Whidbey Crosswind, March 31, 2017

Whidbey Crosswind

Calling from MARS

The Puget Sound Veterans’ Monthly | April 2017

Radio operators play key role z pg. 2

A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times

SERVING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S VETERANS, RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND FAMILIES

Communicating

MARS

from

Volunteer radio operators play key emergency backup role at NAS Whidbey

By RON NEWBERRY

rnewberry@whidbeynewsgroup.com

On a recent Wednesday morning when many people in Oak Harbor are still rubbing the sleep out their eyes, Rob Sweeton is wide awake, waiting patiently to make contact with the outside world.

Sitting at a station outfit-

ted with radios, amplifiers, antenna tuners and other electronic gadgets, Sweeton is in his comfort zone, occupying what he considers to be a privileged seat.

He scoots up in his chair and clicks on the microphone to talk.

“NCS-312. This is Alfa

Alfa Mike Zero Four Six NAS Whidbey Island. Over.”

Sweeton listens. He hears voices from radio operators in Georgia and Alabama talking to each other. But they can’t hear him.

It could be solar storms — the usual culprit interfering with the high-frequency radio

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waves that bounce off the ionosphere.

He tries again.

“NCS-312. This is Alfa Alfa Mike Zero Four Six MARS Station NAS Whidbey. Over.”

Every Wednesday, Rob Sweeton rises early to experience life at MARS Station AAM-046 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Long retired as a hospital corpsman in the Navy, he began learning how to speak this language four years ago when he started getting serious with amateur radio.

Now, he and others, most of them retired, volunteer to run

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As licensed amateur radio operators and certified MARS members, they are key players in Department of Defense and emergency communication systems that benefit both the military and civilian world.

“From my perspective, it’s a wonderful way to give back to the community,” Sweeton said. “And it’s a little specialized so not everybody can do it, so that’s what I like about it. I consider it a privilege to be able to work here.”

The primary role of the civilian-run MARS stations such as the one in Oak

Harbor is to serve as a backup communications system in the event of federal, regional or local emergencies.

It employs the use of highfrequency radio, a triedand-true method that’s been around for a century but now takes a back seat to faster, modern technology such as satellite and internet-based communication systems.

A handful of volunteers take turns arriving at the MARS station at NAS Whidbey each morning, six days a week, to perform training exercises and check-ins with other stations, agencies and groups on different local, regional and federal networks

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Oak Harbor’s Rob Sweeton volunteers at the MARS Station during a SHARES net at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. “I consider it a privilege to be able to work here,” he said.

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to perfect their skills and determine their reach.

by crude antennas of various heights, ages and functionality.

They send and receive voice and digital transmissions, adhering to specific procedures mandated by the Department of Defense and other agencies and employ the international phonetic alphabet when referring to a station’s call sign.

To get to MARS, you scale a flight of steel-grated steps and enter a doorway.

Station headquarters is behind a blue door on the left accessed by a code on a keypad. The door is affixed with a circular “MARS” emblem.

“It’s like something interstellar,” Sweeton joked.

It’s practice, practice and more practice.

“The time to learn how to speak on radio is clearly not in the middle of an emergency,” said Terry Sparks, a MARS member at NAS Whidbey.

Although the top priority for MARS Station AAM-046 is to provide backup communications for NAS Whidbey, the group trains regularly to provide similar support for other city, state and federal groups during emergencies.

That includes Homeland Security through Shared Resources High Frequency Radio program, also known as SHARES. Sweeton checks into that network each Wednesday morning, followed by the Alaska Emergency Net. It was the one giving him trouble recently when he tried to reach Net Control Station-312 in Georgia.

Another operator received his message and relayed it to Georgia to complete the check-in.

“The fact is you just never really know when you’re going to be called upon to assist in a disaster,” Sweeton said. “It can come in the form of a hostile action by a foreign power, or a major regional earthquake that may temporarily knock out communications.”

The NAS Whidbey MARS

Photo by Ron Newberry

Willie Oliver is the chief operator at the MARS Station at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

He is retired from the Navy.

Station also is a member of ARES/RACES, an emergency services network that is designed to serve as backup communications in the region, including events that could impact Whidbey Island.

cell phone companies, internet providers and such.”

The group participated in a four-day Cascadia Rising exercise last June, which measured the response to a catastrophic earthquake that some scientists figure is overdue in the region.

The SHARES program officially started in 1963, prompted by the Cuban Missile Crisis and President John F. Kennedy’s concern about the United States’ extended communications capabilities.

The event demonstrated the importance of the a regional backup communication system using high-frequency radio.

“For me it’s another tool in the tool box because with cell phone communications you’re dependent on other entities to provide you a service,” Sweeton said. “It’s kind of cool just having your own capability to communicate at will any time regardless of what may be happening externally with

The NAS Whidbey MARS Station also was activated during a 24-hour SHARES exercise during the presidential inauguration in January.

MARS stations function in part to have open channels in the event of communications overloads.

ed,” Sweeton said. “We’ve seen recently where there’s an ability for foreign governments to infiltrate our internet structure, some would say actually even throwing an election.

That’s not my opinion. It does demonstrate vulnerabilities.

There are active counter measures that may be employed by foreign governments to disrupt our form of communications.”

Everything about MARS at NAS Whidbey is a bit mysterious.

The station is tucked away in Building 13, surrounded

The Navy accommodates the MARS Station at NAS Whidbey but stopped managing it in 2015, handing those responsibilities over to the Air Force. The Army then took over that role from the Air Force this winter.

The station in Oak Harbor had been affiliated with the Navy for more than 50 years before funding stopped.

A plaque honoring Ralph “Digger” O’Dell, the station’s chief operator from 19852015, hangs on a wall outside the station.

Willie Oliver, who’s retired from the Navy, handles that role now. He’s been involved with the NAS Whidbey station since the 1970s but has only been a MARS member for just over 10 years.

He shared stories about the days when the Navy was actively involved with MARS and the group’s orange mobile

communications trailer was taken all over the Pacific Northwest, serving as a temporary incident command center during emergencies.

The trailer, nicknamed “the pumpkin,” is still parked next to Building 13 and is getting refurbished.

“It hasn’t been used officially in forever,” Oliver said.

Funding is scarce and MARS membership is down to just four operators, including one active duty sailor, so Oliver is always on the lookout for donations and new members.

One antenna on a nearby hill can’t rotate because of a broken rotar, which costs at least $700 to replace.

A steel tower was donated to the group but it needs a base, which costs about $1,200.

Much of the time, Sparks and Oliver dig into their own pockets to buy equipment.

“I think a lot of people in the community don’t realize that we have their backs,” Sparks said. “If nothing else, we have their backs.”

Interested in joining the MARS team at NAS Whidbey? Inquire by calling 360-544-2817 or 360-2578038 or send an email to wimars@galaxynet.com.

“Worst case scenario, if you had a disaster right in the middle of the inauguration, you could be totally overwhelmed with communications,” Sparks said.

“It provides a real service in the event that traditional communications are disrupt-

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Stringer assumes command of the COMVAQWINGPAC

Sailors, civilian personnel and family members gathered for a change of command ceremony March 10 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Capt. Tabb B. Stringer assumed command of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from Capt. Scott T. Farr, who took command in September 2015. Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, was the guest speaker and overseeing officer.

“The change of command is one of the Navy’s oldest standing traditions,” said Shoemaker. “This has been done countless times throughout Navy history. It goes without saying that privilege of command is an awesome responsibility.”

COMVAQWINGPAC is responsible for training, manning, equipping and supporting electronic attack warfare missions around the world.

“The strategic value of this base is immeasurable. We couldn’t afford to replicate Ault field, with its robust and growing infrastructure, as a home to all of our growler squadrons, in the west coast maritime patrol and reconnaissance fleet, anywhere else in the continental United States,” said Shoemaker. “This is why we are forever grateful to have the support of our elected officials, local community, and organizations such as the Whidbey Island Living and serving Navy league.” locally for 30 years GENERAL CONTRACTOR

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sionalism of the attack wing.

“You guys being here today is the best part of this tour,” said Farr. “It was made possible by the professionalism, heroics and courage of the men and women who serve the electronic attack wing and team Whidbey.”

After the reading of official orders, Stringer addressed the crew and the future of the air wing. Two guiding command principles were the foundation of his speech.

“Number one, set the conditions for success. Number two, leave it better than you found it. When your faced with challenges, and you ask yourself, does it set us up for success both today and tomorrow, and does it make it better for those that come after me, those that succeed us.

“If the answer is yes to both of those questions, then you are aligned with what I want you to do, and what I’m asking you to do,” Stringer said.

Golden Swordsmen return home from 6-month deployment The “Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 returned to their new home at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on March 9 after a successful dual-site deployment.

VP-47 was deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, and to the U.S. 4th Fleet AOR at Comalapa, El Salvador since September 2016. The squadron sent detachments to the Republic of Korea,

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The Golden Swordsmen flew 503 sorties, accumulating 2,822 flight hours with a 94 percent mission completion rate over the 6-month deployment, and were key participants in several multilateral exercises, including Invincible Spirit 2016, Sea Survex 2017-1, and Keen Sword 2017. They also provided critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support in New Zealand following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake Nov. 14.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the Golden Swordsmen team this deployment,” said Cmdr. James Imlah, VP-47’s executive officer. “They rose to the challenge and executed the mission flawlessly.”

For the first time in more than 52 years, VP-47 returned to NAS Whidbey Island after the deployment. The squadron was previously home-ported at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in Kaneohe Bay, and conducted a permanent duty station change with the deployment. VP-47 is the second of three Hawaiibased squadrons to make the move to Whidbey Island.

“It is a bittersweet feeling leaving our home in Hawaii, but we are extremely excited to be coming to Washington,” said Imlah.

“The people of Whidbey Island have done an exceptional job of making us feel welcome and making our transition as seamless as possible.”

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VOL. 6, NO. 12 WHIDBEY CROSSWIND STAFF Executive Editor & Publisher............................KEVEN R. GRAVES Associate Publisher.................................... KIMBERLLY WINJUM Editor.............................................................JESSIE STENSLAND Reporters...........................................................RON NEWBERRY Administration.............................................. HEATHER SCHMIDT

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880 S.E Pioneer Way, Harbor, WA

AN

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Secret to a 70-year marriage? Forgiveness, love, compassion

By CAITLIN TOMPKINS

patience.

Herald Writer

It was 1946. Eldon Piercy, now 90, had been home for almost a year after World War II. He was bringing ships ashore on Okinawa when he heard about the victory.

When Eldon Piercy talks about how they met, he weaves in yarns from his Navy days. He talks crisply about the four battles he fought during World War II. He recalls Gen. Douglas MacArthur speaking in the Philippines before the Battle of Leyte.

He went to a dance at a ballroom in Seattle where he spotted Doris Piercy, now 88.

“Eldon, this is supposed to be about our wedding,” Doris Piercy said.

EDMONDS — Their life together began 71 years ago.

“She was a cute kid, and she still is,” he said.

Though he couldn’t dance, he asked her anyway.

The Snohomish County couple is celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March. They have traveled the world and cared for each other after surgeries. Doris Piercy said her husband has always been reliable. It’s his best quality, she said.

What has made their marriage lasting, they said, is forgiveness, love and compassion.

And perhaps a little bit of

“I’m getting to the beginning of it,” he replied.

Doris peered up to the ceiling. “We’ll be here until midnight,” she said.

After the dance in 1946, Eldon Piercy took her out for dinner. They ordered chow mein.

At the time, Doris worked at a telephone company in Bothell. Eldon would call and ask for Operator No. 5. The couple would chat and make plans for their next date. They would go dancing. Other times, they’d go to the movies. Westerns were Eldon’s

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favorite. He grew up riding an Appaloosa to school in Idaho.

Within the year, the couple was engaged. Eldon had pawned his violin to pay for the ring.

Not long after their engagement, he was stationed on Terminal Island between Long Beach and San Pedro, California. Doris stayed in Bothell.

The best part of the story came next, he said. He called Doris asking if she would come down to California and apply for their marriage license.

“Lo and behold, she took me up on it,” he said.

They got married on St. Patrick’s Day in a small chapel in Whittier, just outside of Los Angeles. Eldon’s best man was a friend from the Navy and his wife was the maid of honor. The rest of the guests included the minister and the pianist.

They started their life together in Long Beach, even-

Photo by Ian Terry/The Herald

Eldon and Doris Piercy, of Edmonds, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March. tually returning in 1952 to Washington where they had three kids.

The family of five would go hiking in the Central Cascades and backpacking on the San Juan islands. Doris is a great pie baker. She worked for Seafirst, which is now

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known as Bank of America, for 31 years. Eldon worked as a milkman, carpenter and truck driver before a 30-year stint with Canteen Vending.

He was in charge of cigarettes, games and music.

ments. Eldon had a quadruple bypass in 1990. Doctors also have placed seven stents in his heart, replaced two knees and an aortic valve.

When their kids grew up and left home, they, too, left the nest. They have traveled to more than 40 countries.

Eldon used to keep a map and checked off the places they visited. White pins marked where he traveled in the Navy.

Colored pins indicated the places he went with his bride.

Portugal, Greece and Norway are their favorites.

He has nicknamed Doris “Dr. Piercy” because she makes sure he is taking his medication and gets the care he needs.

Health challenges now make traveling difficult.

Doris has had two hip replace-

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Veterans receive quilts in honor of service ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

While “The Greatest Generation” continues to fade away with time, a community effort to recognize those still on South Whidbey occurred recently in Freeland.

Around two dozen World War II veterans were honored with quilts at Maple Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living Community. A few others from later wars were also recognized. The quilts were constructed by Quilts for Veterans, a Whidbey Island community group numbering in the dozens and dedicated to honoring veterans in the community. Twelve vets attended the presentation held in the activity room, while eight more quilts were personally delivered to others unable to make it by members of Quilts for Veterans.

Coordinator Anita Smith said the quilts were specifically made for individual veterans over the past year and crafted by eight to 14 people.

Embroidered on each of them were the date the quilt was made and a message that read, “This quilt was made by many quilters who gave fabric, time and love in gratitude for your service.” Next to each quilt were framed pictures of individual veterans and a short description of their service.

Wadsworth was stationed on Okinawa during his three years of service in the Marines.

He was honored to have been recognized.

“It means a lot, a great deal,” Wadsworth said after the presentation. “We fought a good battle and we’re enjoying a good life.”

Smith said Wadsworth’s youthful spirit showed through during the presentation.

“That was really neat,” Smith said. “You get to see the young man kind of coming out of it. Even though they’re in an older body, the young man is standing or sitting there and you touch their memories in the past.”

Thursday’s presentation was the continuation of a tradition that first began in the Civil War when women made quilts for soldiers, Smith said.

“We’re doing this out of love and appreciation for these people who have served this country,” Smith said. “We don’t want them to be forgotten.”

Another veteran honored was Web Halvorsen, a halftrack commander with the 6th Armored Division who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Halvorsen said it was the first time he’d been honored in such a way.

“Real, real privileged,” said Halvorsen, 98, when asked

Evan Thompson / The Record

Former Marine Dan Babbitt, 83, was among those who received quilts from community organization Quilts for Veterans at Maple Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living Community in Freeland. Inset: Around two dozen World War II veterans and veterans of other wars were honored with quilts. Shown in this picture is Roland “Rollie” Capes’s quilt. what he thought of being recognized.

Halvorsen didn’t make it through the war unscathed.

He was shot in the chest by a sniper on Jan. 13, 1945 in Bastogne while trying to clear his jammed M1 Garand; his rifle malfunctioned due to below-freezing temperatures after firing a few shots that were intended to hit the sniper.

“It felt like being hit with a baseball bat,” said Halvorsen, who spent the next six months recovering in a series of hospitals and eventually lost part of his right lung.

Halvorsen left the European

Theater with a Purple Heart, a French Medal of Honor, four Bronze Stars and an Infantry Combat Badge.

“I think the greatest day of my life was when I was able to put on an American uniform,” Halvorsen said. “I didn’t want to be left out. I wanted to do what I had to do for this great country.”

Former Marine Dan Babbitt, 83, was also honored.

Babbit served five years in the Corps in charge of 4.2-inch mortars and maintaining .50 caliber machine guns. After receiving his quilt, Babbitt told the crowd that the Marines

helped pay for his education at the University of Illinois.

He then thanked everyone in attendance and those who made the quilts.

regularly the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Deer Lagoon Grange in Langley. For those interested in contributing, contact Smith at margins@whidbey.com

Quilts for Veterans meets

“Service you deserve with people you trust”

Military Family: Courage, Strength, Sacrifice CATHY WEST LPO

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Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, National Guard and the British Army’s Auxiliary Territorial Service received quilts, which were ceremoniously draped around their shoulders to the applause of those in attendance. Many of the veterans’ faces, such as

93-year-old Marine Corps veteran Ron Wadsworth, lit up upon receiving the quilts.

While some of the veterans remained seated during the presentation due to their age, Wadsworth excitedly stood up and let Smith drape the quilt over his shoulders.

WH I

By EVAN THOMPSON

BEST OF

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PO Box 1200 • Coupeville, WA 98239 • 360-675-6611 • 360-221-5300 whidbeynewstimes.com • southwhidbeyrecord.com

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