Military Appreciation - Military Appreciation 2015

Military Appreciation Day March 28, 2015 11 AM - 4 PM | kitsap county fairgrounds at THE pavilion

Welcome to Kitsap Military Appreciation Day 2015 Community comes together to say ‘thanks’ to active military, their families and veterans for all they do

11 a.m.

Naval Base Kitsap Color Guard will present the colors; Pledge of Allegiance 11:15 a.m.

Singing of the National Anthem led by Navy Band Northwest 11:20 a.m.

Greetings from Angela Sell of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

11:30 a.m.

Introduction of dignitaries by Angela Sell

W

elcome to Military Appreciation Day 2015! For more than 11 years, Kitsap County has celebrated the military’s presence in our local communities.

Kitsap County is the home of several military installations under the Navy Region Northwest designation.

According to the Navy Region NW Public Affairs Office, there are 25,000 active duty personnel, 6,000 reservists and 35,000 retirees in the Kitsap area.

This is in addition to the more than 50,000 military family members that live and work in the area, including the newest from the USS Nimitz, which is now at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for maintenance.

The service men and women live and work and take part in community life here. Their children attend local schools. The contribution that they make to our local economy is substantial.

Military Appreciation Day 2015 is Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kitsap County Fairgrounds’ Kitsap Pavilion. The event is free and open to the public.

Military Appreciation Day is fun and educational for all who attend. Local businesses and those that serve the military have generously provided free and discounted items for our local service men and women.

More than 100 commercial booths are reserved in the Kitsap Pavilion that day to provide a huge “thank you” to our military members. Every booth will donate prizes; winners will be announced throughout the day from the main stage area. Prizes will be given to local active duty personnel, reservists and retirees

KITSAP COUNTY MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11:35 a.m.

Remarks by Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe 11:40 a.m.

Mayor Patty Lent greets the military

Sailors aboard the USS John C. Stennis perform practice fire drills. The Stennis is homeported in Bremerton and expects to deploy in May. Contributed photo (you must show your military identification in order to claim your prize).

There also will be free food and nonalcoholic beverages from vendors such as the USO Mobile Canteen, McClouds Bar and others.

Activities and events will appeal to the entire family. The doors of the Kitsap Pavilion will open at 11 a.m. Door prizes will be awarded beginning at 12:15 p.m.

The Marine Corps Color Guard will present the flags of the Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Air Force.

The event will feature remarks by Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe; U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer; Capt.

John Ring, commander of the USS Nimitz; and Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent. Special guest: Capt. Thomas A. Zwolfer, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap.

Entertainment will appeal to all ages, with performances by Galletta School of Dance, Olympic Gymnastic Center students, Okinawan Karate Black Belt Academy students, and dancers from Irene’s School of Dance.

Military Appreciation Day always features fun kid-specific activities. This year

there will be a bounce house, a showand-tell game, military vehicles, a U.S. Coast Guard boat, weapons displays by the Marines, as well as visits from McGruff the Crime Dog and Central Kitsap Fire Department’s mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog. A mini boot camp will be set up for the children so that they can get a feel for the training exercises the Marines conduct while on a military installation.

Face painting will be available for the children, including special camo paint.

This annual event is organized by the Military Affairs Committee of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and made possible by the donations of time and prizes from local merchants and Kitsap community members, including the following businesses: Shane McGraw Mortgage Lending Team, First Command Financial, Liberty Bay Auto, Dentistry for Children in Bremerton, Olympic College, MillerWoodlawn Funeral Home, American Financial Solutions, Kitsap Credit Union, The Point Casino, Air Masters Heating, Western Washington University, Sound Publishing, and Stars & Stripes.

11:45 a.m.

Remarks by Capt. John Ring, commander of the USS Nimitz 11:50 a.m.

U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer presents Service Member of the Year awards to each branch of the military represented at the event Noon to 12:15 p.m.

Continuation of awards ceremony Entertainment will begin at 1 p.m. on the Center Stage 1:15 p.m.

Galetta School of Dance dancers will perform 1:50 p.m.

Olympic Gymnastic Center students will perform 2:25 p.m.

Okinawan Karate Black Belt Academy students will perform 3 p.m.

Dancers from Irene’s School of Dance will perform

A supplement of the Bainbridge ISLAND Review, BREMERTON PATRIOT, Central Kitsap Reporter, North Kitsap Herald, AND Port Orchard Independent

Page 2 military appreciation day

MARCH 28, 2015

Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent praises military, families T

hose of you that live, work and play in our Kitsap County communities make up a very large population of which our city could not be more proud for the freedom and safety you continue to provide the balance of our residents and citizens.

As we honor you on this Military Appreciation Day, we want you to know that over the past six years we have been blessed by our historical memorial preservationist, Mick Hersey, who has written, researched, cleaned and refurbished more than 80 Veterans Memorials and honored-citizen plaques in Kitsap County. We now have a map locating each memorial.

We invite each of you and your families and friends to visit these sites or go to the city’s website www. ci.bremerton.wa.us for descriptions and directions.

We appreciate Mr. Hersey and the hundreds of volunteers and sailors

Mayor Patty Lent, dressed in military camouflage and riding in a tank, waves to the crowd at last year’s Armed Forces Day parade in downtown Bremerton.

Contributed photo

berthed aboard the homeported USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) at Naval Base Bremerton; fleet-assigned squadrons and submarines at Naval Submarine Support Center, Bangor; doctors and nurses providing health care at Naval Hospital Bremerton; military personnel under orders to Naval Magazine Indian Island; our engineers that test underwater weapons or develop advanced technologies at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport; and all military staff supporting the mission of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facilities.

We proudly salute you and thank you for serving our country in combat, protecting our seas for moving freight and commerce, and conducting humanitarian tasks.

God bless, Patty Lent, mayor City of Bremerton

A salute to local military from U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer W

elcome to Kitsap County’s 2015 Military Appreciation Day. Here in Kitsap County, we take pride in our military ties. It’s a big part of who we are and what makes our region so strong.

Members of the military aren’t just fighting for the freedom of our community. They are family members, friends, and neighbors who are making a difference in it too.

That’s why events like this are so important. It’s another great way for us to go beyond saying thanks and turning our words into deeds.

Home to more than 25,000 active duty and reserve Army Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and National Guard personnel, 80,000 veterans, and their families, our region has a lot to be thankful for.

In addition to those serving in uniform, our community is home to thousands of Department of Defense civilian employees who serve our country each day and ensure the readiness and safety of our service members.

As your member of Congress, I’m focused on helping veterans cut through red tape so they can get the medals and benefits they’ve earned, improving management at the Veterans Administration, ensuring every veteran has a roof over their head and doesn’t have to fight for a job at home, and going to bat for our local military installations.

The Silverdale Chamber Military Affairs Committee and Sound Publishing, the sponsors of this outstanding event, are shining examples of the dedication we show to our local heroes.

The 2015 Military Appreciation Day has it all. Besides a mini boot-camp for the kids it will showcase what we have to offer to military service members, veterans, and their families.

It’s an opportunity for all of us to support those who serve. Local businesses, support organizations, and neighbors will

so many of our neighbors. Your participation today, whether you are joining in the festivities or providing info about your local business, proves your appreciation and dedication. Thank you for supporting our local military personnel in this way.

— Rep. Derek Kilmer

Contributed photo

Rep. Derek Kilmer join in strengthening the bonds between friends old and new.

It’s my honor to welcome you to this great event spotlighting the services of

About Rep. Kilmer Rep. Derek Kilmer serves as the United States representative for Washington’s 6th Congressional District. He was elected in 2012. With over a decade of experience working in economic development, Rep. Kilmer is focused on getting our economy and our Congress back to work.

Prior to his time in Congress, Rep. Kilmer served in the state House of Representatives from 2004-06 and in the state Senate from 2007–12, and also worked for the Economic Development Board of Tacoma – Pierce County during that time.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Kilmer is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Rep. Kilmer grew up on the Olympic

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MARCH 28, 2015 military appreciation day

Page 3

Commissioner Ed Wolfe keynote speaker at event Kitsap County’s newest commissioner will thank local military and their families for their service and contributions

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

T

here’s no doubt that Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe knows and appreciates the value of active military and veterans and what they give to this nation — and to this county.

“Kitsap County and the military have a symbiotic relationship,” Commissioner Wolfe said. “We roll out the red carpet for returning veterans. Naval Base Kitsap has had a close relationship with this county for decades.”

Commissioner Wolfe will speak at Military Appreciation Day on behalf of the Board of Kitsap County Commissioners.

“We want you to know how much we appreciate and care for the people of this county, especially those in the Armed Forces,” he said.

Commissioner Wolfe said the military presence in Kitsap County is huge.

“Naval Base Kitsap is the third-largest Navy base in the U.S.,” he said. “There are approximately 14,000 active-duty person-

Contributed Photo

Commissioner Ed Wolfe nel, 16,000 Department of Defense civilian employees, 10,000 contractors and about 36,000 veterans here. That’s a lot of people that positively impact the local economy.”

Military Appreciation Day gives everyone, including 100 of our local businesses that participate in it, the chance to “thank you for your support.”

“We appreciate your service to our country and all of your contributions to our communities,” he said. “Without you, a lot of

local businesses wouldn’t exist.”

Commissioner Wolfe represents Central Kitsap on the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. He was elected in November 2014.

Prior to his election, he was a well-known local attorney, founding Wolfe Law Offices in Kitsap 17 years ago. He is admitted to practice law in all Washington state courts, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and Colorado, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th and 10th Circuit Courts.

He is a past president of the Kitsap Bar Association and a former judge pro tem in county municipal and district courts.

Commissioner Wolfe was raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and graduated from George Mason University School of Law and West Virginia University. He later completed the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Management Program. He served in the Army from 1969 to 1971.

He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and Fisheries Affairs, with the rank of ambassador, in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations.

Community service is important to him and he always made time in his busy law career to volunteer with local non-profit organizations. He was a founding board member of the Bremerton Boys & Girls Club, member of the Bremerton Rotary Club, and board member of the Kitsap County Historical Society, Olympic College

Foundation and Admiral Theater. He is past president of the Puget Sound Naval Base Association and the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Bremerton Planning Commission.

Commissioner Wolfe and his wife, Wendy Miles, live in Bremerton and have long enjoyed the natural environment of Kitsap County, hiking, boating and kayaking.

Their 26-year-old son lives and works in the Washington, D.C. area.

Commissioner Wolfe extended a special thank you to Duane Sharpe and the Military Affairs Committee of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce for putting together Military Appreciation Day. Did you know...

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members — past and present.

Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country.

National Military Appreciation Month started as a simple idea: to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving, and to know the history behind it all.

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Page 4 military appreciation day

MARCH 28, 2015

Naval Base Kitsap is an important part of county life

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

N

aval Base Kitsap is located in Kitsap County and is composed of Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor and Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton. Each base has its own purpose: Bangor serves the submarine fleet, Bremerton serves the surface fleet.

Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton is also connected to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, which performs major ship and submarine overhauls. The city of Bremerton and unincorporated community of Silverdale

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are dependent upon the Department of Defense for the highest commerce of the county.

Additionally, centrally located between Bangor and Bremerton is Naval Hospital Bremerton, a fully accredited, communitybased acute care and obstetrical hospital, which hosts a variety of specialty clinics.

History: In September 1891, 190 acres of the Pacific Northwest wilderness was purchased for $10,000 and the first Naval Station Puget Sound was established in Bremerton.

In 1900, the Naval Station became a shipyard and was the only West Coast ship repair facility until 1941. By 1945, the wartime workforce reached more than 32,000 personnel.

Between 1917 and 1969, a total of 85 ships were constructed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, including the largest vessels on the West Coast. In 1961, the shipyard was certified as a nuclear repair facility.

In 1998, Naval Station Bremerton was commissioned as a Navy homeport.

In June 2004, Naval Station Bremerton and Submarine Base Bangor were joined to become one regional base known as Naval Base Kitsap. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard operates as a separate unit.

Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor’s military history began in 1942, when it became the site for shipping ammunition to the Pacific theater during World War II. The Navy announced the selection of Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor as the homeport for the first squadron of Trident submarines in 1973.

Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, was officially

activated in 1977.

Mission: The mission of Naval Base Kitsap is to serve as host command for the Navy’s fleet throughout West Puget Sound and to provide base operating services, including support to submarines, aircraft carriers and surface ships homeported at Bremerton and Bangor. Naval Base Kitsap also provides service, programs and facilities that meet the needs of the hosted war-fighting commands, tenant activities, crew, service school and employees.

Essentially, Naval Base Kitsap is responsible for the services and support to run an industrial area and waterfront as well as residential facilities and quality of life services. By combining the facility and grounds support of Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Naval Station Bremerton, and Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport, redundant facility support services, infrastructure, and command structure are eliminated. The homeported war-fighting units and tenant commands can focus on their core missions — what they do best and need to do best: their mission.

About the Navy Region Northwest The Navy has been operating regularly in Pacific Northwest waterways since 1841. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Revenue Marine (forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard), explored, charted, and protected the area during the mid 19th century. Ships and cutters worked to keep the peace between natives and settlers, and helped negotiate boundary disputes over the San Juan Islands.

When the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867, the sea services began patrols to regulate fishing and sealing, assist mariners in distress, and establish forward presence in the Last Frontier.

Bases and a shipyard were operating in Puget Sound by the 1890s, and on May 7, 1903, the Thirteenth Naval District was established in Seattle. It was renamed Naval Base Seattle in 1980, and subsequently renamed Navy Region Northwest in 1999.

Navy Region Northwest provides consolidated base operations support for Navy activities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. The command oversees the assigned shore organization and provides facilities and space management, exercise coordination, and support to homeported and transient ships, submarines, and aircraft as well as afloat and ashore tenants, military and family members.

Navy Region Northwest exists to support the Fleet, Fighter and Family. Their support is essential to provide naval forces that are ready and able to execute our nation’s defense requirements.

The U.S. Navy’s third-largest fleet concentration area is located within the Puget Sound, an environmentally sensitive inland sea with an international border with Canada.

The Department of the Navy infuses more than $5 billion annually in the region, and region installations and facilities occupy more than 28,000 acres of land.

Source: U.S. Navy

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MARCH 28, 2015 military appreciation day

Page 5

Ways to say ‘Thank you’

By AMY BUSHATZ

Special to Sound Publishing

M

TH

If your business offers a discount, publicize it. Even though we aren’t looking for handouts, we understand that many businesses want to say “thank you” by giving us a percentage off our purchase. That’s fabulous — thank you! If it’s a secret discount, however, that only some military members know

y spouse works his tail end off for his country, not to mention risking his life and leaving his family behind for months at a time. So it’s pretty great when people who are not in the military recognize his service. He finds it a little embarrassing, but sometimes I secretly plot ways for us to run errands right after he gets off work and before he has time to change out of his uniform just so that I can hear people thank him for his service. It’s heartwarming.

And then there are the little kids.

Even in a town with a huge military Navy photo population like this Sailors aboard the USS Stennis view downtown Seattle. one, you still run across awe-struck about, it feels more like an advertising gimkiddos who think being a soldier is the coolmick than anything else. Why not let all your est thing on planet earth. I love seeing them clientele know that you appreciate the milistare while they say to their parents, “Look, tary? Consider posting a sign. Not only will it’s a SOLDIER!” you be spreading the appreciation love, but Service members and military spouses more military members will have a chance to sometimes complain that America is not find out about the discount and use it. grateful enough for their service. Other Hey, Hollywood! How about a good times, we question the way civilians express story once in awhile? Instead of making their gratitude. movies and producing shows that make us But I wonder if poorly expressed thanks (or no thanks at all) is at least partially due to look pitiful, why not produce more movies like “Act of Valor” that make our jobs look a lack of knowledge. Like being invited to a really, really cool? party with no idea what to bring the birthday Give a military spouse a hand. Know boy, they buy the best thing they can think any deployed military families? Think about of. And sometimes it just isn’t right. doing something nice for the spouse of So we’re here to give a little guidance. a deployed service member. An offer to Dear civilians, here are some of our top babysit, mow that insanely out of control military appreciation ideas: lawn, drop off a meal or pick a child up from Skip the sympathy — give gratitude. school one afternoon so his exhausted mom Military members don’t want you to feel can take a nap would all be very appreciated. sorry for them. We chose this life and we Little gestures of kindness say “thank you” are happy to serve. So instead of saying “I’m in big ways. sorry,” say “Thank you!” Encouraging words (From www.Military.com. This article was make us beam with pride. originally published in SpouseBUZZ.)

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Page 6 military appreciation day

MARCH 28, 2015

USS Nimitz in Bremerton; docked at PSNS for repair Everett-based ship will undergo months of repairs and upgrades at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

About the ship

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

T

he USS Nimitz’s commanding officer is Capt. John Ring.

Capt. Ring is a native of San Diego, California and was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Arizona after receiving a degree in economics and political science.

Following flight training in Pensacola and VAW-120, he was designated as a Naval Flight Officer in 1990.

Capt. Ring assumed command of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on 8 July 2014.

Capt. Ring’s initial sea duty assignment was with the VAW-123 “Screwtops” aboard USS America (CV-66) (1990-93).

In 1996, Capt. Ring was selected to become Air Defense Officer in USS Chancellorville (CG-62) and USS Port Royal (CG-73), where he qualified in Surface Warfare.

Additional sea duty assignments include the VAW-112 “Golden Hawks” aboard USS

The number of the USS Nimitz is proudly lit on the side of the ship. The Nimitz is currently in Bremerton and many of its families have relocated to the area.

Contributed photo John C. Stennis (1999-2002), and Carrier Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP) (2007).

Capt. Ring reported as executive officer of VAW-113 in September 2004 and assumed command in November 2005.

While in command, the “Black Eagles” flew in support of ground convoys in Iraq and the squadron earned the 2006 Battle Excellence Award and the Airborne Early Warning Excellence Award.

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From October 2009 to June 2011, Capt.

Ring served as executive officer, USS Nimitz (CVN-68); and from November 2011 until February 2013, he commanded USS Comstock (LSD 45).

His shore duty assignments include instructor duty at Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) (1993-96); Air Force Command and Staff College, where he earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies and a master’s in Public Administration from Auburn University (1998); Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Office (JTAMDO), Joint Staff, J8 Directorate, where he worked on Ballistic Missile Defense issues (2002-04); and Nuclear Power Training (2007-09).

Capt. Ring recently served as the Aircraft Carrier Requirements Officer for Commander, Naval Air Forces, Atlantic.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Strike Flight Air Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (including one combat “V”) and various other personal and campaign medals.

In 1994, he was selected as Hawkeye NFO of the Year and, while in command of VAW-113, he was awarded the peerelected 2005 Navy and Marine Corps Leadership Award.

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a supercarrier of the United States Navy and the lead ship of her class. One of the largest warships in the world, she was laid down, launched and commissioned as CVAN-68 but was redesignated CVN 68 (nuclearpowered multi-mission aircraft carrier) on 30 June 1975 as part of the fleet realignment.

The ship was named for World War II Pacific fleet commander Chester W. Nimitz, who was the Navy’s third fleet admiral. Nimitz was homeported at Naval Station Norfolk until 1987, when she was relocated to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.

Following her Refueling and Complex Overhaul in 2001, her homeport was changed to NAS North Island in San Diego, California.

The homeport of Nimitz was again moved to Naval Station Everett in 2012.

The Nimitz returned to Everett in December 2013 following a nine-month deployment in which it saw action in the Afghanistan War. It also entered the Mediterranean Sea where the strike group conducted operations with NATO allies.

Last month, the Nimitz was moved to Bremerton for a 16-month overhaul at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Stats • Builder: Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Virginia.

• Date deployed: 3 May 1975 • Unit cost: About $8.5 billion in 2012 dollars.

• Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts.

• Length: 1,092 feet • Beam: 134 feet; flight deck width: 252 feet.

• Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons full load.

• Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour).

• Crew: Ship’s company: 3,000-3,200; air wing: 1,500; other: 500.

• Armament: Multiple NATO Sea Sparrow, Phalanx CIWS, and Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) mounts.

• Aircraft: Approximately 60 or more.

MARCH 28, 2015 military appreciation day

Page 7

USS John C. Stennis sailors call Bremerton home

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

T

he USS John C. Stennis’ commanding officer is Capt. Michael Wettlaufer.

Capt. Wettlaufer graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and received his commission through Aviation Officer Candidate School in March 1986.

His career as an aviator includes operational tours with Attack Squadron (VA 85) and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195. Ashore, he attended Navy Test Pilot School; served as a Project Officer and test pilot on various platforms, including A-6, FA-18 and T-45 aircraft; and was a fixed-wing tutor and test pilot at the Empire Test Pilots’ School in the United Kingdom.

He conducted combat operations while deployed on USS America (CV 66), USS Independence (CV 62) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

Capt. Wettlaufer served in various fleet and joint staff commands, including at Commander, U.S. Second Fleet; as a CNO Strategic Studies Group Associate Fellow; and as a policy analyst for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO policy.

His command assignments include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 commanding officer; USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) executive officer; and USS Denver (LPD 9) commanding officer.

Capt. Wettlaufer has a master’s degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee, a master of arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and he attended Navy Nuclear Power Training.

He is a recipient of various personal and unit awards, including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal.

He has accumulated more than 3,700 flight hours in 48 aircraft and more than 800 carrier-arrested landings.

Capt. Wettlaufer assumed command of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on 26 July 2013.

About the USS Stennis

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is the seventh Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier in the Navy, and is named for Sen. John C. Stennis of Mississippi. She was commissioned on 9 Dec. 1995. Her homeport is Bremerton.

The mission of John C. Stennis and her air wing (CVW-9) is to conduct sustained combat air operations while forwarddeployed. The embarked air wing consists of eight to nine squadrons. Attached aircraft are Navy and Marine F/A-18 Hornet, EA-6B Prowler, MH-60R, MH-60S, and E-2C Hawkeye.

The air wing can engage enemy aircraft, submarines, and land targets, or lay mines hundreds of miles from the ship. Stennis’s aircraft are used to conduct strikes, support land battles, protect the battle group or other friendly shipping, and implement a sea or air blockade. The air wing provides a visible presence to demonstrate American power and resolve in a crisis.

The ship normally operates as the centerpiece of a carrier battle group commanded by a flag officer embarked upon John C.

Stennis and consisting of four to six other ships.

John C. Stennis’​s two nuclear reactors give her virtually unlimited range and endurance and a top speed in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h, 34.5 mph). The ship’s four catapults and four arresting gear engines enable her to launch and recover aircraft rapidly and simultaneously. The ship carries approximately 3 million gallons of fuel for her aircraft and escorts, and enough weapons and stores for extended operations without replenishment.

John C. Stennis also has extensive repair capabilities, including a fully equipped Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, a micro-miniature electronics repair shop, and numerous ship repair shops.

For defense, in addition to her air wing and accompanying vessels, John C. Stennis has NATO RIM-7 Sea Sparrow and Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) surface-to-air missile systems, the Phalanx Close-in Weapons System for cruise missile defense, and the AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System.

The John C. Stennis was contracted on 29 March 1988 and the keel was laid 13 March 1991 at Newport News Shipbuilding Company, Newport News, Virginia.

The ship was christened on 11 Nov. 1993, in honor of Sen. John C. Stennis, D-Mississippi, who served in the Senate

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(115,700 short tons) • Length: Overall: 1,092 feet • Propulsion: 2 × Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors; 4 × steam turbines; 4 × shafts; 260,000 shp • Speed: 30+ knots (56+ km/h; 35+ mph) • Range: Unlimited distance; 20-25 years • Capacity: 6500 officers and crew (with embarked airwing) •Complement: Ship’s company: 3,200; Air wing: 2,480.

from 1947 to 1989.

John C. Stennis was commissioned on 9 Dec. 1995 at Naval Station Norfolk, and she conducted flight deck certification in January 1996. The first arrested landing was by a VX-23 F-14B. The Stennis is currently in port at Bremerton and is expected to deploy in May for at least nine months.

Stats • Class and type: Nimitz-class aircraft carrier • Displacement: 103,300 long tons

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Page 8 military appreciation day

MARCH 28, 2015

Kids ready for boot camp

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

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I

t’s something children always look forward to.

It’s an event every military kid will want try.

It’s called a mini boot camp, and will be put on by the U.S. Marines during Military Appreciation Day again this year.

Youngsters age 5-16 will be welcome to join in on a 15-minute version of what their military parents may have endured in boot camp.

First, they’ll be taught military bearing.

That’s simply standing still and paying attention.

“That may be a challenge for some of them,” said Michael Ho, the Marine organizer of the event each year.

Then, they’ll learn customs and courtesies. Participants will repeat the proper greeting for the day and must not forget their “Yes, Sir” and “Yes, Ma’am’s.”

Next will be a section on exercise with age-appropriate goals, Ho said. Included will be a round of push-ups, jumping jacks and a cardio run.

The junior boot campers will then make their way through the bounce house obstacle course.

All of this will be done with camouflage face paint, available to the kids at the boot camp location.

Participants who complete the boot camp will receive a certificate of completion signed by the Battalion Sergeant Major.

U.S. Marines will be on hand to provide motivation for the kids as they take part, Ho said.

“It’s a little tiny taste of what we go through,” he said.

Besides the boot camp, kids can also view a display of small defense weapons and security vehicles.

Stand Down set for April a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Presidents Hall at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, 1250 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton.

There’s a new location for the semiMany free services will be available for annual Kitsap County Stand Down for veterans and their dependents. Services Veterans. include legal assistance, clothing, dental The event is scheduled on April 4, 10 checkups, vision screenings, groceries, haircuts, hygiene items, and advice on such matters as child support payments and foreclosures.

Veterans Administration representatives will be on hand to help with benefit claims and health referrals. Counselors will help with employment referrals and housing options and DSHS enrollment.

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt Free voicemail and phones will be available. And there will be camping gear giveaways.

Stand Downs are held in the spring and fall of each year as a way to reach Angela M Sell, AAMS® out to veterans who may need help but don’t know where to go to get Financial Advisor help. Services at the Stand Down Angela M Sell, AAMS 3276 Plaza Rd NW Suite 112 Financial Advisor Silverdale, WA 98383 require a photo identification and a 3276 Plaza Rd NW Suite 112, 360-698-7408 copy of a DD214 or discharge papers.

Silverdale, WA 98383 360-698-7408 Unaccompanied dependents must bring DD214 and proof of relationship to a Member SIPC www.edwardjones.com veteran.

Member SIPC The event is sponsored by the Kitsap County Veterans Program, Puget Sound Energy, Kitsap Credit Union, Grocery Outlet, Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance, and the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee.

Veterans from all U.S. military branches are welcome to attend. A hot meal also will be served to veterans and their families.

By LESLIE Kelly

lkelly@soundpublishing.com

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