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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family Vol. 18, No. 3, Norfolk, VA FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM January 21, 2010 UPDATE: U.S. Navy delivers assistance, capabilities to unifi ed response in Haiti PRESS RELEASE From Defense Media Activity Anacostia peditionary Unit (MEU 22) and are expected to arrive Jan. 18. In WASHINGTON — As the addition, USS Gunston Hall (LSD maritime component of Unifi ed Re- 41) has been diverted to Haiti and sponse, the U.S. Navy is part of a also is scheduled to arrive Jan. 18. larger U.S. Government effort led These amphibious platforms will by the Department of State and the form a “sea base” from which hu- U.S. Agency for International De- manitarian supplies can be moved velopment (USAID) in response to ashore via helicopters and landing the request for assistance from the craft. Bataan also has robust med- Government of Haiti after the dev- ical facility that includes nearly 50 astating earthquake of Jan. 12. medical professionals as well as X- With agility and fl exibility, the ray facilities, a 600-bed hospital, U.S. Navy is key enabler of the operating rooms, an intensive care role of the U.S. military to rapidly unit, pharmacy and laboratory. respond with critically needed ca- Approximately 1,480 U.S. military pabilities to deliver humanitarian personnel are supporting Operation assistance and disaster relief to the Unifi ed Response on the ground areas that the Government of Haiti in Haiti. Approximately 4,400 ad- deems most ditional U.S. necessary. military per- USS Carl sonnel are Vinson (CVN supporting 70), USS Hig- from U.S. gins (DDG Navy and 76), USS Nor- Coast Guard Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Jason Harold of Goldsboro, N.C., transfers a young Haitian earthquake victim from mandy (CG vessels op- an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter during a medical evacuation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 16. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of 60), USS Un- erating in Operation Unifi ed Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage in Haiti Jan. 12. derwood Haitian wa- (FFG 36), ters. (AFB), Fla., or McGuire AFB, Pa. USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS The following numbers provide a • Maritime forces have distrib- Carter Hall (LSD 50) and glimpse of the impact these ser- uted 20,160 rations of food since USNS Grasp (T-ARS vice members are making: Tuesday. 51), are on station • More than 2,000 • USS Carl Vinson delivered in the vicinity of American citizens more than 30 pallets of relief sup- Haiti in support of have been evacuat- plies for distribution to affect areas host nation, U.S. ed to Orlando, Fla., Saturday. Nineteen helicopters em- State Department Homestead Air barked on the carrier are also fl ying and the U.S. Agen- Force Base airlift missions in support of relief cy for International efforts. Development (USAID) • More than 100,000 bottles of efforts to conduct Human- water were delivered Sunday. With itarian Assistance/Disaster water being one of the most pre- Relief operations in order cious commodities, the focus to prevent human suf- continues to be on taking fering and additional advantage of every op- Photos by MC2 (SW) Candice Villarreal loss of life. portunity to bring water Haitian citizens crowd a ship near a port in Haiti Jan. 16, after earthquake USS Bataan ashore. devastation left many homeless, injured and hungry. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting (LHD 5), USS • USS Carl Vinson humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unifi ed Fort McHen- (CVN 70) received Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage Jan. 12. ry (LSD 43) and seven injured Hai- USS Carter Hall tian civilians at treating the seven Haitians, includ- and is expected to arrive in the area (LSD 50) are en approximately 7:30 ing a one-two-hourday old infant. in the next three days. USNS Com- route Haiti with p.m. EST Satur- • USS Higgins (DDG 76), home- fort’s primary mission is to provide embarked Ma- day when a U.S. Coast ported in San Diego, is providing an afl oat, mobile, acute surgical rines from the Guard MH-60J Jayhawk afl oat logistical services for the medical facility to the U.S. military 22nd Marine Ex- helicopter on a MEDE- Coast Guard helicopters. that is fl exible, capable and uniquely VAC mission was forced to • USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), adaptable to support expeditionary divert due to weather. The a dry cargo ship and USNS 1st LT warfare. Comfort’s secondary mis- helicopter was taking the Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), a dry sion is to provide full hospital Photos by MC2 Laura A. Moore earthquake victims from cargo ship capable of offl oading services to support U.S. disaster A Haitian boy receives his Port-Au-Prince to a hospital cargo without a port are scheduled relief and humanitarian operations meal-ready-to eat and bottled near Cap-Haïtien Cape to arrive in the next week. worldwide. The ship comes with ap- water by U.S. military members that are distributing food and Haitien on the island’s • USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), proximately 600 medical personnel water at one of the distribution northern coast. USS homeported in Baltimore, Md., got and an expanded 1,000-bed hospital points in Port-au-Prince. Carl Vinson medical per- underway Jan. 16 and is making sonnel are currently best course and speed to the area See HAITI, A9 Obama makes Haiti response top U.S. priority

BY JIM GARAMONE “I’ve made it clear [to Cabinet offi cers high-priority items like water and medi- people may be dead. American Forces Press and government agency heads] that Haiti cine,” Obama said. American assets are pouring into the Service must be a top priority for their depart- The United States is working closely country. U.S. search and rescue teams ments and agencies right now,” Obama with the Haitian government, the United have arrived, and medical personnel and WASHING- said. “This is one of those moments that Nations and relief organizations to deliv- relief supplies are arriving. TON — President call out for American leadership.” er supplies, but it will take some time for In the best of times, Haiti is the poor- Barack Obama said American service members are de- supplies, personnel and equipment to ar- est country in the Western Hemisphere. Jan. 14 he’s made ploying to the area, the president said. rive in Haiti, he added. The country suffers from extreme pover- helping Haiti in the President “Several Coast Guard cutters are al- “Right now in Haiti, roads are impas- ty, deforestation, a lack of infrastructure wake of a crippling Barack Obama ready there, providing everything from sible, the main port is damaged and and political instability. earthquake the top basic services like water to vital technical communications are just beginning to Obama pledged not to forsake the peo- priority of every U.S. government agen- support for this massive logistical opera- come online, and aftershocks continue,” ple of Haiti in their hour of need. cy. tion,” he said. “Elements of the Army’s he said. “None of this will seem quick “American stands with you. The world Speaking from the White House, Obama 82nd Airborne Division will arrive today.” enough, … but it’s important that every- stands with you,” he said. “We know you called the quake an unimaginable tragedy The United States also is deploying a one in Haiti understand that one of the are a strong and resilient people. You and said the United States has launched Marine expeditionary unit, the aircraft largest relief efforts in our recent history have endured a history of slavery and “a swift, coordinated and aggressive ef- carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and is moving toward Haiti.” struggle and natural disaster and recov- fort” to help. the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH- The earthquake struck the evening of ery. Through it all, your spirit has been Flanked by his national security team, 20). Jan. 12 near the capital of Port-au-Prince. unbroken and your faith unwavering. To- the president said the U.S. response will The fi rst waves of the U.S. rescue and The magnitude 7.0 quake fl attened many day, you must know that help is arriving require help from every government relief effort are on the ground and at areas of the city. Port-au-Prince is one of and much more help is on the way.” agency and the compassion of Ameri- work, the president said. the largest cities in the Caribbean, and ...To read more on Haiti relief efforts, cans. “An airlift has been set up to deliver Haitian offi cials fear that at least 100,000 see page A8

INSIDE: THE BLACK WIDOW OF POOL A5 FRONT & CENTER B1 OFF DUTY C1 Jeanette Lee visits NSA Pulling a jet, all in a day’s Hampton honors heritage Souda Bay, NSA Naples work for shipyard team In 2010, Hampton will present Lee plays pool, meets service Teams made up of 25 mem- a brilliant list of African- members on military installa- bers, who all line up to pulls American inspired events to tions during European tour. the aircraft 12 feet for time. educate and enlighten. Navy Advancement Center NKO Web site, one-stop shopping for Sailors

BY ED BARKER the NKO BIB pages. Naval Education and Training “It’s important that Sailors Command Public Affairs review their BIBs before ev- ery exam,” said Master Chief PENSACOLA, Fla. Electrician’s Mate (SS) Jero- — Sailors preparing for ad- mie Cook, Naval Education vancement examinations are and Training Professional De- getting a new tool to make velopment Technology Center their quest easier: Navy command master chief. “Each Knowledge Online (NKO) cycle’s exams are different, Web pages will begin of- and the BIBs that will be list- fering links to the material ed and linked through NKO in advancement bibliogra- are tailored specifi cally for that phies. exam cycle. If a Sailor is rely- The Navy Advancement ing on BIBs from past exams, Center (NAC) pages will pro- then he or she may miss some vide links directly to exam important references. Publica- bibliography documents, tions and instructions are also offering virtual ‘one-stop constantly being updated, so shopping’ for Sailors who it’s important to have the infor- previously had to track down mation that corresponds to that numerous publications and specifi c cycle’s exam.” references in order to get Cook also added that the ready for exams. BIBs on the NKO and NAC “We plan to launch the reference pages are the exact Advancement Center NKO same material subject matter pages in early 2010, mak- experts use to develop the tests ing the information easily at the Advancement Exam De- reachable for most Sailors,” velopment Conferences. said Kirk Schultz, operations “The occupational links for and analysis division head all the ratings at every rank for the Navy Advancement Archive Photo by MC2 Amanda Clayton won’t be available immediate- Center in Pensacola. “All of Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class ly,” said Schultz. “It will take a Derek Finn studies for advancement exams aboard the the Professional Military little while to get all the source amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). Knowledge (PMK) links documents from the BIBs con- will be available for each rank and rat- said Schultz. “But we started getting verted and uploaded, but we’re working ing, and we’ve targeted the phase-in for questions almost immediately on the as fast as we can.” occupational reference links to start in availability of the rest of the BIBs. Classifi ed ratings will have their un- March.” With the launch of the NKO pages classifi ed BIBs linked on NKO, and These PMKs include references and the addition of the occupational in the near future the classifi ed BIBs such as: NAVEDTRA 14325, Mili- BIB links taking Sailors directly to the will be available through the SIPRNET tary Requirements, Basic (BMR) and document, Sailors can save even more (classifi ed) sites. NAVPERS 15665, U.S. Navy Uniform time.” NKO already offers several links Regulations. The BIB links take Sailors to the to government and commercial pub- The PMK links were made available PDF fi les for the applicable instruc- lications, some of which are used to in August 2009, but Sailors could only tion or publication where they can be develop advancement exams. For ex- reach them through the NAC Web viewed, downloaded or printed. ample, under the “Reference Tab” site. It was up to the individual Sailor to Not all of the BIB references can be the link to “Navy Library E-Content” track down all of the occupational ref- linked, as many rates have occupational provides Sailors with several links to erence bibliographies (BIBs), and that references from classifi ed, commercial several subject areas. Under the “E- could be a signifi cant research task. or copyrighted sources, but the major- Content – Computers / IT” link is a For example, the March 2010 mass ity of the references will have links to “Safari Books Online” Web gear that communication specialist E-4 exam PDF fi les. provides access to commercial pub- lists 32 occupational references and “We’re working to get the rights to as lications used by the IT (information eight separate PMK references. Oc- many of the copyrighted references as systems technician) rating. cupational references include: (For possible,” said Schultz. For more information on advance- master-at-arms) NTTP 3-20.6.29M, Tac- “There will always be some that we ment, visit the NAC Web site at: tical Boat Operations and OPNAVINST won’t be able to get, and we will do https://www2.netc.navy.mil/advance- 3591.1 Small Arms Training and Qual- our best to provide Sailors with the in- ment ifi cation. formation they need to obtain those And watch for the advancement Web “We’ve had outstanding feedback references, but we should have the vast pages soon to appear on NKO: https:// from the fl eet on our PMK links,” majority available through the links on wwwa.nko.navy.mil. THE FLAGSHIP’S LEEWARD SHOUT How do you think the new smoking laws will affect local bars and restaurants?

“I think smoking “A lot of people “They did a ban is suicide. I smoke and a lot in New Jersey don’t think bars don’t. I think it and it didn’t will benefi t from will even itself really affect the the ban, though out. Smokers restaurants or nonsmokers might go out bars. People might go out less, but more go out to those more to the nonsmokers places to enjoy restaurants.” might go out food or a drink. more.” I don’t think the DCFN CFN AZAN local bars and Jeannetta Landrum Kevin Franks Jason Devine restaurants will PCU Gravely PCU Gravely HSC-9 be affected.”

“I only smoke “Bars and “People will still sometimes restaurants want to go out when I drink. I might see a together so I think the ban slow down don’t think the might detract in business ban will affect from the social because a lot of local businesses. atmosphere. people go out The smokers Also, I think the to drink, smoke will still fi nd a smoking ban and socialize, place outside to should be a but it could go smoke.” MA2 choice for the SH2 either way.” ET1 Mark Guinn establishment.” Lynee Canton Raymond Olinger HSC-9 Sewell’s Point Dental Clinic PCU New Mexico

Photos by MC2 Mandy Hunsucker

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Beth Baker Everything advertised in The Flagship® shall General Manager be made available for purchase, use or patronage Laura Baxter, 222-3964 Editorial Staff without regard to race, color, religion, gender, Creative Director Managing Editor national origin, age, marital status, physical Tricia Lieurance, 222-3968 Micheal Mink handicap, political affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation Free Classifi ed Advertising, 222-3967 Deputy Managing Editor or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an Distribution, 446-2881 MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford advertiser is confi rmed, the publisher shall refuse Home Delivery, 222-3965 to print advertising from that source until the © 2009 Flagship, Inc. Editorial Assistant violation is corrected. The Flagship® is published All rights reserved. MC2 Mandy Hunsucker by Flagship, Inc., a subsidiary of Landmark NAVY MEDICINE Sanjay Gupta assists Vinson medical team BY MC1 JASON THOMPSON said Shwayhat. USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs Following further consultation, a second surgery was deemed necessary. After the USS CARL VINSON, At sea — Not- medical team irrigated the injury and provid- ed neurosurgeon and CNN medical ed the initial care, Berndt’s team, assisted by correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Los An- Gupta and Ford, scrubbed in. geles Pediatric Hospital’s Surgeon-in-Chief “There was a one-and-a-half centimeter by Dr. Henri Ford assisted USS Carl Vinson’s two centimeter piece of debris that was bro- (CVN 70) medical team in emergency sur- ken into smaller pieces,” Ford said. “There gery to remove concrete debris from a was one piece to which we weren’t able to 12-year old Haitian girl’s skull Jan. 18. access initially. She was neurologically in- Ship’s Surgeon, Lt. Cmdr (Dr.) Kathryn tact and there wasn’t any penetration of the Berndt diagnosed the girl as having a 1.2 brain.” cm piece of concrete embedded in her skull Gupta and Ford anticipate the girl making which was removed the night she arrived. a full recovery, “though she will need some During the post-operation debrief, Berndt antibiotics,” Ford said. requested a neurosurgical consult. One well- “This has been the most remarkable oc- known neurosurgeon in the region came to casion,” said Ford, who is originally from mind. Haiti. “It has been the most moving expe- “Our senior medical officer, Doctor (Al- rience being a part of those so motivated fred) Shwayhat, told me about the situation in the face of this tragedy. As a pediatric and asked if I could track down Dr. Gupta,” surgeon, it is a great honor to experience said Carl Vinson’s Deputy Public Affairs Offi- the dedication of the American govern- cer, Lt. j.g. Erik Schneider. “With the help of ment and the quality of care the ship’s a CNN producer, we called CNN in Atlanta medical team provided. The display of who then patched us through to Doctor Gup- humanity and support is truly without ta in Port-au-Prince.” parallel.” “Someone got a hold of our international “I was honored to help out,” said Gupta. “I desk which is our world headquarters which have a profound respect for the capabilities we’re in touch with every hour,” said Gupta. of the U.S. Navy and the medical team on Photo by MC2 Michael C. Barton “They said there was an urgent call from the board the Carl Vinson.” Cmdr. Jerry Berman, left, a Navy surgeon, Dr. Henri R. Ford, Los Angles Pediatric Hospital Carl Vinson. So I put a call in to them and Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are Surgeon-in-Chief originally from Haiti, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a CNN medical correspondent and practicing neurosurgeon, and Lt. Cmdr. Kathryn Berndt, a Navy surgeon, prepare a 12-year- there was something about a head injury. I conducting humanitarian and disaster re- old Haitian girl with a severe head injury for surgery aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier initially spoke to Doctor Berndt and she ex- lief operations as part of Operation Unified USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Surgeons removed a piece of concrete from the child’s brain plained the situation.” Relief after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused by the earthquake in Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting “It was literally, ‘Paging Dr. Gupta off the cause severe damage near Port-au-Prince humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Relief after a 7.0 coast of Haiti from the USS Carl Vinson,’” on Jan. 12. magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. Navy medicine responds to Haiti earthquake Disaster PRESS RELEASE in Haiti’s capital along with are with the Haitian people and unit, an MRI unit, a dental suite, lies, we have adopted a serious From Bureau of Navy Medicine USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and all those affected by this devas- a pharmacy and an optometry focus on humanitarian assis- Public Affairs USS Bataan (LHD 5). A med- tating earthquake,” said Vice and lens laboratory. The ship tance and disaster response to WASHINGTON — U.S. Navy ical team of 550 Navy doctors, Adm. Adam Robinson, U.S. also maintains up to 5,000 units help those in need to attack in- Bureau of Medicine and Sur- nurses, technicians and sup- Navy Surgeon General. “This is of blood and can serve as many stability and insecurity so that gery (BUMED), headquarters port staff will provide a host the meaning of humanitarian as- as 1,000 patients. we help our partner nations cre- of Navy Medicine, responded of medical services to include sistance- protecting others even “Human suffering moves us ate conditions where hope can swiftly with humanitarian assis- primary care, trauma care, pe- when it places us in harm’s way, to act, and the expeditionary flourish.” tance and disaster relief efforts diatric care and orthopedic care extending ourselves for the ben- character of our naval and ma- This will be the second time in the devastating aftermath of upon arrival in Haiti. The med- efit of those in need.” rine forces uniquely positions the Comfort will visit Haiti –the a 7.0 earthquake felt in Haiti’s ical team is comprised of Navy The 894-foot ship has a full them to provide assistance as last time was in April 2009 for capital Jan. 12. medical personnel stationed at spectrum of hospital services to the vanguard of interagency 12 days as part of Continuing The Navy hospital ship, USNS National Navy Medical Center support disaster relief efforts. It and multinational efforts,” said Promise 2009. Comfort (T-AH 20), homeport- Bethesda and Naval Hospital has one of the largest trauma fa- Robinson. “While we still train For more news from USS ed in Baltimore, deployed Jan. Portsmouth. cilities in the United States and our forces to fight and win our Comfort, visit www.navy.mil/lo- 16 to support the relief efforts “Our thoughts and prayers has four X-rays, one CAT scan nation’s wars alongside our al- cal/tah20. Navy awards energy savings contracts for eight installations BY DARRELL E. WALLER Naval Facilities Engineering Command Public Affairs PORT HUENEME, Ca- lif. — The Department of the Navy’s (DoN) Ener- gy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) Team has awarded $76 million in energy contracts for eight naval installations for essential energy im- provements and energy cost-savings. The awards provide 25 percent of DoN’s annual energy reduction require- ments, include DoN’s first landfill gas conver- sion project and support the President’s agenda fostering a green energy economy. The projects were recent- ly awarded by the Naval Facilities Engineering Ser- vice Center (NAVFAC Photo by MC1 Emmit J. Hawks ESC) in conjunction with Norfolk Naval Shipyard is one of their eight installations receiving millions of dollars in energy contracts in order to make essential energy improvements and the Specialty Center Acqui- cost savings. sitions, NAVFAC (SCAN) in cooperation with the following installations: Ma- rine Corps Logistics Base Albany; Portsmouth Naval Shipyard; Naval Air Sta- tion Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth; Naval Region Hawaii; Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport; Naval Base Kitsap; Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Naval Station Great Lakes. “These awards will help the Navy meet energy re- duction goals without reliance on appropriated funds,” said Naval Facilities Engineering Service Cen- ter Commanding Officer, Capt. Paz B. Gomez. “The ESPC process is an effective way of achieving federal and naval energy goals while working with private industry to reduce the nation’s energy con- sumption and dependency on fossil fuels.” The contracts will im- plement traditional energy conservation measures and innovative renewable tech- nologies, including DoN’s first landfill gas co-genera- tion project, a partnership with the city of Albany Georgia. These contracts reduce DoN’s energy and water use, and will pay for them- selves by avoiding more than $176 million in en- ergy costs over life of the contracts. The avoided costs will be used to repay contractor investments in energy infrastructure on DON installations and pay for performance guarantees provided by the following corporations awarded the contracts: Chevron Energy Solutions; Ameresco Se- lect, Inc; NORESCO, LLC; and Trane US. The Department of Navy and the ESPC team contin- ue to seek greater energy savings and renewable en- ergy projects to meet the Secretary of the Navy’s energy vision goals of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. To learn more about global facilities engineer- ing command, visit www. navfac.navy.mil, Facebook: http://bit.ly/PPsvw, Twitter: https://twitter.com/navfac and Flickr: www.flickr.com/ photos/navfac For more news from Naval Facilities En- gineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/ navfachq/. Former pool world champion visits NSA Souda Bay, NSA Naples COMPILED BY FLAGSHIP STAFF Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Center hosted the former number one female pool play- er in world, Jeanette Lee, Jan. 6 on the isle of Crete during her European tour. Lee, a.k.a. the Black Widow of pool, addressed service members and civilians at Souda Bay with a introduction of herself and her reasons for touring military installations. “I feel honored and excited Jeanette Lee, the to be here. This is my fi rst time in Greece and I am Black Widow of hoping to bring a little bit of America and home to pool, performs you all with the game of pool.” trick shots for Lee wowed the crowd with fancy shots not typi- Sailors and the Souda Bay cally seen in a usual game of pool, such as putting community. Lee an extreme amount of English (pool talk for side visited Greece as spin) on the cue ball around an opponent’s ball, to part of her Navy sink in one of her own. Entertainment She then took on the champion of Souda Bay. sponsored tour Prior to her visit, MWR hosted a pool tournament visiting several for service members and civilians with Lee. In a bases throughout series of “best of three” game matches, Master-at- the Europe, Africa Arms 2nd Class Sean Minnick emerged victorious. and Southwest Asia region He took on Lee and represented NSA Souda Bay including Naples, in a game with the world champion. Sigonella, Rota “I was really excited to take on Jea- and Bahrain. nette. It was a lot of fun and an honor Photo by MC3 John Martinez to get my butt kicked by the number one pool player in the who challenged her and provided insight and world,” said Minnick. tips. She also signed autographs and took photo- Lee then played anyone graphs with Sailors. Lee continued her tour by visiting Naval Sup- port Activity (NSA), Naples, Jan. 8. She met with fans, signed autographs and held a demonstration at the Ciao Hall on the Capod- ichino base. “I like to talk to the crowd about my life and ev- erything I have gone through to get here today,” Jeanette Lee Lee said. She entertained the crowd with trick shots and According to Jea- offered many tips about the game. She also took nette Lee’s biography, challenge matches from anyone who was brave “Lee has enjoyed one enough to take her on. of the most illustrious “It was great to be able to come here and play careers in billiards his- someone I’ve been watching on ESPN for years, tory… she was named said Chief Cryptologic Technician Larry Daugh- the ‘Women’s Profes- tery. “This was defi nitely a great experience for me.” sional Billiards Asso- One by one, the challengers sat down shortly ciation Sportsperson after a quick loss. That is, until Aviation Support of the Year’ in 1998. Equipment Technician Airman Apprentice Mat- She also was a gold thew Collier stepped up to the challenge. medalist for the Unit- “I didn’t think I had a chance at all,” said Collier. ed States at the Word “I just went up and concentrated on every one of Games and captured my shots.” Silver twice at the His concentration paid off when he sank his last World Championships ball and the crowd erupted with applause for the during her 14-year amateur player. After these stops, Lee will continue her tour in professional career. Sigonella, Italy, Rota, Spain and Bahrain. Lee has claimed more Editor’s note: MC3 Kristopher Regan and MC3 than 30 national and Cayman Santoro contributed to this story. international titles.” SUICIDE PREVENTION Chairman shares concerns about suicide rate BY ARMY SGT. 1ST CLASS Mullen advocated for suicide,” she said. “It’s our MICHAEL J. CARDEN better overall training for responsibility. These are American Forces Press Service service members, not- our family members.” ing that the military has a Families are under great WASHINGTON — Sui- tendency to focus on train- stress, too, she said, not- cide is a growing problem ing, whether it’s field or ing that watching their in the military communi- mental fitness, during the loved ones deploy repeat- ty, and its leaders must be deployment-readiness cy- edly can be equally as committed to reversing cle. Training for troops and strenuous on families at it that trend, the chairman their family members must is on the deploying service of the Joint Chiefs of Staff start from the day they members. said, Jan. 13. swear in, he said. “I think we need to real- In an address to an au- “We have a tendency to ize that we have families dience of more than 1,000 cycle [training] to get you that are under such great military and other govern- ready before you deploy, stress,” the chairman’s wife ment agency health-care but I would argue that with said. “This stress is only go- workers and officials where we are right now, we ing to continue. We need to gathered for the 2nd An- have to have a continuum of be able to give tools to fam- nual Suicide Prevention readiness that starts to edu- ily members who are left Conference sponsored by cate families from Day One behind. the Defense and Veter- about the challenges the lie “I hope the families are ans Affairs departments, ahead, the information that something you will look Mullen and his wife, Debo- is available [and] the net- at as you work through rah, shared their thoughts works that are out there in these really challenging and concerns on the these challenging times, so problems,” she told the au- issue. Photo by MC1 Chad J. McNeeley that we can hopefully avoid dience. “We do have family Mullen said that while Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife Deborah address crisis,” he said. members that we need to he recognizes the chal- audience members at the DoD and Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Conference in Suicide among military be aware of, and we need lenge the armed services Washington, D.C., Jan. 13. family members also is a to get our arms around have had in combating sui- growing concern for the the number of suicide at- cide while waging wars in the next couple of years, he its military footprint in Af- the past four or five years military. Deborah Mullen tempts and actual suicides Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s said, will begin to increase ghanistan, he added. for every service,” he said. said that although much and the impact on the a challenge that can’t be for the Marine Corps, The suicide rate in all “This isn’t just a ground- focus has been given to sui- family.” overlooked. but not for the Army. So four services was higher force problem.” cide prevention for service The conference began “The subject of suicide health-care professionals than the national average, Suicide is a growing members and assistance for Jan. 11 to give health-care is one of tremendous dif- need to be mindful of that with 52 Marines and 48 problem that leaders have survivors of suicide victims, professionals insight to ficulty and challenge and and continue learning, he Sailors taking their own to commit to, and experts more must be done for the each organization’s pro- understanding, and there said. lives in 2009, according who study suicide pre- families. Family members grams and best practices in have been a lot of people “I know at this point in to the individual services’ vention must help those also need training to build suicide prevention. Nearly who have worked on this time, there does not appear annual reports. As of No- leaders understand the resilience and learn how to 100 veterans who have ex- diligently for many, many to be any scientific correla- vember, 147 Soldiers had causes, Mullen said. The deal with the stress of de- perienced suicidal thoughts years,” the chairman said. tion between the number of fallen to suicide. The fi- military’s leaders are ea- ployments, she said. were expected to share “Certainly, … with the rise deployments and those that nal 2009 figures for the ger to implement programs “There’s another side to their stories of survival by in the numbers in all the are at risk, but I’m just hard- Army are expected to be and better prevention mea- this, and that’s family mem- the time the conference services since these wars, pressed to believe that’s released tomorrow. Air sures, he added. bers who’ve committed ends. [Defense Department offi- not the case,” Mullen said. Force officials reported cials have] started to really “I know we are and hope to 41 active-duty suicides, look at the causes and get continue to look [at deploy- a 12.5 per 100,000 ratio, in Hail to the King to a point where we can pre- ments] first to peel back 2009. vent this and understand the causes to get to the root Mullen stressed that in this.” of this.” addition to the high rate of Despite a lack of a clear Sustaining Marine Corps suicides among the ground link between repeated dwell time will alleviate “a forces, the increasing rate deployment cycles and ser- lot of pressure and stress,” is evident among the entire vice member suicides, the the admiral said. But the military. admiral urged the audience armed forces must carry “As I look at the numbers not to count that factor out. on their missions as the for each service, the rates “Dwell time” at home be- United States draws down have gone up per capita at tween deployments over forces in Iraq and increases about the same rate over

Photo by MC1 Demetrius Kennon Command Master Chief Peter Grundy, left, command master chief of Naval Construction Battalion Center, Lt. Cmdr. Ed Brown, chaplain of the 20th Seabee Readiness Group; Warren Conway; and Capt. Ed Brown, commanding officer of Naval Construction Battalion Center/20th Seabee Readiness Group, follow along in their programs during a ceremony honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. FACE OF DEFENSE Soldier grabs Guinness Record for running a marathon in full battle gear

BY ROGER TEEL materials and chemical suits. The bomb suit weighs about Special to American Forces Press Service 85 pounds. During the evaluation, candidates are required to carry a 100-pound, 155 mm projectile 100 meters. ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Army 2nd “For the typical soldier, this is a challenge,” said Army Lt. Sophie Hilaire does not particularly fit the general image Capt. Rob Busseau, an EOD officer from 20th Support Com- of an explosive ordnance disposal warrior. mand, who conducted the assessment. “For a 120-pound At 120 pounds, one wonders how she possibly could second lieutenant, it required a massive amount of determi- be strong enough to function in an 85-pound bomb suit, nation, motivation and intestinal fortitude.” handling the physical and mental demands of defusing im- Hilaire also completed multiple sets of push-ups, side- provised explosive devices. straddle hops and other demanding exercises. During both But Hilaire is strong enough to run a marathon in full bat- suit tests, she maintained a positive attitude and support for tle armor. In fact, she holds a world record for it. her classmates, Busseau said. After graduating from an all-girls Catholic school in Shak- “She’s an exceptional soldier with tremendous potential,” er Heights, Ohio, Hilaire was accepted at the U.S. Military he said. “After the evaluation, I interviewed Hilaire to de- Academy at West Point, N.Y. She graduated last spring termine her suitability to serve in the EOD field. She is a with degrees in management and environmental engineer- modest, yet confident, officer with a true passion for serv- ing, making her parents, Vincent and Sung-Suk Hilaire, of ing in the U.S. Army.” Longmont, Colo., proud. She was a member of the Army Hilaire was one of four candidates accepted into the Army women’s fencing team at West Point. EOD program following the assessment. “My dad’s uncle was in the Army, a warrant officer, but “I talked to a lot of mentors, specifically 1st Lt. Danielle we really didn’t have anyone particularly pushing us to go Peek, a 2008 West Point grad who is now an EOD officer,” to West Point,” Hilaire said. She used the collective “we” be- she said, explaining how she came to her career choice. “Ev- cause her younger sister and brother both attend the U.S. erything about EOD appeals to me - small teams, tight-knit Military Academy. Her sister Nicole is in her junior year, working environments, technical skill sets, and most im- and her brother Philip is a freshman. portantly, saving lives. It just fits my personality well, and I “We all had to work for it,” Hilaire said. “We all had the decided to give it a shot.” same values. My mom is Korean and really stressed values Her immediate plans include finishing officer basic on in our family and a sense of service -- you know, of giving Jan. 20, then reporting Feb. 1 to Phase 1 of EOD training at Photo courtesy of Island Photography something back.” Redstone Arsenal, Ala. After Phase 1, Hilaire will report to Army 2nd Lt. Sophie Hilaire sprints to the finish of the Hilaire said she started a running regimen out of necessi- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to finish EOD training at the U.S. Philadelphia Marathon, setting a Guinness World Record ty during her junior year. Navy-run Kaufmann EOD Training Complex. for women by running the Nov. 22, 2009, race in 4 hours, 54 “After a summer of not running, I was worried about an She also has a date to run the Boston Marathon in April. minutes wearing full battle gear. Army physical fitness test I had coming up,” she said. “I end- ed up performing better than I expected and was motivated to continue running afterwards. I started running with a friend who helped me develop a training plan. My idea at that time was to train for a half marathon.” Her running “just took off” from there, she said. Hilaire ran her first marathon in Virginia Beach, in 2008, followed by the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., later that year. In May 2009, she ran the New Jersey Marathon in 3 hours and 37 minutes, qualifying by three minutes for the 2010 Boston Marathon. By the time she was in training for her fourth marathon in Philadelphia in November, she was looking for addition- al motivation. “I was just killing time until Boston next April, so I start- ed looking for a cause,” she said. “After a Google search, I chose to run for the American Veterans with Brain Inju- ries.” Hilaire said she read about the founder’s son, Army Pfc. Chris Lynch, a runner who suffered a brain injury that caused a lack of coordination to the point that he no longer could run. Since his injury, he has relentlessly trained and has competed in marathons on a hand cycle. “After reading about courageous servicemen like Chris,” Hilaire said, “I felt humbled and inspired to do something for this organization. I was also looking for ways to increase my fund-raising. I ran the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon for charity. My goal was to raise $1,000 – I raised more than $1,500.” Her decision to shoot for the world record she now holds was a stroke of luck, she said. “I just happened to look at the Guinness Book of World Records for marathons,” she explained, “and saw an entry for the fastest time with ‘full battle rattle’ - Army combat uni- form, boots, Army combat helmet and the protective vest with full body armor. A British soldier owned the record with a time of 5 hours, 11 minutes.” That was the goal she originally intended to beat, but Guin- ness officials opened a separate women’s category for her, she said. “And before I ran the Philly marathon, the Brit’s record was beaten,” she added. “I think the current men’s record is three hours and change.” Weighing down her slight frame with 30 pounds of addi- tional gear, she focused on her goal. “It made sense to me to raise funds for (American Veter- ans with Brain Injuries) while embracing the challenge of running in combat gear to generate awareness of this note- worthy cause,” she said. As she trained, she also engaged social media, notifying her friends by e-mail what she was doing and establishing a Facebook group to collect donations for her cause. She raised more than $4,000 for the organization, exceeding her goal of $2,000. American Veterans with Brain Injuries officials were over- whelmed, Hilaire said. “They were down to their last $200 when they received my sponsors’ donation,” she explained, “so they were just elated.” She also established the Guinness record, finishing the marathon -- 26.2 miles -- in 4 hours and 54 minutes, though she’s not yet listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. “I haven’t received the certificate,” she said. “I’m waiting for them to process it.” The lieutenant explained her strategy and noted that once she passed the 20-mile mark, she dedicated the rest of the race to others. “I joined a five-hour pace group and stayed with them until I pulled away at the end,” she said. “I ran the final 6.2 miles for seven different individuals. The first few I texted during the race to let them know; the final few I was too exhaust- ed. I ran for veterans like Pfc. Lynch and Capt. Sam Brown, a personal hero and friend, who was severely burned by an IED.” Hilaire trained with a friend, Army 2nd Lt. Courtney Mill- er. “She ran with me for the first half of the marathon, despite an injury,” Hilaire said. “She carried my Gatorade and took pictures to document the venture for Guinness.” Running has helped every aspect of her life, Hilaire said. “Everything became easier after I started running,” she said. “Basic Army requirements, like the semiannual phys- ical fitness test, became so much easier after I started training for marathons.” But, she added, she’s not a natural runner. “I’ve got flat feet, knock-knees and one leg is shorter than the other,” she said, laughing. Asked if she’d run in battle-rattle again, the lieutenant re- plied, “Only if someone beats my record.” In mid-December, while Hilaire attended the Ordnance Branch Officer Basic Course at Fort Lee, Va., she was as- sessed as part of her request to become an EOD technician. The assessment included two 30-minute sessions of mental and physical tests in an EOD bomb suit and in hazardous HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS Hampton Roads service members answer Haiti’s call

COMPILED BY FLAGSHIP STAFF Haiti suffered a 7.0-magnitude earthquake near its capital city of Port- au-Prince, Jan. 12. News agencies are reporting that more than 200,000 peo- ple were killed due to the cataclysmic event. Many more were injured or left homeless and are dependent upon in- ternational emergency aid coming into the Caribbean nation. “Right now what we are doing is re- sponding to the most urgent needs that are there…” said Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. “We are looking at ways that we can provide immediate relief, provide the medical capability that is required, provide the mobility that we can provide with our helicopters and also get some of the ba- sic services back on line again.” CNO said the Navy is prepared to stay as long as it takes to help restore some of the extraordinary damage to the re- gion and help get the citizens of Haiti back on their feet. He also gave many thanks to the men and women who are working around the clock to help the re- lief efforts. “It’s making a difference in so many lives, and I just want to thank you for that,” said Roughead. Photo by MCSN Aaron Shelley The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Photo by MC2 Adrian White Sailors aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transfer supplies Ready Group and embarked elements Lt. Cmdr. Frank Mac, an oral maxillofacial surgeon assigned to the aircraft carrier from a SH-60F Sea Hawk from the Red Lions of Helicopter of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), treats an earthquake victim at the Killick Haitian Coast Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15. Carl Vinson and Carrier arrived off the coast of Haiti Jan. 19 to Guard Base clinic. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting Air Wing (CVW) 17 have received orders from U.S. Southern humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response Command to render humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean provide humanitarian assistance and di- after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince. nation of Haiti, following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake Jan. 12. saster relief for earthquake survivors and bolster relief operations already un- derway in support of Operation Unified Response. MEU and Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) leadership met with Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and his staff on board Vinson to discuss future operations. According to 22nd MEU commanding officer, Col. Gareth F. Brandl, the Navy and Marine Corps units will begin pro- viding assistance as soon as possible. A UN car is covered in rubble the day after an “We are here to support the Haitian earthquake hit Port-au- people in an area that has been hard hit Prince, Haiti. The 7.0- by this disaster,” said Brandl. “As relief magnitude earthquake operations continue, we will further as- that hit Haiti flattened sess the needs of people in the area and the president’s palace, refine how we can best support them the cathedral, hospitals, with the capabilities we bring.” schools, the main The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS prison and whole Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived off the neighborhoods. coast of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 15 AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo to commence humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The air- efforts to Haiti, the gymnasium at Na- craft carrier’s speed, flexibility and val Medical Center Portsmouth was sustainability make it an ideal platform crowded Jan. 15 with 126 staff mem- to carry out relief operations. bers packed and ready to help. “Our initial focus is to concentrate NMCP’s deployers left the medical on saving lives while providing first center by bus on Friday to rendezvous responder support to the people of with the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) Haiti. Our assistance here reflects our in Baltimore to be part of the hospital nation’s compassion and commitment ship’s 550 medical personnel. The ship to those impacted by this tragedy,” said got underway for Haiti the next morn- Rear. Adm. Ted Branch, commander of ing. the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Staff members from Portsmouth par- and the U.S. Navy’s sea-based human- ticipating in the humanitarian mission itarian support mission of Haiti. include doctors, nurses, corpsmen, The carrier arrived on station with a pharmacists, technicians, culinary spe- robust airlift capability, picking up ex- cialists and administrative personnel. tra helicopters while in transit that will Cmdr. William Scouten of NMCP’s prove essential during the mission. Pediatrics department was designated Carl Vinson commanding officer Mission Commander. He said one of Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey said, “When the most important jobs he will have is tasked to support humanitarian assis- making sure every member of his team tance and disaster relief operations in is okay throughout the whole deploy- Haiti, we immediately headed to May- ment. port, Fla., at more than 30 knots and “As a leader, I have to be certain that loaded 19 helicopters, personnel and I check on all the members of the team support equipment from five different and throughout the entire time we are East Coast Navy squadrons in less than gone, to make sure they all realize that eight hours. There is no other platform it is okay to say, ‘I’m depressed, I’m Photo by MCSN Aaron Shelley that can do all of that so quickly.” tired, what we are doing and seeing A Haitian mother comforts her child at the Killick Haitian Coast Guard Base clinic as a member of the Sailors from Navy Expeditionary scares me’,” Scouten said. U.N. security team stands watch. Several U.S. military units, including the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson Combat Command (NECC) loaded “This is not going to be an easy trip,” (CVN 70) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations as their gear on board USS Ft. McHen- he added. part of Operation Unified Response. ry (LSD 43) Jan. 14, in preparation for their deployment to support humanitar- ian assistance and disaster relief. More than 140 Sailors from Mari- For updates time Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 6, assigned to Maritime Ex- on the relief peditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, loaded four patrol boats, communica- efforts in tions gear and other types of equipment to assist with their upcoming mission. Haiti, go to “We’re saving lives, doing our jobs, here to do protection,” said Chief Boat- the Flagship’s swain’s Mate (SW) Richard Glessner, a member of MSRON-6. “There are a lot Facebook of displaced people who heed our help and we’re happy to do our job.” page at www. Another member of MSRON-6 is fac- ing this from a personal perspective. facebook.com/ Boatswain’s Mate ate Seaman Domi- The.Flagship, nique Pierre, who is originally from la Turture, Haiti, is a member of MSRON- or follow the 6, and preparing to deploy along with this squadron. Flagship at “I don’t know if my family is okay, yet,” Pierre said. “But everything hap- twitter.com/ pens for a reason, and we’re going to Photo by MCSN Aaron Shelley help people. I’m ready to do my job.” An air crewman from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 stands next to cases of drinking water that will be The_Flagship. Less than 24 hours after receiving distributed to earthquake survivors. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster word they would be assisting relief relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response. HAITI: Relief efforts under way in Haiti after earthquake Continued from page A1 capital. USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51), a rescue and salvage facility. ship with embarked FBI • On Jan. 14, Comfort dive team arrived Jan. 17 the ship was in a scheduled to conduct surveys and as- maintenance availability. In sessments necessary to the course of 72 hours, the repair the port. This effort Military Sealift command will be reinforced by USNS transformed an industrial Henson (T-AGS-63), an Sailors from the Nimitz- shipboard site into an up and oceanographic survey ship, class aircraft carrier USS ready mobile naval hospital, and USS Bunker Hill (CG Carl Vinson (CVN 70) load fully staffed and equipped 52), which are scheduled to water into an SH-60F Sea with the most up-to-date arrive Jan. 20. Additionally, Hawk helicopter during medical technology, ready to USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE humanitarian relief efforts provide medical care to our 2), a dry cargo ship, and in Port-au-Prince. neighbors in desperate need USNS Sumner (T-AGS-61), Photo by MC2 Daniel Barker in Haiti. an oceanographic survey • USNS Comfort, a 894- ship, are scheduled to arrive foot long ship, has a full Jan. 22. USNS 1st LT Jack Va. lawmakers debate how to honor fallen veterans spectrum of hospital servic- Lummus (T-AK 3011), a dry BY BILL SIZEMORE cumstances would not be included. Cpl. Darrell Schumann of Hampton, es to support disaster relief cargo ship, is scheduled to The Virginian-Pilot That standard is stricter than those who died along with 30 comrades efforts. Comfort has one of arrive Jan. 21. applied in the past to many of the when a helicopter crashed in a sand- the largest trauma facilities USNS Big Horn (T-AO- RICHMOND — There’s little dis- nearly 12,000 Virginians listed on the storm in the Iraqi desert in 2005. in the United States and has 198), a replenishment oiler, agreement that those who lose their memorial, a Virginian-Pilot analysis Under the memorial’s current policy, four X-rays, one CAT scan is supporting the effort by re- lives in war should be honored for found last year. Schumann doesn’t qualify for inclu- unit, an MRI unit, a dental fueling the ships. their sacrifice. But how do you de- At least 1,900 of the veterans - rough- sion. suite, a pharmacy and an op- Navy units supporting termine exactly who qualifies for that ly one in six - listed on the wall died in Del. Bill Janis, R-Henrico County, tometry and lens laboratory. this effort are under the honor? training, plane crashes and other inci- has introduced a competing bill with The ship also maintains up to operational control of U.S. Apparently, it’s not so easy. dents outside of combat. the backing of the memorial’s board. 5,000 units of blood and can Naval Forces Southern A yearlong debate over how to me- Last year, the General Assembly di- Janis, a Navy veteran, is a member of serve as many as 1,000 pa- Command (NAVSO). As the morialize Virginia’s fallen veterans has rected the board to come up with a the board. tients. Navy component command produced two competing measures in consistent standard and report back Janis’ measure would limit those • Navy P-3 Orion aircraft of U.S. Southern Com- the 2010 General Assembly. by Nov. 1. That deadline came and honored on the memorial’s Shrine are conducting aerial sur- mand, NAVSO’s mission is One calls for inscribing the names went, and as lawmakers convened of Memory to those who died from veys of the area affected by to direct U.S. Naval forces of all those who died in combat zones this week for the new session, the is- wounds for which the Purple Heart the earthquake. operating in the Caribbean, on the Virginia War Memorial, a glass- sue was still unresolved. medal was awarded - meaning as a re- • Sailors from Navy Central and South American and-marble structure erected after So Del. Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax, sult of enemy action. Expeditionary Combat Com- regions and interact with World War II on a Richmond hillside introduced a bill requiring that the The bill would also authorize a mand’s Combat Camera, partner nation navies within overlooking the James River. memorial honor all Virginia veter- new memorial wall honoring others Maritime Civil Affairs, Mari- the maritime environment. The other measure would create a ans who have died or been declared who died while serving in the armed time Security, Expeditionary Routine operations include two-tier system at the memorial, sep- missing in action in a designated com- forces. Logistic Support and Seabee counter-illicit trafficking, arating those killed in hostile action bat area under honorable conditions Janis acknowledged that the stan- units, as well as other Navy theater security coopera- from those who died in other ways. since July 1, 1990. dards had been inconsistently applied divers and engineers are sup- tion, military-to-military The first approach has the support of “I just felt the issue had to be dealt in the past but said “that’s hardly a rea- porting disaster response interaction and bilateral the state Veterans of Foreign Wars and with,” Watts said. “We need to move son to change the criteria altogether.” efforts and bring a diverse and multinational training. the family of a 25-year-old Marine who forward and appropriately recognize He said he has researched the me- capability including assess- The last time the Navy died in a helicopter accident in Iraq. those who have honorably sacrificed morial’s history and believes his bill ment, construction, security, supported U.S. disaster re- The other has the backing of the in combat.” reflects the intentions of its founders. civil affairs and logistical sup- lief efforts in Haiti was in war memorial’s board of trustees. Several dozen VFW members from He rejected the notion that his mea- port. September 2008. For 19 days As the legislative session wraps around the state were roaming the sure treats non-combat fatalities as • Various units are pre- the amphibious ship USS up its first week of business, the two halls of the General Assembly Building less honorable than combat deaths. pared to provide assistance Kearsarge using embarked sides are preparing to duke it out. on Thursday lobbying for Watts’ bill. “It’s not second-class status,” Janis with sea-based helicopters, helicopters and amphibious In recent years, the memorial’s The issue seems straightforward to said. “It’s expanding the mission of to include H-53 Sea Stallions landing craft to delivered board has taken the position that only him, said Hal Roesch, a former VFW the memorial.” and H-60 Seahawks. 3.3 million pounds of inter- those Virginians killed in hostile action state commander: “If you died in a Editor’s note: This story originally Another big part of the nationally-donated aid to should be memorialized. That means combat zone, you should be included ran in The Virginian-Pilot on January maritime relief effort is to communities isolated by military service members killed in on that wall.” 15. You can contact the writer by e-mail start the rebuilding of port flooding, and mudslides and accidents and other noncombat cir- He cited the case of Marine Lance at [email protected]. facilities near the Haitian damaged roads. SECTION B FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM January 21, 2010 Three HR bases bring 3 more sets of hands in Haiti BY MC1 (AW) ing and loading equipment TIM COMERFORD onto palettes and securing Commander, Navy Region them. Washburn said the Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs long days of work are just beginning. NORFOLK – It’s a little “We will be working ev- after Noon on Jan. 14 and ery day; digging through it’s already been a long day rubble, shoring up struc- for Battalion Chief Donald tures, providing fi rst-aid Washburn, Dam Neck An- and doing whatever we can nex. He and two others to help people out,” said from the Mid-Atlantic fi re Washburn, a veteran fi re- fi ghting team were activat- fi ghter of 23 years. ed as part of the Federal Washburn said he feels Emergency Management that he is well prepared to Agency’s Virginia Task handle the situation he is Force 2, Urban Search about to face. “I have pretty and Rescue, to deploy to much specialized in techni- Haiti. cal rescues through out my “I got a call last night whole career,” Washburn around 11:30 and I didn’t said. know until two or three in And being a rescue tech- the morning if I was actual- nician is just what is needed ly going,” Washburn said. for becoming part of the “We are waiting on aircraft task force. Technical res- until we can go.” cue refers to those aspects Since then, he and more of saving life or proper- Photo by MC1 Tim Comerford than 80 fi refi ghters from ty that employ the use of Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Firefi ghters Battalion Fire Chief Donald Washburn, from Damn Neck annex, Supervisory the Hampton Roads area tools and skills that exceed Captain Michael Scott From Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and Supervisory Captain Christopher Connelly from Naval have been busy gather- Air Station Oceana are all getting ready to depart for Port Au Prince, Haiti as part of the Federal Emergency Management See TASK FORCE, B7 Agency’s Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue. Reserve units train to combat terrorism on NAS Oceana BY MC2 MADDELIN ANGEBRAND, anti-terrorism assessment tool to with the same scenarios. Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs evaluate watchstanders and small “We can’t set force protection unit leaders in meeting stated delta without our Reserve force VIRGINIA BEACH — The Navy mission essential task-based because it requires much more Navy Reserve Naval Security measures of performance. people,” said Degnan. “By train- Force (NR NSF) Oceana, RNSF “We train sentries to handle ev- ing them on what we do in normal Norfolk, and Commander Navy ery incident at the lowest possible operations with these drills, I can Region Mid-Atlantic Regional Op- level, not escalate an incident into put a Reservist with an active duty erational Center teamed up at something that it is not, but be member and they’ll have the same Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana prepared to escalate the level of response to a situation or scenario to conduct anti-terrorism scenar- force protection when required,” and we all react as one team.” io drills Jan. 9. said NR NSF’s Commanding Offi - Navy security forces stand Photo by MC2 Maddelin Angebrand The drills are part of a new Navy cer Lt. j.g. Kent Davis. watches 24 hours a day, seven Ensign David Compton (right), executive offi cer of Navy Reserve Naval Security Operations Exercise Pro- According to Davis, the drills days a week holidays and week- Security Force Oceana, instructs Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice gram designed to provide ashore help maintain operational readi- ends included. No matter what Shana Dewberry during a Navy Security Operations Exercise Program and afl oat commanders with an ness and prepare master-at-arms the weather conditions; rain, heat, (NSOXP) at Naval Air Station Oceana. for their responsibilities as armed sleet and snow they are prepared watchstanders. to stand their watch. Auto Dealership Placed on ‘Off-Limits’ list by AFDCB NAS Oceana’s Public Safety Every drill weekend the three Assistant Anti-terrorism Offi cer, Reserve units stand watch with NORFOLK –– Tidewater Auto Broker, 5004 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, has been Master-at-Arms 1st Class Ronald their active counterparts provid- placed off-limits by Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic upon the advice and recommendation Degnan helped train the Reserve ing the same standard of security from the Joint Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board (AFDCB). units on two of the 16 different and professionalism. Tidewater Auto Broker was placed off limits as a result of unfair and illegal business practices in drill scenarios which range from “Members of the Navy Reserve violation of Virginia law, specifi cally “bird-dogging.” vehicle or person-borne impro- Naval Security Forces are profes- Bird-dogging is paying or compensating a non-liscensed intermediary in order to sell a motor-ve- vised explosive device attacks to sional master-at-arms,” said Davis. hicle. water and airborne attacks. “For most, standing their post is The safety and security of all service members is a priority with the Department of Defense. The Degnan explained the impor- a patriotic call to duty and not an AFDCB is an investigative committee composed of members from each military service and civilian tance of having the active and obligation. We are proud to be the advisers from commands all around the Hampton Roads area, who work with local law enforcement Reserve components training fi rst and last impression.” agencies and local businesses to prevent unfair and criminal practices against military members. Pulling a jet, all in a day’s work for shipyard team

for the Sheriff’s Offi ce.’ I looked at him like he was crazy but one Saturday in October I met with the rest of the team at the Nor- folk Airport and pulled a Fed-Ex 727 12 feet in 7 seconds for the Special Olympics. Since I have a son with Down’s syndrome, I was more then happy to help the Spe- The Norfolk Naval Shipyard Team cial Olympics with anything. I face off against a FEDEX Airbus 747 was “bit” because it was a strong- during last year’s pull. man type contest.” BY MC1(AW) TIM COMERFORD Then he went on the road. Staff Writer “Later that month I went up to Washington D.C. and competed Pulling a plane takes training in the Nationals,” He said. “We and there is no real off season. came in 4th place out of 80 oth- Thomas Strickland knows this er teams, after that I thought to very well, he has been pulling myself. ‘Why don’t I get the Navy planes for more than 10 years. into this?’ These aren’t single engine aircraft The Navy team, while a good either; the last pull in 2009 had idea, needed some work. the 25 members of Norfolk Naval Photos courtesy Tom Strickland “I formed a Navy team, only 10 Teams are made up of 25 members, who all line up adjacent to a huge rope attached to the aircraft. The starter Shipyard team face off against an signals when to start and starts the stopwatch. After the team pulls the aircraft 12 feet, the stopwatch stops and guys showed up to pull and our 165,000+ pound Airbus. the elapsed time is recorded as the team score. wives helped,” Strickland said. The fi rst Plane Pull was held to “We still had an 8 second pull, benefi t Special Olympics Virgin- $15,000 – and started a phenom- more than $1,000,000 in the past started in 1996. but came in last. They gave us a ia at Dulles International Airport enon. Who would have guessed 15 years for athletes with intel- “Back in 96, I was stationed horse’s ass trophy which is still in in 1992, with eleven teams partic- that someone’s crazy idea to pit lectual disabilities throughout at what was called SIMA (Shore the NSSA/Marmac trophy case.” ipating. Those eleven teams, lead man against machine would sky- the state. The event is so popu- Intermediate Maintenance Activ- The Next year he was at it by some of our law enforcement rocket into a major fund raising lar that Special Olympics has the ity) and an Aux Deputy with the again, this time for the Sheriff’s volunteers who were looking for venture forSpecial Olympics pro- registered trademark on all Plane Chesapeake Sheriff’s Offi ce<>” team. a new and unique way to raise grams throughout the country? Pulls ® that take place. Strickland said. “When Sheriff “In 1997 the Sheriff’s team had money and awareness for Special Plane Pulls held in Northern Strickland has a personal pas- John Newhart came up to me and Olympics athletes, raised almost Virginia and Norfolk have raised sion for this trial of strength that said, ‘I want you to pull a plane See PULLING, B7 HOMEFRONT NEWS Norfolk Restaurant Week TIP The award-winning restaurants of SPOUSE of the week Norfolk will be whipping up chef creations h in a three course fashion for one set price of $20 or $30. Find participating restaurants listed at www.norfolkrestaurantweek.com Military fraternization with links to each of their Web sites. Visit each one to see menus and get directions. BY LINDA PORT tating who we can be friends with or meeting, maybe the cou- Continuum of Resource Education Please call ahead for reservations. what social circles we join. ples go out for dinner (C.O.R.E.) CMC Spouse Committee Admission: $20 or $30 At baseball practice with my son, or two families go to the member Event Dates: Jan. 24 – Jan. 31: 5 p.m. - close (varies by restaurant) when I have met another mom in water park. Seems per- Event location: Downtown Norfolk, Granby Street. Norfolk VA, 23510 There are a handful of different the bleachers, our fi rst questions to fectly normal to me. circumstances where the term Frat- each other was never “what rank is Now suppose your Sail- ernization comes up in military life. your husband.” We meet spouses or is a Petty Offi cer Second Class not be friends and need to follow fully, you can adapt easily if you The most clear cut and basic refer- at all kinds of activities. Our chil- and the other Sailor is a new Chief. rules. The Navy Instructions are need to. As spouses, we probably ence to the term fraternization is dren may meet friends at school or When it is time for evaluations or very specifi cally written to protect don’t often think about the chain of the instruction outlining appropri- in our neighborhoods, and it is only leave chits to be approved, that Chief the integrity of the command struc- command playing a role in our lives ate relationships between military natural for the parents to sometimes may play a role in the process. And, ture so that there is no implication – and it technically doesn’t. But, members of different ranks or pay become friends as well. oh by the way, there is another PO2 of favoritism. It is up to the Sailor especially for a Sailor who plans to grades. For our Sailors, both mar- A tight knit command may have who lives across the street from the to be aware of what they do socially progress in the Navy, it is important ried and single alike, this is part of associations for the various pay Chief. They see that their shipmate that might be misinterpreted or of for them to be aware of the percep- their contract with the Navy and is grades and family socials within dif- visits the Chief’s house pretty often concern to others. Everyone needs tion of others. intended to maintain good order ferent departments and the overall and wonders if that has anything to to use common sense. The chain Please take every opportunity, and discipline for all within individ- command. It is a good thing for a do with why they feel the other Sail- of command, which would respond within Navy circles and in the civil- ual commands and the Navy as a command to encourage camarade- or rarely seems to pull a mid-watch to the perception of someone show- ian sector, to meet people and make whole. rie for the Sailors and their families. or always seems to get picked for ing favoritism or an inappropriate lasting friendships. We do not need For spouses and families, it is a It builds good networks for support “lightweight” or easy chores around relationship, is the bottom line for to go through criteria in our head bit less clear because there are no should there be a need. The Navy the command. Most likely there the Sailor. to decide if we are “allowed” to be “Navy Instructions” to guide or in- encourages spouses and families to is absolutely nothing amiss, but if So if the promotion list comes out friends with someone. No one is form us. I have met spouses with meet and socialize with each other, there is a perception that there is and your spouse makes it and your tagged “off limits” because of rank many points of view and as most but it is good to be mindful about “undue infl uence” that could appear friends do not, it does not mean you or pay grade. However, a Sailor is a know, there is no “one size fi ts all how a friendship might appear to as favoritism somewhere along the can’t socialize with them any more. Sailor even when on liberty or leave answer.” others. line, it could raise an issue or even a You just need to realize that when and their guiding principles and The approach of some spouses is The more complicated side of the formal counseling for that Chief and your friendships include the Sailors understanding of regulations will to be very cautiously aware of rank answer is easier to understand if you maybe the PO2 as well. The scenar- as well, they may give some addi- apply 24/7. Fairness for all Sailors or pay grades. Others proclaim that can try to see why anyone would io could be different, or the Sailors tional thought to make sure no one is what guides the issues of Frater- no one is going to tell them how or ever raise a concern. Just say two could be a Senior Chief and a Lieu- could get the impression that some- nization. with whom they spend their time. spouses or families have become tenant Commander or any other one is gaining an advantage at work The question also comes up often friends through a fi tness class, pay grades. The scrutiny or con- due to the relationship. The con- Linda is a Navy Wife of 23 years. when a Sailor is promoted or select- scouts or sports. In the context of cerns could be the same. cerns that could arise are there to She currently volunteers with COM- ed for a program that may change the class or activity with other chil- The Navy is not implying you protect everyone and ensure fair- PASS, C.O.R.E. and her base their status. dren and families involved, there must turn your back on your ness. And yes, there may be times Chapel. She was the 2007 Hampton The simple part of the answer is would be no problem. The spous- friends if they or their Sailors are when that may cause a need to al- Roads Heroes at Home Spouse of the that spouses and family members es click, kids get along, and they get of a different pay grade or if one ter how you socialize with them, but Year and was personally awarded the do not wear a rank or pay grade. We friendlier. Maybe coffee after the of the Sailors gets promoted. Nor it is up to the Sailors themselves to Presidential Call to Service Award by are not governed by regulations dic- gym or a barbecue after a game or are they saying that spouses can- take that into consideration. Hope- President George W. Bush. Use the Food Guide Pyramid to help plan kids’ diet

BY REBECCA PERRON es of protein. A portion that fi ts in the palm of an adult hand is dren 9-13, years 60mcg (RDA). Military Newspapers of Virginia about 3 ounces. Biotin: Assists metabolic reaction. Infants 0-6 months, Oils – Oils are not a food group, but children need some for 5mcg (RDA); Infants 7-12 months, 6mcg (RDA), Children 1-3 After deciding the new year is a perfect time to make im- good health. Oils from fi sh and nuts and liquid oils such as years 8mcg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 12mcg (RDA; Chil- provements to diets and perhaps even try to lose excess corn oil, soybean oil and canola oil are the healthiest. dren 9-13, years 20mcg (RDA). weight, it is important to understand how much of each food For a tailor-made food pyramid, visit www.mypyramid.gov. Folate: Mediates reactions to metabolism. Infants 0-6 group is an adequate amount and which foods contain those months, 65mcg (RDA); Infants 7-12 months, 80mcg (RDA), most nutrients. While low calorie foods may be the ideal, eat- Nutritional Requirements: Children 1-3 years 150mcg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 200mcg ing nothing but empty calories will not maintain one’s health. Thirteen vitamins are essential for children. The following (RDA);Children 9-13, years 300mcg (RDA). The United States Department of Agriculture has devel- is a list, with brief overview of each, their AI (adequate intake) Pantothenic: Component to coenzyme A (CoA) in life oped the food pyramid that most are familiar with for planning or RDA (recommended daily allowance) in units of MG (milli- sustaining processes. Infants 0-6 months, 1.7mg (RDA); In- how much of each food group should be eaten every day. The gram) or MCG (microgram), via the Institute of Medicine, for fants 7-12 months, 1.8mg (RDA), Children 1-3 years 2mg amount of servings and total calories needed generally de- children ages birth to thirteen years. (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 3mg (RDA);Children 9- pends on age, gender and activity level. Current weight can VITAMIN A: For forming and maintaining healthy bones. 13, years 4mg (RDA). be taken into consideration for children over the age of six. Infants 0-6 months, 400mcg (AI); Infants, 7-12 months 500mcg According to the Food Guide Pyramid, a 2-year-old should (AI); Children 1-3 years, 300mcg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, consume about 1,000 calories per day. The amount by food 400mcg (RDA); Children 9-13 years, 600mcg (RDA). group should be grains – 3 ounces, vegetables – 1 cup, fruits B1: Coenzyme in production of energy. Infants 0-6 months, – 1 cup, milk – 2 cups (ages 2-8), and meat and beans – 2 ounc- 0.2mg (AI); Infants 7-12 months, 0.3mg (AI); Children 1-3 es. Extra calories from fat and sugar should be limited to 165 years, 0.5mg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 0.6mg (RDA); Chil- per day. dren 9-13 years, 0.9mg (RDA). An 11-year-old should consume about 1,800 calories per B2: Processes metabolic pathways for energy. Infants 0-6 day. The amount by food group should be grains – 6 ounces, months, 0.3mg (AI); infants 7-12 months, 0.4mg (AI); Chil- vegetables – 2 ½ cups, fruits – 1 ½ cups, milk – 3 cups (over dren 1-3 years, 0.5mg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 0.6mg age 8), and meat and beans – 5 ounces. Extra calories from fat (RDA); Children 9-13 years, 0.9mg (RDA). and sugar should be limited to 195 per day. B3: For Oxidation-reduction, transfer of electrons. Infants Regardless of the number of servings deemed appropriate, 0-6 months, 2mg (AI); infants 7-12 months, 4mg (AI); Chil- the following guidelines should help ensure the proper nutri- dren 1-3 years, 6mg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 8mg (RDA); ents are received from each food group. Children 9-13 years, 12mg (RDA). Grains - Make half of the grains whole. Look for whole- B6: Assists brain and red blood cells. Infants 0-6 months, grain cereals. Just because bread is brown does not mean it is 0.1mg (AI); Infants 7-12 months, 0.3mg (AI), Children 1-3 whole grain. Search the ingredients list to make sure the fi rst years 0.5mg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 0.6mg (RDA); Chil- word is “whole,” such as “whole wheat.” dren 9-13, years 1mg (RDA). Vegetables - Eat a variety of different colors every day B12: Production of energy from fats and proteins. Infants – such as dark green, light green and orange. Almost 60 per- 0-6 months, 0.4mg (AI); Infants 7-12 months, 0.5mg (AI), cent should come from dark green, dry beans and peas, and Children 1-3 years 0.9mg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 1.2mg starchy vegetables (almost 20 percent each), about 10 percent (RDA); Children 9-13, years 1.8mg (RDA). from orange vegetables and the remaining 30 to 40 percent C: Antioxidant protecting body. Infants 0-6 months, 40mg should be from other vegetables. Four of the healthiest vege- (AI); Infants 7-12 months, 50mg (AI), Children 1-3 years 15mg tables are broccoli, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 25mg (RDA); Children 9-13, years Fruits - Fruits are sweet and delicious. Go easy on the juice 45mg (RDA). though and make it 100 percent only. Whole fruits are healthi- D: Maintains calcium balance, bone density, immune func- er than juice due to processing. The less processing the better tion, and proper cell growth. Infants 0-6 months, 5mcg (RDA); due to the removal of fi ber. For example, apples have more fi - Infants 7-12 months, 5mcg (RDA), Children 1-3 years 5mcg ber than apple sauce, which has more fi ber than apple juice. (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 5mcg (RDA); Children 9-13, years The eight healthiest fruits are blueberries, oranges, bananas, 45mg (RDA). apples, kiwis, grapes, strawberries and papayas. E: Antioxidant against free radicals. Infants 0-6 months, Milk - Get essential bone-building calcium from this group. 4mg (RDA); Infants 7-12 months, 5mg (RDA), Children 1-3 Check the label to make sure milk, yogurt or cheese is lowfat years 6mg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 7mg (RDA); Children or fat-free. The presence of Vitamin D is a bonus, since D is re- 9-13, years 11mg (RDA). quired to absorb calcium. K: Calcium-binding processor. Infants 0-6 months, 2.0mcg Meat - Lean and lowfat meat, chicken, turkey and fi sh, as (RDA); Infants 7-12 months, 2.5mcg (RDA), Children 1-3 well as nuts seeds, peas, beans and eggs are all great sourc- years 30mcg (RDA); Children 4-8 years, 55mcg (RDA); Chil- H1N1 AWARENESS Navy Region Mid-Atlantic personnel still receiving H1N1 vaccine

STORY AND PHOTOS BY (NMCP) corpsmen set up a conveyor MC2 MANDY HUNSUCKER like line, Jan. 14, in the rotunda of build- Staff Writer ing N-21 where CNRMA personnel filed in to receive the shot. NORFOLK – Commander, Navy Re- “We are here to help prevent the gion Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) active-duty H1N1 flu virus from spreading, by get- and civilian personnel, working at Naval ting all of the commands in Hampton Station Norfolk, received the H1N1 flu Roads vaccinated,” said Hospital Corps- vaccination during the national Influen- man Seaman Kenneth Elejorde, NMCP. za Week that took place Jan. 10 - 16. “Currently we are giving the inactivated Navy Medical Center, Portsmouth virus, which is injected into your shoul- der. Once injected, it should take your body up to two weeks to build an immu- nity to the virus.” Elejorde, and other corpsman pres- ent, took turns helping personnel fill out a health questionnaire and giving the injections. As Elejorde was injecting CNRMA personnel, another corpsman was filling new syringes and disposing of the used ones, and another was keep- A Corpsman from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, injects the H1N1 influenza vaccine into ing track of the health questionnaires. the shoulder of Quartermaster Seaman Iesha Hawkins during a command-wide sweep of Viles of the vaccine, along with numer- Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlanitc, Jan. 14. ous syringes were visible, which made some Sailors hesitant. mist. I just don’t like needles.” said Fuston. Getting these shots is good “The Navy requires us to get the H1N1 Command Master Chief (SW/AW) for the Navy because they help keep us vaccine so that we don’t get sick and so John Fuston agreed with Hawkins about ready, at hand, for whatever might hap- we can continue to do our jobs,” said the vaccine helping CNRMA personnel pen. If people are sick, it doesn’t work.” Quartermaster Seaman Iesha Hawkins, stay on task. For more information about the H1N1 CNRMA administrative department. “I “This is about readiness. Any time we influenza virus, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/ understand that, but I don’t like having can prevent sickness by taking shots, CNIC_HQ_Site/OperationPrepare/Flu- The H1N1 influenza vaccine is injected into to get the shot. I’d rather have gotten the whether it be for flu or H1N1, we’ll do it,” Information/index.htm. the shoulder. Presidential Proclamation − National Flu Vaccination Week

A PROCLAMATION: know that influenza vac- for H1N1 flu-related complications and OBAMA, President of the United States cination is the best way should get the vaccine as soon as pos- of America, by virtue of the authority Since the first United to protect ourselves sible. Those not at high risk can protect vested in me by the Constitution and States cases were identi- against the flu, and my themselves and prevent the virus from the laws of the United States, do here- fied in April of last year, Administration moved spreading to more vulnerable members by proclaim the week of January 10-16, our Nation has witnessed swiftly to respond to of their families and communities by 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination the worldwide spread of this threat by assisting getting vaccinated as well. Week. I encourage all Americans to ob- the H1N1 influenza virus. in the development of a This week presents a window of oppor- serve this week by getting the H1N1 flu To date, tens of millions vaccine, which is now tunity for us to prevent a possible third vaccine if they have not yet done so, and of Americans have con- widely available and has wave of H1N1 flu in the United States. I by asking their families, friends, and co- tracted this virus. While shown to be both safe strongly encourage those who have not workers to do the same. the vast majority of those and effective. yet received the H1N1 flu vaccine to do IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affected have recovered Every American has so. Visit flu.gov to find vaccination sites hereunto set my hand this eighth day President Barack Obama without incident, an un- a role to play in fighting in communities across our country and of January, in the year of our Lord two usually high proportion the H1N1 flu. Expectant to stay informed. Together, we can all thousand ten, and of the Independence of children and younger adults have mothers, children, young adults, and all fight the H1N1 flu and help protect our of the United States of America the two developed serious complications, result- those under the age of 65 with chron- families, friends, and neighbors. hundred and thirty-fourth. ing in hospitalization or even death. We ic health conditions are at high risk NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK – BARACK OBAMA CREDO NORFOLK Local CREDO (Norfolk) Navy Region Mid-Atlantic

Retreats/Workshops women’s retreat is specifically de- sonal growth workshop is two days Jan. 21 - June 10 signed for women to reflect on their long and is included in the Navy’s service times journey as a woman, their spiritual BEARINGS program. Attendee’s All retreats are free, including path in the company of other wom- are normally first or second term LDS PROGRAMS room and meals. Retreats are open en and to re-energize for work and Sailors. JEB Little Creek Chapel Worship Schedule: to active duty military, active re- family. Through readings, small Noon — Sun. Worship (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) servists, DOD civilians and their groups and other exercises wom- Applied Suicide Intervention 8 p.m. — Wed. Bible Study dependent family members. Retir- en are helped to reconnect and as Skills Training (ASIST) (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) ees and inactive reservists or their needed to look at their hopes, de- TBD dependent family members may at- sires, fears and dreams. tend on a space available basis. All Applied Suicide Intervention NAVAL STATION NORFOLK participants must present a val- IA Warrior Transition Retreat Skills Training (ASIST) – ASIST ROMAN CATHOLIC PROTESTANT id DOD ID card. Transportation is TBD is a two-day interactive workshop Our Lady of Victory Chapel David Adams Memorial provided to the PGR, SGR, SR, WR, for identified Command Person- Mass Schedule: Chapel Worship Services: and as needed to the WTR. IA Warrior Transition Retreat nel, Chaplains, RPs and selected 5 p.m. — Sat. 10:30 a.m.— Sun. All retreats are held Friday to (WTR) – This is a extend oppor- DOD/DON personnel. Best Prac- (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) Worship Sunday unless otherwise noted. tunity designed to assist returned tice: Recommend each Command’s 10 a.m.— Sun. Wednesday Services: Pre-registration is required; call IAs with their readjustment from Suicide Prevention Program have 11:45 a.m.— Mon.- Fri. 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.— Bible 444-7654/1091 to register or for in- GWOT deployments. Participants ASIST Trained “First Responders.” (except holidays) Study Noon “Lunch formation. Registration is open for will be provided the chance to ad- 1.3 CEUs for Active /Reserve. Confessions: with the Lord” all retreats. However, we do not dress lingering readjustment 4:15 p.m. Sat. take registration for Marriage En- challenges or issues they may be IA Warrior Transition Workshop For more information call richment Retreats until two months facing because of their IA deploy- Scheduled on demand at Naval Station Norfolk Chapel 444-7361 before their scheduled date. ment. During the retreat IAs share command location or at their experience with other IAs as other designated location, Personal Growth Retreat they learn to discriminate between the workshop is 2 hours. JEWISH PROGRAMS March 2 - 4 (Tues. - Thurs.) normal readjustment experiences June 11 - 13 (Tentative) and possible stress injuries. Individual Augmentee (IA) War- Commodore Uraih P. Levy Chapel: Jewish services are rior Transition Workshop (WTW) at Norfolk chapel in Building C7 on the Second Floor Personal Growth Retreat (PGR) – Spiritual Growth Retreat – This is a practical two-hour self- every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Building C7 is located at 1630 Participants often described PGRs TBD assessment workshop designed for Morris St. on Naval Base Norfolk. For more information as a positive “turning point” in their all Individual Augmentees (IA) af- call 444-7361 or 7363. lives. PGRs provide a safe-space Spiritual Growth Retreat (SGR) ter having returned from IA duty and a proven opportunity for self- – Participants focus on develop- for two or more months. The WTW MUSLIM PROGRAMS reflection and development of new ing their core spiritual life. A SGR will help IAs identify any assistance Masjid al Da’wah personal and spiritual viewpoints uses both personal and group exer- they may need or help them self- 2nd Floor (Bldg. C-7): Muslim services are on life issues. This retreat is not de- cises that are oriented around rest, confirm that they are experiencing at Norfolk chapel every Friday at 1:30 p.m. signed to fix or diagnose problems; re-creation, and reflection to aid a normal readjustment. rather it is an opportunity for par- personnel spiritual growth. Spiritu- ticipants to find hope and healing ality is broader than any particular CREDO is a program of the Navy JEB LITTLE CREEK CHAPEL through the sharing of their story faith tradition, so participants may Chaplain Corps. The CREDO in a supportive community pro- come from various faith back- programs and personnel are opera- ROMAN CATHOLIC Confessions: cess. grounds. tionally focused, family supportive, Mass Schedule: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. — Sat. and flexible in the provision of min- 5 p.m.— Sat. PROTESTANT Family Enrichment Retreat Single Sailor/ istry. The CREDO SFD’s efforts are (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) 9 a.m. — Sun. School February 19-21 Marine Retreat designed to meet these service de- 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. — Sun. (4 years-Adult) April 6-8 (Tues. - Thurs.) TBD mands by 1. Maximizing operational 11:30 a.m. — Tues. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. — Sun. impact; 2. Offering standard retreat (except holidays) Divine Worship, Family Enrichment Retreat (FER) Single Sailor Retreat (SR) – Sin- and training programs; 3. Clarifying Children’s Church – Families, in an interactive meth- gles enter into an interactive process responsibilities. (Ages 4-10) od, learn practical skills based on that provides them many opportuni- PWOC: Bible Study at the Chapel Annex Every Wed. proven principals that can help re- ties to care for the body, Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: 10 a.m. - noon solve conflict, build encouragement mind and spirit while hav- PWOC: Evening Bible Study Every Mon.: 7 p.m. within families and instill effective ing fun. Personal Latter Day Saints Coffeehouse discipline to bring out the best in awareness, self- 11:30 a.m. — Sun. 6 p.m. — Sun. each family member. FERs include management and time for families to rest and play to- relationship de- For more information call JEB gether. (The IA FER is reserved for velopment will be Little Creek Chapel 462-7427 families of recently returned IAs or emphasized throughout that are deployed. The retreat in- the retreat. cludes space to address IA related issues.) CREDO Team Member Retreat ON A GOOD DAY Marriage Enrichment Retreat TBD Our worth is tested every day. We are given the January 22 - 24 choice of being nice to people or uncharitable. We February 5 - 7 CREDO Retreats are given the choice of doing our work as well as we March 12 - 14 enhance the Navy can or of goofi ng off. Some days it seems the tests March 26 - 28 Chaplain Corps goal are harder than on others, but every day brings with April 16 - 18 (Tentative) of developing spiritu- it some kind of test. Even the really good days! May 14 - 16 (Tentative) ally fit sea warriors To have everything go wonderfully for us, to feel and family who are like a million dollars, to have one of those days when Marriage Enrichment Retreats trained in ethics, mor- nothing and nobody can upset us, they are days (MER) – MERs focus on deepen- ally grounded, family when we might think we don’t need God. And so we ing married couple’s commitment, supportive, spiritual- pay Him little attention. MISTAKE! BIG MISTAKE! self-understanding and of each ly ready, sustained We must never forget our good days are God’s gifts other while ensuring space for in- in her/his religious CREDO to give us a breather, a taste of heaven. dividual couple time. Couples are freedom, and mis- MID-ATLANTIC “Make no mistake about this,” writes St. James, responsible for setting up their own sion capable. “Every genuine benefi t comes from above, descend- childcare. MERs help enrich mar- REGION ing from the Father of the heavenly luminaries.” riages and are not a substitute for Personal Growth Good days are made in heaven. Be sure to thank God marital or individual counseling. Workshops For Information for them. (BEARINGS) or Registration Women’s Retreat Per BEARING’s Please – CDR Gary Simons, CHC, USN TBD schedule Call 444-7654 Women’s Retreat (WR) – The PGW – The per- (DSN 565) K9 CORNER Pet safety: Winter pet hazards BY ARMY CAPT. TACIA with hypothermia can show E. DESPO, DVM, VC a variety of clinical signs MADVC Norfolk from shivering to being Naval Station Branch unresponsive. The most im- As the weather gets cold- One of the portant thing to do is move er, your pet can be exposed most deadly the pet to a warm area and to multiple hazards that can substances contact a veterinarian im- affect their health. mediately. One of the most dead- of the winter Animals are more accli- ly substances of the winter season is mated to cold weather but season is ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, can still feel the effects of the active ingredient of the active cold temperatures, espe- Chocolate toxicity Antifreeze. Antifreeze is cially if they live outside. ingredient of BY ARMY CAPT. TACIA E. odorless and a very sweet Pets keep warm by moving to ingest one candy bar to DESPO, DVM, VC taste and so pets may be Antifreeze. around more or shivering. cause problems. MADVC Norfolk tempted to drink it. Un- So, they will burn more Naval Station Branch Chocolate intoxi- fortunately, it only takes calories. Some pets will cation can cause the a small amount to cause need extra food in the win- As Valentine’s Day is following clinical signs problems. For example, a is that ethylene ter to maintain a proper quickly approaching, there vomiting, diarrhea, hyper- 50 pound dog would need glycol is toxic imme- completely preventive body weight. If your pet will be more chocolate to activity, tremors, seizures, to ingest approximately 2 diately and cause damage if owners to take the prop- lives inside, it more like- temp humans and pets abnormal heart beat or cups of antifreeze. An aver- to internal organs. So, it is er precautions. Store all ly they will gain weight alike. Your pet might give death in severe cases. age size cat needs to ingest imperative to seek medical antifreeze away from pets. due to decrease activity. you those puppy dog eyes The treatment and prog- less than 2 tablespoons. care immediately. If you believe your pet has If your pet is getting less or beg prettily, but unfor- nosis is dependent on how Clinical signs of toxicity Treatment and prognosis ingested antifreeze, contact exercise, it might be nec- tunately chocolate is toxic long ago the pet ate choc- depend on how much the is dependent on how soon an emergency veterinary essary to decrease your to pets. Cats are unlikely to olate and the amount. It is pet has swallowed and how after ingestion treatment immediately. pet’s food until the weath- eat chocolate, but as many always important to contact long ago it occurred. After occurs. There is an “anti- Here are some other tips er improve. dog owners know, dogs a veterinarian if you be- ingestion, a dog or cat can dote” which binds to the for giving your pet a safe Never use a heat blan- will eat just about anything lieve your pet has ingested begin to drink a lot and/or ethylene glycol to make it and happy winter season. ket or space heater in the including chocolate. chocolate; they will be able urinate a lot. They might less toxic. But this is not ef- Hypothermia is defi ned vicinity of your pet. This The toxic compound in to best judge the correct have vomiting or diarrhea. fective unless the ingestion as a core body tempera- will increase your risk of chocolate is theobromine, course of treatment. If the They can show signs of was caught early. General- ture below 100.5 F (normal a house fi re. Also, heating a derivative of caffeine. pet ate the chocolate very alcohol intoxication (stum- ly, the treatment is to allow body temp for dogs and blankets can cause burns to Different types of choco- recently, a small amount, bling around, stupor). The the toxic substance to run cats is 101-102.5 F). Hypo- pets if laid directly on your late have different levels or the less toxic milk choc- kidneys will begin to shut its course and see how the thermia can result from pet. Use hot water bottles of theobromine. Baking olate, a veterinarian might down and an electrolyte pet does. Unfortunately, the very low ambient tempera- wrapped in clothing, extra chocolate has the most suggest making your pet imbalance will occur. The prognosis is usually grave. tures or being submerged blankets, or straw to keep theobromine, and so dogs vomit the food or not to important thing to note Antifreeze toxicity is in cold/freezing water. Pets your pet warm. need to ingest less baker’s worry. The treatment for Virginia has relatively chocolate to cause toxicity. more severe cases is usu- mild winters, but there are Semisweet and dark choc- ally supportive meaning patches of wintery weath- olate have the next highest the chocolate is allowed to er that can affect your pet’s levels of theobromine, fol- work its way through the health. lowed by milk chocolate. pet and support as needed. The Norfolk Veterinary To put it in perspective, The Norfolk Veterinary Treatment Facility offers a 50 lb dog would need to Treatment Facility offers routine preventive medicine ingest 20 ounces of milk routine preventive medicine such as minor sick call, vac- chocolate (approximately such as minor sick call, vac- cines, and health certifi cates 15 Hershey’s candy bars) cines, and health certifi cates to all active duty and retired or 7 oz of dark chocolate to all active duty and retired military. The VTF is locat- or 2.3 oz of baking choco- military. The VTF is locat- ed at 9200 1st Ave, Bldg late to cause toxicity. That ed at 9200 1st Ave, Bldg U-121, behind the Navy Ed- seems like a lot of milk U-121, behind the Navy ucation Center. Hours of chocolate. But pets will Education Center. Hours operation are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. usually eat as much of an il- of operation are 8 a.m. - 4 Monday through Saturday. licit substance as possible. p.m. Monday through Sat- If I were a human, I would be a GQ Please call 445-0922 for an Since the toxicity is weight urday. Please call 445-0922 model. I have beautiful fur and long appointment or questions on dependent, a 5 lb dog such for an appointment or ques- legs that I am not afraid to show off! your pet’s health. as a Chihuahua only needs tions on your pet’s health. I love to talk and no doubt you will hear my meow calling to you as you walk in to the Cat Tail Lounge. This is where I spend most of my time because I do not do well I’m ready and waiting in a kennel. I have a favorite for my forever home! bumble bee toy that you may fi nd me snuggling with. I am a wonderful boy and would much rather snuggle with you, though. I play a little hard to get at fi rst but that is because (and don’t tell anyone) I am a bit scared; but I warm up quickly. I just Viewing Hours: Individuals interested in adopting want to know that you want me…you animal companions can visit the Norfolk really, really want me. XOXO, SPCA during our viewing hours: Marble 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily Marble 8181311 4 years, 7 months Male/Neutered The Norfolk SPCA is located at: 916 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, VA

Norfolk SPCA Adoption Fees: Puppies: $150; Adult Dogs: $150; Cats/Kittens: $100; Rabbits: $50; Guinea Pigs: $25; Hamsters & Rats: $10

Adoption Fees Include: General health exam, animal’s spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, heartworm test, 1st month’s fl ea preventative, 1st month’s heartworm medication, microchip and microchip registration and a free 30 day pet health insurance policy. Rabies vaccination is included if the animal is old enough for one upon adoption. For more information, please call the Norfolk SPCA at 757.622.3319 Navy sponsors 2010 Hispanic Games in New York City

Photos by Lt. Cmdr. Karen E. Eifert Rear Adm. Robin M. Watters, Reserve Deputy and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, starts the women’s sprint heat during the 16th annual Hispanic Track and Field Games. The Navy- sponsored event attracted more than 7,000 high school graduates and their parents. The games also provided an opportunity for the Navy to showcase educational and employment opportunities while promoting a culture of fitness.

Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Torey L. Johnson speaks with a student about job opportunities in the Navy during the 16th annual Hispanic Track and Field Games.

BY MC1 NORA PEREZ first-rate college education versity Directorate. Future Chief of Naval Personnel - Diversity Directorate with all expenses paid and events include mentoring Public Affairs the Naval Reserve Officer programs, leadership train- Training Corps (NROTC), ing conferences, job fairs NEW YORK — The where most college ex- and events that correspond Navy sponsored the 16th penses are paid at over 160 with national observances. Annual Hispanic Games at participating colleges and “Academically, these A student participates in the long jump during the 16th annual Hispanic Track and Field the Armory New Balance universities across the Unit- are the very best students Games. Track and Field Center in ed States.” that play any sport in high New York City Jan. 9. Sanders said the Navy school across the country,” More than 5,000 stu- day at the Armory is an said Larry Rawson, track dent athletes of diverse exciting event that com- and field commentator for backgrounds representing bines the great spectacle of the ESPN network for the more than 250 high schools high school track and field past 30 years. from the Northeast region with an interest in one of Lawson said that, from competed in the nation’s America’s great national in- an admission’s office stand- largest indoor track-and- stitutions. point, colleges across the field event. Reserve Deputy and country are interested in According to Dr. Nor- Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific these students because of bert Sander Jr., executive Fleet Rear Adm. Robin M. the discipline and goal set- director of the Armory, the Watters, was the guest of ting they demonstrated annual event pays tribute to honor and keynote speaker throughout the year. the community of Washing- at the Hispanic Games. He Daniel Zamora, a 17-year ton Heights, a predominate talked about why diversity old from East Meadow Hispanic community. was important to the Unit- High School in Long Island “This is a great opportu- ed States Navy. competed in the long jump nity for our student athletes “Our country is diverse. and 55-meter dash. to become acquainted with As a Navy we are a reflec- “I play football and use the terrific programs the tion of the country, thus we this event to keep in shape Navy offers to high school ought to be diverse with re- for the football season,” he graduates,” Sander said. spect to the kind of people said. “It’s also a good way to “They have a chance that come into the Navy,” fill up my schedule.” for an appointment at the said Watters. The Navy Diversity Di- U.S. Naval Academy in An- This was the first event of rectorate’s mission is to napolis, Md. or receive a the year for the Navy’s Di- provide Navy leadership with the tools and re- sources to help create and sustain a cultural aware- ness that values diversity and an environment where every individual prospers and contributes to the mis- sion. For more informa- tion about the Navy Diversity, visit www.npc. navy.mil/CommandSup- port/Diversity/. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Diver- sity Directorate, visit www. navy.mil/local/cnp-diversi- ty/. TASK FORCE: Firefighters bring experience, tools to search for victims Continued from page B1 rescue, and building collapse res- deployment, I have been on the thing they could think cue, among others. team for about five or six years of. “We are bring- those normally reserved for fire For Michael Scott, Supervisory now and had a whole lot of train- ing everything and fighting, medical emergency, and Captain at Little Creek and Chris- ing, I am ready to put it to use,” the kitchen sink,” rescue. These disciplines include topher Connelly, supervisory Scott said. “I have only been on Connelly said. rope rescue, swiftwater rescue, Captain at NAS Oceana, this mis- the FEMA Team for two years and “Common tools confined space rescue, ski rescue, sion represents a culmination of this is also my first deployment.” like you have cave rescue, trench/excavation years of training. “This is my first The team brought every- in your garage up to special breaching equipment and computer based search and rescue programs.” But search is only one of their jobs, the Urban other is rescue. “We are all Search trained up to ALS (Advanced and Rescue Life Support or paramedic) level specializes in confined space rescue and trench and we bring everything that we excavation rescue and building would need for providing medi- rescue. cal help for the people that we are rescuing as well as ourselves,” order to make it safe,” Scott said. Connelly said. But all of them are looking for- They may need to give medical ward to helping. “I am 100 percent help to their fellows if a structure excited, I’m looking forward to collapses on a searcher, but they using the skills we learned in train- trust in their teammates to keep ing,” Connelly said. them safe. “We have structur- “We are ready to go. This is al specialists that come with us. something we like to do, we like to Photos by MC1 Tim Comerford They do a risk management anal- help out,” Washburn added. A member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue watches as civilians put cargo netting over the equipment that the task force is bringing with them to do their ysis and let us know what is safe “Without a shadow of a doubt,” mission in Port Au Prince, Haiti. and not safe or tell us what to do in Scott agreed. PULLING: NNSY Team looks to 2010 YWCA Women of pull off a Virginia victory in 2010 Distinction Awards The Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA) of South Hampton Continued from page B1 shipyard, from Deck plate the old rule, ‘If you can do Roads is currently accepting nominations for the 2010 Women of Distinction to desk jobs,” We have a eight then increase the Awards. some Deputies that couldn’t great mix.” weight. I weigh 245 pounds Now in its 22nd year, this prestigious award recognizes twelve outstanding go, so they asked me to He went on to receive 1st but I bench press more than women who have made significant contributions to the South Hampton Roads come along. The minute I place Virginia Champions most people credit card community through their professional activities and volunteer efforts. Catego- stepped on the bus my fel- in 1998 with 6 sec pull, then score,’ He said. “I have to, ries of nomination are: Arts, Business, Communications, Education, Finance, low deputies rode me like became the 1999 National because planes don’t move Government, Law, Medicine, Military, Non-profit, Science/Technology and Trigger all the way to DC. Champions with 4 sec pull. by asking them nicely.” Volunteerism. ‘Hey Strick were your Navy After getting Second place And he knows what to do Nominees are evaluated in four areas of consideration: professionalism and wives at? Hahahaha.’ Again, at the Virginia Plane Pull with a body that wants to leadership; volunteerism and civic activities; impact of community accomplish- we came in 4th, and that in 2009, Strickland looks to pull. ments and the exemplification of the YWCA’s goals of eliminating racism and quieted them down but I ramp up. “I know by looking at empowering women. was still mad. That Monday “Well getting ready for someone where to put them Awards will be presented at a noon luncheon at the Norfolk Waterside Mar- I started to form a plan and this year, I found my old on the rope, what side is riott on Thursday, April 15. that plan was to do every- friends at Oceana and they stronger, and whether they Nomination forms, guidelines and additional information are available at the thing in my power to beat were more than support- are an Anchor, Front beef YWCA website at www.ywca-shr.org. The submission deadline for all nomina- my own Sheriff’s office. ive for the pull, you can see or speed guy. Let’s just say tions is Monday, February 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. With a plan in place he en- us practicing on the vid- I got more pulls in me then listed help from the Navy. eo on our Facebook page, a lawnmower,” Strickland “I formed a plan with my US Navy/NNSY Plane Pull said. best friend and team mem- Team,” Strickland said. Strickland says he’s ber Darran “Rocko” Reed “This year we plan on having thankful for the support that who has been with me on more practices to get ready the team gets from both each and every pull since for September 25. At prac- the Navy and civilian com- 1997,” he said. “We talked tice I show the first timers munity and appreciates the about what we need and I the part of the rope I want support that the workplaces mentioned to him that the them at and how to get in have given his team. Sheriff’s office uses to Fire position -- Toes always fac- “We hope to give each and trucks and such. Then I ing the plane, leading back, every person who has any- said, ‘Hey, we’re the Navy, chopping feet to build up thing to do with the Navy the we have planes!’ After a few speed and my secret tech- chance if he or she wants to hand shakes at Naval Air nique.” pull the plane,” Strickland Station Oceana, we got the In order to become part said. “If they want to try support of the Globe Mas- of the team some training by forming different teams ters VR-56 and got to pull of your body is necessary. they can try and enter one the SECNAV’s own Norfolk Strickland makes sure of the three contests. The C9.” his body is ready for the speed pull for the fastest His team is both Sailors pull. time, the light team – seeing and civilians. “I do power lifting and who can pull the plane and “The team consists of 50 heavy legs once a week, lots with the lightest team (each percent U.S. Navy, Active of back exercise and con- team gets weighed on a car- Duty, which is stationed centrate on lower back so I go scale) and most money here at NNSY and the oth- don’t get hurt. I put every- raised for the Special Olym- er 50 percent is NNSY thing into the pull so to get pics, each team has to get employees from all over the ready I make sure I obey $1000 for the entry fee.”