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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family Vol. 18, No. 1, Norfolk, VA FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM January 7, 2010 Obama condemns terrorist attack, reaffi rms U.S. resolve

BY DONNA MILES Obama vowed to ensure all involved in the at- American Forces Press Service tempted attack will be held accountable, but said that’s just part of a broader responsibility he took WASHINGTON — on as he came to offi ce last January to protect the President Barack Obama American people’s safety and security. condemned the Dec. 25 ter- “On that day I also made it very clear: Our na- rorist attempt on the United tion is at war against a far-reaching network of States in his fi rst 2010 week- violence and hatred, and that we will do whatev- ly radio address, vowing to er it takes to defeat them and defend our country, Photo by MC1 Chad J. McNeeley President bring those involved to jus- even as we uphold the values that have always Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses the Barack Obama tice and outlining steps the distinguished America among nations,” he said. U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons football team on Dec. 30, 2009, before their administration is taking to protect the American “And make no mistake, that’s exactly what we’ve appearance in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. The Falcons people. been doing.” defeated the University of Houston Cougars 47-20 on New Years Eve. Speaking from Kailua, Hawaii, the president said Obama cited a revised strategy that aims to bring the Christmas Day attempt provides an important a responsible end to the war in Iraq and increase reminder of the sacrifi ces Americans are making in resources in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where al Mullen underscores Afghanistan and the importance of bipartisan sup- Qaeda is based. He said he’s set a “clear and achiev- port for all who protect the United States. able mission: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Obama blamed an al Qaeda affi liate for recruiting, Qaeda and its extremist allies and prevent their re- the importance of the training and arming Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, turn to either country.” the suspect in the incident on a Northwest Airlines The president paid tribute to seven CIA mem- academy experience fl ight bound for Detroit. bers killed in Afghanistan, and acknowledged that “This is not the fi rst time this group has targeted reviews must continue to determine what hap- BY JOHN J. KRUZEL discussions I had with players us,” Obama said, noting that in recent years it has pened, and why. American Forces Press Service were about these games,” he said. bombed Yemeni government facilities and West- As questions are asked and debate goes on, “They’re very proud of the teams ern hotels, restaurants and embassies, including he urged that it be focused on making necessary FORT WORTH, TX. — On and what they represent.” the U.S. Embassy, in 2008. changes required to protect the country. hand for a pair of service academy The chairman said one of the “So, as president, I’ve made it a priority to “As we go forward, let us remember this: Our ad- football bowl games in Texas, Navy things he reminds players of is the strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni gov- versaries are those who would attack our country, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the institutions and the country they ernment -- training and equipping their security not our fellow Americans, not each other,” he said. Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored represent – a sense of scale and forces, sharing intelligence and working with them Rather than giving in to fear, cynicism or parti- the symbolism of the matchups for magnitude that young players of- to strike al Qaeda terrorists,” Obama said. sanship, “let’s work together, with a seriousness of troops around the world. ten fi nd hard to comprehend. The fruits of this collaboration had begun to be purpose, to do what must be done to keep our coun- But he also emphasized the im- “My recollection of being at that realized even before the Christmas Day terror at- try safe,” he urged Americans. “As we begin this portance of looking at an age is you don’t realize per se how tempt, he said. Training camps have been struck, New Year, I cannot imagine a more fi tting resolu- academy experience special cadets or mid- leaders eliminated and plots disrupted. tion to guide us – as a people and as a nation.” as a potential shipmen are, for launching and who they careers as mili- represent,” tary offi cers. Mullen said. “These The chair- games are man said Burke, other Sailors to watched his pres- around the ence at world and the game the play- here, and be honored on stamps ers playing in them later at the Texas know that so that they Bowl in Houston, in BY RANDOLPH E. SCHMID was hailed as a “sailor’s sailor” represent great institu- which the Naval Acade- The Associated Press Distinguished who defi ned what it meant to be tions,” he said in an interview my faced off with Missouri, Sailors stamp series: a naval offi cer: “relentless in com- before the Armed Forces Bowl was to remind them of the reso- WASHINGTON — Adm. Ar- bat, resourceful in command, and that pitted the Air Force Academy nance of their mission and to show leigh Burke will be honored on U.S. In February, the U.S. revered by his crews.” against the University of Houston. the nation’s appreciation for their postage stamps this year, along with Postal Service plans The Arleigh A. Burke stamp Mullen, who returned recently service. others such as Nobel Prize winner to release a booklet of features a detail from a photo- from a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, A day earlier in a pep talk to the Mother Teresa and Pulitzer Prize stamps featuring four graph of Burke (1951). Beside said the games in which service Air Force team, Mullen shared an winner Bill Mauldin. U.S. Sailors. the photograph is a depiction of academies appear resonate with anecdote about meeting a former Other new stamps will honor the crest of the guided missile military personnel stationed in the center on the Falcon team who Oscar-winning actress Katharine destroyer USS Arleigh Burke Middle Eastern and Central Asian had planned to conclude his ser- Hepburn, singing cowboy Gene 1936) was an outspoken reformer (DDG-51), which was commis- countries. vice in the Air Force after his stint Autry, artist Winslow Homer, the and innovator who helped shape sioned in 1991. “I just returned from being over- Negro baseball leagues, the Sun- the Navy into a modern fi ghting seas for a week and some of the See MULLEN, A9 day funnies and the Hawaiian force. rain forest, the Postal Service an- Sims continued to write and nounced. lecture about naval reform until The post offi ce releases a series his death in 1936, at which time of commemorative stamps every the New York Herald Tribune de- Pentagon discuses year, honoring people, places and clared that he had “infl uenced our institutions. These stamps remain naval course more than any man Photo courtesy of USPS service member on sale for a limited period and are who ever wore the uniform.” The John McCloy widely collected. Navy has named three destroy- Described by a shipmate as “like Burke will be part of a four-stamp ers after Sims. The most recent, a bull” who couldn’t be stopped, voting law changes set featuring distinguished Sailors. USS W. S. Sims (DE-1059), was John McCloy (1876 - 1945) has the He was a top destroyer command- commissioned in 1970. distinction of being one of the few BY JIM GARAMONE election official so it can be er in World War II and played a role The William S. Sims stamp fea- men in the nation’s history to earn American Forces Press Service counted,” Bob Carey explained in modernizing the Navy. tures a detail from a photograph two Medals of Honor for separate during an interview yesterday. Joining him in the set are William of Sims (1919). Beside the photo- acts of heroism. WASHINGTON — Laws have In the general population S. Sims, commander of U.S. naval graph is a depiction of the crest McCloy retired from active duty changed and service members about nine out of every 10 ab- forces in European waters during of the destroyer escort USS W. S. in 1928 after a thirty-year career who want to vote need to be sentee ballots are successfully World War I; John McCloy, one of Sims (DE-1059), which was com- in the Navy and “a lifetime of ser- aware of these changes, the cast, the director said. “Only the few men in the nation’s histo- missioned in 1970. vice on all the seven seas,” as the director of the about six or sev- ry to earn two Medals of Honor for Kansas City Star put it. His ser- Federal Voting en out of every 10 separate acts of heroism; and Doris vice record notes that in 1942 he Assistance Pro- One of the bigger military ballots Miller, recognized for his actions at was advanced on the retired list gram said. changes in the process are successful- Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and to lieutenant commander after be- Generally, mil- is that military voters ly returned,” he the fi rst African-American recog- ing “specially commended by the itary personnel must send in a federal said. nized for heroism in World War II. Secretary of the Navy for perfor- who want to vote postcard application The biggest mance of duty in actual combat.” are a higher per- – again available at problems, Car- Photo courtesy of USPS Arleigh A. Burke McCloy died in 1945. In 1963, the centage than www.fvap.gov – as ey said, involves Navy commissioned a destroyer that in the gen- soon as possible. the nature of After serving as one of the top escort, USS McCloy (DE-1038), eral population. overseas duty destroyer squadron commanders which was named in his honor. Still, there can and delays in the of World War II, Arleigh A. Burke The John McCloy stamp fea- be roadblocks to military postal (1901 - 1996) had an equally dis- tures a detail from a photograph exercising the franchise. system. Photo courtesy of USPS William S. Sims tinguished postwar career in of McCloy (circa 1920). Beside Overseas-deployed service Carey’s organization is work- which he played a major role in the photograph is a depiction of members may find that “the ing to expedite the voting Commander of U.S. naval forces modernizing the Navy and guid- the crest of the destroyer escort, absentee ballot doesn’t get process for military members. in European waters during World ing its response to the Cold War. to them on time, so they can War I, William S. Sims (1858 - When Burke died in 1996, he See STAMPS, A9 vote it and send it back to the See VOTING, A9

INSIDE: AROUND THE SERVICES A4 FRONT & CENTER B1 OFF DUTY C1 Additional Seabee Eisenhower’s dramatic Get your helping of Peas Battalions deploying rescue at sea The Black Eyed Peas recently Two battalions of Seabees USS Dwight D. Eisenhower announced dates for their will deploy to Afghanistan assisted the U.S. Coast 100-date headline tour. in coming months. Guard in a rescue at sea. Resolutions: 10 tips for goal setting success BY SUSAN WARD About.com Guide

You see, goal setting isn’t just an exercise that you can fi nish in fi ve min- utes; goal setting is a process, a route to achievement. Learn how to set goals that you can and will actually achieve with these goal setting tips. ‚ Choose goals that are worth- while. You would think it would go without saying, but a lot of people set meaning- less goals – and then wonder why they don’t feel any sense of achievement. Remember that the purpose of goal setting is to move us forward and spur positive change. If a goal doesn’t have this motivating, transformational qual- ity, don’t bother with it. You’ll just be disappointed. monitoring your results ensures com- lose twenty pounds in four months or in ƒ Choose goals that are achiev- mitment to the goal and is extremely ten. You will have to do a lot more ex- able stretches. motivating. You don’t have to join an or- ercising and cutting down of your food The fact that goals have to be achiev- ganization or broadcast your goal on a portions if you want to lose the weight able is standard goal setting advice. Facebook page to make your goal pub- more quickly. Pretty well everyone knows that there’s lic; having a goal buddy, a single person žEvaluate your goals. no point in setting a goal that you will interested in your efforts, can be just as Remember that goal setting is a pro- never be able to accomplish. All you’ll effective. cess – and evaluation is an important do is get frustrated and abandon it. Less ›Prioritize your goals. part of that process. Don’t just settle well known is the fact that goals need Goals don’t have to be huge projects for a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ assessment; think to stretch you in some fashion. If a goal that take months or even years to attain, about what you did, how you did it and isn’t engaging, you’ll get bored and but because they require commitment what you got out of it. Whether you abandon it. and need to be worked on regularly. successfully accomplished your goal „Make your goals specifi c. Every single goal that you set will be or not, there’s always something to be The big problem with the sample demanding, so don’t sabotage yourself learned; what works or doesn’t work for goals is that they are much too vague. by taking on a bunch of goals at a time. you, whether achieving your goal lived To decide that you’re going to lose Assuming that you are following all the up to your expectations, why you failed. twenty pounds, for instance, is nice, but other goal setting tips presented here Extracting these lessons will increase provides you with no guidance on how and setting goals that are worthwhile, I your accomplishments even more as to accomplish that. Think how much would recommend working on no more you apply them to your future goal set- easier it would be to accomplish this than three at a time and even then you ting experience. goal if you knew exactly what you were should choose one goal as your top pri- Ÿ Reward yourself for accom- going to do to lose the weight. So when ority. plishment. you are goal setting, use a goal setting œMake your goals real to you. Internal satisfaction is a great thing, formula that gives your goal a built-in Goal setting is basically a way to but external rewards can be immense- action plan. You’ll start accomplishing approach the process of accomplish- ly satisfying too. When you accomplish more than you thought possible. ment. It’s a very successful way, if done a goal, you’ve devoted time and effort Commit to your goals. right, but like all such processes it’s a to your success, so take the time to cel- You need to dedicate yourself to ac- bit abstract. Using techniques such as ebrate your success. One caveat; don’t complish the goals you have chosen. visualization to focus on what actual- undermine your efforts by choosing That’s why writing your goals down ly accomplishing your goal will be like an inappropriate reward. Eating a huge is a common goal setting tip; it’s the and what it will do for you can be very slab of cheesecake is not an appropri- fi rst step to committing to achieving powerful – and a great help in stay- ate reward for losing twenty pounds; for your goals. But you also have to re- ing motivated. Choosing and posting example, a new outfi t would be a more alize that accomplishing a goal is not pictures that represent successfully ac- suitable choice. an overnight process and that you complishing your goal is another way of Remember to always set the stage are going to have to work regularly doing this. for your goal setting success. Don’t de- at transforming your goal into an ac-  Set deadlines to accomplish feat your goal setting efforts before complishment. And you have to set your goals. you even start to work on accomplish- aside the time you will need to work A goal without a deadline is a goal ing your desired goals. Set yourself up on your goal. that you have not fully committed to for success rather than failure by apply- †Make your goal public. and a goal you will not achieve. For one ing these ten goal setting tips and start Making your goal public is a goal set- thing, if working on achieving a goal is achieving what you want to achieve. ting technique that is really effective something you can do whenever – you Editor’s note: Susan Ward and her for many people. Think of organiza- won’t. For another, having a deadline partner run Cypress Technologies, an IT tions such as TOPS (Take Off Pounds will shape your plan of action. To return Consulting business, providing services Sensibly) and their weekly weigh-ins. to the weight loss example, it makes a such as software and database develop- Knowing that others are going to be great difference whether your goal is to ment. THE FLAGSHIP’S LEEWARD SHOUT What is your New Year’s resolution?

“I plan to get all “My New Year’s “I want to visit my qualifi cations resolution is to family and done for my do my best on the friends. I haven’t Surface Warfare ship and to stay seen most of pin by August. out of trouble them in over a I’m going to set and to help my year. Not seeing aside at least 30 shipmates stay family can really minutes a day to out of trouble so bring down your study.” everyone can be morale.” successful.” GSMFA ASAA ABHAN Steven Harrell John Booker Thaddeus Bertelson USS Mason (DDG 87) USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

“I want to go “I want to work “I want to quit back to school out more to stay smoking. It’s bad so I can fi nish fi t and healthy, for your health my degree and the challenge and I want to lose about 10lbs. will be to stick get in better with dieting and to a routine.” shape. I’m going exercise. I also to take one of want to make the tobacco 1st Class Petty cessation Offi cer.” classes offered IT2 (SW) MM2 (SS) MM3 by the Navy.” Omolola Bakare Correy Wilson Chad Looney-Hernandez USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Naval Submarine Support Center (NSSC) USS Ponce (LPD 15)

Photos by MC2 Mandy Hunsucker

Commander Navy Region Communications, Inc., a private fi rm in no way Mid-Atlantic is: Graphic Designer connected with the Department of Defense, the Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel David Todd U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps, under exclusive contract with the U.S. Navy. Off Duty Editor / Designer Questions or comments can be directed to the Tim Rafalski public affairs offi cer or the editor. The Flagship® can be reached at 322-2865 (editor), 322-2864 The Flagship® is an authorized publication (assistant editor). The fax number is 444-3029 for members of the military services and their or write Commander, Navy Region, Mid-Atlantic, families. Its contents do not necessarily refl ect The Flagship®, 1510 Gilbert St., Norfolk, VA The Flagship® is produced by Commander the offi cial views of the U.S. government, the 23511-2737. All news releases should be sent to Navy Region Mid-Atlantic staff. The editorial Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. this address. Stories may be submitted via e-mail content of this newspaper and any supplement Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement to news@fl agshipnews.com. You can visit The is prepared, edited and provided by the public thereof. Flagship’s Web site at www.fl agshipnews.com. affairs offi ce of Commander Navy Region Mid- The appearance of advertising in this The Flagship® is published every Thursday Atlantic. newspaper, including inserts or supplements, by Flagship, Inc., whose offi ces are at 150 W. Regional program manager for Commander does not constitute endorsement by the Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510. Minimum Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is Department of Defense, the Navy or Marine weekly circulation is 45,000. Corps, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products and services Public Affairs Director advertised. Flagship, Inc. Beth Baker Everything advertised in The Flagship® shall General Manager be made available for purchase, use or patronage Laura Baxter, 222-3964 Editorial Staff without regard to race, color, religion, gender, Creative Director Managing Editor national origin, age, marital status, physical Tricia Lieurance, 222-3968 Micheal Mink handicap, political affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation Free Classifi ed Advertising, 222-3967 Deputy Managing Editor or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an Distribution, 446-2881 MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford advertiser is confi rmed, the publisher shall refuse Home Delivery, 222-3965 to print advertising from that source until the © 2009 Flagship, Inc. Editorial Assistant violation is corrected. The Flagship® is published All rights reserved. MC2 Mandy Hunsucker by Flagship, Inc., a subsidiary of Landmark IDENTITY THEFT Man dresses up as SEAL chief to swindle Sailors

BY MC1 (AW) TIM COMERFORD Staff writer

NORFOLK — If you are ap- proached by a chief dawning a Helpful tips to reduce your SEAL trident on their uniform who asks you to fi ll out a survey, would risk of identity theft: you? What if the survey asked for XShred and destroy unwanted documents that con- personal information such as your tain personal information. name and address, rank, phone XBring your mail in daily – don’t leave mail in your number and social security num- mailbox. ber? How much information would XImmediately report lost or stolen credit cards. you fi ll out? XReview and monitor your consumer credit reports Recently, an Airman visiting regularly. the mini-NEX at Naval Air Station XDo not carry your social security card or your birth Oceana was approached by a bogus certifi cate. Keep these tucked away in a safe place. chief who asked the Airman to fi ll X Be aware and note when your monthly fi nancial out such a detailed survey. The bo- statements arrive in the mail. Notify your fi nancial institu- gus chief also attempted to distract tions when they don’t arrive when expected. the Airman by asking him some ba- X Watch your fi nancial statements and ensure all sic questions about his naval career charges made are yours. while he fi lled out the survey. The X Keep your ATM and Debit Card receipts, do not chief claimed to be from the Fleet leave these behind. and Family Support Center (FFSC) XShred every piece of mail containing personal and and said the survey was for junior fi nancial information. Sailors. XNever reveal your bank account, credit card, moth- The Airman fi lled out the sur- er’s maiden name or social security number over the vey and returned to his command phone (unless dealing with a trusted business or organi- where he told his leading chief zation). Ask the caller to send information by mail. petty offi cer (LCPO) about the in- X Keep a list of all your fi nancial accounts such as cident. The LCPO thought the account numbers, expiration dates and customer help incident suspicious and went back telephone numbers. Ensure this list is kept in a safe place to the mini-NEX with the airman on & use to contact in case of lost or stolen cards. their way to talk to the FFSC. The X When creating passwords or PINs, do not use Airman pointed out the bogus chief The US Department of Justice reports: digits of your social security number, mother’s maiden who was talking to another Sail- “In one notorious case of identity theft, the criminal, a convicted felon, name, your birthdate or any part of your name (fi rst, mid- or. The LCPO knew the Sailor and not only incurred more than $100,000 of credit card debt, obtained a dle, last). walked up to him eliciting a greet- federal home loan, and bought homes, motorcycles, and handguns in the X Watch your credit card expiration dates, if you ing. victim’s name, but called his victim to taunt him — saying that he could don’t receive a replacement card prior to the date – con- The chief in question started to continue to pose as the victim for as long as he wanted because identity tact the issuer. walk off, but was confronted by theft was not a federal crime at that time — before fi ling for bankruptcy, XConsider making your telephone number unlisted the LCPO who introduced himself also in the victim’s name. While the victim and his wife spent more than or listed without your address. by his fi rst name. The bogus chief four years and more than $15,000 of their own money to restore their X Sign all new credit cards immediately to prevent said, “I’m BMC” in response. credit and reputation, the criminal served a brief sentence for making someone else from doing so. The LCPO became even more a false statement to procure a fi rearm, but made no restitution to his suspicious by the response and victim for any of the harm he had caused. This case, and others like it, then asked about the survey. The prompted Congress in 1998 to create a new federal offense of identity bogus chief said he didn’t know theft.” Source: Identity Theft & Fraud - USDOJ.GOV what the LCPO was talking about. The LCPO asked the chief for ID. gus chief acted as if he was missing buying advice and to get into his and full SSN. name, although they never submit- The bogus chief responded by say- an important meeting and fl ed the car. The bogus chief told the stu- Two days later the student found ted an application. ing he must have left it in his room. scene. dent he was assigned to FFSC, out his cell phone number had been FFSC does not send out CPO’s When the LCPO asked where his A Master Chief from Naval Sta- gave him his cell phone number changed while he was in class. The requesting Personal Information room was, the chief pointed at a tion Norfolk relays a similar story and a little ‘background’ on himself. master chief told him to immediate- for surveys. These similar situ- nearby berthing. The LCPO re- of a student at his school who was Upon the conclusion of the conver- ly contact NFCU to report possible ations come from two different ferred to the berthing by the approached by someone wearing sation, the bogus chief provided the identity theft because of another in- bases in Hampton Roads. If you or wrong name and the bogus chief a chief’s uniform with a SEAL tri- student with a form to fi ll out with cident where a another student had your Sailors encounter this person, just agreed with him. Then the bo- dent asking him if he wanted car his name, DOB, cell phone number a $10,000 car loan approved in their call Security immediately. AROUND THE SERVICES Additional Seabee Battalions deploying to Afghanistan

deployment in February. NMCB 133 was scheduled to go to Afghanistan, and NMCB 4 was originally scheduled to deploy to the Pacific region. “Since World War II, the Seabees have supported the Marine Corps in every major conflict. This is our legacy, and we are proud to be part of this important mission,” said Rear Adm. Mark Handley, Commander, First Naval Construction Division. Both battalions had already completed their required homeport training in preparation for deployment. “Our Seabee battalions receive extensive training in both construction and defensive skills, so this mission is exactly what we have traditionally trained for. Seabees have a vital role to play as they work to provide the infra- structure necessary to complete our country’s objectives in Afghanistan,” Handley said. “After a successful homeport training cycle, NMCB 133 stands ready to answer the president’s call to surge addi- tional forces into Afghanistan,” said Cmdr. Christopher Kurgan, commanding officer of NMCB 133. “We appre- ciate all the responsive support that we have received Photo by MC1 Ryan G. Wilber from across the Naval Construction Force to finalize our Construction Electrician 2nd Class Daniel Arteche, left, from training and equipping. We also deeply appreciate the un- Santa Rosa, Calif., and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Alyssa Copp, from Somerset, Mass., assigned to Charlie derstanding and support of our families as they continue Company of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) to sacrifice and allow us to answer our nation’s call.” 74, cut bracing for a super Southwest Asia Hut at the Camp The deployment of these two battalions will require ad- Leatherneck expansion project. justments to the deployment schedule of other Seabee units. These adjustments are currently pending approv- BY CMDR DARYL C. SMITH al by the chief of naval operations. 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs Various vehicles, equipment, tools and materials are also being prepared to be shipped from Gulfport and Port Huen- NORFOLK — Two battalions of Navy Seabees will eme to support their mission. Naval Facilities Expeditionary deploy to Afghanistan in coming months as part of the Logistics Center (NFELC), and Seabee Readiness Group 30,000 additional U.S. forces deploying to the region. personnel are breaking out containers and preparing them Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 will for shipment from Gulfport, Miss., and Port Hueneme, Ca- deploy from Port Hueneme, Calif., and NMCB 133 will lif. Construction equipment is also being broken out from deploy from Gulfport, Miss. Each NMCB contains about warehouses, de-preserved and operationally checked. This Photo by MC2 Michael Lindsey 580 Seabees. gear will be staged for shipment when it is ready. Some items Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seabees are a vital enabler required for the buildup of will be shipped by air, but most will go by ship transport. (NMCB) 74 bury two kilometers of fiber optic cable for their new camp in the expansion area of Camp Leatherneck, additional troops in support of President Barack Obama’s Many pieces of heavy construction equipment will be Afghanistan. strategy in Afghanistan. The Seabees’ mission is to help armored before they are deployed. NFELC has active con- provide infrastructure such as bases, berthing facilities, tracts to armor construction equipment in Gulfport and roads and airfields for the increasing number of U.S. forc- Port Hueneme. Mobile Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MT- es in country. VRs) are also being armored at other locations in California, Both battalions will deploy by March, but may deploy North Carolina and Florida. as early as January. As part of their normal rotation cycle, Troops are being outfitted with the latest in Personal Gear NMCB 4 and NMCB 133 were originally scheduled for and Combat Equipment including ballistic protective eye- wear, body armor, hydration systems, extreme cold weather gear and fire resistant clothing. Approximately 2,600 Seabees are currently deployed to nearly 20 different countries around the globe supporting a variety of humanitarian missions and contingency opera- tions. Seabees were among the first forces in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 attacks to upgrade and repair airfields. Portions of two battalions have been deployed there since January 2009. For more news from Commander, 1st Naval Construc- tion Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/1ncd/. Navy experts answer your questions on the Post-9/11 GI Bill

PRESS RELEASE $1,000 annually to cover the From Chief of Naval Personnel costs of books and supplies. Public Affairs Certain eligibility restric- tions apply, as discussed in WASHINGTON — Navy the video. Post-9/11 GI Bill experts Another benefit for service Ann Hunter, voluntary ed- members is transferabili- ucation chief for the chief ty. Any unused educational of naval personnel, and Lt. benefits may be transferred Cmdr. Raquel Gladieux, to either a spouse or de- chief of navy reserve training pendent children. Family and education policy officer, members must be enrolled answer the most common in the Defense Eligibility En- questions received from ac- rollment Reporting System tive-duty and reserve Sailors (DEERS) and the service and their families. The video member must be eligible for series provides an addition- benefits, at the time of trans- al resource, available 24/7, fer, to transfer educational to assist Sailors in navigat- benefits. ing through the process of For more information, go claiming Post-9/11 GI Bill to www.npc.navy.mil/Career- benefits. Info/Education/GIBill or • Part 1 – Eligibility: ad- www.gibill.va.gov. Interest- dresses who is eligible for ed Sailors also may call the the benefits. Navy Personnel Command • Part 2 – Use of Post- customer service desk at 1- 9/11 GI Bill: explains how 866-U-ASK-NPC or speak the GI Bill may be used in with their career counselors. combination with other edu- cational benefits. • Part 3 – Benefits: fo- cuses on the benefits service members and their families can receive. • Part 4 – Transferability: focuses on how service mem- bers can transfer benefits to their spouse or children. • Part 5 – Service Obli- gations: discusses service obligations and policies relat- ed to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. • Part 6 – Claims: discusses processing enroll- ments and how to rectify rejected claims. To watch the series, go to www.npc.navy.mil/ CareerInfo/Education/GI- Bill/Post_9_11.htm. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pro- vides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and individuals honorably discharged with a service- connected disability after 30 days. The GI Bill offers tu- ition and fees for approved education and training to include graduate and un- dergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical train- ing offered by an institution of higher learning and ap- proved for GI Bill benefits. Additionally, tutorial assis- tance, and licensing and certification test reimburse- ment are allowed under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill. Financial benefits offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based upon the highest pub- lic in-state tuition charged by an educational institution in the state where the educa- tional institution is located. Those who attend more ex- pensive private institutions may find financial assistance through the “Yellow Ribbon Program.” The Yellow Ribbon Pro- gram allows private schools to voluntarily agree with the Veterans Administra- tion to jointly cover tuition costs of schools that fall outside of the maximum al- lotment set by the VA. The school reduces tuition and fees and receives matching funds of the same amount from the VA, reducing the out-of-pocket expense to the beneficiary. In addition to tuition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a housing allowance equal to the basic housing allowance payable to a military E-5 with dependents in addition to FACE OF DEFENSE Sailor battles infant mortality, malnutrition in Afghanistan BY DOUGLAS H. STUTZ day hoping to make a dif- Females comprise more scrub,” Smith said. “I then miss cooking, so think- I am truly grateful for,” Special to American Forces ference in the lives of than 48 percent of the Af- handed her a piece of can- ing about not being able Smith said. “I know my Press Service the Afghan people,” said ghan population. Smith dy and some vitamins, and to cook the traditional hol- husband is doing a great Smith, a Navy veteran with said she has provided med- off she went. She’s the cut- iday feast for my family is job and making everything BREMERTON, Wash. 21 years of service. ical support and health est little thing and could harder than I thought it as normal as possible for — Navy Chief Petty Of- According to the CIA care for many Afghan not have been more than would be.” them and for that, I am ficer Connie Smith, a World Fact Book, the in- women and their children. three years old.” Smith said she regular- also grateful.” hospital corpsman, is help- fant mortality rate in “Most of the people are Smith said she’s prepar- ly communicates with her Meanwhile, in Afghan- ing to combat malnutrition Afghanistan is 151.95 happy to see us,” Smith ing for a holiday season husband Jeffrey, also a istan “we are all making in Afghanistan. deaths per 1,000, behind said, noting that Afghan away from her family. chief corpsman, and their a difference,” Smith said. Smith is involved with only the West African na- women seem more com- “We do have a Christmas two boys. Yet, she said, it “We are making history. It the Strong Food Project, tions of Angola and Sierra fortable obtaining medical tree up and the hallways is hard being separated doesn’t get any better than which fights malnutrition Leone. assistance from female are decorated,” she said. from her family during the that.” among local Afghan chil- The infant mortality rate health care providers. “One of our interpreters holidays. Editors note: Douglas dren under the age of five. “really is the barometer of “The local [Afghan] will be bringing in some “Luckily, I can talk to H. Stutz serves with Naval “The project basically is the level of health of the women would ask to see Afghan food dishes, which them almost every day and Hospital Bremerton public to help kids from six to 60 country,” said Navy Capt. me,” Smith said. are really pretty good. I hear their voices, which affairs. months regain a normal Fred Landro, a branch Smith also has partic- appetite,” explained Smith, clinic director at Naval ipated in humanitarian who is deployed from Na- Hospital Bremerton. assistance projects such Making a difference in Afghanistan val Hospital Bremerton Afghan civilians carry as women/children health here to Bagram Airfield, a high degree of risk for clinics set up at Afghan se- Afghanistan. major infectious diseas- curity force bases. According to NATO’s es. Food and waterborne “We saw almost 600 pa- International Security diseases include bacteri- tients within a three-day Assistance Force Afghan- al and protozoan diarrhea, period at one of our ar- istan, the Strong Food hepatitis A, and typhoid ranged clinics,” Smith Project began in Novem- fever. Other prevalent dis- said. ber 2008 in the southern eases include malaria and Smith recalled helping Afghan province of Zabul. rabies. a young Afghan girl who’d The project is composed Consequently, Smith gotten gum stuck onto her of five ingredients which and her medical team neck. The girl was cry- can be purchased by locals find there is no shortage ing “because she couldn’t and then combined with of opportunity to employ nod her head without get- liquid vitamins. The result- their skills in Afghanistan. ting the gummy residue ing mixture is a high-fat, Smith also discovered that stuck on her chest,” Smith sweet-tasting blend provid- her gender augments her said. ed daily for children with corpsman’s knowledge in “We finally got it off severe malnutrition. gaining access to Afghans by rubbing lotion on her “I come to work every in need. neck and by giving a good

Photo by Marine Cpl. Albert F. Hunt Lt. Cmdr. Bill Schalck, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, examines a local Afghan’s knee during a combined medical engagement in Now Zad, Afghanistan. GOING GREEN Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany increases energy efficiency

PRESS RELEASE NAVFAC Southeast Public Affairs Office

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) awarded an $18.8 million Energy Sav- ings Performance Contract (ESPC) to Chevron Ener- gy Solutions Company of San Francisco Dec. 21 pro- viding nearly $1.8 million in energy cost savings and 66,984 MBTUs (one mil- lion British Thermal Units) per year at Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Al- bany, Ga. “The Congressional man- date, Energy Policy Act of 2005, requires that of the to- tal annual amount of energy we consume after 2013, 7.5 percent of it be renewable Energy,” said Col. Terry V. Williams, commanding of- ficer, MCLB Albany. “This project will bring us to 22 percent, greatly exceeding Illustration courtesy Marine Corps Logistic Base Albany Public Affairs this goal.” The diagram above shows how the landfill gas will be collected to provide 22 percent renewable energy of the total utilities used. There are presidential and congressional man- between an energy servic- Energy conservation live in organic materials tional combustion turbines ception to award,” said dates that require the es company (ESCO) and measures for this contract such as food wastes, pa- or used to fuel small com- Lemon. “Months to sur- reduction of greenhouse its customer formed for the will include Landfill Gas Uti- per or yard clippings cause bustion or combined cycle vey the base, develop the gas emissions, to increase purpose of financing and lization, lighting upgrades these materials to decom- turbines. detailed energy study, co- the use of alternative ener- implementing cost-saving and controls upgrades. pose. This produces landfill Construction will start ordination and discussions gy sources and to reduce energy-efficiency improve- “We will be burning our gas, typically comprised of later this year as Chevron between the federal govern- energy consumption. ments,” said Keith Lemon, own energy to create elec- roughly 60 percent meth- Energy Solutions starts ment, county government This ESPC makes way for NAVFAC Southeast Utili- tricity,” added Williams. ane and 40 percent carbon construction on the pipe- and contractor, negotia- the Navy to purchase land- ties Energy Manager. “The By producing electricity dioxide (CO2). Landfill gas line. Chevron will also be tions, and the final contract fill gas from Dougherty ESCO pays the up front cost on site, using landfill gas, is collected from landfills responsible for maintaining award. A lot of negotiating County which will be con- of purchasing and installing MCLB Albany will reap on by drilling “wells” into the the pipeline, generator and took place to get to where verted to electricity when new equipment, and the the benefits offsetting the landfills and collecting the associated equipment to we are today.” MCLB Albany will begin to customer repays the ESCO cost of electricity and nat- gases through pipes. Once produce energy from this For more news from Na- burn the gas and use the re- over the life of the contract ural gas used for steam the landfill gas is processed, renewable source. val Facilities Engineering newable energy. from the savings resulting production (heat). it can be combined with “It took a little over two Command, visit www.navy. “An ESPC is a partnership from the project.” Microorganisms that natural gas to fuel conven- years from the project in- mil/local/navfachq/.

Energy management course steers commands toward energy savings

BY RONALD INMAN fundamental energy man- Coordinator Gil Siqueido. Naval Facilities Engineering agement training and The UEM workshop en- Command Far East guidance on topics rang- abled participants to draft Public Affairs ing from basic awareness, energy and water use re- YOKOSUKA, Japan energy and water manage- duction plans which they — More than 25 energy ment practices and audits took back to their installa- and utility managers rep- to projects and execution, tions. resenting 16 installations use of Energy Star prod- “One of the results of the throughout the Far East ucts and project designs, Facilities Energy Manage- and Guam participated in metrics, renewable energy ment course is the network the Civil Engineer Corps and new technologies. created between the person- Officer School Facilities En- “There is no substitute for nel in the region in which ergy Management Course a well-trained, competent, the course is being held,” The energy management course teaches use of Energy Star products and project designs, and Utilities and Ener- dedicated installation en- Siqueido said. “This links metrics, renewable energy and new technologies. gy Management (UEM) ergy manager and support experience and knowledge Workshop Dec. 14 - 18 at personnel,” said Energy between many energy man- Commander Fleet Activi- Course Director and Na- agers who are now able to ties Yokosuka. val Facilities Engineering help each other within the The course provides Command Energy Training region.” Photo by MC2 Kimberly Williams Senior Chief Operations Specialist Gregory Carlson leads children from the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) on a tour of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72). The Hampton Roads Chief Petty Officer Association holds a holiday party and ship tour for the VHBG annually at Naval Station Norfolk.

Photo by MCC Dennis Herring Midshipman 1st Class Aaron Stroud, a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy, speaks with former President George H. W. Bush before the 2009 Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The U.S. Naval Academy beat the University of Missouri 35 to 13.

Photo by MC2 Daniel Edgington Members of a visit, board, search and seizure team and a U.S. Coast Guard maritime safety and security team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) approach a dhow during a maritime security operation in the Gulf of Aden, Jan. 1. While you were out... Photo by MC2 Daniel Edgington Gas Turbine Mechanical 3rd Class Brian Bogema sorts holiday mail aboard the guided-missile Photographs taken during the holiday break. cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65). Chosin is the flagship for Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

Photo by MC2 Daniel Taylor Ships at Naval Base San Diego display lights for a holiday festivity. A panel of judges visited each ship to determine the best display. The winner in the large division was the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), in the medium division the guided-missle destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and in the small division the guided-missile frigate USS Jarret (FFG 33).

Photo by MC1 Tiffini M. Jones-Vanderwyst Photo by MC1 Chad McNeeley Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife gather for a group photo at the conclusion of a show during the participates in the Ride 2 Recovery bike challenge. 2009 USO Holiday Tour stop in Baghdad.

Photo by MC2 Christopher Koons Photo by MC3 Devon Dow Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Bradley Peterson hugs his daughter on the pier after the multi-purpose Musician 2nd Class Crabtree and Musician 2nd Class James Caliva stroll through amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) returns to Norfolk. Wasp completed a three-month deployment the audience during a free performance by the 7th Fleet Brass Band at Ogusa supporting Southern Partnership Station-Amphib in the Southern Command area of responsibility with Elementary School. The band played a wide selection of Christmas songs and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 and embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. gave musical instrument demonstrations to the children in attendance. STAMPS: USPS plans MULLEN: Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the to release stamps Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the symbolism featuring four Sailors of the matchups for troops around the world Continued from page A1 term vision,” he said of his decision to ondly, it’s the people,” he said. “I met Continued from page A1 first of a number of African attend the U.S. Naval Academy in An- the best people of my entire life when Americans to be recognized at the academy and once his mandato- napolis. Md. “Initially I was only going I showed up at Annapolis; it’s been USS McCloy (DE-1038), for their heroism in World ry service tenure was complete. But to be there two years … of course, it that way right through today: people which was commissioned War II, Miller is singularly that player, now a captain who Mullen worked out a little differently.” that care, people that you want to be in 1963. remembered for providing met during his recent trip to around, teammates just like inspiration to a campaign Afghanistan, decided to take this football team here to- for equal recognition and another look at the Air Force “These games are watched day that really are making a opportunity for Blacks in as a career, he said. difference and doing some- the military, a campaign “He said, ‘I got commis- around the world and the thing bigger than anything for that bore fruit in 1948 when sioned, and it’s probably players playing in them know themselves, so in that regard President Truman ordered something I’m going to do they’re a very special group, “that there shall be equality for a career,’” Mullen said, re- that so that they represent as are all the service acade- Photo courtesy of USPS and opportunity for all per- calling his conversation with mies.” Doris Miller sons in the armed forces.” the young airman in Afghan- great institutions.” Not trivializing the gravity of The first African Amer- The Doris Miller stamp istan. He added that it’s not — Said Navy Adm. Mike Mullen bowl games, Mullen predicted ican hero of World War II, features a detail from a pho- uncommon for troops to at- – accurately, it turns out – that Doris Miller (1919 - 1943) tograph of Miller (1942). tend a service academy for both teams would win in excit- became an inspiration to Beside the photograph is a one reason, then remain in the military Asked what caused him to decide to ing games. generations of Americans depiction of the crest of the for another – a model that echoes Mul- remain in military for a career, Mullen “Yes, they’re focused on a football for his actions at Pearl Har- destroyer escort USS Mill- len’s own. cited two reasons. game, there should be no other focus bor on Dec. 7, 1941. er (DE-1091), which was “I actually made the decision to go “First, it would be the mission and today,” he said. “But there’s also a lot to Although he was only the commissioned in 1973. to the service academy without a long- serving your country. And then sec- look forward to.”

VOTING: Law changes, send new USS Eisenhower – “Big E” at sea federal postcard application by Jan. 15 Continued from page A1 their candidates online,” application – again avail- Carey said. “They will still able at www.fvap.gov – as On the postal side, of- have to print it out and soon as possible. ficials are looking at sign it, but it would end “The law has changed ensuring all military bal- the wait of getting the bal- and even if they have lots take seven days or lots.” been getting their absen- less in transit. Imagine Deployed service mem- tee ballot automatically an express-mail service bers – at combat outposts they have to register each for military voters, Car- and aboard ships – are and every year,” Carey ey said. the most affected by vot- pointed out. The power of the ing issues. Many military Service members also Internet also is being har- voters also are younger must submit a postcard nessed. Military voters and aren’t aware of the application each time they can go to www.fvap.gov processes behind voting, move, each time they de- for almost one-stop shop- Carey noted. ploy and each time they ping. A service member “We’re trying to make redeploy. can go online and find the it easy,” he said, “so they “We’re encouraging ev- necessary voting forms don’t have to know chap- eryone by Jan. 15 to send and fill them out right ter and verse of election in a new federal postcard there. law in order to participate application,” Carey said. “Down the line we will in the process.” Local election officials, he Photo by MC3 Bradley Evans Fog rises over the Atlantic Ocean as the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower also have an online ballot One of the bigger said, are more than happy (CVN 69) conducts flight operations. Eisenhower is deployed as part of an on-going system where they can re- changes in the process is to deliver balloting materi- rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. ceive the ballot online, fill that military voters must als, but they have to know 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. it out online and choose send in a federal postcard where to send them. SECTION B FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM January 7, 2010 Eisenhower’s dramatic rescue at sea STORY AND PHOTO BY rescue at sea the night of Jan. 2, MC3 CHRISTOPHER A. BAKER saving the life of a stranded mar- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower iner. Public Affairs Responding to a vessel-in-dis- tress call, the U.S. Coast Guard USS DWIGHT D. EISEN- requested Eisenhower’s aid in HOWER — Only hours after the successful extraction of a man departing for its 2010 deployment, whose sailboat had capsized in Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS rough waters approximately 300 Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) miles off the coast of Elizabeth diverted from fl ight operations to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in a See RESCUE, B7

Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard SH-60H Seahawk assigned to the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5 lands on the Dennis Clements was rescued late Saturday from the sailboat Gloria A fl ight deck of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) after successfully extracting a stranded mariner Dios after it was damaged in storms starting Wednesday. off the coast of North Carolina.

New Mexico delivered to Navy four months early

PRESS RELEASE Team Submarine Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — The Navy took delivery of its newest at- tack submarine, PCU New Mexico (SSN 779), from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) Dec. 29, four months earlier than its contract delivery date. New Mexico is the sixth Virgin- ia-class submarine and the third delivered by NGSB. “New Mexico performed superbly on sea trials,” said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for subma- rines. “Her early delivery keeps us firmly on pace for a 60-month construction span by the end of the Block II contract.” Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia-class Program manager, com- mented, “With the delivery of the sixth submarine, the Virginia Program continues to provide needed capability to the fleet.” USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), the two submarines delivered prior to New Mexi- co, were completed after 82 and 71 months, respectively. New Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding The Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit New Mexico (SSN 779) undergoes Bravo sea Mexico completed construction in just 70 months. trials Nov. 26, 2009 in the Atlantic Ocean. The Navy took delivery of New Mexico from Northrop Grumman See NEW MEXICO, B7 Shipbuilding four months earlier than the contract delivery date. Eagle Scout started journey on Amphibious Base Little Creek

STORY AND PHOTO COURTESY Troop 209 in Emporia, Va. Scout Master Carroll Amell. He on Naval Station Norfolk under Preparedness. OF SANDRA BONE Dominic, son of Chief Aviation then preceded through Webelo I the administration of Melissa He and his family were trans- Dominic Wilson, the son of Boatswains Mate (Handling) and Webelo II in Den 3 with Pack and Steve Whitefi eld. ferred to Key West Florida Sandra Bone and Step-Father Andre Bone, began his scouting 62, lead by Den leader Nannette Dominic crossed over to BSA where he joined Troop 578 of David Layton, achieved the journey as a Wolf Cub in Pack Edwards, under the watchful Troop 188 out of Norfolk with Key West Fla. In Troop 578, rank of Eagle Scout in Decem- 67, at Little Creek Amphibious eye and direction of Cubmaster Scoutmaster Steve Whitefi eld Dominic obtained the ranks of ber. Dominic is an 11th grader at Base in Norfolk, VA. He ad- John Fowler. Dominic attended on August 6, 2003 after achiev- Second Class, First Class, and Parkview High School in South vanced through the ranks of three day camps (2001-2003) at ing the Arrow of Light, the Star. He also acquired the po- Hill, Va. He is in Boy Scout Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear, under the Breezy Point offi cers club Cub Scouts most formidable sitions of Patrol Leader and honor. Senior Patrol Leader and earned August 23, 2003 he earned his The Andersons’ baby New Year! fi rst Merit Badge, Emergency See EAGLE SCOUT, B7

Photo by MC3 Jessica Pounds USS Wasp Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Aaron Anderson and his wife Sabrina welcomed their baby boy Roper Lee Anderson into the world, January 1, at 1:50 a.m. Roper was the fi rst baby born at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in the new year. Scoutmaster Chuck Lifsey congratulates Dominic “Q-tip” Wilson on achieving the rank of eagle scout. HOMEFRONT NEWS TIP Military OneSource Tax Filing Services of the week Active duty W-2s will be available on MyPay on Jan. 20 at https://mypay. SPOUSE h dfas.mil/mypay.aspx. Military OneSource will bring H&R Block At Home® online tax fi ling (formerly TaxCut) online Jan. 18. This includes free tax consultations by phone for service members and their spouses. New options can lead NOTE: The public version of H&R Block At Home® is not the same as the customized Military OneSource product, and it is not free. If you create to better spouse careers an account through the H&R Block Web site, the H&R Block system will treat your account as a public account even if you access the account BY MICHELLE GALVEZ Career aspirations aside, there in the future through the Military OneSource site. To avoid this problem, Journalist/2009 Heroes at Home were times when I just had to work. please wait until the link is posted to the Military OneSource site at www. Military Spouse of the Year At different times we’ve saddled militaryonesource.com. I quit my job last week and for ourselves with new car payments, once it had nothing to do with a Per- spent too much on Christmas, re- geting, during some tours it made igible service members the option tom line plan with FFSC, ask them manent Change of Station (PCS) alized that having children meant more sense for me to stay home. of sharing their college money with about their Family Employment move. I didn’t have to resign be- starting savings accounts or we There were lots of reasons. I felt spouses and children. Visit www. Readiness Program (FERP) which cause my husband was deployed, were living in a place that far that after so many moves, changes gibill.va.gov for details on benefi ts addresses the tremendous career again and I couldn’t handle being exceeded our basic housing allow- and deployments, the kids need- and requirements. challenges for military family mem- super single mom anymore. This ance. Luckily, I’ve stumbled into ed a consistent routine with one There are many scholarships bers. If you’re in the market for time it wasn’t because I couldn’t occupations that utilized some of parent always available. The pull fl oating around out there for mil- a job already or need to brush up fi nd affordable, reliable and caring my skills and interests, like ho- of the moms clubs, playdates and itary spouses, like the National on resume and interview skills, the child care. tel reservationist, lifeguard and the children’s arts and crafts aisle Military Family Association’s FERP program also has workshops, I’ve left jobs before for all of those preschool teacher to help pay the of the local Michaels was too much Joanne Holbrook Patton Military one-on-one career counseling and reasons. Nope – we’re here for a bills. to resist. The wait list at some base Spouse Scholarship. Applications self-help resources. Call (757) while. I had a plethora of great bab- A few times I’ve wanted to throw daycares exceeded the time we’d are being accepted online at www. 444-NAVY for to get started at the ysitting options and my husband in the writing towel and go in a be stationed there. Once I had militaryfamily.org/our-programs/ center nearest you. has been home and helping. I had a whole new direction. Since I hadn’t been offered a sweet job only to military-spouse-scholarships/ap- Childcare issues are also being great thing going – good job, great planned on marrying the military have to turn it down because the ply-now through Jan. 31. Tips on worked on to the benefi t of mili- pay and work that I felt passion- when I declared my major, my cho- only childcare available out in town paying for school and fi nding oth- tary families. To learn about the ate about with friendly co-workers. sen fi eld wasn’t as portable as some was so expensive, that even with er scholarships can be found on programs offered by Navy Child That’s hard to fi nd when you’re a others out there. So I looked into the multiple children discount, I’d Military OneSource at www.mili- & Youth Services, visit https://qol. military spouse moving every cou- nursing school and took three pre- be practically volunteering. taryonesource.com. persnet.navy.mil/CYPWeb/Web/ ple of years. requisite courses to turn my liberal I certainly wasn’t alone – scores The Department of Defense Home/Home.aspx. I’ve been a working mom and a arts degree in a more scientifi c di- of military spouses have been frus- (DoD) Military Spouse Career Ad- As for me, I’m trading in employ- stay-at-home mom from necessity, rection. Then I remembered that trated by the cost of college, lousy vancement Accounts (MyCAA) ment for a student ID and going desire and circumstance depend- math and science weren’t my forte budgeting, lack of affordable and program provides up to $6,000 of to graduate school in 2010. It’s an ing on the moving situation. and I’d majored in English for a rea- available childcare and the need for fi nancial assistance for military opportunity typical of our military It’s diffi cult starting at the bottom son and scrapped that plan. a more portable career. spouses who are pursuing degree life – in the right place at the right of the career ladder – at each and I leaned toward teaching for a Lucky for us, great strides have programs, licenses or credentials time with all the stars aligned (and every duty station. I wanted to put while. Same hours and vacations as recently been made in all those ar- leading to employment in portable thanks to a scholarship). Whether those four years of college to good my kids and a job that would be in eas. Thanks to a lot of work behind career fi elds. Get more information you are staying home and loving it, use and have the career I’d dreamed demand no matter where we lived, the scenes and congressional ap- and sign up at https://aiportal.acc. working and looking for a new job about. Only once have I been what right? Perfect plan. I took a bunch of proval, military members, spouses af.mil/mycaa. or yearning to hit the books, ob- I was “supposed” to be and we exams and submitted piles of forms and their college-aged youth are The economy’s tough and even stacles and opportunities abound moved two weeks after I scored the to get licensed to teach high school now guaranteed in-state tuition at with the steady military paycheck, – but so do the resources available promotion I’d sought for two years. in that state. The only problem was public colleges and universities in numerous moves and living be- to help you navigate the challenge. That’s how I’ve ended up with jobs that after getting my license, I found the state where they reside or are yond our means can be a drain on Good luck! that only-sort-of-creatively-relate to out I was pregnant the day my hus- permanently stationed. No more family resources. Financial Educa- my degree in journalism. I’ve been band got orders and I never set foot paying the more expensive out-of- tors at your local Fleet and Family Michelle Galvez is a Navy wife and a tourist magazine editor, a free- in a classroom. state tuition rate or waiting a year to Support Center can help through ombudsman who lives in Virginia lance human interest story writer, a By the time we added two and start school. individual consultation, workshops Beach with her husband and three military family columnist, a blogger then three children to the family The new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill has and classes. children. She is the 2009 Heroes at and a graphic designer. and had gotten a bit better at bud- a transferability option allowing el- While you’re improving your bot- Home Military Spouse of the Year. Make 2010 your year: weight loss/healthier eating

BY REBECCA PERRON loss without much effort and promise our- seconds, cook less food or provide smaller Weigh the options – water down the juice, Military Newspapers of Virginia selves that as soon as the New Year is here, plates at dinner so there is not as much room maybe consider diet drinks. Many people we will stick to that diet and start exercising for excess food. Then limit the serving size consume drinks with artifi cial sweeteners, As the beginning of the year is upon us, every day. Just like that – we are going to do of seconds. but many worry about offering them to chil- millions of Americans have just embarked it this time. EAT LESS FAST FOOD. Although most dren. Recent research indicates long-term on the annual ritual of overeating during the But with an attempt at such a drastic fast food restaurants now offer healthier diet soda drinkers are at an increased risk for holidays, gaining the usual fi ve-to-10 pounds, change or unrealistically fast results, we are menu choices, most people still choose high kidney damage. So, in this case, you have to and then preparing for the New Year’s weight bound for failure. We are creatures of habit, fat and high calorie meals. While you could consider the possible risks of artifi cial sweet- loss resolution that will most likely last only a plus when we eat too little, our metabolism search for healthier fast food, like a baked po- eners with the known health problems that few weeks. Sound familiar? slows and the desire to overeat to survive tato, salad or low fat sandwich, you are usually are associated with being overweight. Luck- Surveys indicate about 20 percent of Amer- kicks in, creating yo-yo dieting and perhaps better off providing a healthier meal at home. ily, more natural sweeteners with fewer icans made the resolution to lose weight at weight gain overall. And it is usually less expensive too. Many calories than sugar are emerging and there the beginning of 2009, but by mid-February, While change will not be easy, the key is to families fi nd their time stretched thin, espe- are sure to be beverages containing them on 80 percent has stopped trying to keep it. phase in small changes over several weeks cially when mom or dad is deployed, and fast the market eventually. It should not be surprising that many of us instead of trying to jump into a different life- food is an easy alternative to time consuming BE MORE ACTIVE. It is important to overeat, particularly during the holidays. It is style all at once. These small changes can be cooking. If you fi nd yourself in the situation simply get active doing things that are en- easy and fun to overeat, unhealthy foods and incorporated into any one’s lifestyle. These where you routinely must eat fast food to get joyable. For kids, this might include an snacks taste really good, and exercise is not slow changes are especially important for through your schedule, maybe it is time to sit individual sport or a new team sport, such always fun and can be time consuming. children who are heading down the wrong down and re-assess that schedule with some as baseball or volleyball, or just unorga- So we fi nd ourselves frequently wanting path to help them avoid becoming over- creativity. Do you have time on Sunday after- nized play in the neighborhood riding a bike, to fi ght the battle of the bulge, but routine- weight adults. noon to meal plan for the week and prepare skateboarding or just playing outside. To be ly losing. Our country now fi nds itself in the It is healthy to lose only one or two pounds a few things ahead of time? Could you take adequately active and get enough exercise midst of what has been termed the obesity per week. If you have forty or fi fty pounds to turns with another team parent to drive the to lose weight, the average person needs to epidemic. lose, that can seem like an eternity. But just kids to soccer practice so you can have more make 10,000 steps a day to maintain weight Wouldn’t it be nice if we had the will pow- think, if you had started a proper diet at the time for meal prep? Even ask your kids to and 15,000 per day to lose weight. It will er to only make the healthiest food choices beginning of the year and stuck to it, you join in and help if they are old enough. You probably take at least 60 to 120 minutes of ac- while at the grocery store? Or skip the fast would be at your goal by now. So let’s focus may fi nd more time to prepare meals if you tivity to get there. Sitting at a desk at work food when a craving hits? Or leave the ice on what can be done for this year. make an honest attempt. for eight hours a day and then in front of the cream alone when we are standing with freez- These quick and easy weight loss steps are DRINK FEWER CALORIES. With fruit television all night is not going to cut it. This er door open and spoon in hand at 10 p.m. things that you can do right now to lead your drinks, fruit juice, soda and sport’s drinks, is why many organizations such as the NFL Recent research has indicated that missing family to a healthier lifestyle. most people drink way too many calories. are promoting at least 60 minutes of exercise DNA may play a part in our lack of willpow- LEARN TO SAY “NO” AND CUT Often, these drinks can be the difference be- and play each day for kids – this applies to er. The study, reported in Journal Nature, BACK ON SOME CALORIES. One pound tween someone being overweight or a healthy adults also. Consider buying a step counter found that severely obese children are lack- of body weight is equal to 3,500 calories. An weight, and by getting rid of them, it can be and share it around the family to assess cur- ing signifi cant pieces of their DNA that are extra 150 calories a day results in one pound an easy way to eliminate extra calories. rent activity levels and go from there. responsible for letting the body know when it gained in three weeks. Those measly 150 Generally, children age one to six years SHOP SMARTER. Although you may needs to eat and when it has had enough and calories can be found in a few cookies or an can have four to six ounces and older chil- not have complete control over everything should stop. Without this DNA component, extra dinner roll. This shows how little things dren can have eight to 12 ounces of 100 every member of your family eats once they affected individuals do not have the physical can add up. So, learn to say “No, thank you.” percent fruit juice each day. Also limiting leave home, what you buy at the grocery means to know when to stop eating. Say it to yourself when you want seconds, say sports drinks during vigorous physical activ- store can help you control what they eat at This could change how the medical fi eld it to others when you are offered something ity can help. And the rest should be low fat home. That does not mean they will eat all of looks at obesity, but in the meantime, most you know you should not eat, say it to your milk (as long as they are over two years old) their veggies just because you buy them, but of us who need to lose a weight are still look- kids when they ask for seconds. And prac- and water. But how realistic is this? Some of they cannot drink soda or eat high-fat potato ing for the miracle pill that will make us slim tice it if need be. Write “no” or your reason us know fi rst hand the reaction a two year chips if you do not buy them. no matter how much we eat. So we scour the for losing weight on a sticky and put it on the old can have when they are handed a cup of In next week’s, we’ll teach you how to read Internet for diets that promise quick weight fridge. Or if it is diffi cult to not go back for water after drinking sweet-tasting juice. food labels. WELCOME HOME Wasp returns home after three month deployment during Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009

BY MC1 AMIE GONZALES long interoperability mission itary exchanges,” said Laco. loved ones for the holidays.” Morale, Welfare and Recre- ations. USS Wasp Public Affairs working alongside Haitian Wasp Sailors and Marines Throughout the nearly ation department and the In addition to Jamaica and and Dominican Republic civil volunteered to deliver back- three months at sea, Wasp Wardroom, Chief Petty Offi- Belize, Wasp also stopped NORFOLK — The multi- and military agents resulted packs and teddy bears from continued to prepare for its cer Association and the First in Panama and made sever- purpose amphibious assault in a disrupted flow of drugs Hugs Across American to upcoming INSURV Inspec- Class Petty Officer Associ- al visits to Guantanamo Bay, ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and through the Caribbean and school children in Jamaica tion. The crew also relaxed ation. The ship also held a Cuba. her crew of approximately to the United States. and Belize. In addition, they and enjoyed some down time talent show, chili cook-off For more news from USS 1,100 Sailors returned home “The key to the success traveled to Parry Town Basic with three Steel Beach pic- and Bingo to help the crew Wasp (LHD 1), visit www. Dec. 22 from nearly three of this deployment has been School in Ocho Rios, Jamai- nics sponsored by the ship’s take a break from daily oper- navy.mil/local/lhd1/. months deployed to U.S. that the Wasp, as a fusion cen- ca to help paint classrooms. Southern Command area of ter, has allowed us to bring to With help from the U.S. Em- focus, wrapping up Southern bear several assets that were bassy, who provided the Partnership Station (SPS) - able to work with Joint Inter- necessary paint and equip- Amphib 2009. agency Task Force-South, ment, they were able to paint Wasp deployed Oct. 4 conducting CIT operations in 12 classrooms, which held from Naval Station Nor- the south. The benefit is that grades one through six for folk. Working alongside we’ve been able to operate in local children. Mayport-based Destroyer different regions of the Ca- “When you have the op- Squadron (DESRON) 40 and ribbean,” said Laco. portunity to participate in a Security Cooperation Ma- By mid-November Wasp mission of this sort, there rine Air-Ground Task Force and the embarked task force isn’t a specific way to train (SCMAGTF) they worked were conducting operations – you go back to basics, to to build interoperability and in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and the things that your Sail- cooperation between U.S. Belize City, Belize, which in- ors know and excel at – and and partner nation naval cluded military-to-military then you modify slowly until forces through a variety of exchanges and commu- each modification becomes exercises, theater security nity relations (COMREL) a second nature,” said Wasp cooperation (TSC), military- projects. Humanitarian assis- Commanding Officer Capt. to-military engagements and tance was provided through Lowell D. Crow. “Our crew community relations proj- the donation of more than not only made the necessary ects. 100 pallets from Project adjustments, but they made “SPS 2009 deployment Handclasp filled with med- a seamless modification to was the first of its kind here ical, medicinal and hygiene their training schedules that in the 4th Fleet area of fo- supplies. Also, the Rotary allowed them to more than cus. The deployment was Clubs of Cape Coral Gold adequately complement the designed to focus on counter- Coast and Downtown Jack- mission.” illicit trafficking (CIT), which sonville, Fla., donated pallets Wrapping up the deploy- included the USS Wasp as a of books and computers. ment in December, Wasp forward operating base and a “We as the Navy will have completed CIT operations variety of different agencies opportunities to conduct once again, this time with embarked on the ship,” said engagements with the coun- the Nicaraguan military and Capt. Rudy Laco, Command- tries in Central America, U.S. Coast Guard LEDET in er Task Group 40.7. Caribbean and South Amer- an effort to disrupt the flow The Wasp-DESRON 40 ica and part of the strategy of narcotics through the Ca- team joined forces with Joint is to visit locations on a pe- ribbean. Interagency Task Force (JI- riodic basis and show the “The Wasp crew as a ATF) - South, SCMAGTF, populace that the Navy is not whole performed expertly, Coast Guard Law Enforce- just about fighting wars, but consistently adjusting and ment Detachment (LEDET) also humanitarian assistance, modifying to fit a rigorous Photo by MC3 David Smart 405 and the Drug Enforce- disaster relief and working to schedule,” said Crow. “The A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the Iron Horses of Marine Heavy Helicopter ment Administration (DEA) help other partners in the re- reward for them is fitting for Squadron (HMH) 461 takes off on the flight deck of the multi-purpose assault ship USS Wasp to conduct CIT operations in gion to solve common issues so humble a crew: Being at (LHD 1), transporting Marines assigned to the security cooperation marine air-ground task the Caribbean. The month- like providing military-to-mil- home with their families and force, to perform theater security cooperation exercises with the Belize Defense Force. Local CHAPLAIN’S CORNER service times LDS PROGRAMS JEB Little Creek Chapel Worship Schedule: Noon — Sun. Worship (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) 8 p.m. — Wed. Bible Study (Chapel Annex Classroom 4)

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK ROMAN CATHOLIC PROTESTANT Our Lady of Victory Chapel David Adams Memorial Mass Schedule: Chapel Worship Services: 5 p.m. — Sat. 10:30 a.m.— Sun. (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) Worship 10 a.m.— Sun. Wednesday Services: 11:45 a.m.— Mon.- Fri. 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.— Bible (except holidays) Study Noon “Lunch Confessions: with the Lord” 4:15 p.m. Sat. For more information call Naval Station Norfolk Chapel 444-7361

JEWISH PROGRAMS Commodore Uraih P. Levy Chapel: Jewish services are at Norfolk chapel in Building C7 on the Second Floor every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Building C7 is located at 1630 Morris St. on Naval Base Norfolk. For more information call 444-7361 or 7363.

Photo by MCSN Nichelle Noelle Whitfi eld MUSLIM PROGRAMS Cmdr. Frank Foley, command chaplain aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) begins communion during a Roman Masjid al Da’wah Catholic Mass aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to 2nd Floor (Bldg. C-7): Muslim services are the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. at Norfolk chapel every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Hope spelled with a Capital H JEB LITTLE CREEK CHAPEL ROMAN CATHOLIC Confessions: BY LT. CMDR JOHN E. in the coming year and, in such ways are staggering brief aside for a Greek les- Mass Schedule: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. — Sat. MCKINNEY in that instance, my hope and sometimes that mis- son; I always remembered 5 p.m.— Sat. PROTESTANT NAS Oceana Chaplain actually may have some ef- placed hope will even work elpis by thinking of those (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) 9 a.m. — Sun. School fect, if I am willing to put in against us. The way to win people who “hope they 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. — Sun. (4 years-Adult) What do we hope for to- the effort on whether they the fi nancial race of life is would see Elvis.” Elvis re- 11:30 a.m. — Tues. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. — Sun. day or for the New Year? will grow up that way or to invest over the long haul minds me of elpis, and now (except holidays) Divine Worship, Hope is a funny word, not. and watch it grow rath- you too know a little Greek. Children’s Church and we seem to use it for As I see it, sometimes we er than seeking the quick In the scriptures, hope (Ages 4-10) many things. I may hope place our hope in people score. goes beyond our fi nances, PWOC: Bible Study at the Chapel Annex Every Wed. it will be a sunny weekend and things inappropriately. Further, if we are placing our friends and the weath- Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: 10 a.m. - noon and yet, in that instance, We may pick the wrong our hope in other people er – all those things which PWOC: Evening Bible Study Every Mon.: 7 p.m. my hope has nothing to do running mates and hope we will fi nd that they will defi ne our daily lives. It Latter Day Saints Coffeehouse with if the sun will shine that their bad habits don’t often fail us. If we place speaks about hope with an 11:30 a.m. — Sun. 6 p.m. — Sun. or not. Then again, I may rub off on us. Maybe we our hope in things, we will eternal perspective and I hope my children grow up were hoping to change fi nd that the promise nev- think of it as Hope with a For more information call JEB to be straighter and tru- them and are surprised er really measures up to capital “H.” Hope is where Little Creek Chapel 462-7427 er and more well-adjusted when they change us. our hope. Even if we place and in whom we place our I have known individuals our hope in ourselves, I am trust and our faith. that place their hope for sure you have found like I The Apostle Paul tells the future on such things have, we so often fail to live us “hope that is seen is as picking the right num- up to our own expectations no hope at all…” (Romans ber in the lottery, betting and, so fail ourselves and 8:24 NIV) In order to have on the “Big Game”, or even dash our own hopes. a hope that is an anchor making a big score in some The Greek word for hope in our life, that gives us a sort of lawsuit. The odds is elpis and it is used often fi rm footing upon which to against our getting ahead in the New Testament. As a build our life, we have to have a Hope that is in the Creator God. That God, irrespective of our individual religious beliefs, can be our source of peace and ongoing faith that points us to a Hope that goes well beyond the tri- als and tribulations of this day. That Hope becomes a source of nourishment and growth within our life each and every day throughout the coming year. Just a few thoughts that I hope you will consider for today and all of 2010. USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deploys PRESS RELEASE USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISEN- HOWER — The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) Car- rier Strike Group (CSG) deployed Jan. 2 for a six-month deployment in support of 5th and 6th Fleet op- erations. IKE CSG is made up of Com- mander, CSG 8; the aircraft carrier IKE, homeported in Norfolk.; Car- rier Air Wing Seven (CVW) 7; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28; the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), homeport- ed in Norfolk; and the Mayport, Fla.-based ships, guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Farra- gut (DDG 99). IKE CSG missions focus heavily on maritime security op- erations and theater security Photo by MC3 Christopher A. Baker cooperation efforts that help es- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) deployed Jan. 2 for a six-month deployment in support of 5th and 6th Fleet operations tablish conditions for regional stability. pectations in a very short amount our nation’s interests.” IKE CSG consists of approx- and safely together. “I’m extremely proud of the men of turnaround time. We are ready The deployment is part of an imately 6,000 Sailors who, over “This is an amazing ship, but and women of the Eisenhower Car- to go over the horizon and sup- on-going rotation of forward-de- the last four months, have suc- what’s even more amazing are the rier Strike Group,” said Rear Adm. port the troops on the ground in ployed forces to support maritime cessfully completed refresher young Americans who bring it to Phil Davidson, commander of IKE Afghanistan, support the nation’s security operations in internation- training and certifications to en- life,” said Capt. Dee Mewbourne, CSG. “They’ve exceeded all ex- Maritime Strategy, and protect al waters around the globe. sure they operate effectively IKE’s commanding officer.

Eisenhower farewell breakfast for Sailors, families, friends BY MCSN Senior Chief Culinary Spe- WILLIAM JAMIESON USS Dwight D. Eisenhower cialist Anthony Thompson Public Affairs of Eisenhower’s Supply De- partment. “We always have NORFOLK — Sailors to come in early, but they aboard the aircraft carrier had to come in extra ear- USS Dwight D. Eisenhow- ly this morning to make er (CVN 69) said goodbye this breakfast happen. I’m to family and friends dur- proud of the way my crew ing a going-away breakfast handled it.” Jan. 2 prior to departing Intelligence Specialist 3rd their homeport of Nor- Class Divontay Queen, who folk, Va., for a regularly is making his second de- scheduled six-month de- ployment with Eisenhower, ployment. said it was good for the fam- A joint moral-raising ef- ilies to be able to have one fort between Naval Station last meal with their Sailors Norfolk’s Moral, Welfare before a long deployment. and Recreation Office Thompson said mixed and the ship’s Supply De- emotions were evident partment, the ship’s crew during the last moments worked hard to provide Sail- Sailors had with their fam- ors and their guests with ily members. an assortment of breakfast “You never get used to de- foods. ploying, or I haven’t,” said “Most of the work for Thompson. “But when you the breakfast fell on the know you have that support night crew, and they came at home waiting for you, it through in a big way,” said makes things easier.” Female Sailors, Marines assist Afghan women BY LANCE CPL. DWIGHT HENDERSON Special to American Forces Press Service

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Throughout Afghanistan’s Garmsir dis- trict, Marines and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, interact with key leaders and locals to learn the needs of lo- cal Afghan villagers. However, there is one gap that is hard to bridge -- the interaction between Marines and Afghan women. This is an issue that female Marines and Sailors of the U.S. military engagement team worked to solve as they conducted patrols through the village of Tajik Khar Dec. 16 - 20. With help from male Marines and mem- bers of the Afghan National Army, female Marines moved from compound to com- pound, hoping to speak to Afghan women to ascertain their medical and humanitari- an assistance requirements. “This is extremely important,” said Ma- rine 2nd Lt. Carly E. Towers, the officer in charge of the engagement team. “Our mis- sion out here is to talk to and work with the locals to build cooperation and secu- rity.” Because of local culture, male Marines are not allowed to look at, let alone talk to, Photo by Lance Cpl. Dwight Henderson any Afghan women. Even Afghan soldiers Marine 2nd Lt. Carly E. Towers, right, the officer in charge of the female engagement team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Sahima Sheren, or Sam, an interpreter with the FET team, interact with local kids during a patrol through Tajik Khar in Garmsir, Afghanistan, Dec. 18. are not supposed to talk to the women of With Easy Company, 2/2, and local Afghan National Army providing security, the FET moved from compound to compound, hoping to speak any compound, so the female Marines’ ef- to the females to discuss what medical care and humanitarian assistance was needed for them. forts not only benefit other Marines, but the local Afghan military, as well. Before the all-female Marine team can Towers, who hails from Modesto, Calif. many Afghan females who claim to have “It is good news for us,” said Sgt. Sho- enter a compound, they must first talk to “We’ve had a lot of success in the past few never left their compounds for fear of fire- korunnah, an Afghan soldier. “The female the owner, generally a male who is not days.” fights and homemade bombs. Marines came and talked to the women used to interacting with Marine females. The key to her unit’s mission success is “We hear a lot of things from the wom- and found out their problems. I am very “The general perception has been rang- to establish a connection with the Afghan en that we wouldn’t hear from the men, or happy.” ing from positive to dumbfounded,” said women, Towers said. that would be said in a different way,” Tow- “We just try to sit down, talk to them, ers said. and get to know them a bit,” said Towers, a Towers’ team has a female corpsman Naval Academy graduate. “We ask them if that can provide medical care to the Af- they have any questions for us. We’re try- ghans if they so desire. ing to build rapport.” Relationships established through these In deference to Afghan culture, Tow- interactions, Towers said, help to build er and her team members remove their bonds of trust between the Afghans and helmets and don head scarves to cover the Marines. their hair whenever they enter a com- Editor’s note: Marine Lance Cpl. Dwight pound. Henderson serves with 1st Marine Divi- Through their interactions, Towers said, sion’s Regimental Combat Team 7 public the female Marines have encountered affairs. RESCUE: ‘Nightdippers’ SAR team extracts mariner from failing ship

Continued from page B1 tion offi cers. stroyed the sailboat’s mast. those were some of the big- “We went over every pos- calm, cool and collected.” The U.S. Coast Guard The mariner abandoned his gest waves any of us had sible scenario during the The mariner was treated City, N.C. Eisenhower im- and the U.S. 2nd Fleet Mar- sinking boat and struggled seen,” Pichette said. “Moth- transit. The communica- briefl y aboard Eisenhow- mediately changed course itime Operations Center for nearly an hour in the high er Nature threw bad weather, tion made the mission go er before being transferred and sailed at high speed coordinated to identify the seas to reach one of the life ice, snow and hail making it smoothly,” he said. to a Coast Guard heli- toward the distressed mar- Eisenhower and its air as- rafts. The Coast Guard air- a stretch for us and the heli- The copilot for the SAR copter and fl own to an iner. sets as the quickest and plane offered aerial support copter.” mission, Cmdr. Byron Og- Elizabeth City medical Initially, a Coast Guard safest way to rescue the by directing the SAR heli- Naval Air Crewman 1st den, explained that while the facility. Helicopter planned to mariner. copter through both snow Class David Brandon, the conditions were treacherous, According to Brandon, only land on board Eisen- The “Nightdippers” of and rain to the life raft. SAR crew chief, said the the cooperation between the even after the ordeal, the hower to refuel before Helicopter Anti-Submarine Lt. Cdmr. Scott Pichette, rescue swimmer, Naval Air SAR team and the Coast mariner was in good spir- proceeding to the scene, but Squadron (HS) 5, launched the helicopter aircraft com- Crewman 2nd Class Kyle Guard made the mission a its and grateful to have more immediate action be- a search and rescue (SAR) mander, said the experience Need, completed the extrac- success. survived. “With those con- came necessary when news team to extract the mariner and professionalism of the tion in only six minutes in “This is honestly one of the ditions, he was lucky he came that the boat’s main from 18 to 21 foot seas and crew made it possible to spite of the intense condi- most varsity things we could made it.” mast had broken and was winds peaking at 45 knots. complete the challenging tions. do as far as SAR goes,” said For more news from USS taking on water, explained A Coast Guard C-130 mission. Need said it was the col- Ogden, “I didn’t hear one bit Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN Lt. j.g. Randolph Moyer, one dropped two life rafts for the “Most of us have been lective effort that made the of panic in anybody’s voice; 69), visit www.navy.mil/lo- of Eisenhower’s tactical ac- mariner after the waves de- in for almost 18 years, and extraction possible. the whole crew was very cal/cvn69/. EAGLE SCOUT: A long road of sacrifi ce and achievement for a Scout

Continued from page B1 he obtained the rank of Dominic was given the Life scout. Dominic earned name “Q-Tip” by fellow The making of an Eagle Scout 16 Merit Badges. fi ve Merit Badges while he scouts. From 2003 – 2005 Dom- was with Troop 188. For his Eagle Scout Eagle Scout is the highest rank attain- strated themselves to be in Scouting. As inic was involved with Dominic and his family Project, Dominic gave the able in the Boy Scouting program of the such, they are disproportionately repre- Relay for Life and The Spe- retired to South Hill, Va. in Monumental Methodist Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Those sented in the military, service academy cial Olympics. November 2006, where he Church nursery a “make- who attain this rank are called an Eagle graduates, major professions, business In December 2005, Dom- has been with Troop 209 of over.” Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction and politics. Eagle Scouts who enlist inic and his family moved Emporia, Va. until present He passed his Eagle in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive back home to Yorktown under Scout Master David Board of Review with fl y- earned by more than 2 million young advanced rank in recognition of their VA where he rejoined Bland and Assistant Scout ing colors on December men. achievements. Troop 188 of Norfolk Master Chuck Lifsey. 29, 2009. Eagle Scout may be earned by a Boy Eagle Scout is the only Boy Scout rank with Scoutmaster Bascil In 2007 Dominic was Dominic will have his Scout or Varsity Scout who has been a that is recognized on an adult Scouter’s Ashby. elected into the Order of Eagle Court of Hon- Life Scout for at least six months, earns uniform, worn as an adult recognition of He went to Pipsico sum- the Arrow, where he holds or January 31st, 2010 at a minimum of 21 merit badges, demon- the youth award as a red, white, and blue mer camp in July 2006. On brotherhood status. Monumental Methodist strates Scout Spirit, and demonstrates striped square knot. Eagle Scouts can August 5th, 2006, where While at summer camp Church in Emporia, Va. leadership in the troop, team, crew or join the National Eagle Scout Association ship. He must plan, develop and lead (NESA), which serves as a fellowship a service project – the Eagle Project and communications board for all Eagle – that demonstrates both leadership Scouts. and a commitment to duty. He must NESA directly administers several Ea- NEW MEXICO: then take part in a Scoutmaster confer- gle Scout scholarships. The American Submarine delivery wraps ence. After all requirements are met, he Legion, the National Jewish Committee must complete an Eagle Scout board of on Scouting and the Sons of the American up winning year for Virginia-class program review. Revolution offer scholarships directed Scouts with a permanent mental or toward Eagle Scouts. Many colleges and Continued from page B1 775) completion of the Virginia-class sub- physical disability may use alternate universities, local businesses, churches marines’ fi rst Arctic Ocean testing in requirements based on abilities, if ap- and other organizations may offer simi- “Raising the bar yet again, the Vir- November; transfers of USS Hawaii (SSN proved by the council. Eagle Scout may lar scholarships. ginia shipbuilding team has completed 776) and Texas to their new homeport of be awarded posthumously, if and The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award the fastest delivery to date, with further Pearl Harbor in July and November re- only if all requirements except the is given only to Eagle Scouts for distin- improvement soon to follow. This im- spectively; and the christening ceremony board of review are completed before guished service in their profession and provement in performance positions the of PCU Missouri’s (SSN 780) Dec. 5. death the community for a period of at least 25 team to double the production rate to Virginia-class submarines are fl exi- Eagle Scouts are expected to set an ex- years after earning Eagle Scout. Only two submarines per year in 2011. Keep- ble, multimission platforms designed to ample for other Scouts and to become about 1 in 1000 of all Eagle Scouts have ing the production rate at two per year is operate in both open-ocean and littoral the leaders in life that they have demon- been so honored. critical to maintaining the Navy’s Attack waters. Their inherent stealth, endurance Submarine inventory,” Jabaley added. and fi repower enable them to support New Mexico’s delivery in 2009 wraps the United States seapower core capabili- up a successful year for the Virginia- ties of forward presence, deterrence, sea class program. Earlier accomplishments control, power projection and maritime include beginning the construction of security. PCU North Dakota (SSN 784) March 2; For more news from Naval Sea Systems the keel-laying ceremony of PCU Califor- Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/ nia’s (SSN 781) May 1; USS Texas (SSN navsea/.