- Any day in the Navy 1996 May 9, 1996, is just like anyother Navy day. That's why it is so important to us.

e are asking our readersto record the events Use different lenses-wide angle and telephoto- and the people on their ships and installations to give an ordinary photo a fresh look.Shoot from differ- Wthat day. A// Hands will use these images totell ent angles and don't beafraid to bend your knees or find theNavy's story in ourOctober 1996 edition. ahigher viewpoint. Experiment with silhouettes and time- We want photographs that capture the facesof exposures. Shoot color or black and white. Whatever you Sailors, Marines, Navy civilians and their families. We're shoot, remember it's the people, not the hardware, who looking for imagination and creativity. Your subject might make the Navy whatit is. be something you see every day but says something Photos must be shot during the 24-hour periodof special about your people or your command.Or, you May 9. Submit processed and mounted color slides. Or, might get a shotof something unusual, a once-in-a- send us quality black and white or color prints, either 5x7 lifetime photo opportunity. Our only rules arethat the or 8x10. subjects in the photographs reflect the diversityof the Submissions must includefull credit and cutline Navy and there are no safety or uniform violations. information: full name, rank, duty station and phone number of the photographer; the names and home- I /$ towns of indentifiable people in the photos; details on 5 what's happening in the photos; and where the photos -6 were taken. This year we'dlike to do something 3 different: record the time that you took the photo and 5 include that in your cutline. Captions must be at- 5$ tached individuallyto each photo or each slide. 5- Photos must be processed and received (notpost- ij marked) at A// Hands by June 7,1996. Photos cannot

LD be returned. Our mailing address is: Naval Media Center, Publishing Division ATTN: A// Hands, PH1 D. Anglin Naval Station Anacostia, Bldg. 168 2701 S. Capitol St. S.W. Washington, D.C. 20373-5819 Address questions to PH1 Dolores Anglin at DSN 288-4209 or (202) 433-4209.

"""""""""""~""""""""""""""""-- Photocopy this formand attach a completed copy to each photo you submit. Photographer: Full name: Rank: Duty station (including mailing address and phone number):

Photograph: Time photograph was shot: Caption (what the photo depicts):

People in thephoto (include first and last names, rankdratings, warfare designators and hometowns): ALLWINDS

~ ~- MagazineContents of the US. NavyApril 1996, Number 948

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f60 26 A conversation with the CNO Home improvements 0 :ADM Mike Boorda discusses New quality-of-life concepts and new quality-of-life issues for today’s construction paint a brighter picture for 0 Sailors. Navy housing and BQs. 0 :10 30 0 Earth Day1996 Buy now ... pay later 0 Learn how Sailors replenish and Take a hard look at credit. Is it really 0 PAGE 6 conserve nature. easy money? 0 :12 32 :Taking care of our own Navy detailers 0 0 If it’s time to move on, find out how to All Hands looks at some programs that cut the best deal for you and the Navy. support Sailors and their families.

0 14 34 :TRICARE Family Service Centers 0 Get the keys to understanding the 0 They’re not just for families. See what Navy’s new medical plans. PAGE 12 today’s FSCs have for everybody. 0 :16 38 0 War Games A moving checklist 0 USACOM readies joint forces for the Once you get orders (see Page 32), use 0 real thing. this list to make your life a little easier. 0 20 40 :USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) 0 A tale of two families 0 The JTFEX 96-1 flagship brings The Exceptional Family Member 0 Sailors to the right place. program can ease worries about some 0 PAGE 18 very special people. :22 :USS America (CV 66) 0 A battle group comes home. 0 Columns 0 0 0 On the Cover 2 0 Charthouse : Front Cover: Photo by pH3 Sam Dallal 44 Bearings Back Cover: Photos by JOSN Rhonda 46 Aroundthe Fleet Feeback. 0 48 Shipmates 0 PAGE 22 Charthouse

current efforts to make theadvancement process more fair forall Sailors, and did not provide sufficient incen- tive to justify the inequity. The same is trueof the decision to stop awardmg H Changes in thecalculation of award points in the additional points to Sailors who earn multiplewarfare Final Multiple Score (FMS)will become effective Sep- designations because many Sailors are not assigned to tember 1996. Accordingto NAVADMIN 024/96, begin- ships where obtaining a second warfare specialtyis ning with Cycle 152 E-4/5/6 advancement exams, possible. The maximumaward forenlisted warfare Sailors will no longer receive extra points toward designation is now two points. advancement for two types of sea duty: Advancement award points were eliminated for h Nonrotated Sea Duty (Sea/Shore Type4) which is minesweeper double tour/patrol boats in theArabian duty in ships and deployable squadrons homeported Gulf because these billets no longer exist. a overseas, or duty at overseas shore activities and em- barked staffs which require Sailors to operate away from their homeports in excess of 150 days per year;and reservations I& I& Double Sea Duty (Sea/Shore Type 8)where missions are considered exceptionally arduous and require Western Pacific Sailors to operate away fromtheir commands recently home port or base in excess of 150 days became part of the per year, such as Operation Deep Bachelor Quarters Freeze. Central Reservation System (BQCRS). BQCRS is already operating success- fully throughout most of CONUS and the Caribbean. All Navy military and manv civilian personnel on official temporary duty travel funded by appro- priated funds (civilians represented by labor unions may be excluded), are required to make lodging reservations through BQCRS at the same time they arrange their transportation to the Western Pacific. Commands affected by this latest change include Naval Air Station Barbers Point and PACMISRANFAC Barking Sands, Hawaii; Naval Station Pearl Harbor; Naval Submarine Base Also effective September 1996, Pearl Harbor; Naval Station Guam; NCTAMS Guam; NAFs Arabian Gulf minesweeper duty and Atsugi, Kadena and Misawa, Japan;COMFLEACTs Sasebo multiple enlisted warfare specialties and Yokosuka, Japan; and COMFLEACT Chinhae, South will no longer earn Sailors additional Korea. award points toward advancement. Make reservations through SAT0 Travel. Travelers using These changes are intended to help privately owned vehicles or those requiring lodging reserva- level the playing field forall Sailors and tions may useSATO’s toll-free number to make reservations, to puta greater emphasis on anindivid- 1 -800-576-9327. ual’s performance in the advancement The only activities inCONUS not covered by BQCRS are Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.; and Naval Edu- process. cation and Training Center, Newport, R.I. Both areas are Award points were offered to Sailors expected to be on line by early summer. on Type 4 and Type 8 duty as an Additional information is available in NAVADMIN 01 5/95 incentive to fill those critical billets. or from LT David Donnelly at DSN 224-2924or (703) 614-2924. BUPERS determined it worked against

ALL HANDS TRICARE voting

The Federal Voting Assistance Program encourages H The TRICARE family member dental planis more service members and DOD employees worldwide to vote. flexible for service members returning fromoverseas Understanding the issues back home can be a problem assignments. for those stationed far from home.To alleviate this, Returning service members with 12 months remain- program officials have set up a phone systemso service members can get information on local elections. ing on active-duty tours may now enroll their families These numbers connect you with Federal Voting in the dentalplan. Previously, service members needed Assistance Program staff, who will help you obtain 24 months remaining before they could enroll family information you need for federal and state elections. members. Dial numbers exactly as listed with no international CHAMPUS officials said sponsors must meet the prefixor code attache -here is nocharge for tl :all. following conditions: United Sta (800)4"" 568: - Sponsors must be returning from anoverseas area Bahrain 800-62 where the dentalplan is unavailable. Belgiul 078-11 55 Canada 320 800-96 - Enrolling family members must havelived with 01 3-OE , ,277 sponsors at theoverseas location. Greec' 008-001-22-586 - Sponsors must have at least 12 months left on Hong I 1-6984 their active duty service commitments. Israel 7-102-401 2 - Sponsors must complete enrollment election -678-72-444 within 30 days of reporting to their new duty stations. Japan -31 -1 1-2429 New 2 . 100-44-0799 Service members should enroll their family mem- Portug 0501 -8-1 3-035 bers in the dentalplan at least 30 days before leaving Singai: 800-1 300-210 the overseas duty station. This willprovide earlier South 0078-1 4-800-0203 access to dental care. Coverage is effective the month Spain 900-93-1 1 08 after service members complete enrollment. I 'iited II 0-800-895-7403 A Source American Forces Inform. Service See Page 14 for more TRICARE information I housing

Sailors assigned to independent duty away from a Navy base, but close to another military installation now have betteraccess to base housing. Calling the need for acceptable housing a "basic and continuous'' family requirement, DOD established apolicy that the closest base, by commuting travel time from an independent duty site, will be the family housing provider. Under previous guidelines, Sailors were placed in Priority 3 for assignment to other services' family housing. Essential personnelreceived Priority 1 status and personnel assigned to the installation or to other installationsserved by the housing complex wereclassified Priority 2. See NAVADMIN 018/96, DODINST 4165.63- M, or call LT Anderson at BUPERS, DSN 224- 2810 or (703)614-2810, for more information.

APRIL 1996 3 Charthouse at-Arms (MA)and Navy Counselor (NC)have advance- ment opportunities that are higher than the Navywide enlisted update... average. If you are interestedin converting to any of these ratings, call the NC/MA/LN enlisted communi- A recent NAVADMIN released to thefleet summa- ty manager at DSN 227-1742 or (703)697-1 742 or the rizes some of the major personnel issues the Navy wil 1 BUPERS conversion desk at DSN 223-1330 or (703) address in 1996: 693-1330. - Advancement exams. Results of the March and - Pay. Senior enlisted members (E-7 and above)not September advancement exams willbe released by on sea duty arenow automatically authorizedbasic June 1 and Dec. 1, 1996, respectively. allowance for subsistence (BAS),regardless of depen- - Sea/shore rotation. NAVADMIN 179/95 dency status. Thischange in entitlement is effective announced new sea/shore tour-length revisions immediately but cannotbe applied retroactively. Legal beginning in June96. That means, if your projected restrictions do not allow this entitlement tobe extend- rotation date (PRD) is Juneor later, you should check ed to members onsea duty. to see if your PRD will change. For those of you who - Suicide Prevention. Increased training will make have a PRD through May 96, there is nochange to Sailors and the chainof command more awareof your current PRD. The new sea/shore rotation plan shipmates at risk. Quotas are availablefor courses will be implemented in phases, similar to whatwas conducted at all 11 of the CNET electronic school- done in thepast. New PRDs should automatically house locations (Newport,R.I.; Norfolk and Dam be reflected on the latest and/or upcoming issueof Neck, Va.; Kings Bay, Ga.; Mayport, Fla.; Great Lakes, your unit's enlisted distribution verificationreport Ill.; Ingleside, Texas; San Diego and Treasure Island, ( EDVRl . Calif.; Bangor, Wash.; and Pearl Harbor). Contact

' - Conversion opportunities. Legalman (LN),Master- (PERS 601) at DSN224-5742 or (703)614-5742.

I I I I Name the Seal I I We're all familiar with the Navy's SEALS, but no one knows the Navy's I PRIME program Seal. That's because the program's mascot has gone I nameless for six years and is desperately seeking an identity. I The PRIME Seal is a symbol of the US. Navy's world leadership in I protecting the marine environment and the PRIME program manager is offering a bounty to the individual who names the seal. The winner will I receive a "fabulous" prize. I I I Your Name ~ ~~~~~~~ I Mail, fax or E-mail your entry form to the I Address address listed below by April 30, 1996. I city ~ . State Navy PRIME Program Manager I ATTN: Vickie Edgar, Code 0541.4 I Zip Code ~- Navy Inventory Control Point I 5450 Chalisle Pike I Choice No. 1 P. 0. Box 2020 I Mechanicsburg, Pa. 17055-0789 I ChoiceNo. 2 .""~~ ~ .. .~ I Fax: (71 7) 790-3480 I Choice No. 3 ___ [email protected] L """""""""""""""""""_I_r

4 ALL HANDS Alcohol: it’s not so glamorous anymore

ife can changein an instant- you’re laughing andjoking with friends at aparty, Lthe next thingyou knowyou’re at the morgue identifying a friend who’s mangled beyond recognition. You later learn hewas driving under the influenceof alcohol. Alcohol abuse justisn’t cool these days - in the Navy or not. You are legally drunk if your blood alcohol level (BAL)exceeds .10 percent - or .08 percent in some states. BALA of .10 percent means there’s one drop of alcohol in your body for every 1,000 drops of blood. And an average-size adult canreach this level after only a few drinks. Your BAL rises as fast as you can drink.But it drops at a constant, slowrate. It’s controlled by the rate yourliver detoxifies the alcoholyou’ve swallowed. The liver oxidizes only enough alcohol to lower the BAL by .015 per hour.

The Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS)kicks off an alcohol abuse prevention campaigncalled “The Right Spirit.” The campaign emphasizes intervention and counseling when needed and educatingSailors on the consequences of abusing alcohol. The campaign also focuses on:

* Command responsibility- commands ensure education, policies and programs areavailable and alternatives to alcoholare provided at all command events.

* Shipmate responsibility - You must be awareof the warning signs of alcohol abuse and take positive steps to help your shipmates stay on theright course. Don’t be afraid to takeaway the car keys, suggest shipmates limit or stop their drinkingor help a shipmateget help for alcohol problems.

* Personal responsibility - Recognize the effects alcohol abuse can have onyou, your family, friends and career. A

APRIL 1996 5 A conversation with the CNO mmm Interview by JOl(AW) Michael R. Hart t’s hard to believe that Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Boorda has reached the midpointof I his tour as the Navy‘s senior officer. Since his appointment in 1994, Sailors have benefited from the new Seaman to Admiralprogram and restructuring of the enlisted evaluation system, among many other quality-of-life issues.All Hands recently spoke with ADM Boorda on a wide range of topics, including the goals he set at the beginning of his tourand what he wants toaccomplish in the future.

AH: You see many Sailors during your travels around the fleet. What’s the bestadvice you’ve ever gotten from a Sailor? CNO: “That’s a very difficult question, becauseI’ve gotten good advice from manySailors. “The very best piece of advice hasn’t come during my timeas CNO. It came when I wasChief of Naval Personnel. Someone askedme why [he]couldn’t do something thatwasn’t exactly in accordance with the instructions. I explained what the instructionwas, and he replied, ‘Wait a minute, my situation isdifferent from everyoneelse’s. I have this particularproblem, and all people do is quote the instruction to me, Admiral.’ “I thought about thatfor a while andsaid that doesn’t make any sense. Instructions and regulations are writtenfor the average case. If all we aregoing to do is follow those criteria to the’nth’ degree every time, then wedon’t need decision makers anymore. We would only need computers. “I don’t want tobe in a Navy like that.I want human beings to be treated as individuals. Mostof the time the rulesapply exactly. But sometimes there’s something unusual, and theydon’t. That Sailor gave CNO: “I don’t think homesteading isfor everybody. me some indirectadvice about how I ought to conduct There arepeople who come in theNavy who say, ’I my business at theBureau of Naval Personnel. I have really want to travel andsee lots of different things.’ not forgotten that as CNO. That wasprobably the best They should have the opportunity do to that. Believe advice I’ve ever gotten.’’ me, there’s no shortage of opportunity. “I think there arepeople who would reenlistfor AH: Many Sailors are excited and others are skeptical longer periods if they wereguaranteed to stay in a about homesteading.If it was bad for a Sailor’s career certain area. It may only bespecific numbers and in thepast, how can it be good now? Why are we specific areas. Chief of Naval Personnel VADM Skip changing? Bowman is looking into that.I think we’ll come up

6 ALL HANDS Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Boorda often visits

I shouldn’t. It’s merely a matter of telling promotion “People are the most impottant board members what you want them toconsider. It’s a paradigm shift, but we’ll make it.” patt of our You can’t help Navy, AH: How will our smaller fleetaffect our operations and personnel tempo? them or make their lives betterif CNO: “We are absolutely committed to the six-month deployment criteria. We also want to have people you don’t know what’s on their home at least twice as long as they were deployed before they have to go again. I would likeit tobe minds, The only wayto really longer than that. “When looking at our personnel tempo/operations know is to see them andtalk to tempo criteria and knowingthe Navy has gone from nearly 600 ships to 368 today, you might ask, ’How can them, ” I we do that?’ Theanswer is you deploy fewer ships, and I we are. Battlegroups are smaller andcarriers take fewer escorts with them. with away of doing business thatchanges the way we “The same thing is trueof amphibious ships and do things now. amphibious ready groups. We tailored our deployment “How canit be good for people if it hasn’t been good schedules to meet a lower numberof ships. in the past?That’s all in theeye of the beholder. We ‘We are carefully looking at every requirement to could have had a paradigm thatsaid, ’Moving around a make sure wedon’t try to do too much. We know for lot is bad for you because you never get to know any sure that whencrises arise, as they happened in Haiti one place very well, and therefore, let’s not promote or Bosnia, and our Navy is asked to respond, we are those people who move around all thetime.’ If we had, going to respond.” things wouldbe quite different. “What I want todo is change the paradigm - not to AH: You’ve advanced up a long ladder - from seaman say that moving around is bad, but that staying in one apprentice in 1956 to a four-star admiralin 1992 and place, as long as you progress in thatplace, is as good CNO in1994. What skills do you think helped you the as moving around. most andwould be most beneficial to today’s Sailors to “Not everybody willwant todo it, and everybody advance their careers?

APRIL 1996 7 ADM Mike Boorda (right) was the guest of honor at the Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet change of command and retirement ceremony for VADM Robert J. Spane on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

CNO: “I paid attention to my chief and myleading petty officer. I was not a good listener whenI came in theNavy, but I became one. In the beginning of my career I wasn’t sure whatI r wanted. But after workinn for those Sailors for a while, I wanted tosucceed. They didn’t work for me. But you were successful. They had something to teach me and don’t want to sacrifice so I learned. The greatest skills anybody can have are much with lowpay that you keeping an open mind, adesire to succeed and the feel impoverished. We have ability to selectpeople who willgive you good advice.” to keep pay at alevel that doesn’t cause people to do AH: Quality of life (QOL) is importantfor all Sailors. that. I want Sailors to feel What quality-of-life issues have been most important that while they may not to you throughout yourcareer, and which onesare you become wealthy, they are ade- quately compensated working onfor today’s Sailor? to take careof their obligations. CNO: “My own personal quality-of-life issues are “Quality of life is also related to your work environ- probably a little bitdifferent from others. Anybody ment. Gen. Carl Mundv[former commandant of the who has ahandicapped Marine Corps] once said in a child will identify with meeting, ‘I think the most impor- what I am about tosay. tant qualityof life I canprovide Medical care has been ‘‘Navy housing is more on Marines is the ability to come my No. 1 QOL issue. back alive from afight.’ I identi- Our first son, David,*was track now than it’s ever fied with that.I thought if you put born with multiple people in situations where their handicaps. Besides liking been, but we need to do family’s in a nicehouse, they’ve the Navy and havingvery got good medical care, pay is all good leaders, good even better,” right, schools are good for the medical care was oneof kids, MWR is OK, but if they have the things thatcaused me second-rate weapons and a sec- to make acareer decision to stay in. ond-rate chance to survive infight, a you haven’t really “Housing isalso really important. Navy housing is done much for them. more on track now thanit’s ever been, but weneed to “We need to think about the qualityof work life do even better. Somegood things have beendone. If also. Are people truly being challenged, using their you go to Norfolk, Naples, Hawaii or San Diego, you’ll talents, being rewarded for great work andbeing helped find new housinggoing up. But we’re fighting alosing when they’re not doing great work? I think qualityof battle. We build newhousing, but theold housing is work life is very important. Itcan’t be forgotten.” getting older at a faster ratebecause we’ve got so much of it. We really have to find a newway to work AH When did you realize the Navy would be your with theprivate sector toget better housingfor our career? people. CNO: “I’ve been stayingin theNavy one moreyear “Pay is always a concern. I think there arevery few forever. I enlisted thefirst time for three years. (You people who comein theNavy - or stay in theNavy - could do that then.)I shipped over a long time ago for who try toget rich. I cantell you after 40 years it six years, thinking that wouldbe it. I made petty a ALL HANDS ADM Boorda talks with the crew of USS Anzio (CG 68) during their deployment in the Arabian Gulf.

“We are building a newclass of attack submarines, which will take us well into the next century.And we’re going to buy the first one in 1998. I feel very good about that. “I wanted us to finish thedownsizing and increase promotion ratesin a reasonable time without hurting people in theprocess. We’re doing that. Thedownsiz- ing of the Navy is essentiallyfinished. We’re making more chiefs and more pettyofficers. ‘‘Our recruiting qualityis staying very good. That was a goal. It’s a goal that’s been achieved, but it’s a daily challenge for our recruiters. “Very early in my tour,I set agoal for myself to revise the evaluationprocess. We‘ve done that. NowI want to work with theChief of Naval Personnel in revising the assignmentprocess as well. I wanted to officer 1st class and was prettyhappy. It was when I start theSeaman to Admiralprogram again, and we first applied to theSeaman to Admiral program that I did. I want that tokeep going. Those aregoals that we thought, ‘If I don’t make this, I think I’m still doing accomplished, but there are some yet beto done. OK in theNavy. If I could be a chief I’d stay in.’ “I think ourofficer career patterns need a tune-up. Right now we haveueoule “It was aroundthe five- or - LA six-year point where Isaid, trying todo too much in too ’I’ll stick for 20.’ Then at20 I little time.What I want to do thought I might try21, then “.., staying in one place,as is makeit possible for people at 21, 22 andI’m still doing to do things well and suc- that. I’ve got two years to go long as you progress in ceed. In some cases that and thenI’m going to retire. means doing very responsible I’ve done this all one year at a that place, is as good as jobs a littleearlier in your time.” career - like assuming moving around.” command - so they proceed AH: What are some of the to captainor flag officer a goals you set for yourself at little bitearlier. the beginning of your tour and ”We also need to keep watch what do you want to accomplishbefore your tour on theTRICARE medical system to make sureit ends? really is fulfilling its promise andit turns out asgood CNO: “During my time as CNO,I wanted tosee the as I think it can be. I’d like tohear people who are Navy build anairplane. Our aviatorsdeserve the very using TRICARE say, ’Wow, this is really great.’ We best fighter planes that they canfly. I’m happy to say need to make itavailable to everybody andmake sure that we’re doing that now with the F/A-l8E/FSuper it works. That’s really important. Hornet. “I want toleave the Navy big enough in 1998 so it “I wanted tobe part of revitalizing thesurface fleet, can do its job, and modern enoughso it can win when and we’re doing that. We have ships capable of shoot- it fights.” a ing Tomahawk missiles.We’re getting moreArleigh Burke-class destroyers. Getting’the shipbuilding plan back in business was agoal. We’re not there, but we’re proceeding nicelyto get there. Hart is a staff writerassigned to All Hands.

APRIL 1996 9 Earth Day ‘96 April 22,1996 to the rescue Story and photo by David Kashimba avy divers from Explosive more than 15 years, welcomed Ordnance Disposal Mobile EOD’s planting effort. “Food has N Unit 3, Det. San Francisco been really scarce this breeding took on adifferent kind of under- season,” Collinssaid. “We’ve lost a water challenge at Naval Air lot of chicks thisyear [because of] Station Alameda, Calif. The divers, starvation. I’m not surewhat’s in cooperation with Marine Ecolo- causing the food scarcity, but [the gist William Van Peters from planting] should help nextyear’s Engineering Field Activity West, breeding season.” Naval Facilities Engineering Com- According to LT Glenn Allen, mand, planted eel grass along a officer in charge, EOD MU3, “Van t, section of the naval station’s shore Peters gave us detailed planting line. instructions andspecial staples to “Eel grass supplies a good habitat hold the eel grass roots in place for a lotof small fish suchas top until the plants[are established]. smelt and herring,”Van Peters said. We planted 500 plants and we’ll be “These small fishprovide food for checking on theirprogress monthly game fish and a variety of diving until we’re sure the plantsare birds, like the California least established,” theWhiteford, Md., tern.” native said. The California least tern, the ”This is a proactive attempt by smallest member of the gull and NAS Alameda Sailors to improve tern family in NorthAmerica, is on the local marine ecosystem and California’s list of endangered environment,” said Chief Hull species. NAS Alameda took a Technician (EOD) DanGross, also proactive role in protecting least assigned to EOD MU3. “It’s a great terns that nest on theair station, opportunity to get out and learn making the station the siteof the about the environmentand how we largest breeding colony of least coexist.” terns in northernCalifornia. Planting is a delicate operation. Field Biologist LauraCollins, The grass thrives in shallow water who has monitored thecolony for areas. Eel grass is one of a few flowering plants that can grow in EOD divers (from salt water. “If the grass takes, it left) HTC(E0D) Dan will be agood food source for Gross, EN2(EOD) wildlife,” said Gross, a nativeof Ed Karrof Fells- , mere, Fla., and LT Montesano, Wash. Glenn Allen prepare “It was niceto help thebase and to plant eel grass improve the environment,” said along NAS Alame- Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (EOD) da’s shore line. The eel grass provides Mo Dietz, assigned to EOD MU3. an excellent habitat It shows the varietyof work we can for small fish which do besides diving,” added the provide food for Cincinnati native. larger fish and “The divers did a great job,” said shore birds. Van Peters. “All we have todo now is waitto see if our efforts pay off.” & Kashimba is assigned to NAS Alameda, Calif., public affairs office. 10 ALL HANDS USS Wasp leads the pack Story by JOl Jonathan Annis, photos by J02John Whipple hile under way off the dumping areas for up to coast of Haiti in 1994, 40 days at a time. During W USS Wasp (LHD 1)made 390 at-sea days, the ship the commitment never to dump generated more than 250 solid waste again. With 2,500 tons of food and paper Sailors and Marines on board, few waste, 18 tons of plastic guidelines and nospecialized waste and 900 drums of processing equipment, it seemed to hazardous and medical be a worthy but nearly impossible waste. goal. The crew began By federal law, all ships must finding new and innova- meet rigorous standards for envi- tive ways to compact and stow A CTM3 Donald Truesdell, from Sykes- ronmental protection of the seas by trash. By tracing waste productsto ville, Md., feeds paper-based garbage the year 2000. “We decided not to their sources to reduce the flow, the into a pulper. The machine shreds and mixes it with salt water to speed its wait. We wanted to take the initia- crew scrutinized its management decomposition. tive and becomethe pathfinders for practices for efficiency, cost sav- this program,” said Chief Warrant ings, health and safety. materials for reuse and eliminates Officer Lester Stevenson Jr., envi- The efforts of the crew did not go the need for some solvents. P2 has ronmental systems divisionofficer unnoticed. Commander Surface had the single biggest effect on aboard Wasp. Fleet Atlantic selected the ship as Wasp’s ability to limit the volume Wasp operates in restricted the first amphibious test-bedfor of waste. “I don’t think it’s made the pollutionprevention (P2) our jobs any easier. It actually takes V Marine Pfc. Moses Williams, from system. more hours thanbefore to dispose Detroit, works a compacted- plastic disk The prototype waste manage- of trash under way, but less time in from a plastic processor. The machine melts and compacts discarded plastic ment program began last summer port,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st shreds into a solid 2-cubic-foot disk. This as Wasp set out for a six-month Class MartinWebb, supervisor of process reduces the waste to approxi- Mediterranean cruise. At mid- Wasp’s incinerator room. mately 10 percent of its original volume. deployment, 77 tons of paper, Waste that once required eight cardboard and tri-wall boxes [one cubic yard each) classified material for disposal, now uses fewer than had been shredded, two. mixed with saltwa- Wasp’s conservation achieve- ter and discharged ments are an all-hands effort. The overboard as fine crew participates in quarterly safety pulp. Crew mem- standdowns and trainsin conserva- bers used a plastic tion and environmentally safe processor to melt disposal practices. In eachship’s and compress more space, trash is separatedinto than 11 tons of plastics, paper, metal, glass, hazard- waste intosolid ous materials and aluminum cans. disks for offload. The proven disposal techniques The P2 system aboard this ship truly embody the pulps paper and Navy’s commitment to serve as food for safe stewards of the environment. ;9; discharge, shreds and compacts Annis is assigned to USS Wasp (LHD plastics for transfer 1) public affairs office, and Whipple is ashore, processes assigned to 6th Fleet public affairs some hazardous office.

APRIL 1996 11 Taking careof our own People programs support Sailors, families or generations, the motto “taking care of our own” has had I. F a special, if unofficial, meaning. I Ombudsmen, groups offer In recent years, ”taking care of our own” hasgone from special support being just buzzwords among shipmates tobeing the watch- t words of Navy leaders. A great link betweenNavy Whether it’s housing, detailing policy or community sup- commands and families is the port systems, the Navy is takingextra steps to putpeople first. Ombudsman. This voluntary This issueof All Hands highlights some of those initiatives liaison works directlywith and tells you where you cango to get the answers youneed, COS topass information and whether you are a single or married Sailor or a Navy family provide support to Navy member. families in a friendly, ap- proachable manner. Thinking about adoption3 Financial aid may be available 1 Besides your ombudsman, certain organizations provide Did you know that active-duty care at militarymedical facilities. special services and supportto members who adopt a child can be * Pre-adoptive children are also Sailors and Navy families. reimbursed for certain expenses eligible for medical care under The Navy-Marine Corps associated with adoption? DOD CHAMPUS. Relief Society, (703)696-4904, I Instruction 1341.9 contains all the * Your health benefits advisor provides interest-free loans details. and your PersonnelSupport and grants for emergencies. Here are the facts: Detachment/Activity can give The American Red Cross, * You can be reimbursed up to you details on procedures you need (202)737-8300, is a 24-hour-a- $2,000 per child, not to exceed to follow to get medical care for day emergency communica- $5,000 a year. your child before the adoption is tion link toNavy people. The * You must file your reimburse- final. Red Cross provides emergency ment claim no later thanone year * Once the adoption is final, financial assistance and after the adoption is finalized. your adopted child is entitled to the referral services. For assis- You must family c same tance, contact your local keep receipts E CL member chapter of the Red Cross. 7 Navy Wifeline Association, your benefits as benefits for your U adoption birth children. (202)433-2333, has been an expenses. You are information and education * Navy eligible to support organization for more Legal Service receive adop- than 30 years. I tionsubsidies United Services Organiza- have the forms and foster care tion (USO)(800) USO-7469, and can help payments from manages educational, self-help you file them. state or private and recreational programs to Also, there agencies while Sailors and their families at have been you are on 170 locations worldwide. Navy Mutual AidSocietv. some changes active duty. ,I to thelaw You also (800)628-601 1, offers low-cost governing may be able to insurance to Navy members. medical care claim pre- Also gives benefits and claims for children placed with military adoptive and foster children as information or support to families for adoption. dependents for income taxpurpos- surviving families. * Children placed with active- es. Adopted childrenare your legal duty or retired military members dependents, and should6e claimed I for adoption can receive medical as such on your income tax. 12 ALL HANDS I Marrying foreign-born spouses takes more than love

With theNavy's diverse loca- from entering the UnitedStates. tions, many Sailors meet "Mr." or To clear the way for foreign-born "MS.Right" overseas. It's likely a spouses to enter the UnitedStates, new spouse will not be U.S.a Sailors must file an an immigrant citizen. Marrying aforeign national relative visa petition with the is notimpossible, but these mar- nearest U.S. consulate. riages require proper legal arrange- Sailors who are planning to ments that take time andcareful marry aforeign national and want planning. to marry in the United States must Sailors marrying aforeign file a petitionfor a fiancee visa (K- national overseas must request 1).The petition mustbe filed with permission from the seniorarea the Immigration and Naturaliza- commander where their intended tion Service (INS)office for the spouse lives. Backgroundchecks, state in which theU.S. citizen screenings and counseling will be resides. A fiancee visa, like an completed on both partiesbefore immigrant visa, can take months to approval. process, so file early. Your local legal assistance office This process informs both Once the petitionis approved, or INS office can provide additional parties of their rights and restric- the fiancee must apply for a visa. information on marrying foreign a tions under immigration lawsand, The marriage must takeplace national. Or, call the INS informa- hopefully, prevents amarriage to a within 90 days after thefiancee tion line at(202) 514-4316. foreign national who isprecluded arrives in the United States. I MWR: Takingcare of businesswhile you takebreaka One of the mostpopular Navy services at most Navy installations puters, jewelry malting and many programs is MWR - Morale, Wel- On-base child care services are other crafts and hobbies. fare and Recreation. MWR pro- DOD certified and employ trained, Whether your interestis softball, grams are supportedby profits from accredited care givers who know bowling, flag-football or sailing, or the Navy Exchange and user fees. that the best way to take care of individual sports such as tennis, They do not receive funding from our own is to takecare of our swimming or golf, MWR sponsors taxpayers. children. intramural, conference and in- MWR departments manage child Most MWR departments offer a terservice sports. MWR also hosts care programs, social clubs, restau- variety of facilities and classes in all-Navy training camps that rants, and parks and recreation photography, woodworking, com- springboard Navy athletes to national and international competi- tion, such as the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Navy families havealways been at thecenter of MWR programs, particularly with recreational programs that provide a variety of creative, supervised activities for

April 1996 13 TRICARE is the Defense TRICARE will service all lies - Prime, Extra or Standard. Department’s new medical active-duty familiesand retirees The main challenge for most care program that will replace and their families. Active-duty Sailors is which TRICARE CHAMPUS. TRICARE is Sailors will continue receiving option is best for them. already on line in the Pacific their medicalcare at military Whatever your situation, Northwest, the GulfCoast treatment facilities. Health Benefit Advisors are and the Southeast and will be There are three different available at your local military available nationwide by May TRICARE options to meet the treatment facility to help you 1997. needs of Sailors and their fami- decide which optionis best. Prime This option is similar to a civilian health maintenance organization (HMO) that serves as a central sourcefor all your health needs. Your care will be guided by a primary care manager (PCM)and willbe accomplished primarily at a military medicaltreatment facili- ty (MTF). Other physicians- preferred providers - will fill in where your MTF cannot. A health care finder (HCF)at the TRICARE Service Center will make test/specialty appoint- ments for you. r 7

111* No enrollment fee for active-duty & families. 111* Small fee per visit and nofee for active-duty personnel.

111* No balance billing. ADVANTAGES 1111* Guaranteed appointments (access standards). 111* PCM supervises and coordinates care. 3111* Away from home emergency coverage. ill* Reduced catastrophic cap for retirees ($7,500 now decreased to $3,000). L A CHAMPUS-eligible family members may enrollin Prime. Each person who enrolls in Prime has a military or civilianPCM who provides non-emergency, routine care. The PCM also authorizes referralsfor specialty care. For active-duty families, there is no enrollment fee for TRICARE Prime. Cost shares are lessthan under the other two

14 ALL HANDS Extra Individuals do not enroll under this option. They retaintheir freedom to choose any provider. However, if an authorized networkprovider is used, TRICARE Extra offers a 5 percent discount from the TRICARE Standard cost shares(e.g., 15 percent of negotiated fee rather than20 percent of allowable charges for active-duty family members). The annual CHAMPUS deductible must be met before cost-sharing begins and other CHAMPUS rules also apply.

lll* Co-payment 5 percent less than TRICARE Standard. ~ll* No balance billing. 111* No enrollment fee. ADVANTAGES No forms to file. 111* May use TRICARE Standard if you want.

DISADVANTAGES

Standard TRICARE Standard is a new namefor the traditional StandardCHAMPUS. In this option, individuals pay current CHAMPUS deductibles and cost shares andfollow current CHAMPUS rules.

Broadest choice of providers. 111* Available throughout the world. ADVANTAGES 111* No enrollment fee. TRICARE Extra may be used if you want. IC

APRIL 1996 15 uun real

m

NITED NATIONS - In resvonse to the Exercise (JTFEX)96-1, one of a series of training failureofU U.N. sanctions to force the withdrawal of exercises to provide deployable forces a chance to Koronan troops from northern Kartuna, the Security conduct a widerange of joint operations. Theexercise, Council has authorized “all necessary means” toforce conducted by U.S. Atlantic Command, involved units Korona to terminate aggression in the region. With from the U.S. Atlantic Fleet including USS George vital U.S. interests, as well as threatened citizens in Washington’s (CVN 73) Battle Group and USS Guam’s the region, CJTF 950 has been sent to thearea to (LPH 9)Amphibious Ready Group; elements of the enforce the U.N. sanctions against Korona. U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps; and units No, you didn’t miss this story in thenewspaper. from France, Great Britain and Canada. And the names onyour map haven’t changed again. The forces were tested in a variety of operations, Korona and Kartuna, Telari and the Gulf of Sabani, from rapid deployment to command and control. The don’t really exist. So, what’s going on? simulated high-threat exercise included air, naval and This was the scenario used for Joint Task Force ground operations; and surveillance andrescue opera- 16 ALL HANDS 4 LCU 1656, from Assault Craft Unit 2, heads for Onslow Beach, N.C., for offloading.

directs the amphibi- ous offload of equipment from an

~ LCUat Onslow tions, such as humanitarian assistance, embassy support and evacuation. Kelleher is as- As with any exercise, the ability to create realistica signed to Beach- master Unit 2, Little training environment isvital. In fact, many partici- Creek, Va. pants inJTFEX 96-1 believe it makesall the difference, “It’s invaluable,” said Marine Corps Sgt. John Freitag, of the 22nd MarineExpeditionary Unit. “There’s nothing better than toget the Marines in a landing craft out in thedark and get them working together. They’ve got to hit thebeach, get their feet wet, run around in thesand, dig some holes and be ready to fight.” Hull Technician 2nd Class William E Monroe, of APRIL 1996 17 Afternoon flight ops on board USS George Washington.

Assault Craft Unit 2, agreed. “Every time we go to the beach, I take it as if it were a real situation,” explained the Muskegon, Mich., native. “I guess you can never be prepared for a real war-like situation, butI think the training is very effective. Everybody has been well briefed and well trained.If and when the timecomes, E we’ll be ready to show our stuff.”$ I Schafer is a Norfolk-based staff writerfor All Hands.

OSSN Elvin Naruna standsthe starboard watch aboard USS Trenton (LPD 14). >> Marine Corps Lance Cpl. AnthonyW. Miller, of Thomasville, Ga., (left) keeps a sharp eye out while Marine Corps Cpl. Danny Davenport, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., digs in, fortifying their fighting position atop a sand dune on Onslow Beach, N.C., during JTFEX 96-1. Both are assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

18 ALL HANDS airci USS rjeorge Washingtion.

APRIL 1996 19 The right place Mount Whitney Sailors: The right time Story by JOC(SW) Millie Tamberg,photos by PH2 John Gorenflo The ice-cold watersgreeted the 2nd Fleet’s command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as it entered the Gulf of Sabani, off the fictional Coastof Kartuna. Fifty miles away,USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) Battle Group and USS Guam’s (LPH 9) Amphibious Ready Group(ARG) awaited orders to go ashore. More than16,000 service members were on station for a potentially volatile situationashore during the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). The crew kept the commandship on course, while the tusk force commander monitored the operation with video telecom- munication input fromair, sea and shore-based commanders in the ship’s joint operations center.

he training commands “We are here toprovide every received during JTFEX 96- aspect of support the2nd Fleet T1 is routinefor all Atlantic Commander requires to do the I Fleet units gettingready for a job, whether in portor at sea,” regularly scheduled six-month explained Mount Whitney‘s CO, deployment. Even though the ships CAPT Richard Enderly of Free- in these fictional conflicts between hold, N.J. “The most important . the warring countries of Kartuna service the ship and crew can and Korona change, the platform perform during joint-service from which the commander con- exercises is get under way toget ducts this intenselydiverse training the commander where heor she - USS Mount Whitney- remains needs to be to conduct these the same. exercises.” I Whether 2ndFleet’s mission is Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class training forces for crisis response or Darlene R. Pevahouse maintains being part of an actual operation, it and repairs hydraulic equipment is the crew of Mount Whitneywho on board, and takes apositive ensures the2nd Fleet flagship is approach to her job. mission capable. 20 4 From left) SM2(SW) Scottie D. Strong, SM2(SW) AdrianB. Stokes and SM3 Shedrick Archangel simulate sending signals from signal bridge aboard Mount Whitney.

Interaction is a constant for Data Processing Technician 2ndClass Debra C. DiMartino,a joint mari- time communications information system andcontingency theater automated planning systems I...... ”. (CTAPS) administrator. “The most important contribu- Mess ManagementSpecialist (SW) ”During JTFEX 96-1, I worked in tion I make ishard work and a Deborah M. Davidson, who fed the JointForces Aviation Command positive attitude toward customer more than 750 enlisted crew mem- and Control Cell with the2nd Fleet service,” said the Hohenwald, bers, staff personnel and augment- staff, especially with the operations Tenn., native. “If my customer isn’t ees during JTFEX 96- 1. specialists whooperated both the happy, my job isn’t done.” “What [Sailors] eat has asignifi- JMCIS [Joint Maritime Communi- Another Sailor committed to cant effect not only on their health cations andIntelligence System] satisfying customers is Senior Chief but also their attitude,” said the and CTAPS systems and theradi- Scotia, N.Y., native. omen who kept communication Davidson reinforced her commit- lines up,”said the Guilford, Conn., ment by opening two chow linesfor native. breakfast to ensure thecrew started For 12 days the command ship their day off right. was at the centerof a real-timewar For some Sailors like Pevahouse, scenario with air, land and sea there is usually little chance to battles; non-combatant evacuations; interact with 2ndFleet staff person- and amphibious assaults. nel - especially during exercises. “If we put tosea without the On the otherhand, there areMount staff, we are an outstanding Navy

Whitney Sailors who regularly work ship, but that’s what we are - a I alongside staff personnel and Navy ship,” said Enderly. “But, augmentees duringexercises. when we go to sea with the staff, we are a premiere naval command and control platform.And, the staff 4 The battle watch commander(left) and is what makes us that platform.’’ a assistant battle watch commander monitor theJTFEX 96-1 warfighting Tamberg is the assistant public affairs scenario from the Battle Watch Stationin officer forJTFEX 96-1; Gorenflo is the Joint Information Center aboard assigned to USS Mount Whitney (LCC Mount Whitney. 20). 21 home was a beautiful day in Norfolk for family reunions, as Sailors from USS America (CV 66) 1returned home Feb.24 for the last time. There were plenty of hugs, kisses and handshakes to go around as the crew was greeted by famill: friends and loved ones. All Hands invites you to share in the homecoming and welcome the rest of thebattle group and USS Wasp (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group home from a successful deployment.

U D 3 I 13 I

A USS America (CV 66) pulls into port at Norfolk Naval Station after asix- month deployment support- ing international andUS. interests in the Adriatic Sea and the Arabian Gulf. After more than30 years of service, America will decommission in August. Tanya Johnson, Kimberly Whitley and Celeste Scott, anxiously await their friend, SA Monte Rollins, to depart the carrier. I

22 ALL HANDS 4 MM3 Stephen R. Green (center), assigned to USS Monongahela (A0 178), meets his wife Rina (left), his cousin Shawn A. McGrath (right), daughter Autumn (carried by McGrath) and son Sheldon (in fore- ground) on the pier.

4 4 YN2 Clarence Dover, of Cafin, S.C., greets his wife Marlana and daughter Mercedes.

4 It’s an emotional moment for Teresa Hicks as she and a friend finally see Hicks’ husband, ETC Gary Hicks,

,i”2.jj +il r coming down the carrier’s ladder.

APRIL 1996 23 This young man anxiously searches the crowd for his father's face. V ET1(SW) James B. Fruge, stationed on board USS America (CV 66) kisses daughter Gabrielle while his wife (left) Josette looks on.

Length: 1,047.5 ft. Horsepower: more than 200,000

Traci Gehringer embraces her husband ABHAN Shane Gehringer after a long six-month deployment

24 V Daniel Fuston can hardly waitto see his daddy after USS America's six-month deployment.

4 Two Sailors from USS Monongahela (A0 178) are ready for liberty.

APRIL 1996 HomeStory by JO2(SW)Alida Toler imwovements A n the old days, the cliche “three hots anda cot” projects. “We’re getting there andwe’re moving as fast was the only guarantee given most Sailors. Today as we can,”said CAPT Wil Gorrie, program manager Iit’s very different. A recent Navy quality-of-life for Bachelor Housing, Naval Facilities Engineering (QOL) surveyasked Sailors what they want in their Command (NAVFAC). bachelor quarters BQ renova- (BQ).According to 5 tions can be made the survey, Sailors i quicker with a c want more privacy, E i new one-stop- their ownbedroom, shopping method walk-in closets, called the whole- individual climate room concept. controls, kitchen- According to ettes, cable TV MSCS Rick D. access and good Worrell, bachelor customer service. quarters program Secretary of manager, BQ Defense William managers can Perry recently purchase an entire approved a plan to room from a make a new catalog. Rooms generation of are color-coordi- barracks the nated with quality standard for DOD. furniture, along The plan has E- with wall, win- 1s to E-4s living dow and floor two to a suite. c treatments and Each Sailor has a private accessories included. Room bedroom and walk-incloset ensembles can be used 23 while sharing a kitchenette 8 when BQs are renovated and bathroom. E-5 and and for 1-Plus-1 rooms. above will have complete Another BQ improve- privacy in a similarly styled ment is betterservice at the suite, with one of the check-in counter. ‘We’re bedrooms being used as a working very closely with living room. the American Hotel/Motel Other improvements Association (AHMA)so we include renovating old provide better service at the family housing into shared- counter,” said Gorrie, a San space BQs; completing the Diego native “You don’t whole-room furniture want someone reading a concept, where furniture in A BEQ’s and family housing units are receiving improve- magazine when you walk each room hasthe same ments such as new furniture, paintjobs and patios, such up and not get waited on, or style and color scheme; as this one at Beaufort, S.C.Naval Hospital. be rude toyou. We want to extensive customer service A A Self-help projects like this one at Naval Submarine provide the same customer training; and assisting BQ Base, Kings Bay, Ga., save the Navy moneyand help service provided in the residents with self-help improve Sailors’ quality of life. hotel industry,’’ he said. 26 ALL HANDS 4 Sailors enjoy barracks renovations and improve- ments, such as thisBEQ game room at the Kings Bay, Ga., submarine base. i V Betterservice at the

“. ”.. ..”

z and over-the-counter and vendedprepaid debit tele- 9 phone cards. sn Now BQ rooms can be reserved in advance through 4 the Bachelor Quarters CentralReservation Service 5 (BQCRS).BQCRS is there to help anyone traveling on government orders. This system canbe used for flight 3 or car rental reservations, BQ room reservationsor verification of non-available rooms. Confirmationsare directly tied into the computer system BQs,at SAT0 and through NavyLodge programs. “With this new system,we’re going to have better data, we’re going to be able to check thepeople in and out faster, and hopefully prevent a bottle neck at the front desk,” said Gorrie. According to Gorrie, there is a new worldwide A Single occupant, garden-style luxury apartments for senior Navy Lodge directory coming out in June. offers It enlisted Sailors are the newest construction project at Naval information about transient quarters andBQ room Education and Training Center, Newport, R.I. descriptions for enlisted Sailors and officers. Included “A lotof the thingswe’re doing are transparent to are maps anddirections, telephone numbers and room the customer, but they arethings we know aregoing rates. to help. We’re using the hotel industryas a bench “Improvements are notonly happening withBQs. mark,” said Gorrie. He also explained a new, 3-4-5-star Existing housing and new housing constructionis ranking system based on hotel industry standards taking place at bases worldwide. It’s very exciting to becoming the BQ standard. witness the improvements theNavy is making and Another addition to BQs is in-room phoneservice. what lies ahead in the futurefor Navy BQs and Navy AT&T contracted with theNavy Exchange to provide housing,’’ said Worrell. A in-room phoneservices for BQs and transient lodging. The agreement includes discounted long distance service for residential use, pay phones, long distance phone centers, subscriber/non-subscriber calling cards Toler is a staff writerassigned to All Hands. APRIL 1996 27 A petty officer relaxes in his new home away from home, located in gne of the newly remod- eled BEQ’s at Naval Education and Training Center, Newport, R.I.

Location of new housing units If you’re a geographic currently under construction bachelor USNA Annapolis, Md. NSB Bangor, Wash. Got orders for an unaccompanied tour? Your family can stay in government hous- MCB Camp Pendleton,Calif. ing until you return, or you can continue MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. to draw BAQ and VHA for your old duty NAS Corpus Christi, Texas station if they live in civilian housing. NSWC Dahlgreen,Va. Here are some other options: NAS Glenview, Ill. * In some cases, you can go ahead and NCBC Gulfport, Miss. move your family to housing at the duty station you’ll transfer to after your unac- NSB Kings Bay, Ga. companied tour. NAS Lemoore, Calif. NSPCC Mechanicsburg, Pa. * You may be able to move your family to your homeof record while you serve NSB New London, Conn. your unaccompanied tour. PWC Norfolk Oahu, Hawaii The key is toACT EARLY! Your Per- sonnel Support Detachment/Activity can NAS Patuxent River, Md. give you information on your options, PWC Pearl Harbor, Hawaii depending on where and whenyou’re PMTC Point Mugu, Calif. transferring. But you need to work closely NS Roosevelt Roads, P.R. with PSD and your detailer so you can PWC San Diego,Calif. make your housing decision early and get your family on the housing list that’s best NSGD Sugar Grove,W.Va. for you. NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.

28 ALL HANDS BQ workshop sees better quality of life Story by J03Dean Nazario and J02Andrew Cramer, photos by J02Andrew Cramer

early 100 Sailors, BQ program managers pre- “I think if you’re going to officers, DOD civil- sented several proposals live somewhere for two to Nians, bachelor quar- focusing on improving quali- three years, having a comfort- ters (BQ)managers and mess ty of life and customerservice able home atmosphere is management specialists from for permanent-party single essential to unwinding from a 27 Pacific Fleet activities met Sailors and Navy travelers. tough day at work,” said recently at Naval Station Quality-of-life improve- Mess Management Specialist Pearl Harbor, for the Pacific ments include the whole- 2nd Class JackSell, a Chino, Fleet Bachelor Quarters room concept, ensuring furni- Calif., native. Training Workshop. ture ineach room has the “I just moved out of the Improved quality of life is same style andcolor scheme, barracks, and I guess I’m sort one of the goals of Chief of and a 1-plus- 1 modular design of jealous that thebarracks Naval Operations ADM Mike (each person has private are starting tolook this Boorda. Boorda recently chal- sleeping space but shares the good,” said MS3 Kelvin lenged BQ managers world- bathroom area).BQ central Lewis, of East St. Louis, Ill. wide to “provide privacy, reservation system (BQCRS), According to a Navy report, recreation and well-appointed Navy Lodging directory at the the Pacific Fleet has nearly living facilitiesthat promote BQ and customer service 50,000 BQ spaces. Increases the dignity of our personnel.” standards for BQ management in BQ budgets will go toward At the four-day workshop, are other improvements. repairing and replacing ap- proximately 11,000 facilities. “We’ll do things theright way, the Navy way and our people will benefit asa re- sult,” said Pacific Fleet Shore Installation Management Director CAPT Kathleen Cummings. “It’s up to each one of us to establish a quali- ty-of-life standard we can all be proud of.” Nazario and Cramer are assigned to the Pacific Fleet public affairs office.

29 Buy now ... pay later - frequently more than20 percent. And private finance companies or credit services will often loan money to those with poorcredit ratings, but atex- tremely high interest rates. So which formof credit is best for you? There is one importantfact to consider when you shop for credit - the higher the interest rate and the longer you stretch out thedebt, the moreyou willpay for whatever you’re buying. This is true regardless of how muchyour monthly payments are. For example, a Sailor who buys new furniturefor $3,000 and financesthe purchase through the furniture store at$100 amonth will have to make paymentsfor 42 months if the interest rate 20is percent. By the time the furniture paidis off, the Sailor will have spent $4,191 for $3,000 worth of merchandise. If that sameSailor has agood credit rating andgets a $3,000 loan from the local credit union tobuy the furniture, at an interest rateof 12 percent with month- ly paymentsof $100, the loan willbe paid off in 36 r months. In this case, the Sailor will spend $3,584 for $3,000 worth of furniture. If the Sailor has apoor credit rating and cannotget financing through a bank,credit union or the mer- chant, heor she maydecide to takeadvantage of a redit can be oneof your best assetsif you private credit company’s offer of a loan. However,at an manage it wisely. If you are notcareful, interest rateof 32 percent that loan willkeep the Chowever, buyingtoday and paying later will Sailor in debt for a long time. If the loan amount is cost you more than youbargained for in thelong run. $3,000, it will take theSailor 61 months at $100 a The temptation to usecredit for everything isvery month topay off the debt - at a totalcost (purchase great for Sailors today because so many kinds of credit price plus interest)of $6,108. are available. Banks and credit unions loan money at Some Sailors use credit cards for major purchases. very reasonable rates, especially if your credit ratingis good. Car and motorcycle dealers will finance your Moved to a New Home? vehicle purchase, often atgood rates, Need more fbmiture? and even electronic, furniture, If you buy $2,000 worth of computer andappliance stores offer furnishings with a credit card in-store credit to most customers. charging 18.5% interest and paid Virtually every department storein off the balance by making the the countryoffers a revolving charge minimum payments, it will take you more than 11 years to repay card, and buyers have a widechoice the debt. of credit cards to pick from.In most By the time theloan is paid off, you will have spent an extra cases, merchant credit rates and $1,934 in interest alone - almost the actual cost of the furniture. credit card rates are about the same Source: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and American ExpressCo. 30 ALL HANDS charge fees for cash advances or for transferring balanc- es from othercredit cards. Many charge a penaltyif you spend over your credit limit. Stores may also charge higher prices because they pay a 2- to 5-percent charge on every credit card transaction they process. Shopping aroundfor lower interest ratesand annual fees, while reading the fine printfor any hidden charg- es, can save you a lot of money. Before you buy on credit, get the following informa- tion: How much is the interest rate? * How much is the minimum monthly payment? How many months will it take mepay to off this purchase if I make only the minimum monthlypay- ment? * How much total interest willI pay if I make only the minimum monthly payment? With this information inhand, you can decide if you can afford to make the monthly paymentsor if this purchase will bustyour budget. You can also determine if the merchandise is worth its total cost- the purchase price plus all the interestyou willpay - or if you will be gettingripped off by buying on credit. The advantage is thatcredit cards are convenient when It isalways smart to have savingsa account to help you don’t have cash on hand.Also, people who pay with large purchases. If you make adeposit every their accountbalances on time establish gooda credit month intoyour savings account, you maybe able to rating for future purchases. The disadvantage is that get a better interest ratefor credit purchases by making most people do not pay off their account balance every a cash down payment. month, andend up paying interest as high as 22 If you find it difficult to make monthlypayments, percent. your command’s financial specialist can help you plan a Creditors also have other ways of making youpay. budget to maintain yourgood credit standing. Most charge an annualfee for a credit card, and others You can also find help from your Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS),local Car Loan Comparison Family Service Center’sfinancial coun- of $1 0,000 selor or the local Consumer Credit NFCU vs. Car Dealer Counseling Service (CCCS).NMCRS chapters offer financial counseling at no $1 4,000 cost. CCCS also provides free or very low-cost nonprofit credit counseling and $1 2,000 I - debt management programs even before $1 0,000 problems develop. To contact the CCCS $8,000 office in your area, check the business pages of the local telephone directory $6,000 I under ConsumerCredit Counseling $4,000 Service, or dial toll-free (800)388-2227. a $2,000 Compiled from information provided by $0 the Federal Trade Commission and Bureau Interest 8.5% APR 24% APR of Consumer and Business Education. I 3 Chart courtesy of Navy-Marine Corps II Loan amount for 36 monthsfor 36 months Relief Society. APRIL 1996 31 The fine art of cutting a deal with your detailer Story by JOl(SW)Jim Conner heir day begins at 0-dark-30. Telephones are make surewelve filled all their gapped billets. So we ringing off the hook as they arrive - Sailors have a pretty jam-packedday on ouragenda.” Tworldwide arefighting to get their attention.It’s Stokes said detailers spend about six hours eachday the startof a typical day for Navy detailers. on the phone withfleet Sailors. “Everybody here, first ”The first thing wedo,’’ said Master Chief Avionics and foremost, is an advocate for the Sailor. We want to Technician DelW. Stokes, leading chief petty officer for give every Sailor in thefleet what heor she wants, Navy detailers at theBureau of Naval Personnel which is notpossible. So, we have tofind that fine (BUPERS),“is check ourE-mail and voice mail for any balance between giving the Sailors what they want and messages fromSailors in thefleet.” supporting the requirements for the Navy.” According to Stokes, the detailers then make list a of Stokes enc0urage.s Sailors to communicate with things todo for the day based on thosemessages. detailers through their commandcareer counselor nine “We also have money reports tofill out once a week months before their projected rotation date (PRD). which indicate how much moneywe‘ve spent,” he “There are two thingsfor Sailors to keep in mind,” said. “Then thereare our sea-readiness monitors, where explained the nativeof Yorktown, Va. “Start the we keep track of deploying squadrons and ships to process early and begin with your commandcareer counselor. [They have] all the tools at theirfingertips ? and can answer mostof your questionsbefore you even 1%:talk to thedetailer.”

EN1 Scott Sheldon, a Navy detailer from Naperville, Ill., explains to EN3 Mark Buckner of Asheville, N.C., what options are available concerning his next career move. I 32 ALL HANDS d Talk to your career counselor first. d Be sure you are betweensix and nine months of your PRD. d If you don’t want to move to another area, talk to your detailer about homebasing. d Have more than one plan. Map your career goals in advance. d Talk to your spouse. Make sure your family is aware of your plans. d Be prepared. Write down your detailer’s name l andphone number and your full name, SSN, AMCS(AW) M.U. Villaflor, of San Diego, and DKC(AW) Jaime rate and return phone number.Also jot down J. Albert0 of Jacksonville, Ha., discuss area information on your top priorities and any questions you have. Alberto’s next duty station. Be specific. Keep this in front of you when you call. d Tell whoever answers the phone, you are calling from overseas. d Be ready to make a decision. Source: Link magazine detailers is sent out to talk to theSailors before they get under way,” said Stokes. “If a Sailor is within[a] nine-month window, detailers will have allthe infor- mation needed to get started early enough to try to fulfill the Sailor’s wishes.” Sailors can also talk to their detailer during deploymentsby sending a message. The best time tocall your detaileris the first Mon- day of the month.“That’s when the new requisitionfor job openings comes out,” explained Stokes. “Then, two weeks later, weget what wecall a ‘cleanup requisi- tion,’ which catches any new billets, unplannedlosses or subsequent changes. Sailors should call during these periods because we wouldhave more to offer them.” The requisition dates are normally listed onback the of Link magazine, the bureau’s quarterly professional bulletin for enlisted Sailors. BUPERS also offers early morning and late-night detailing. “On theday following new and cleanup requisitions, we have detailers who show up5 ata.m., and get on the phonesso Sailors in European time zones can call during their working hours,” hesaid. “That sameevening we stay on thephones until 11 p.m., to takecare of Sailors in theFar East time zones.” For more information aboutdetailing, job openings and your Navycareer, read the latest editionof Link. “If Sailors don’t have access to Link, all they have todo is see their command career counselor who willgive them acopy or download the magazine fromBUPERS Access.”

Conner is a staff writer and Dallal is a photographer for All Hands. APRIL 1996 33 Family Service Centers: They’re not just for families Story by J03Jeremy Allen

ix monthsago she graduated from high school andjoined S the Navy. Now thisyoung recruit is onher way to a remote island in theIndian Ocean. Where does she go for free help andguid- ance? She cango to herlocal Family Service Center (FSC). FSCs offer programs for single and marriedSailors, and their family members. The centers teach you how to become independent and prepare for a successful career by offering self-help programs anda variety of support. FSCs offer 13 core programs at all locations:

Relocation Assistance

FSCs have a Relocation Assis- tance program (RAP)to help make transferring easier. RAP, like Standard Installation TopicEx- change Service (SITES), Smooth Move, Welcome Aboard seminars and Overseas Transfer workshops, provides help before, during and L. after a PCS move. military and civilian activities A An ombudsman in Norfolk talks to a local reporter about the FSC support and organizations on or off base. servicesavailable for family members. Information and Referral AA Spouses who wantto enter the job market for the first time or who have had The Information andReferral Life Skills, Education a break in service. can learn how to

(I&R) programpr’&ides ’ , *F names, and Support launch a job search through the Spouse Employment Assistance Program. The addresses, phon&&mbers and Naw families face difficult .-proaram also teaches howto write a resume, seek federal employment, basic information about many challenges. The Life Skills, Educa- networkand interviewtechniques.

34 ALL HANDS tion andSupport program provides training in co+$$nication, mar- riage enrichmeni&hild],”, $2 x-, develop- ment, parenting andcoping with moves and deployments.

Counseling Services

FSCs have professional counse- lors who helpSailors ,lit* I1X work through problems ran and financial bled relationships andmarriage preparation.

Volunteer Programs The FSC volunteer program provides a referral service to organi- zations needing volunteers. This provides networking opportunities in the community and can some- times lead to apaying job for the volunteer.

Crisis Response A A little girl waits for her father’s ship to pull in. The mobilization and deployment support program encourages families to wel- Natural disasters suchas floods come their spouses pierside. and earthquakes canoccur any- where with littleor no warning. Spouse Employment is just a phone call away. When events requireit, the FSC Assistance Program Classes are available on making becomes operational24 hours a day. a spending plan, buying acar, Family members can contact opening a checking account and their local FSC to find out what Mobilization and learning about and recognizing types of employrqeht might be Deployment Support rip-offs. available for th$& it the new duty Most FSCs have a Return and station or how to transfer to a new Reunion programthat teaches Transition Assistance civilian post without a break in family members todeal with Management Program service. separation issues that may arise Bringing Navy experience to the civilian work placeis made during andafter &+loyment. Many Personal Financial locations also have an Ombudsman easier with thg+Trapaition Management program ;;”? :(?Z,’ -9: Training and Support program to help commandingofficers maintain Sometimes l$$f&:iqan be over- & (I;,;, the morale, health andwelfare of whelming. The‘”byp’s Personal three- to five-day workshops for ” f *”X Navy families. Financial Management program military members separating APRIL 1996 skills and education.

Exceptional Family Member Program Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member program is mandatory for active-duty spon- sors who have family members

families are not assigned to locations that cannot meet their needs. AYN1 Karen Clanton, assigned to the Naval Historical Center, Washington Rep Program D.C., helps recently separated YN1 Leo Shelton, from Many FSCs offer workshops Nashville, Tenn., and activities in areas off base with a computer program called where there is a large Navy American Jobsat population or in cegtral locations Naval Station ,’ Anacostia, Wash- in towns near’%bas& FSC staff ington, D.C. I;>[ , o( members go tc&ewiiY Navy ships during work-ups and short opera- A Sailor looks for tions to offer workshops, briefs housing information at a local Family and counseling to the crews. Service Center. Whether you’re starting boot camp or retiring, Navy Family Service Centers are open and Family Advocacy Program waiting to help you with any from the Navy. “FSC provided need that may arise. Give your information on job searches, The Family Advocacy Program Family Service Center a call salary negotiation, resume supports, educates and assists today. preparation and veterans families in crisis. The Families in benefits,’’ said recently retired Conflict progra@ ]J,@lps troubled Allen is a staff writer assigned to All II Hands. CAPT Larry Stratton after using families deal d{h kpouse or child the program. abuse, and offers support for This program is mandatory for victims and offenders. Many FSCs all separating service members have a New Parent Support and is available to their spouses. Program to provide information

36 Checking out the S -1 T - S ike death and taxes, it’s inevitable sooner or The most effective way to use SITES is to makean later you get orders and have to relocate. The appoin.tment withyour RAP counselor andbring your Lstandard of living for you and your familycould family, with you. RAP personnel will help yougo change, and there are manydecisions you have to through SITES to answer most of your questions.RAP make. Still, getting important information aboutyour counselors can printthe entire data file (including next duty stationdoesn’t have to become your worst graphics) for an installation andprepare a handy nightmare. booklet you can take home. The quickestand easiest way to find the answers to “SITES is one of the best tools available to Sailors your questions is to visit yourlocal Family who are gettingready to relocate,” said Magill. Service Center’s (FSC) Relocation ”Just about anythingyou can think of Assistance Program (RAP)office. can be found on this service. The “We offer Sailors all the information on SITES is updated information they’ll need to every three months inorder help make their moveas to keep it current.” smooth as possible,” said Personnel stationed Barbara Magill, Reloca- far from a Family tion Program Manager Service Center can for Navy Family Ser- locate SITES files on vice Center, Naval BUPERS Access in the Station Anacostia, sponsor forum. When Washington D.C. SITES migrates to the “Along with World Wide Web, quarterlyworkshops I probably in 1997, it at the center, we travel will become even to local commands and more accessible. conduct general mili- SITES will be tary training onareas upgraded soon, to such as sponsorship and include photographs, relocation assistance.” local maps and floor However, there is anew, plans of base housing faster way to find information units. Future plans include about military installations. adding sound clips and full- More than 80 RAP offices Navy- motion video to each file. wide have a computerprogram called SITES is an important partof the Standard Installation Topic Exchange the Navy’s commitment to help service Service (SITES).SITES is available to members of all and family membersso they can takecharge of their services and their families. PCS moves. For more information aboutSITES or to The program managesan enormous amount of makean appointment with a relocation counselor, information for more than 200 Navy, Marine Corps, contact your local Family Service Center. Army, AirForce andCoast Guard installations. The Informationfor this article was provided by Bureau data is organized in eight standard categories for each of Naval Personnel (PERS 662D4), and Relocation installation including on- and off-base housing; child Assistance Program Managers Shontelle Rivers and care costand availability; and spouse employment Hugh L. Durden(PERS 662041). a opportunities. Other topics includeshopping, adult andspecial education, public transportation, state Story compiled by 102 Alida Toler. Artprovided by DM2 licensing and utility deposits. There is a wide range of Brian Hickerson. Taler is a staff writer and Hickerson an informationtomeet your relocation needs. illustratordraftsman assigned to All Hands. APRIL 1996 37 I t's a fact of Navy life: Sailors transfer regularly. I Another fact of Navy life is that mostSailors transfer I between May and August. When you receive your I permanent change of station (PCS)orders, contact your local I Family Service Center's (FSC)Relocation Assistance I Program (RAP)office. RAP staffers make your move smooth-

I er - before and after you relocate. I The Relocation Ready Reference Handbook (NAVPERS I 15623), available through RAP, is full of information to I make your PCS move easier. The following checklist comes I from that booklet. I I Move - mission control I Many important details of your move can be handled on I I the phone or through a letter before you move. When you (1-800-628-9466)and other military temporarylodging I receive your orders begin the following: whenever possible while traveling between duty stations. I 0 Visit your FSC's RAP office to find out about your new 0 Take care of auto maintenanceand repairs. I duty station. 0 Find out if you need extra insurancecoverage on your car I 0 Contact your local personal property office for an or possessions in transit and storage. I appointment to shipyour household goods. 0 Have pets checked and vaccinatedby a vet. Keep records. I 0 Notify your landlord or housing office of your departure If going overseas, check with theembassy for host-country I date in writing. requirements for pets. I 0 Contact your sponsor at your new duty station for I welcome aboard information and help. Move minus four weeks: I 0 Contact your new command's Exceptional Family 0 Notify schools of your move, arrange to pick up records I Member program manager for information and resources if and ask for procedures for sending records to newschools. I needed. (See Page 40 for more information.) 0 Ensure that your family members are listed onthe I Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System(DEERS), I Move minus 12 weeks: and update yourID card if it's near expiration. I 0 Look for housing at your new command. 0 Make a list of important phone numbers. I 0 Begin keeping track of relocation expenses. 0 Finalize moving arrangements with personal property I 0 Make an inventory of possessions and their value with office. I photographs or videotapes as necessary. Carry your invento- 0 Hold a garage sale. I ry packet with you when you travel so it doesn't get lost. 0 Pack seldom-used items. I 0 Organize personal records, documents and important 0 Confirm reservations for temporary lodging. I papers. I 0 Make final medical, optical or dental appointments. Move minus three weeks: I 0 If needed, have a power of attorney or a letter of 0 Make travel arrangements for pets if they are traveling I authorization drawn up. separately. I 0 Make reservations for temporary quarters at your new 0 Back up important computer files. I duty station. 0 If you're having more than one shipment, knowweight I 0 Request house-hunting leave through your chain of limitations of each, decide contents and begin separating I command. items. I I Move minus eight weeks: Move minus two weeks: I 0 Make reservations if you're planning to vacation en 0 Properly dispose of flammable liquids such as spray I route. Ask for military discounts. Use Navy Lodges paints, solvents, thinners, gas and oil. I n L""""""""" ~"""""""""""1 3% ALL HANDS plan your next move&

0 Make a list and begin to set aside items to take with 0 Pick up outpatient medical records to hand-carry. I you. 0 Confirm child care arrangements for moving day. I 0 Set up a final walk-throughof your house. 0 Clean oven, stove, refrigerator and freezer. I 0 Close out safety deposit box if necessary. 0 Confirm arrival time with themoving company. I 0 Set aside cleaning materials to be used after packing and I loading. Moving day: I 0 Retrieve any developed film, dry cleaningor other items. 0 Get up early and be ready for the movers. I 0 Reconfirm moving dates/times with personal property 0 Make sure cash, jewelry, important documents and other I office. valuables are secure. Consider locking valuablesin the I’ 0 Renew and pick up prescriptions. trunk of your car. I 0 Separate professionalbooks, papers and equipment to be 0 Verify the mover’s inventory. Make sure it is detailed and I weighed and listed separately on your shipping inventory. accurate. I 0 Set aside important documents, valuables and all other 0 If the movers mark items as scratched, dented or soiled, I hand-carried items. make sure they also note the specific location in case they I I 0 Arrange disconnect dates with local utility companies. cause more damage. I 0 Send change-of-address cards and leave your newaddress 0 Keep personal property office phone number handy.If I with the Post Office. problems or questions arise, call- don’t argue with I movers. I The final countdown- one week: 0 Leave home only after the moving truck is on its I 0 Keep household inventory to carry with personal luggage. way. & I

APRIL 1996 39 A tale of two assign members to accompanied tours onlyin loca- tions that have theresources to handle theneeds of the EFM. And the EFM program provides Sailors and their families with information onschools, founda- tions, organizations and other government programs available to help withspecial education and medical needs. Enrollment in theprogram is not optional. That was decided by then-Chief of Naval PersonnelADM Mike Boorda. Service members are required to enroll as soon as aspecial need is known and at least nine months prior to projected rotation date (PRD). For Mitchell, assigned to theBureau of Naval Personnel, Arlington, Va., enrollment in theprogram came just after his son, DrexelJr., went to his24- month well-baby appointment. The pediatrician noticed somethingwas wrongwith thebaby’s motor skills. A team of doctors tested DrexelJr., but couldn’t Story by Patricia Oladeinde, pinpoint exactly what was wrong with thetoddler. The photos by PH3 Sam Dallal pediatrician recommended Mitchell extend hisPRD enior Chief Navy Counselor Drexel until his son’s condition could be diagnosed. Mitchell andBoatswain’s Mate 2nd After further testing,doctors determined DrexelJr. SClass David Miller have nevermetj suffered brain damage from a seizurehe had. Mitchell they probably never will. Yet, they share a learned his sonfaced a permanent learning disability bond that will probably link their worldsfor a and turned to theEFM program for help. lifetime. Both Sailors have family members “Since I’m a Navy counselor, I already knew about enrolled in theExceptional Family Member the EFM program,” Mitchell said. (EFM)program. “I never thought in my wildestdreams the EFM Established in 1987, the program identifies family program would apply to me,”said Mitchell, a 17-year members servicewide who have special educational Navy veteran who routinely recommendsthe program and medicalneeds. It flags Sailors’ records so detailers to otherSailors as part of his job. “NOparent wants to Navy program eases wornfes for family members

40 ALL HANDS families

4 Six-year-old Justin enjoys riding his bicycle and playing football with his father. Drexel Mitchell Jr., said he likes school, especially his two friends Duane and Princess.

look at [a] child and have to thinkor say, ‘This is my child [who] maynever be a doctor or a lawyer, or [who] may be at homefor the restof his or her life.’ It’s like all of your lifelong dreams for that childare instantly halted and youget a real different perspective on life,” the Detroit nativesaid. ‘The Navy was thinking about the quality of life of its Sailors and ways to retain its best force when the program came on board,’ - Anne Allen

Miller, stationed with the CeremonialGuard, Naval District Washington, D.C., and his wife Dawn, en- rolled their 2-year-old son Justin in theEFM program My once-jovial child wasstruggling to do the simplest before moving to thenation’s capital. Dawn knew things. He couldn’t climb a single stair. something wasn’t quite right with her child when they “I began to feel helpless, but I knew I couldn’t give were stationedin Long Beach, Calif. up. I loved my child too much.” “I’m a medicby profession,” she said. “I noticed Justin was given a magnetic resonance image(MRI) changes in Justin’s ability to walk. Hisbalance was off test, anddoctors discovered a 4.5 by 5 centimeter brain and he became listless. I told the doctors something tumor. “Luckily thedoctors caught it in timeand was definitely wrong with mybaby. His left eye was performed brain surgery,” said Dawn. swollen and he wascrawling instead of walking. His No matter what kindof disability the family mem- health seemed to be deteriorating in frontof my eyes. ber has, the EFM program helpsease Sailors’ worries while encouraging them to concentrate ondoing the with special needs best job they can. ”Knowing the familyis all right is one less worry ourSailors have to deal with,” said APRIL 1996 41 dential, but thefiles must be updated every three years or if there is a changein the familymember’s condi- tion or home status. A lingering myth about theEFM program is if you enroll, you’ll get out of sea tours or overseas assign- ments. Thinkagain. That won’t happen. “The program is designed to place our Sailors in areas that best meet theirfamily’s special needs,” said Rovig. “However, it can’t be used as an excuse to avoid sea duty or dodge unwanted tours, since theSailor can

As a Navy be sent on anunaccompanied tour if the needs of the counselor, Navy require this. The important thingis that the NCCS Drexel Mitchell has family remainsin anarea where special needs can be always known about the EFM attended.” program. The Millersand the Mitchellsagree they have Anne Allen, assistant EFM program manager. received excellent medicalcare from every area .they’ve “The Navy was thinking about the qualityof life of been assigned. However, the educationalside of the its Sailors and ways to retain itsbest force when the EFM program is run slightlydifferent. Parents have program came on board,” said Allen. much more involvement withthe process. “Keeping yourpersonnel files accurate and up to “When most parents come into myoffice, it’s the date is crucial, especially for the detailers who plan first time they’ve had todeal with a situationof this ahead andlook for the best place to stationyou before kind. It’s a whole new worldfor them,’’ said Allen. writing orders,’’ said Allen. “I direct them to thestate’s education people. We When a file is current, the detailer can coordinate provide parents with information from the National with theSailor to ensurespecial medical andeduca- Information Centerfor Children andYouth with tional needs of the family member are met before the Disabilities (NICHCY),so whenever Sailors move to service member transfers. another state, theycan contact thatspecial education “A lot of times, Sailors don’t know they need to director to find out how the system works in that state enroll in theEFM program until they havefailed and who is thelocal point of contact. Theyprovide overseas screening,” said CDR Glen Rovig, EFM resource and referral material parentsneed to help program manager. place the family member inspecial education classes,” “Every military treatmentfacility has an EFM said Allen. program coordinator to helpSailors enroll in the Depending on the severityof the family member’s program. Coordinators provide forms, show you how to condition, asocial worker or education specialist may fill them out,review final copy for accuracy and send be assigned to work with theSailor’s family. However, the package to theproper authority,” said Rovig, a the program does not relieve the servicememberof native of East Troy, Wis. finding the best programs, schools and treatment. The enrollmentprocess and Sailors’ files are confi- According to Mitchell, the education sideof EFM is 42 ALL HANDS A BM2 David Miller, with his two-year-old-son, Justin, has been pleased withthe referrals Justin’s received through the EFM program. much moreefficient when the parentsare involved. “When Drexel was2 years old, the school system did a great job of placing him, but now, at age 12, he’s harder to place because his age doesn’t necessarily match his ability.” Dawn Miller, on the otherhand, is quitepleased with her son’s accomplishments. “At age 6, Justin is only one year behind in school, but he’s catching up,” she said. “The most important thing - is he’s alive.’’ The Millers and Mitchells maynever meet, but the EFM program hasunited them and other families like them who willneed the assistance and support the program has to offer. a

Oladeinde is a staff writer and Dallalis a photographer for All Hands. APRIL 1996 here were no unexplained phenomena to investigate, Tbut that didn’t stop cast posedfor photos. I members, producers and writers “This isso awe- from thepopular television shows some!” she exclaimed “The X-Files,” and “Baywatch while touring the Nights” from visitingUSS Constel- ship’s hangar bay and lation (CV 64). flight deck. “I can’t The starswere in Vancouver, believe the sizeof the Canada, to play in a celebrity ship.” charity softball game when they The crew was saw the giant, gray warship an- treated to another chored in NorthVancouver Harbor. superstar sighting as The actors and writers contacted Tim Allen, star of the American Consulate, who ABC’s top-rated arranged for them to comeaboard sitcom “Home and meet Connie’s crew. Improvement,”and E ”They were impressedby the some of the show’s 4 people in theNavy and picked up producers andwrit- .j some ideasfor future shows,”said ers, scouted the u.- Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class carrier as a possible - David W. Hoffman, who is assigned setting for a futureshow. ASN Kenyarta Stathumsof Deck to theship’s photo lab and escorted Everywhere he wentaboard the Department gives “Home Improvement” the producers and screenwriters 88,000-ton warship, Allen was star Tim Allen sometips at the helmof USS Constellation(CV 64). from “The X-Files.” Hoffman also greeted by “more power’’ fans and took photos of the guests with autograph seekers. He visitedthe AAngie Harmon of the television series members of the ship’s crew. carrier’s major operation centers, “Baywatch Nights,” along with other Angie Harmon,of “Baywatch including the flight deck during guests, listensto LCDR Jim Sweeny of Sea Control Squadron38 explain how flight opera- carrier flight operations are conducted. tions, a main machinery Marc Ostertag, Connie’s command- space, the ing officer, off the ship in anF/A-18 combat Hornet. direction Allen ate dinner with thecrew center and the and appeared on theship’s closed bridge. circuit television station.Allen told Allen also crew members, “We had no idea steered the there’s so much danger involved in ship’s helm, your work.All of you do a marvel- shot machine ous job of making something guns, extremely dangerous look routine.” launched Allen wants to tape anepisode of smoke gre- “Home Improvement” onthe San nades from Diego-based carrier this summer. A the fantailand even gave the Story by 102 lason Emerson and 103 signal to Russell Fleming, assigned to USS Con- launch CAPT stellation (CV 64) public affairs office,.

44 ALL HANDS torekeeper 3rd Class sure what career path she wanted Stephanie Guida, to pursue. Having been bittenby stationed atNaval Air Facility the Japanese culture bug, she Atsugi, Japan, recently traveled to harbored a dream of serving in the River Kwai in Thailand, as a Japan. member of a Japanese taiko drum After finishing boot camp and troupe, to dedicate a World War I1 apprenticeship school at the topof memorial. Guida, the only Ameri- her class, she was given her first- g can in the troupe, has been playing choice assignment in Japan. Guida the ancient Japanese barrel drums joined the Sagami Ryuo drum team 5 a month a after arrival.her 2 The troupe President, Fumio A SK3 Stephanie Guida plays traditional California at Davis as a music Ochiai, is visibly proud of Guida, Japanese taiko drums with fellow major,” said the 26-year-old native both as a drummer andas an drummer Noboru Noguchi for a dedica- of Santa Rosa, Calif. “In 1991 we American Sailor. tion of a World War II memorial at the had an Asian-Pacific Week celebra- “Stephanie-san greatly contrib- River Kwai in Thailand. Her troupe plays tion on campusand I saw a taiko utes to U.S.-Japanese friendship,” at numerous Japanese festivals. group playing. I was captivated.” he said. “We wanted her to wear According to Guida, there’s a lot her Navy uniform for the reception n of taiko in California. She found a in Thailand.” group nearby and picked up the So far, the Thailand trip is the drumming technique. pinnacle of Guida’s time inJapan. She joined the Navy after gradu- “I felt honored to be included in a ating college because she wasn’t ceremony that was so Japanese in

he quick anddaring actions and tractor, hookedthe chain to the of 20-year-old Airman Larry sled the building sat on and quickly TMoore, an aircraft handler towed the blazing building away from Mount Pleasant, Mich., from the fuel tanksand aircraft. assigned to Antarctic Development “It just popped in my head that I Squadron (VXE)6, kept a fire from had to get that building out of there destroying fuel tanksand a ski- or there [would]be mass destruc- equipped LC-130aircraft. Moore tion. Flames started coming out of also prevented the loss of a snow- the roof as I headed up to it and mobile and atracked vehicle on the that’s when I got really scared. I Williams Field ski-way atMcMur- thought I was going to be a dead do Station, Antarctica. man,” said Moore, who has been in Moore noticed thefire in the the Navy only nine months. runway’s fuels shack, about20 feet “That was a pretty brave thing to from the runway’s fuel-storage do - extremely brave under the tanks. After reporting the fire to his circumstances.’’ said Deputy Fire supervisor, he grabbed a fire extin- Chief Mark Puollmanof the Ant- guisher and drove back to the arctic Fire Department. $ burning fuels shack. AAN Larry Moore stands on the tractor he Story by [OC Brady Bautch,assigned to used to tow the burning building away from He saw thefire was out of the public affairs office, Naval Support nearby fuel tanks. control, but quicklylocated a chain Force Antarctica.

APRIL 1996 45 Around The Fleet 111

feet of chain-link fence, landscap- “_ ing, building and replacing dump-

U.S. Naval Mobile Construction sterscreens and pads and working: / Battalion 5 recently deployed a 14- with the local Piblic Works Center person detail tobegin operations at to convert somebarracks into office the Commander inChief Atlantic spaces. Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) compound. Chief Builder William Hubbard, Nicknamed “The Professionals,” the detail’s officer in charge, said they have established a permanent one of their biggest challenges was Norfolk-based detail sitefor battal- establishing the detail with only ion Seabees. The first crew has 10 one week’s notice. “We had to builders, two equipment operators, work out thelogistics of establish- one steelworker and one construc- ing the detailsite, such as commu- tion electrician. nication and transportation. We’re The team has undertaken putting in a lotof working hours, projects such asremoving 4,500 but morale is great.” a

Two weeksafter arriving inthe mediate m ance, deck, The Armed Services YMCA Arabian Gulf in support of Opera- engineerin,, IIILuical,navigation, marks its 135thyear of providing tion Southern Watch, the crew of oDerations and weapons depart- services to U.S. Armed Forces USS Nimitz (CVN 68), homeport- r lts. Habitabilityand the personnel and their families this ed in Bremerton, Wash., learned of c iage control organization were year. the ship’s selectionas the most also recognized withthe awards. The National Board, headquar- combat-ready aircraft carrier inPetty Officer 3rd Class Mitchell tered in Springfield, Va., will the Pacific Fleet. Wilber of Greenville, S.C., a celebrate the anniversary by ex- After completinga one-year member of the air department’s panding its networkof program- repair period at PugetSound fuel lab who randomly tests ming and services. Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, 7amples from the ship’s 3.5 The organization supports junior Nimitz launchedinto work-ups nillion gallons of jet fuel for enlisted men and women in the for sustainedat-sea operations to:ontaminants, said, “It’s a 1 armed forces. Programs are offered earn the Navy Battle “E” award. of the crew’s hard work and to help bothsingle and married personnel. Additionally, departmental ~,~~~~~~~~~~edicationb!,tht{&4J to get the job done. 11: Battle “E” awards were present~~~~~~~~~astough [to earn], but well Core programs include child individually toair, aircraft inte~~~~~~~~~~,~~~orth,,>?{??+ti;;,:>\+;b it.” a development, outreach to young couples and parents, respitecare for new parents, singles programs, employment training skills for young spouses, parenting and couples workshops and recreational opportunities. “With the downsizing and restructuring of DOD,” said Charles E. Shearer Jr., the organiza- tion’s chairman, “providing a helping hand to theyoung people in the armed forces has never been more important.” a

46 ALL HANDS A human-powered submarine, designed and builtby volunteers from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC),Annapolis, Md., captured fourth place in the overall perfor- Designers of the mance category of the 4th Interna- submarine No Prob- tional Human Powered Submarine lems prepare their Races held recently at NSWC, craft for a trial run before the race. No Carderock Division, Bethesda, Md. Problems was de- The 15 engineers and tradesmen signed and built at volunteers competed against a fleet Winston Churchill of 12 other submarines from I HighSchool, Poto- universities and high schools in the - mac, Md., and won the event's Spirit of the United States, Mexico and Canada. Races Award. Their 400-pound, 13-foot subma- rine, SSH-22 Mermaid, recorded a The winner of the race's Overall advancement, the races were first speed of 4.37 knots over the 100- Performance Award was Cape Fear held off the Florida coast in 1989. meter course. Mermaid also placed from Cape Fear Community Col- The 1995 event marked thefirst first in the independentorganiza- lege, Wilmington, NC. time the competitionwas held tion category and won the award for Sometimes dubbed the"soapbox indoors. Most of the subs benefited best use of composite materials. derby of the sea," the biennialrace from this controlled environment, The submarinewas operated by a is sponsored by the Foundation for especially Tennessee Technological two-man crew, navigator Tim Underwater Research andEduca- University's entry, Torpedo 11, Cullis and propulsor Steve Bridge- tion. Designed to inspire students which set aworld speed record of man. The subs were "wet," mean- and professionals in various engi- 5.359 knots. A ing theywere filled with water and neering disciplines to learn more team members wore scuba gear. about underwater technology

APRIL 1996 1 Shipmates Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (AW) Craig Mace, assigned to the Respiratory Therapy Section of r Naval Hospital, Corpus Christi, Texas, received the Corpus Christi Star Award for leadership in volunteer services. As chairman of the hospital’s volunteer action team, Mace was responsible for more than 75 projects involving 400 volunteers and 8,000 hours of community service.

Electrician’s Mate 1st Class (SW) Dale Shikegane was meritoriously advanced under the command advancement program. Shikegane, a native of Smithtown, N.Y., was selected for his professional achievement, personal dedication and high moral character. Shikegane is currently assigned to USS Monongahela (A0 178), based in Norfolk.

Yeoman 1st Class (AW) Clarence C. McCallum was named Naval Reserve Center Dallas, 1995 Sailor of the Year. McCallum, a native of North Carolina, has an Associate’s Degree in Public Service and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal -,. ,fan& (USPS 372-5~d; ISSN Justice. McCallum is also the Reserve Center’s (Number 948) is published Campaign Drug Free coordinator. Media Center, Publisnlng Anacostia, Bldn. 168,2701 S.Capitol St., S.W., Washing- Radioman 1st Class (EOD/PJ)Antonio Diaz was named Explosive Ordnance Detachment Mobile mailing offices. Unit 8’s Sailor of the Year for FY95. The NewYork For sale by the xintendent of Documents, U.5 City native is currently stationed Navalat Air uovernment Printing Office, Wash Station Sigonella, Italy. As leading petty officer for D.C. 20402orcall (202) 512-1800 his detachment, Diaz serves as jumpmaster/drop i Postmaster: Sendaddress chancres to zone safety officer,range safety officer, small arms AllHandsmagazine,Naval Media ter, Publishing Division, Naval Station instructor and dive supervisor. Anacostia, Bldg. 168,2701S. Car S.W., Washington, D.C. 20373-5e -1 Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Kimberly J. McIvor, Editorial Offices:Send submissiol ’ and correspondence to: Naval Media was named Enlisted Person of the Quarter atNaval Center, Publishing Division, ATTN: Editor, Legal Service Office, Mid-Pacific, Pearl Harbor. Naval Station Anacostia, Bldg. 168,27 The Coral Gables, Fla., native has been involved in S. Capitol St.,S.W., Washington, D.C various building improvement projects including 20373-5819. Phone (202) 433-417101 hand-drawing and painting the command and DSN 288-41 71. Fax (202) 433-474701 Judge Advocate General Corps emblems within the building. ’ Message: NAVMEDIACENWASH March ALLUQNDS Contributors INGTON DC //32// J03 Jeremy Allen PH2 Wayne Edwards JO1 Ray Mooney Authorization: The Secretaryof th JOI Jonathan Annis J02 Jason Emerson J02 Dean Nazario Navy has determined this publicationi! JOC Brady Bautch JOSN Rhonda Feeback Patricia Oladeinde necessary in the transactionof busine: William E. Beamon J03 Russell Fleming JO1 Ron Schafer PH2 Ed Berard Ron Fontain JOC(SW) Millie Tamberg required by lawof the Department tlof PHI Johnny Bivera J03 Robert Garnard J02 Jason Thompson Navy. Funds for printing have bee! PH2 Salvatore Brancifort pH2 Felix Garza JOZ(AW)Alida Toler approved by the Navy Publications il J02 Siegfried Bruner PH2 John Gorenflo P. Warnken JOI (AW) Laurie Butler JOl(AW) Michael R. Hart PH3 TangaWilliams Printing Committee. ClipArt Images from JOl(SW) Jim Conner DM2 Brian Hickerson J02 John Whipple RtCorelDraw5.0 were usedin the preoal J02 Andrew Cramer PHl Gregory Hilton PH3 Sam Dallal David Kashimba I 48 ALL HANDS Scenes like this were played out many times during the homecoming of the USS America in Norfolk, Va., on 24 February 1996.