9

Coastal Compass - May 2016

Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2016 Proclamation Signing PANAMA CITY, Florida - Diversity Council members from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) joined Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki at Panama City, City Hall to witness the Mayor’s signing of the 2016 Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) Proclamation themed “Walk Together, Embrace Differences, Build Legacies” on May 2, 2016. May 2016 marks the 24th anniversary of the observation in the United States of Asian American Pacific Islander Month, a national effort to accord official recognition to the heritage of Asian-American and Pacific Islanders and the many contributions made to the development of America and the American way of life. The annual signing of the proclamation is a celebration of diversity strengthening our community. Pictured from left to right: Christina Pate, Darryl Updegrove, Rachel Ivy, NSWC PCD Commanding Officer Capt. Phillip Dawson III, Mayor Greg Brudnicki, Heidi Lecklitner-Halvorson, Candace Cobb, Vatana An, Pam Mittlesteadt and Michael Rowe. U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp (RELEASED) 160502-N-PD526-001

MENTOR in such a successful role. When I told a student that I was an engineer at the local Navy base, her face lit up and she asked me if women could become engineers,’” said Boxerman. “I told the student ‘you can be anything you want to be. You can be successful as long as you work hard.’ I think that is one of the most important lessons.”

Boxerman noted that the students recognize positive improvements in themselves and believe they are benefitting from having the mentoring sessions.

“I asked the students if they felt like they were doing better in their reading comprehension. The response was a resounding yes,” said Boxerman. “The students tell me they look forward to our tutoring sessions and gain a lot from our sessions each week. If even the kids perceive the change in themselves – that is a big deal.”

Alfredo “Alfie” Granado, NSWC PCD engineer and DC mentor, remembers having a mentor throughout his educational journey and noted the positive impact that valuable resource

Coastal Compass - May 2016

from page 8 had on his life.

“My inspiration to mentor students is driven by my passion for giving back to the community. I remember having a mentor at their age and how he treated me more as a colleague than a student and encouraged me to always improve my studies,” said Granado. “I hope the students I have mentored will consider paying it forward one day and become a positive impact on a student’s life just like it did mine.”

Having mentors can be life changing. Not only do mentors provide academic assistance, but they also provide a listening ear and valuable guidance to help students experience greater success – guidance that can help build a foundation of basic values and challenge students to take responsibility for their own actions. By providing this support, a mentor has the ability to motivate students to begin setting goals and understanding the importance of staying in school. ♦

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Awards & Recognition Bulletin

May 2016

Highlight Achievements

May LOS Awards

Congratulations to:

35 Years

AM1 (AW/SW) Jared Marwitz

Edward Linsenmeyer Gloria Smith

Code CXA2 Received a Letter of Commendation for being selected as the Sailor of the Quarter

30 Years

ND3 (DSW) Jesse Reeves

John Purpura

Code CXB Received a Letter of Commendation for being selected as the Junior Sailor of the Quarter

25 Years

Upcoming Recognition Opportunities Name of Award

Target Month

HENAAC Awards

May

12th Annual Secretary of Defense Performance-Based Logistics Awards

May

American Indian Science and Engineering Society Awards June International Test & Evaluation Association Professional Awards

June

John Kady Charles Martin 15 Years Donald Hobden Nicole Lassiter 10 Years Clayton Brookins Brandon Brown Ashleonte Davis

NSWC PCD Awards & Recognition Program Manager may be contacted at 234-4808

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Coastal Compass - May 2016

What You Need to Know about Shipping and Receiving

By Jacqui Barker, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Gone are the days when employees could order an item and use the material without life-cycle tracking. Today, all government employees, to include contractors and service members, must adhere to specific shipping and receiving processes.

As mandated by Congress in 2007, the life cycle of all goods and materials procured for government use must be tracked. To comply with this mandate, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) continue to improve the use of mandated processes and further raise awareness to the improved processes for all hands education and process use.

NAVSEA prescribed centralized warehousing Sept. 6, 2015 via a joint instruction signed by Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Center Technical Director Don McCormack (SES) and DLA Commander June 3, 2015. NUWC/NSWCHQINST 4420.1 titled Transfer of Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers Operating Materials and Supplies Warehouse Management to Naval Sea Logistics Center (NSLC) was signed Aug. 5, 2015.

This instruction requires all Storage and Distribution (S&D) functions currently performed by Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) personnel for Naval Surface Warfare Centers Panama City, Indian Head, and Dahlgren Divisions to transfer to NSLC in early September 2015.

Understanding shipping and receiving processes will also help all employees understand how the congressionally mandated process pertains to the required life cycle management of all governmentally procured goods and services.

“First, all personnel must understand that only NSLC personnel are authorized to ship or receive government materials.

When items need to be discarded, the appropriate items must be turned into Defense Reutilization and Marking Office (DRMO),” said NSWC PCD’s Operations, Material and Support Lead Paul Bannister. “As per the new instruction, only NSLC has the authority to receive material on behalf of NSWC PCD. Material is required to be shipped by NSLC and can no longer be allowed to be shipped to off-base or contracted support teams, with very limited exceptions.”

This move affects all shipping and receiving on the base, Bannister stated in 2015. Since then, Bannister and NSLC personnel have been working with government, contractor and military employees to consolidate warehousing functions and comply with the new S&D process.

The transition is part of an overall NAVSEA Warfare Center strategy to achieve an enterprise warehouse solution under a single warehouse service provider across all nine WFC divisions.

Bannister said there is not a single person at NSWC PCD that will not be affected by this “significant change” in some way.

Delegation of Authority letters appointing the NSLC team members for receiving and DRMO have been signed by NSWC PCD Commanding Officer, Captain Phillip E. Dawson III, USN. Buying outside of the NAVSEA Enterprise Readiness Program (ERP) is prohibited. Material may not be procured via Oth-

Coastal Compass - May 2016

Diagram: Shipping and Receiving Process er Direct Costs (ODCs) on service contracts nor via SEAPORT contracts,” said NSWC PCD Deputy Business Operations Department Deputy Sandy Wicks. “All procurements must be made within ERP so the lifecycle of these materials may be tracked.”

Tracking and management of goods and materials over the lifecycle also prepares NAVSEA commands for the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness financial audits that will begin in fiscal year 2017. ♦

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Naval Sea Systems Command Foreign Liaison Officers Visit NSWC PCD PANAMA CITY, Florida – Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) hosted a group of Naval Sea Systems Command Foreign Liaison Officers from SEA21 (PMS 326) May 4, 2016. From left to right are: NSWC PCD Air Cushion Vehicle Branch Head Ivan Lugo; German officer Lt. Thorsten Boening; International Fleet Support Program Manager (PMS 326) U.S. Navy Captain James Dick; German Cmdr. Thomas Wild; NSWC PCD Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul Werring; Australian officers Cmdr. Andrew Schroder and Lt. Cmdr. Les Crawford. U.S. Navy photo by Jacqui Barker. (RELEASED). 160504-N-PY526-152

Sworn Into Navy Selective Reserve PANAMA CITY, Florida - Congratulations, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) engineer Alfredo Granado who was sworn into the U.S. Navy’s Selective Reserve in Panama City, Florida April 1, 2016 by NSWC PCD Commanding Officer Capt. Phillip Dawson, USN. Granado will serve as an engineering duty officer for a Naval Sea Systems Command unit. U.S. Navy photo by Jacqui Barker. (RELEASED) 160401-N-PY562-171.

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Small Business Office Deputy Awarded PANAMA CITY, Florida (April 19, 2016) — Capt. Phillip Dawson presents the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Small Business Office Deputy Gerald Sorrell an award April 25, 2016 on behalf of NAVSEA Headquarters. The award is to recognize the office’s level of proficiency and dedication in meeting the command’s small business goals. U.S. Navy photo by Dan Broadstreet. (RELEASED) 160425-N-CM547-001.

Coastal Compass - May 2016

Fleet Integrated Sustainment Team Looks to Future Improvements

By Katherine Mapp and Jacqui Barker, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Florida — The U.S. Navy’s Fleet Integrated Sustainment Team (FIST) has one main focus: To sustain collaboration between the Navy’s Regional Maintenance Centers (RMC) and In-Service Engineering Agents (ISEAs) and to provide effective, timely, seamless support to the Fleet.

The FIST began as a Surface Warfare Enterprise (SWE) In-Service Support Process Improvement Team (ISS PIT); the SWE ISS PIT conducted a Lean Six Sigma Value Stream Analysis on ISEA processes utilized by various systems commands, such as Naval Sea Systems Command and Space and Warfare Command. The name changed to FIST in 2015 because, according to NSWC Port Hueneme Division Technical Director Dr. Bill Luebke and Commander, Naval RMC Technical Director Dale Hirschman, the SWE felt the name change better described the portfolio of work.

To achieve the team’s primary objective of sustaining collaboration between RMCs and ISEAs, the team meets face-to-face (F2F) at various locations. The F2F meetings offer the team education and awareness which helps them to improve the collaborations and fleet support.

“Sometimes we don’t understand what the other individuals are doing and we misinterpret it because we are looking through a different lens,” Hirschman said. “We have these face-to-face meetings and hold monthly telephone conferences.”

According to Dr. Luebke - we generate different action items such as who is working on what during the monthly telcons, which helps us continue to drive the actions, but also gives us the opportunities to talk about moving forward to our next meeting.

“The team’s collaboration and communication efforts paid off when they introduced the NSWC Technical Capability Health Assessment (TCHA) model to the maintenance centers,” Hirschman said. “The RMCs looked at the TCHA model and said ‘I think that could work for us.’ So, we took it and personalized it for the RMCs, came back and showed the group what we did.

By sharing information back and forth, the Navy will end up

PANAMA CITY, Florida - Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Facilities and Prototype Branch Head James Green briefs the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Integrated Sustainment Team (FIST) about NSWC PCD’s expeditionary scanning and rapid prototyping capabilities in Panama City, Florida April 7, 2016. U.S. Navy photo by Katherine Mapp.

(RELEASED) 160407-N-PD526-203.

with a better product overall.

As the FIST looks to the future, the challenges of the cyber threat becomes a hot topic. According to Dr. Luebke, “in the cyber piece, the waterfront has to understand where cyber is going, what are the threats, and what is going to neutralize a surface combatant, as an example. The Warfare Centers often times are working on new technologies or new systems that are being purchased and installed in new platforms. Those new platforms, once delivered to the fleet, are taken care of by the RMCs.” Luebke and Hirschman believe the FIST is enabling effective and efficient transition of system modernization and introduction of new technologies from the Warfare Centers to the fleet and RMCs for Life Cycle sustainment. The FIST will continue to broaden the cooperation of the RMCs and ISEAs to provide swift and competent subject matter expertise in response to fleet tech assists and maintain focus on process improvements, which increase material sustainment and operational readiness of the surface fleet. ♦

Reach Summer Attractions Safely: Don’t Text While Driving From the Department of Transportation

WASHINGTON — In recent years, mobile devices have prompted an increase in distracted driving causing accidents that often result in injury or death. Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving.

There are many forms of distraction, but sending text messages while driving is one of the most dangerous because texting requires all three levels of a driver’s attention – visual, manual, and cognitive.

On average, a driver takes his or her eyes off the road for five seconds while texting. If traveling at 55 mph, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded! In 2012, distracted driving caused 18 percent of all fatal crashes, 3,328 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, and 421,000 people were injured in accidents involving a distracted driver. Twenty-seven percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes were in their twenties.

Coastal Compass - May 2016

To prevent a motor vehicle accident caused by distracted driving, follow these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation: • Never text and drive.

• Understand the dangers and risks of texting and driving.

Share these risks with your family, and establish rules regarding distracted driving for yourself and your household.

• Set an example for your friends and family. If you need to text while driving, pull over to a safe place; and when you are a passenger, ask your driver to do the same. Since children often learn from and adopt their parent’s behavior, you will be setting an example for them when they begin to drive.

• Be aware of state and local laws as well as rules on your military installation. Many states, cities/towns, and military installations ban cell phone and texting use while driving or may only allow use with a hands free device. ♦

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FIAR Lead Gibson Preparing NSWC PCD for DoN Financial Audit

By Jacqui Barker, NSWC PCD Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

required routine evaluations and reports of internal accounting and administrative control system adequacy that resided within each respective agency. By 1990, the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 became a fedPANAMA CITY, Florida – Like a steam roller inching eral law intended to improve the government’s finantoward an object, the 2017 financial audit is approachcial management and outlined standards of financial ing and Stacy Gibson is feverishly working to ensure performance and disclosure. It was this 1990 act that Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division gave the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (NSWC PCD) is preparing the command for baseline greater authority over federal financial management. readiness.

The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act The Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (NDAA) mandated the DoD be audit ready on all fi(FIAR) focuses on implementing a consistent, Departnancial statements, including the Statement of Budgetment-wide plan for achieving the Department of the Stacy Gibson ary Resources, by the end of 2017.With a departmental Navy’s (DoN) financial improvement and audit readiness objectives. A DoN audit of our Fiscal Year 2017 (FY) finan- budget of more than $700 billion, achieving audit readiness within cial statements will be conducted in FY 18 to establish a baseline DoD by 2017 is a massive undertaking.

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter specifically called out the for NSWC PCD, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Navy, and Department of Defense (DoD). A financial audit is an indepen- need recently for fiscal transparency.

“I cannot suggest support and stability for the defense budget dent evaluation of whether an organization’s financial statements are fairly presented and in accordance with appropriate accounting without at the same time frankly noting that not every defense dollar is spent as well as it should be,” said Secretary Carter. “The taxpayer standards.

According to FIAR Lead Stacy Gibson, an accountant by trade cannot comprehend it, let alone support the defense budget (given) who resides in the NSWC PCD Comptroller Department, she was cost overruns, lack of accounting and accountability, needless overhead and the like. This must stop.” recently hired to prepare NSWC PCD to become “audit ready.”

In 2011, NSWC PCD implemented the Enterprise Resource Pro“Being audit ready means that NSWC PCD is in a state of being prepared at all times to demonstrate we have the proper manuals, gram (ERP). This tool allows the NAVSEA to also be audit ready automated processes and documentation that are executed in ac- and gives auditors the ability to see all types of information to incordance with policy and appropriate accounting standards,” said clude processes, or information technology controls.

“What employees need to understand is that this audit and readiGibson. “The DoN has mandated that all commands can maintain a constant state of audit readiness by having business processes that ness efforts involves stakeholders from the lowest echelons all the way up to the most senior military and civilian leaders,” said Gibare sustainable, traceable, and repeatable.”

Gibson said the FY17 audit isn’t just about preparing and pass- son. “This audit and readiness involves all hands – no one is exempt from being audited.” ing an audit; it’s about sustaining audit readiness at all times.

ERP allows us to see the life cycle of end-to-end business pro“Audit readiness produces more effective and transparent business processes. It increases public trust and confidence in DoD cesses, and this FY17 audit ensures we can track how we spend the spending,” she said. “Overall, audit readiness improves the reliabil- U.S. Navy’s money, how we manage financial and human resources, ity and accuracy of data and decision-making information in opera- how we manage assets or equipment, execute contracts, and even how we enter or certify time for payroll.” ♦ tions.”

The FIAR is not a new action, in fact, its history dates back to 1982 when the Federal Manager’s Financial Integrity Act of 1982 amended the Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950. The latter act

ALMDS Brief for Maj. Gen. Owens OPNAV N95 PANAMA CITY, Florida - Maj. Gen. Christopher Owens, OPNAV N95 visits NSWC Panama City Division and receives a presentation from Ted Mahoney, project manager for the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System.

U.S. Navy photo by Jeff Prater (RELEASED) 160504-N-EP040-006.

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Coastal Compass - May 2016

Out and About the Base with Command Employees

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY PANAMA CITY Fla. (April 20, 2016) Dr. Daniel Miller, professor of history at the University of West Florida, presents a speech as the keynote speaker at Naval Support Activity Panama City’s Holocaust National Days of Remembrance ceremony held in the Long Glass conference room. The United States established the Days of Remembrance in 1979 in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, this year’s ceremonial theme is, “Never Again: Heeding the Warning Signs.”

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Fred Gray IV (RELEASED) 160420-N-TI693-036.

PANAMA CITY, Florida – Students from Bay and surrounding counties compete in the 2016 SeaPerch Regional Competition at Gulf Coast State College’s swimming pool on May 6, 2016. During the competition, students competed in various challenges involving their self-made remotely operated SeaPerch vehicles. U.S. Navy Photo by Katherine Mapp (RELEASED) 160506-N-PD526-047.

PANAMA CITY, Florida - Patronis Elementary School showed their Purple Up and military support Friday, April 8, 2016! Pictured above is Patronis Vice Principal Brooke Lloyd, 4th grade student Jenna Barker, and Patronis Principal Ellie Spivey. U.S. Navy photo by Jacqui Barker (RELEASED) 160408-N-PY562-002.

Coastal Compass - May 2016

PANAMA CITY, Florida - Expeditionary and Maritime Systems Department Head Sheila Schnoering presents an engineering trophy to Andrew Harrington during Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division’s (NSWC PCD) Test Engineering Branch (Code E41) and Ranges and Facilities Branch’s (Code E42) second annual branch meeting, burger burn and water balloon launch competition on April 27, 2016. Each participant in the competition engineered their own water balloon launchers to defeat their friendly competitors. U.S. Navy photo

by Katherine Mapp (RELEASED) 160407-N-PD526-203.

Employees are presented command coins for their restoration efforts on the Shadowgraph. The Shadowgraph was a side-scan sonar which was developed during the 1950s at U.S. Navy Mine Defense Laboratory, Panama City Florida – now known as NSWC PCD. During its service life, the Shadowgraph located numerous lost objects and aircraft on the sea floor and has since influenced development of military and commercial sonars.

Pictured from left to right are: NSWC PCD Technical Director Ed Stewart (SES), Eddie Karjala, Burley Watkins, David Guthrie and NSWC PCD Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul Werring. U.S. Navy photo by Eddie Green (RELEASED) 160329-N-UI581-001

The Shadowgraph is now located in lobby of building 608. U.S. Navy photo by Jeff Prater (RELEASED) 160331-N-PD040-002.

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