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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family Vol. 18, No. 24, Norfolk, VA FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM June 17, 2010 SECNAV discusses future of alternative energy BY MC1 DOUG KIMSEY es in supporting the nation’s key Naval War College Public Affairs objectives. The two-day forum is hosted annually by SECNAV. NEWPORT, R.I. — The sec- “It’s a matter of making sure retary of the Navy (SECNAV) that when we need those ships at ay Mabus shared his vision of a sea, when we need those aircraft greener Navy and Marine Corps in the air, when we need the Ma- team, one that is more energy in- rines on the ground, we have the dependent, but still remaining energy produced right here in the greatest maritime force in the the United States to do that,” said world, during a keynote address Mabus. at the Naval War College’s 61st Mabus, a former governor of Current Strategy Forum in New- Mississippi, U.S. Ambassador to port, R.I., June 9. Saudi Arabia and surface warfare “It’s a matter of energy inde- offi cer, gave examples of efforts pendence, it’s a matter of our to become less dependent on for- security,” said Mabus of the need eign fossil fuels. for the Navy and Marine Corps “In April, we fl ew the Green to reduce dependence on foreign Hornet, an F-18 Hornet. The fossil fuels. Green Hornet, a regular off-the- Attended by more than 1,200 shelf F-18, supersonic, fl ew on a participants, the 2010 confer- mixture of regular gasoline and ence explored the theme of “The biofuel, biofuel made from came- Global System in Transition” lina,” said Mabus. by examining U.S. foreign poli- Camelina is a small mustard cy in the emerging global order, seed that has the potential to be Photo by MC2 Kevin S. O’Brien the strategic leadership opportu- grown in rotation with wheat in Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus delivers the keynote address during the 2010 Current Strategy nities for the United States and Forum at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. the role of the maritime servic- See ENERGY, A9 Saving Louisiana’s wildlife

Photo by MC1 Chad J. McNeeley Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses graduates at the 2010 Pardee RAND Graduate School commencement ceremony in Santa Monica, Calif., on June 12. Pardee Rand provides graduate programs in public policy created to train future leaders in the public and private sectors in policy analysis.

Photo by Coast Guard Petty Offi cer Caleb Critchfi eld Jaden M. Kifer, a trained bird rescue worker (L) holds an oiled pelican while Ricardo A. Fernandez (R) “It’s time to act” measures the bird’s body temperature, alertness and level of oiling at the Oiled Wildlife Triage center in Grand Isle, La., June 12. Workers bring oiled wildlife to the triage center for assessment and brief cleaning before they transport them to Fort Jackson, Fla., for in-depth cleaning, rehabilitation and release. Adm. Mullen talks partnerships, giving with post-grad students Service bonds mother with daughter BY LISA DANIEL American Forces Press Service changes of the future,” said STORY AND PHOTO BY MC3 DESIREE GREEN Now, after several homecomings that Cundiff Mullen. “Bold leadership certain- Amphibious Squadron Eight (CPR-8) Public Affairs attended for her mother, she is experiencing her WASHINGTON — “It’s time ly is in order. We need leaders fi rst deployment aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4), cur- to act,” the chairman of the Joint with strength of character, broad USS NASSAU — Growing up as a military brat, rently operating in the 5th Fleet area of operation. Chiefs of Staff told 41 people re- perspective and sharp insight.” Marine Cpl. Amanda Cundiff of the 24th Marine Coincidentally, Drouse is also deployed to the area ceiving post-graduate degrees Since its start, RAND has Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) Combat Logistics aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). in public policy during his com- driven technology and military Battalion looked up to her mother, Logistics Spe- “It’s hard with us both being deployed at the same mencement address at Pardee advancements with its research cialist 1st Class Penny Drouse. time,” said Drouse. “You can still keep in touch via RAND Graduate School in Santa and analysis, said Mullen. Now “I was so proud,” said Cundiff, “I talked about her E-mail, but you can’t call and talk to each other like Monica, Calif., June 12. 60 years later, the world is a dif- all the time. My friends would ask; ‘Your mom’s Noting that “there can’t possi- ferent place, “fl atter, faster and coming home next month, right?’ They all knew.” See DEPLOYMENT, A9 bly be any more school” for most inextricably interconnected,” and of the graduates – 28 of whom ob- where change has become the tained doctoral degrees – Navy norm, the admiral said. Adm. Mike Mullen encour- “Whatever happens in the fu- aged them to build relationships ture, we’re simply going to have and partnerships to turn their to be able to adjust,” said Mullen. academic achievements into real- “That’s why our strategies and world successes. policies should constantly strug- “It’s time to act. Continue to gle with each other.” broaden your partnerships, let Analysis must be timely, non- your studies evolve with soci- partisan, adaptive and objective, ety’s needs and always live up to said Mullen. “In order for your the greatest ideals of your pro- analysis to shape the world we’re fession,” said Mullen. “Then, and living in, you must be the an- only then, will you be relevant swer,” he said. But, “being the and truly be the answer.” answer is more than just having The graduation comprised “a the right answer. The most rigor- gathering of trail blazers and in- ous, well-reasoned, quantitative novators,” said Mullen. And, analysis in world will fail and fall when he thinks about those who on deaf ears if the analyst ignores make a real-world impact, Mullen relationships.” said RAND Corp. comes to mind. Policy analysts need to un- RAND – which stands for Re- derstand the world from others’ search and Development – is a perspectives, the chairman said. Marine Cpl. Amanda Cundiff of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) Combat Logistics Battalion holds nonprofi t think-tank. “No E-mail, no phone call, no a picture of her mother, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Penny Drouse. Drouse is currently aboard USS Dwight “The education you earned D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), which is at sea in the same region as Nassau. here positioned you to lead the See CHALLENGES, A9

INSIDE: NATURE CONSERVATION A8 FRONT AND CENTER B1 OFF DUTY C1 Where eagles soar Naval Station Norfolk’s Hampton Roads Indian Head, Md. plays green roof project turns up the heat part in the salvation of one The Navy Legal Service build- Check out the major concert of America’s most precious ing is the first in this bio-friendly line-ups for the summer. resources, the Bald Eagle. project. Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is: Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel

The Flagship® is produced by Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic staff. The editorial content of this newspaper and any supplement is prepared, edited and provided by the public affairs offi ce of Commander Navy Region Mid- Atlantic. Regional program manager for Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is

Public Affairs Director Beth Baker Well under way, Offi cial says Editorial Staff Managing Editor BY DONNA MILES their GS pay level. Micheal Mink American Forces Press Service The military services and De- Deputy Managing Editor fense Department components have MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford WASHINGTON — The transition launched information and education Editorial Assistant of Defense Department civilian em- campaigns to ensure their workers un- MC3 Samantha L. Rivero ployees from the National Security derstand how the NSPS transition will Graphic Designer Personnel System (NSPS) is proceed- affect them, James told the committee. David Todd ing, with 75 percent of the workforce In addition, the NSPS website is up- Off Duty Editor / Designer expected to be transferred into dated regularly to provide employees Tim Rafalski the General Schedule (GS) clas- the most up-to-date reference mate- The Flagship® is an authorized sification and pay system by late rials and training modules on the GS publication for members of the military September, the defense official over- system and performance management services and their families. Its contents do not necessarily refl ect the offi cial views of seeing the effort told Congress, June basics. the U.S. government, the Department of 9. James noted the challenges asso- Defense, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement More than 53,000 defense civilian ciated with transferring employees thereof. employees who had been enrolled between two fundamentally different The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts in the NSPS system have been shift- classification and pay systems. or supplements, does not constitute ed to the GS system, John H. James, NSPS is based on broad pay bands endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy or Marine Corps, Jr., Director of the Pentagon’s NSPS that encompass a broad range of du- Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Transition Office, told a subcommittee ties and responsibilities and allows Flagship, Inc. of the products and services advertised. of the Senate Homeland Security and employees to advance within a single Everything advertised in The Flagship® Governmental Affairs Committee. pay band based on performance. In shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, About 170,000 remaining NSPS em- contrast, the GS system tightly defines color, religion, gender, national origin, age, ployees will transition to the GS or duties and responsibilities in discrete marital status, physical handicap, political affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the other pay and personnel systems by pay grades based on a position’s diffi- purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or Jan. 1, 2012, the congressionally man- culty, responsibility and qualification rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confi rmed, the publisher dated deadline, James reported. requirements. shall refuse to print advertising from that Congress directed a repeal of the While overseeing the NSPS transi- source until the violation is corrected. The Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a NSPS system in the 2010 Defense Ap- tion, James’ office also is charged with subsidiary of Landmark Communications, propriations Act and set the timeline coming up with a plan for an enter- Inc., a private fi rm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the for its completion. prise-wide performance management U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps, under Congress also mandated that no em- system that provides hiring flexibili- exclusive contract with the U.S. Navy. Questions or comments can be directed ployee lose pay due to the transition. ties and a workforce incentive fund. to the public affairs offi cer or the editor. The Of transitions completed so far, 71 He assured the committee the De- Flagship® can be reached at 322-2865 (editor), 322-2864 (assistant editor). The fax percent of the employees actually re- fense Department will make the number is 445-1953 or write Commander, ceived pay increases – an average of process as open, transparent and in- Navy Region, Mid-Atlantic, The Flagship®, 1510 Gilbert St., Norfolk, VA 23511-2737. almost $1,400, James told the commit- clusive as possible. “We have a strong All news releases should be sent to this tee. That’s because their NSPS pay desire to build an effective relationship address. Stories may be submitted via e-mail to news@fl agshipnews.com. You levels put them between steps on the and fully participative process with la- can visit The Flagship’s Web site at www. GS pay scale, which qualified them for bor organizations in developing these fl agshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every the higher step, he explained. new authorities,” he said. Thursday by Flagship, Inc., whose offi ces Eight percent of the employees “Transitioning approximately 226,000 are at 150 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510. Minimum weekly circulation is maintained the same pay level because employees from NSPS to the appro- 45,000. their NSPS salary matched a step with- priate statutory non-NSPS pay and Flagship, Inc. in their new GS grade, said James . personnel system is a very high priori- General Manager Laura Baxter, 222-3964 The other 21 percent of the employ- ty for the department,” said James. ees earned salaries under NSPS that The Defense Department, he said, Creative Director Tricia Lieurance, 222-3968 exceeded the Step 10 pay level for is “committed to open, ongoing com- their GS grade. They, too, retained munication about NSPS transition Free Classifi ed Advertising, 222-3967 their full pay level as they converted and development of the DoD-unique Distribution, 446-2881 to the GS system, James explained. performance management and hir- Home Delivery, 222-3965 However, they will receive only one- ing authorities” provided in the 2010 © 2009 Flagship, Inc. All rights reserved. half of any future pay raises until their National Defense Appropriations pay reaches parity with the high end of Act.

THE FLAGSHIP’S LEEWARD SHOUT What is the best advice your father ever gave to you?

“He used to tell “My dad always “I remember my me that if it was used to tell me dad always told easy to be a that I shouldn’t me when I was man, then every believe anything I younger that if guy would do hear and I should you work really it. Instead, there believe only half hard, that good are a lot of guys of what I see.” things will come in the world, but to you.” few good men.”

HM3 (FMF) BM3 MIDN Benjamin Martin David Dawson Mark Palmquest TPU USS Elrod (FFG 55) Naval Academy

“He used to get “My father says “My dad says that very serious that a wise man honesty is always and look at me learns from his the best policy, and tell me that own mistakes, even when it is anything worth but a smart more diffi cult. He doing is worth man learns also used to tell doing well the from seeing me to always be fi rst time and the mistakes of positive and live everyday to the to never do others.” fullest as it comes anything half and not to dwell HM2 heartedly.” MIDN Elizabeth Gardner on the past.” Brian A. Breckley Dean Albert Black Manager of C-9 (MWR) TPU Aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

Photos by MC3 Samantha L. Rivero

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For the latest weather updates and up-to-the-minute weather alerts, go to www.wtkr.com/weather AROUND THE NAVY MCPON visits wounded at LRMC, wraps-up European tour

BY MC2 (SW/AW) MARC have our leadership come here ROCKWELL-PATE and see that they are very pas- Navy Region Europe, Africa, sionate about what they are doing Southwest Asia lets you know that we have great LANDSTUHL, Germany — leaders and the Navy is going in Master Chief Petty Officer of the the right direction and I am excit- Navy(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. ed to be apart of that.” West toured facilities and met West’s tour of Landstuhl is with Sailors and Marines at Land- the final stop of his 10-day West- stuhl Regional Medical Center ern Europe trip, where he visited (LRMC) in Germany, June 9, to seven installations and support offer support for those wound- elements in England, Spain, Por- ed and recovering as well as tugal and Germany. praise the LRMC team for help- West said he was surprised by ing the service members in the number of joint-military, mul- need. tinational environments Sailors “This visit to the Landstuhl and Marines work in throughout medical center was very emotion- the European area. al and very humbling, particularly “This trip was great because when you see the moms that are we went out to seek Sailors and here to support their sons and that is what we did,” said West. “I daughters that we saw today,” had the opportunity to talk with said West. “The folks who come Sailors in a lot of remote loca- through this hospital and the tions that wouldn’t normally get a folks you see working at this hos- lot of visitors. What I found were pital are our most precious asset. Photo by MC2 Marc Rockwell-Pate Sailors doing a great job in joint We have some great people do- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West speaks to more than 200 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and military environments and to ing great things and it was good Marines assigned to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Landstuhl, Germany, during an all hands call see people working shoulder-to- for me to get out here and see at the installation chapel. West’s visit to LRMC is part of a 10-day trip to installations and support elements in shoulder toward one goal is very Western Europe. them.” satisfying for me.” During his visit to the U.S. Army ward and said the people that he walked through the United Ser- through the LRMC. West added that he will be fo- medical facility, West had the op- saw in the ICU and surgical areas vices Organizations (USO) “It’s been a very awesome and cusing on visiting more areas portunity to visit and speak with are “real military heroes.” center, the Fisher House, the bar- motivating experience to see within Europe over the next few service members in the hospital’s After spending a majority of racks, and the Morale, Welfare the MCPON visiting the medi- months. intensive care unit – an area with the day with hospital patients, and Recreation facilities, per- cal center today,” said Hospital For more news from Command- some of the critical patients. West West toured the rest of the facil- sonally thanking those who are Corpsman 1st Class (SCW) Sha- er, Navy Region Europe, Africa, also met with other wounded ities that are available to those directly supporting the wounded landa Brewer, the 2010 Navy Southwest Asia, visit www.navy. service members in the surgical recovering at Landstuhl. West service members at or transitting Reserve Sailor of the Year. “To mil/local/cnre/. Top Navy officer receives Public Service Award for diversity BY MC2 (SW) KYLE P. MALLOY leaders,” said Duckworth. reflects the face of the nation. Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs Duckworth went on to highlight that currently, under “(I appreciate) the richness and the value that can be Roughead’s leadership, the Navy has the highest number derived from the many different view points, ideas and WASHINGTON — The Asian-American Government of Asian-Pacific American (APA) flag officers in its histo- thoughts that can come together and make any organiza- Executives Network (AAGEN) recognized the Chief ry with nine APA’s serving at the rank of rear admiral or tion stronger, better and more effective,” said Roughead. of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead with higher. Finally, CNO addressed the magnitude of possibili- the AAGEN Excellence in Public Service Award, June Roughead, the 29th CNO, received the award for his ties offered to a Sailor in the Navy and the extraordinary 10. leadership and his diversity initiatives throughout the opportunities available to be part of a “Global Force for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Assistant Secre- Fleet. Good.” tary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy “I can’t tell you how humbled I am to receive this “We in the Navy, and the Armed Services, can offer Duckworth presented the award, which is given to an award, but I really receive it on behalf of the United States young men and women an opportunity to play a role on outstanding leader in public service who has demonstrat- Navy,” said Roughead. “(The Navy leadership) makes the the global stage, to cause outcomes that make life bet- ed great spirit, courage and dedication to public service. achievements that the Navy has enjoyed possible.” ter for people around the world in ways that they never “Unquestionably, Adm. Roughead has served our na- CNO talked about the importance of racial and gen- thought possible,” said Roughead. tion in peace and war with the highest courage, honor der diversity in all ranks of the military and how much For more news from the Chief of Naval Operations, visit and patriotism that exemplifies the best of our military stronger of an organization the Navy is with a fleet which www.navy.mil/cno/index.asp. PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2010 Pacific Partnership 2010 concludes Vietnam visit

PRESS RELEASE ed Vietnam, almost 22,000 cultural differences to har- From Pacific Partnership Public Affairs man-hours were allocated moniously work together to renovating all four reno- to achieve the combined QUY NHON, Vietnam vation projects. The largest goals. It was wonderful to — Pacific Partnership 2010 project was the Hope Cen- watch the transformation of (PP10) departed Quy Nhon, ter, a school for special the building project that will Vietnam, June 12 after 13 needs children located in now benefit the local com- days of working along side Quy Nhon. munity for many years to the people of Binh Dinh As the centerpiece of the come.” Province to deliver a variety engineering portion of the While PP10 was busy of humanitarian and civic visit, the Hope Center saw ashore, it was just as busy assistance programs ashore Seabees from Navy Mobile aboard Mercy, where 343 and onboard USNS Mercy Construction Battalion 11 patients were seen and (T-AH 19). and Amphibious Construc- surgeons performed 132 “It is with mixed emotions tion Battalion 1, Australian surgical procedures. From that today I bring to a close Defense Force Army engi- elective cataracts to acute Pacific Partnership 2010s neers from the 2nd Combat trauma, Mercy surgeons, visit to Vietnam,” said Capt. Engineer Regiment and nurses and technicians Lisa M. Franchetti, Pacific Vietnamese volunteers. performed with full inte- Partnership 2010 Mission This enthusiastic team gration from partner nation Commander, during the vis- worked diligently in 100 and non-governmental or- it’s closing ceremony on the degree heat to replace the ganization colleagues. This fleet landing pier. Photo by MC3 Matthew Jackson roof and ceilings, install ceil- success had its foundation The pier served as the Cathie Fogg, a Latter-day Saint Charities volunteer medical professional, examines a ing fans, lights, fixtures and in the hard work done in gateway for participants, Vietnamese woman’s ear at the Hai Cang medical clinic during a Pacific Partnership 2010 outlets, install a solar water advance by the local Viet- patients, medical equip- medical community service project. heater and create a beautiful namese surgeons who ment and supplies and between the two countries, MEDCAPs were held at gy and leprosy. Biomedical and functional new kitchen. presented Mercy’s doctors visitors traveling to and this was Pacific Partner- two to three sites each day equipment technicians from Engineers also painted and with well-screened patients from Mercy. ship’s third visit to Vietnam. resulting in a total of 30 clin- Mercy worked to return 35 refitted railings on the sec- who were excellent candi- “Watching Pacific Part- Medical civic action pro- ics during the 13-day span. pieces of medical equipment ond floor as a safety system dates for surgery. nership develop from a gram (MEDCAP) sites MEDCAP engagements be- to service, with a repair val- for the students, many of “From previous Pacific simple vision discussed at treated more than 19,000 pa- tween providers and patients ue in excess of $4.3 million. whom live on site. Partnership mission expe- our initial planning meeting tients during the visit. Many were not one-way interac- From the engineering “The opportunity for the rience and through a great here in December (2009), MEDCAP sites, such as tions. In fact, providers also perspective, PP10 engineers Australian combat engineers deal of coordination with to the reality of seeing our the Phuoc Hua Junior High benefited from the opportu- arrived in Quy Nhon 20 days to work with both the US the advanced team on the collective teams in action School, were temporarily nity to treat patients. prior to Mercy’s arrival and construction battalion and ground, the demand was the last 13 days has been an transformed into a clinic for “Our patients were not completed four separate the Vietnamese was both congruent with our menu of amazing and incredibly re- the purpose of the program, the only beneficiaries of the renovation projects during challenging and rewarding,” surgical services offered,” warding experience for me receiving hundreds of pa- medical care provided at her stay: one clinic and one said Lt. Col. Helen Murphy, said Cmdr. Trent Douglas, and for everyone involved,” tients each day in search of Phuoc Hoa,” said Shumak- school for disabled children Commander, Australian Na- Mercy’s Director for Sur- said Franchetti. general medicine, optom- er. “We learned a great deal in Quy Nhon and two clinics tional Command Element. gical Services. “Mercy was As a result of the Viet- etry, dental and pediatric from the experience and in the Tuy Phuoc District. “The Australians effective- able to provide outstanding namese Ministry of Health’s care. gained a sense of pride at By the time PP10 depart- ly overcame language and surgical care to our Viet- sponsorship of PP10, the “The MEDCAP at Phuoc making a big difference in namese patients, and we residents of Binh Dinh Prov- Hoa succeeded beyond my the lives of some and mak- look forward to strengthen- ince, located on the central expectations both in terms ing a positive impression on ing our relationship in the coast of Vietnam, benefited of numbers of patients seen many more. We also gained future.” greatly from the combined and positive experiences a great deal of respect for Mercy was joined in PP10 efforts of more than 1,000 for our providers and their the hard-working people of by the Japan Maritime Self medical, dental, veterinary patients,” said Cmdr. Pe- the region.” Defense Force’s JDS Kuni- and engineering profession- ter Shumaker, Phuoc Hoa In addition to MEDCAPs, saki (LST 4003) and her als from numerous partner MEDCAP officer-in-charge. medical professionals from 30-person medical team and nations, non-governmental “This success was a result Mercy engaged with their three non-governmental or- organizations and U.S. mili- of the tremendous coopera- Vietnamese counterparts ganizations who assisted tary services. tion from our hosts and the for subject matter expert at the Nhon Binh and Hai Coinciding with the 15th vigorous efforts of our en- exchanges, including ses- Cang MEDCAPs in Binh anniversary since the nor- tire team.” sions on retinal disease, Dinh Province. malization of relations During the mission, interventional cardiolo- The PP10 team’s visit included military and gov- ernment personnel from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom and United States and civilian volunteers from East Meets West, Latter- day Saint Charities, Project Hope, University of Califor- Vietnamese citizens queue for optometry services at the Hai nia, San Diego Pre-Dental Cang medical clinic during a medical community service Society, Vets Without Bor- project. ders and World Vets. Animals, Sailors excel during Frontier Sentinel 2010

Photos by MC2 Rafael Martie Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One Marine Mammal Company Handlers Navy Diver 2nd Class (SW) Michael Gerstel (middle), Navy Diver 2nd Class (SW) Andres Palacio (L), and Quartermaster 2nd Class (SW) Kyle Holzl (R) train a bottlenose dolphin during Frontier Sentinel 2010 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story.

PRESS RELEASE Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs NORFOLK — Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One’s (EODMU 1) Marine Mam- mal detachment are participating in a Navy-led exercise June 4 - 11 in the western Atlantic Ocean designed to showcase a bilateral response to maritime homeland de- fense and security threats. Exercise Frontier Sentinel 10, a joint interagency ex- ercise boasting elements from the U.S. and Canadian navies, the U.S. Coast Guard and other U.S. and Canadi- an agencies, is a scenario-driven series of events in which the (EODMU 1) Marine Mammal program is playing an integral, though sometimes unseen, role. “This is the only program of its kind in the Navy – we use the only organic asset in the world that can hunt mines and take them down,” said Chief Navy Diver (DSW/EXW) Brandon Ghan, EODMU1 Marine Mam- mal Company leading chief petty officer. “We’re using bottlenose dolphins for mine hunting operations, and our role in Frontier Sentinel is to hunt and find (simulated) mines in the harbor and clear a path for ships to exit the Chesapeake Bay.” Exercise Frontier Sentinel centers around the coordi- nated detection, assessment and response to a mining threat in Hampton Roads, which could impede both commercial and military traffic in the Chesapeake Bay, something Ghan said requires the efforts of several dif- ferent entities. “This is a multi-tiered approach,” he said. “UUV’s (Un- manned Undersea Vehicles) will search and find contacts, we’ll search separately and find contacts and then we go back and double check each other. Then we’ll drop mark- ers and the divers can swim right in and find exactly what has been discovered and identify exactly what the threat is and deal with it.” Ghan said, however, the unique attributes the bottle- nose dolphins possess are integral in effective operations, something evidenced by the significant rate of success the marine mammals have had throughout the exercise. “The final scores haven’t been tabulated, but I know they’ve done well,” he said. “We’re the only mobile unit in the Navy to have a mine-hunting marine mammal system, and all the handlers are dedicated to the job.” Sailors serving as handlers for the marine mammal company deployed from their command in San Diego, to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story for this exercise. They train daily with the animals, and are familiar with each dolphin’s personality and responsive- ness. Ghan said that while all EODMU 1 Marine Mammal Company personnel are well-versed in the marine mam- mal program, a bond exists between certain animals and Sailors. “Each animal has its own handler. They know that ani- mal in and out,” he said. “They’re with them training daily and they’re great at what they do.” Ghan also said that while the Navy employs other sys- tems to locate and recover underwater objects, these hardware-based systems have limitations, something offset by the effectiveness of the bottlenose dolphin’s bi- ological sonar.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One Marine Mammal Company Handler Navy Diver 2nd Class (SW) Michael Gerstel rewards a bottlenose dolphin after a successful training evolution during exercise Frontier Sentinel 2010 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story. Where eagles soar Eagles thrive at Naval Support Activity Indian Head, Md.

BY GARY WAGNER extensive shoreline. The base and surrounding Naval Support Activity waterways provide an abundance of food sources South Potomac for resident and migratory bald eagles. Numbers of nesting, roosting and foraging bald INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Just eagles at NSF Indian Head have increased from a short drive south from the nation’s capi- one nest in 1989 to 11 nests (9 active) and a com- tal, bald eagles are soaring over the Potomac munal roosting site today. River and its tributaries. The eagles are Along with this increase in population have thriving, in part, as a result of conser- come conservation issues related to base opera- vation measures enacted by Naval tions and infrastructure. From 2001 to 2005, the Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, base’s Natural Resources Offi ce (NRO) record- Md. ed 13 bald eagle deaths. Eleven of these deaths Twenty-six miles south of Wash- were attributed directly to electrocutions or line- ington, DC, NSF Indian Head strikes. As these deaths continued to increase, the comprises 1,600 acres of forest and NRO began informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to discuss the eagle deaths, mitigation efforts and the potential legal ramifi cations if deaths continued without ef- forts to prevent them. In 2005, Indian Head’s NRO developed the Rap- tor Electrocution Prevention Study. The study surveyed the NSF Indian Head electrical dis- tribution system to determine zones at highest risk of negative impact. Mitigation efforts includ- ed retrofi tting the electrical distribution system by installing fl ight diverters on the utility lines, installing plastic phase covers to prevent electro- cutions and installing fi berglass cross arms. The NRO also maintained bald eagle nest protection zones during the nesting season as recommended by the USFWS. All base activities, military construction, base development projects, training areas, ranges, grounds maintenance and hunting activities were regulated within these zones. The NRO initiated formal consultation with the USFWS under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2006, with the preparation of the NSF Indian Head bald eagle biological as- sessment (BA). The BA addressed the impacts of the electrical distribution system on the bald ea- gle population and prepared the NSF Indian Head bald eagle management plan, which detailed all base activities and looked at the impact of each ac- A seven-week-old juvenile bald eagle nests approximately 55 feet high in a Loblolly pine tree at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, tivity on the bald eagle. Md. Environmental specialists from Naval Support Facility Indian Head work with researchers from the College of William and Mary to Both the BA and management plan were re- identify and examine the health of the bald eagle population on the base. viewed by the USFWS. At the completion of their review, the USFWS issued a bald eagle biologi- cal opinion (BO). The BO looked at the existing bald eagle populations and listed conservation recommendations and terms and conditions for maintaining the population and ensuring that nest productivity is not impacted. To be exempt from Section 9 of the ESA, NSF Indian Head must comply with all terms and condi- tions of the BO. The terms and conditions include maintaining the nest protection zones as detailed in the management plan, implementing protection measures identifi ed in the Raptor Electrocution Prevention Study, amending the NSF Indian Head forestry management plan to refl ect requirements of the protection zones and conducting a three- Above: A bald eagle contour or body feather rests in the grass under a year productivity study. bald eagle nest at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Md. The feathers The productivity study began in 2007 and end- are collected as part of a larger study of mercury loads in adult bald ed this year. Data was collected from all bald eagles throughout the Chesapeake Bay and for DNA fi ngerprinting to eagle nests at the base. Data gathering included investigate adult turnover rates. Eagles molt in patches, taking almost banding eaglets and sampling eaglet blood to de- half a year to replace feathers, starting with the head and working downward. Not all feathers are replaced in a given molt. Until the bald termine levels of environmental contaminants. All eagle is mature, the replacement feathers are of different colors. As nestlings tested negative for encephalitis viruses adults, the belly and back are dark, while the head is pure white. The including West Nile Virus. All contaminant levels distinct juvenile pattern, signaling that a bird is not ready to breed, were low in nestling blood and feathers. may reduce aggression from territorial adults. NSF Indian Head’s NRO is hoping to begin Glob- al Positioning System (GPS) tracking of eaglets Right: Environmental specialists from Naval Support Facility Indian during the 2009 sampling season. Information Head, Md., work with researchers from the College of William and gathered by GPS will help identify behavior and Mary to band a juvenile eagle for identifi cation. The purple band fl ight patterns of resident birds essential to future shows the bird was banded in either Virginia or Maryland, while the silver band is a federal band coordinated by the Patuxent Wildlife conservation efforts. Research Center. The effort is part of an initiative to keep the habitat For more news from Ocean Stewardship, visit safe for raptors. www.navy.mil/local/oceans/.4545

Photos by MC1 R. Jason Brunson Dr. Bryan Watts, director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary, gives this seven-week-old juvenile bald eagle a moment to adjust after low- ering it from its nest at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Md. ENERGY: Sailor, Marines look to become energy independent, SECNAV says Continued from page A1 engaging, helping to rebuild that coun- always met with great resistance. ery mission given to them, including try.” “We changed from sail to coal in the helping us become energy independent,” every state. Mabus also talked about the Navy’s first 1850s. We changed from coal to oil in the said Mabus. Becoming greener serves tremendous hybrid ship, the amphibious assault ship early part of the 20th century. We went to Mabus also spoke directly to Naval War tactical imperatives as well, said Mabus. USS Makin Island (LHD 8), which sailed nuclear for our subs and our aircraft carri- College students, challenging them to ful- “The example that I like to use is get- from Pascagoula, Miss., to its homeport in ers in the 1950s,” said Mabus. fill their leadership duties as they continue ting a gallon of gasoline to a Marine front San Diego, saving almost $2 million in fuel “Every single time that we made one of their careers. line unit in Afghanistan,” said Mabus. “You costs by using an electric drive for speeds those changes, there were people that said “The legacy of the Navy and Marine have to put that gallon of gasoline on a of 10 knots or less. you are abandoning one source of prov- Corps is a legacy of leadership,” said Ma- tanker. You’ve got to take it across the Pa- “Over the lifetime of that ship, if fuel en energy for one that you do not know bus. “It is up to you students of the War cific. You have to put it into a truck and prices remain absolutely the same, we will whether it will work and, by the way, it’s College to maintain that legacy. You fol- truck it over the Hindu Kush and down save about a quarter of a billion dollars too expensive,” explained Mabus. low in some amazing footsteps. It’s your through Afghanistan. Now, as you do this, in fuel. We’re prototyping that engine to Mabus is confident that results will show turn to write the next chapter for our mili- you’ve got to guard it.” be retrofitted onto our guided-missile de- that progress in adopting alternative ener- tary services and our country. Write them Mabus explained that convoy duty for stroyers so that we can begin to move that gy sources will prove yet again to be vital well.” that gasoline takes, “Marines away from further out into the fleet,” said Mabus. for the Navy’s future. For more news from Naval War College, what Marines should be doing; fighting, Mabus said that great change is almost “The Navy and Marine Corps fulfill ev- visit www.navy.mil/local/nwc/. DEPLOYMENT: Mother, daughter share experiences CHALLENGES: Human interaction is key Continued from page A1 Drouse’s past deployments. have chosen the Marine Continued from page A1 were enrolled in school in The nation and the For the first time, he is alone Corps, but she’s tough, has Afghanistan and all were world need great minds you could if one of you were while both are out to sea. discipline and it’s a perfect fit PowerPoint slide, no (vid- boys. Now – with 130 new to solve problems, ex- home. Sometimes hearing “Usually I’m home taking for her. She’s grown in more eo teleconference) can schools built – more than plained Mullen, but he that voice makes a difference. care of Dad when she is de- ways than I ever imagined. adequately substitute 9 million Afghan children warned the graduates I think it’s harder on the fam- ployed,” said Cundiff with a Seeing your kids succeed for face-to-face conversa- are in school and one- against insulating them- ily at home because not only smile. “He hates that we are and reach the goals they’ve tions,” he said. third of them are girls, he selves in organizations do they have to take care of both gone. When I call he set for themselves makes Mullen encouraged the said. of like-minded people the things I left behind, but asks how I am doing and I you proud as a parent.” graduates to follow the “What you learn from “where work is its own they have to take care of say, ‘I’m good. Are you eat- Now, after countless style of Greg Mortenson, listening and seeing chal- end.” the things she left behind ing?’” times waiting on the pier to an author and activist lenges through others’ “I can see this is a gift- too.” Cundiff’s stepfather was welcome her mother home, who founded the nonprof- eyes, will inform your ed and upwardly mobile The two deployed nearly her inspiration for joining Cundiff is looking forward it Central Asia Institute to analysis,” said Mullen. “It group, with much to be one month apart. the Marine Corps. to the roles being reversed. build schools in Pakistan will make your analysis proud of,” he said. “Many “They deployed a cou- “Mom was always out to “My mom said she is go- and Afghanistan. Morten- better.” of you have ambitions to ple of weeks before us,” sea so my stepfather would ing to be waiting on the pier son effects change by The days are gone when make a huge impact. Be said Cundiff. “I think it’s tell me all his stories as an for my homecoming for a forming relationships with organizations or nations sound craftsmen of your pretty amazing that she infantryman in the Marine change, it’s beautiful to see residents of the villages can “go it alone,” he said. profession, dedicated to is on another ship going Corps. I knew that I wanted that she will be welcoming where he builds schools, “We depend on one anoth- service … enrich your life through the same experi- be a Marine,” said Cundiff. me home this time,” said the chairman explained. er to compliment our best by improving the lives of ences that I am at the same Mother and daughter are Cundiff. In 2000, 800,000 children efforts with theirs.” those you serve.” time.” proud of each other’s ser- The joint deployment is vice. bringing new experiences “I’m glad that she joined Show some military pride on a license plate for the entire family. Cun- the military,” said Drouse. “It diff and her stepfather took taught her to be independent What does your license plate say or annual fee. To view all special plates available care of each other during and responsible. I wouldn’t about you? As a member of the Most special plates can also be through DMV or to place an order, U.S. Navy living in Virginia, you can personalized with up to six or seven visit www.dmvNOW.com. Norfolk’s Navy College changes hours show your military pride wherever characters depending on the plate you drive. for just $10. The Navy College Office, Naval Station Norfolk The Virginia Department of Mo- Looking for a unique, inexpensive will reduce customer service hours effective June 28 tor Vehicles (DMV) offers more gift for friends or family-members? due to staff reductions. The new hours will be Mon- than 40 special military license Souvenir plates are also available day - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. plates representing many branch- for just $10. Personalize them for At this time the DANTES testing center will not es of the military including: plates just $10 more. be affected by this change. Most scheduled exams for active duty members, re- DMV offers more than 200 spe- should take place as posted to the balance of the fis- servists, award recipients and cial license plates that enable people cal year but customers must now call in advance to veterans. with a common interest to identi- reserve a seat as scheduling will change from a walk- Special plate fees range from fy or promote themselves or their in system to an appointment-based system. $10 to $25 and can be a one-time cause. ADM. STAN ARTHUR AWARD | LOGISTICS READINESS CENTER Commander, U.S. Second Fleet’s Manpower, Personnel and Logistics directorate (N1/N4) received the Adm. Stan Arthur Team Award for Logistics Excellence at an award ceremony, June 10. B3

SECTION B FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM June 17, 2010 Naval Station Norfolk’s green roof project BY MC3 ASH SEVERE Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK — Naval Station Norfolk announced plans to construct one of the Navy’s fi rst green roof projects on Thursday, June 10. A green roof is a roof of a building that is partial- ly or completely covered with vegetation and a grow- ing medium, planted over a waterproofi ng membrane. It may also include addi- tional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and ir- Photos by MC3 Samantha L. Rivero rigation systems. Above: A sample of the new ‘green The vegetation used in a roof’ that will be added onto the green roof is a form of cacti Naval Legal Service offi ce. The green called succulents. Succu- roof is expected to be completed by lents are water-retaining Thanksgiving and will be the fi rst of it’s kind at Norfolk and is expected plants adapted to arid cli- to signifi cantly reduce heating and mate or soil conditions. Capt. Kelly M. Johnson, Commanding Offi cer of Naval Station cooling costs. (R) An illustration Norfolk, speaks about the Green Roof Project during the breaks down the layers of the green ground breaking ceremony held on the Navy Legal Service See GREEN, B5 roof. Building, June 10.

Improving force protection Citadel Protect 2010 held at Naval Station Norfolk

Photo by MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford This year’s Motorcycle Rodeo will offer something different ... “Thunder on the Naval Station Ride.”

Naval Station to host fourth Explosives aboard a small boat are detonated to convey the reality of a small boat terrorist attack during Citadel Protect 2010. Citadel Protect is a series of training exercises to assess the Navy’s capability to protect waterborne assets against threats in Navy ports. Citadel Protect is a coordinated event between U.S. Fleet Forces and Commander, Navy Motorcycle Safety Rodeo Installations Command. STORY AND PHOTO BY NORFOLK — Naval Station Norfolk The Rodeo will feature the Virginia State MC3 KRISTIN L. GROVER Fleet Forces Command. ed Sailors with different will host the 4th Annual Motorcycle Ro- Police Motorcycle Demonstration Team, Navy Public Affairs “We are working this is- scenarios, which required deo, June 18, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Patriot Guard riders and special guest, Element East sue all the way down to them to respond quick- Motorcycle Safety Range behind building Steve Richardson from Cape Fox Profes- bare metal. It’s across ev- ly and effectively. The KBB. sional Services, presenting a motorcycle NORFOLK — The erything; it’s manning, use of realistic simula- New this year, the event will kick off with race track display. There will also be rid- Navy continues to im- resourcing, technologies, tions and Hollywood-style “Thunder on the Naval Station Ride.” Rid- ing contests, concessions, give-aways and prove its force protection command and control, special effects, includ- ers will begin at Pier 1 at 8 a.m. and ride a classic car show. Commands interested posture at home and over- policies and doctrine – the ing pyrotechnics, added around the base ending at the site of the in participating should contact the Sewells seas through series of entire spectrum is being to the authenticity of the Motorcycle Rodeo. Point Safety offi ce at 322-2928/2917 training events, tabletop looked at.” training experience. exercises, conferences One such event, held “The exercise was ex- and major exercises. recently at Naval Station tremely benefi cial,” said These efforts will culmi- Norfolk, is Citadel Pro- Capt. Kelly M. Johnson, Third Annual Command Challenge nate Oct. 12 – the 10-year tect 2010 (CP10). CP10 commander, Naval Sta- anniversary of the attack is a U.S. Fleet Forces tion Norfolk. “Any time BY MC3 ASH SEVERE dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, on USS Cole (DDG 67) – Command and Navy In- training is conducted us- Navy Public Affairs Element East and 3-on-3 basketball. Each with the Anti-Terrorism stallations Command-led ing realistic scenarios, of the six events are single Flag Summit action plan training event designed to fi rst responders learn to VIRGINIA BEACH elimination with the iron led by Adm. J. C. Har- assess the Navy’s capabil- adapt and overcome in an — Active duty service mem- team (a team version of an vey, Jr., Commander, U.S. ity to protect ships against ever-changing environ- bers stationed on Joint iron man event) being the fi - Fleet Forces Command. various potential threats ment.” Expeditionary Base Little nal event. “We are committed to in Navy ports. CP10 successfully de- Creek-Fort Story held their “It’s pretty fun out here, conducting training and “This exercise was a termined the Navy’s 3rd annual Command Chal- you get to do everything as exercises throughout the tactical-level exercise spe- capabilities for identifying lenge, June 11. a team, as a command,” said year to identify any gaps cifi cally focused at testing both strengths and weak-

Photo by MC3 Matthew Bookwalter A maximum of 20 partici- Mass Communication Spe- or seams in our force our tactics, techniques nesses in ashore/afl oat Sailors from Tactical Air pants from each command cialist 2nd Class Maddelin protection at home and and procedures at the integration. Control 22 prepare a bump- team competed in six sport- Angebrand from Navy Op- overseas,” said Capt. Sam waterfront scene,” said “Ultimately, prevention set-spike play during a ing events: fl ag football, McCormick, Director for McCormick. volleyball match at the 3rd iron team, sand volleyball, See CHALLENGE, B5 fl eet antiterrorism at U.S. The training present- See PROTECT, B5 Annual Command Challenge. HOMEFRONT NEWS bars on his shoulders, we are playing the waiting game. It’s a big adventure … we never know what’s coming next. SPOUSE Now, just because one of us goes on sea duty at a time, doesn’t mean the other is home taking care of the kids every day. Livin’ the dual- No, it doesn’t work that way. To ensure that we remain deploy- able at all times, we are required military lifestyle (by OPNAVINST 1740.4B) to provide a Family Care Plan to each of our commands to show BY MCC (SW/AW) why we do it on the “outside.” we have someone to take care of KATRIN ALBRITTON How do you explain to a man our children – should we be de- Navy Spouse contributor you’ve just met that, yes, you’d ployed. There has been more love to have dinner and maybe go than one occasion where I had No matter what military town to a movie Friday night … if only to have someone help take care you go to, you’ll see bumper you weren’t conducting a “fast of my children, so I could do my stickers claiming, “I love my Sail- cruise” and then getting under- job while my husband was away. or” or “Proud Army Wife” or even way for two weeks? I know it’s hard on me – I can’t “Proud Marine Girlfriend.” My For me, my husband was a imagine what it’s like on our favorite, though, was one that breath of fresh air. He is just as children. Such is the life of the read, “Who needs Ken … I have driven as I am to succeed and we dual-military family. G. I. Joe.” These are great. Show have been able to help each other I am glad there are those wom- your support. Love your man in reach our goals. When we met, en out there who show their pride uniform. I was a second class petty offi - for their man in uniform where Wait. I just wrote “man.” And, cer and he was a fi rst class. He they can – even on the back of here’s where I start to part ways helped me learn to write my eval- their car. One day, there may with the bumper sticker crowd. uations and I did my best to help Photo courtesy of MCC (SW/AW) Katrin Albritton even be a bumper sticker that Please don’t misunderstand – I him study for the chief petty of- (L-R) Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Katrin Albritton and describes the pride my husband Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Donald Lee at the 2007 love my man in uniform. I am a fi cer advancement exam. Before and I have in each other. Khaki Ball. Lee was promoted to senior chief in 2009 while in Iraq. proud Navy wife. He is my hero. I knew it, he was the chief who I am amazed at the things he has fl ew aboard USS George Wash- have been together without a de- times, because he was stationed Katrin Albritton is a Chief Mass done during his nearly 25 years ington (CVN 73) to pin anchors ployment is four months. That’s on a ship in Norfolk and I was in Communication Specialist for in the Navy. He receives respect on my collar in front of my com- it. During our fi rst year of mar- Iceland. Now, as he is looking at Navy Expeditionary Combat Com- from the offi cers and admiration mand. I am successful because of riage we saw each other three receiving orders along with the mand Public Affairs. from the Sailors he leads. He his support. And, if you ask, he’ll is, without at doubt, my primary tell you I’m the reason he’s now a mentor and the Sailor that I strive senior chief who is getting ready NORFOLK — The grand opening of Norfolk Bo- to emulate. Why? Because, like to become a chief warrant offi cer tanical Garden’s summer exhibit, “The Enchanted my husband, I proudly serve in next year. Storybook Forest” begins at noon on June 20. A rib- the U.S. Navy. To me, this sounds like a fairy bon-cutting ceremony opens the exhibit; a magical Our relationship really isn’t tale. Maybe not the kind cartoon journey that includes: Custom-built interactive Story- that unique, although you would companies turn into mega-huge book Playhouses, hopping on the Tree Trek Trail and think we are by the lack of “Proud summer hits, but certainly one the Gnome Homes neighborhood, where kid’s build Navy Husband” paraphernalia for that the people around me can re- and play with natural materials. There is no better way to spend Father’s Day than to dress up as your sale. Most of the married women late to. While I feel pretty good favorite storybook character, bring your Dad and Mom and have some good old fashioned fun. I have personally served with are about labeling us as a success sto- married to military men. ry, we do face unique challenges. I have talked to them about It’s not all sunshine, lollipops and Grand Opening Activities • June 20 • noon to 5 p.m. the reasons why we decided to rainbows. • Explore The Enchanted • Treeology along the Great • 1 p.m. – Alice in Wonder- • 2:30 p.m. – A Costume marry “one of our own” as op- The biggest drawback comes Storybook Forest Tree Journey land performance by Ballet Parade with all kids in sto- posed to a civilian. You might be when we are looking into the fu- • Meet Alice in Wonderland, • Color a Gnome Friend Virginia International rybook character or gnome surprised to know it is not just ture. It’s never a matter of taking Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and • Take your photo with a • 1:30 p.m. – Hurrah Players costumes because it was convenient. Any orders, packing up and going. We their friends! Gnome perform a scene from ‘Tom • 3 p.m. – ‘Tom Sawyer’ per- dual-military family will tell you have to fi nd billets that are suit- • Story times every half • Storybook Stage Line-up: Sawyer’ formance by Hurrah Players that convenience isn’t part of able for both of us. We take turns hour in the Acorn Academy • Noon – Playhouse Builder • 2 p.m. – Ballet Virginia per- • 3:30 p.m. – Read-A-Long the package. In my opinion, it’s going on sea duty, which means • Abrakadoodle© Art Sta- Awards and Ribbon Cutting forms a Contemporary – participate in the story hard to fi nd someone who under- one of us is always prepared to tion Ceremony Dance telling stands what we have to do and leave. So far, the longest we Be careful what you ask for p BY BIANCA MARTINEZ Reach out to NewsChannel 3’s Bianca MARRIED Martinez at [email protected]. to the Military Be sure to check out “Do My Military Job” There have been every Wednesday at 11 p.m. so many times that on NewsChannel 3! I have said to my- minutes late that fi rst day! I try three times a at midnight that fi rst night as I usually do, I self, “If only I could This was my moment. This was my time to week to get home between shows to put the didn’t have to be quiet. I could make as much be the one that gets sleep in, to get manicures, to clean and get kids to bed. That is one of my sticking points noise with my high heels, open and slam the to be without the organized and just enjoy the fact that I did ... I want to be the one reading the bedtime refrigerator door ... yet the house has never kids and gets to do not have to be a 24/7 waitress for a few days. stories. A lot of time it’s a bit of a chore to been so quiet. things on my time. I should have been jumping for joy. I should drive 20 minutes home and 20 minutes back One day and I wanted everyone home. I If only for once my husband could be the one have turned around and bolted out of the air- to work and there are defi nitely days I don’t am used to missing my husband, but not my to deal with the kids while I get a little adult port to taste sweet freedom as I exited the want to put the miles on the van and really, kids. I learned my lesson. There is a reason time.” My husband gets to go on a lot of train- parking garage. Ummmm, no. For about ten use so much gas. I do it though because that why I am the one that doesn’t get the quiet ing trips that I call “mancations.” These are minutes, I just felt lost. Nobody needed me. is what a mom does. I didn’t have to do it last times, the dinners out with friends and the NOT the training trips that require him to be That felt a little empty. week. My dinner break didn’t consist of giv- beers when I want them. It’s because I don’t running around in the desert training for a I have to admit. I did get in the car and turn ing baths and wrestling to get the nuggets to need those things. What I need, is my fami- deployment. Those are genuine work trips. It the volume knob full right on the radio and sleep. It was no fun at all. When I came home ly. is the skydiving trips that I am talking about cranked out all of the music I wanted to lis- mostly. The ones where they jump out of ten to. I was rocking out. I was singing some planes all day (exhausting, but hello, a blast) Lady Gaga at the top of my lungs with one Say thanks our troops with a ‘Cup of Joe’ and wrap it up with beer and pizza ... with- hand in the air, head moving up and down Say thanks to our troops with a “Cup of coffee drink. As a result, troops taking their out having to tell a kid to sit down constantly. feeling like I was super cool. Oh wait, I am in Joe” ... and you don’t even have to be in a breaks at the nearest Green Beans Café get THOSE are the trips I call mancations. Need- a minivan. I probably looked like a fool and coffee shop in Afghanistan or Iraq to do it. a cup of fresh-brewed coffee, but they also less to say, I wanted a little time to myself like someone probably passed me and thought Under the Cup of Joe program – or get a note of gratitude for their service that. how inappropriate of that mother to be danc- COJ as the troops call it -- anyone with and sacrifi ce from caring supporters. So this past week, my husband took the ing like that in front of her children! I slowed two dollars to spare can buy a cup Many express their appreciation in kids out west to see his parents. I mean, I my roll and knocked it down a few notches, of super premium coffee for a GI return E-mails. dropped them off at the airport and the three but still sang the whole way home. deployed on or near a U.S. Mili- What seems like something of them hopped aboard a plane and left me I was so sure that I was going to be able tary base in support of Operation simple for many of us here at standing at the security gates. There it was. to get ready for work and get out the door Enduring Freedom (OEF) and home can be a huge morale boost- without the little ones calling Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). What er for our men and women protecting for me from their rooms dur- makes this program especially reward- our freedoms. To read some of the thank ing what should be nap/quiet ing is the ability for the purchaser to send you notes and to fi nd out how to give a COJ, time. I think I was actually 15 a personal note of thanks with the gift of a head to www.greenbeanscoffee.com.

You can catch Bianca Martinez anchoring the 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with Kurt Williams during the work week. You can also follow her laughter, stress and tears as a military wife in her blog, “Married to the Military,” weekly in the Flagship. Logistics Readiness Center honored with Stan Arthur Award

BY MC3 (SW) BRIAN GOODWIN we did was different from our Commander, Second Fleet Public Affairs prior year was a much better co- ordination with others across the NORFOLK — Commander, board,” said Cmdr. Rick Adside, U.S. Second Fleet’s Manpower, Deputy Director of the Second Personnel and Logistics director- Fleet Logistics Readiness Center. ate (N1/N4) received the Adm. Adm. Stan Arthur is a retired Stan Arthur Team Award for Lo- four-star admiral noted for his 38 gistics Excellence at an award years of Naval service, receiving ceremony, June 10. 11 separate awards of the Dis- Second Fleet’s N1/N4 director- tinguished Flying Cross and 50 ate received the award, the 2009 separate awards of the Air Med- Operational Logistics Team of al, making him one of the most the Year, during a ceremony at highly decorated combat aviators the Navy Memorial in Washing- during the Vietnam War. During ton. the 1970s and 1980s, he also held Second Fleet’s N4 personnel command of a carrier-based at- improved the commander’s abili- tack squadron, a carrier air wing, ty to make key readiness decision an aircraft carrier, a carrier battle involved in the employment of group and was Chief of Naval Per- forces. The current readiness Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Ron Terry sonnel. This year marks the 15th (L-R) Billy Dodson, Lt. Cmdr. Clyde Holmes, Cmdr. Rick Adside, Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Vice Adm. Mel systems provide data that is war- Williams Jr., Retired Adm. Stan Arthur, Capt. Scott Hawkins, Cmdr. Aaron Traver and Lt. Cmdr. Shelia Williams anniversary of the Adm. Stan Ar- fare area centric but lacks the during the 2009 Adm. Stan Arthur Team Award for Logistics Excellence ceremony at the Navy Memorial in thur Award. context of integrated training and Washington. Adm. Stan Arthur is a retired four-star admiral noted for his 38 years of Naval service, receiving 11 “There are a lot of individual readiness across multiple ships, separate awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross and 50 separate awards of the Air Medal, making him one of awards out there, but when you material readiness and global the most highly decorated combat aviators during the Vietnam War. win a team award it’s extra special commitments. because it shows our teamwork The N4, as a key member of cisions. The N4, in coordination ing operational and functional we worked with our Information, is working and it makes a dif- the Readiness Assessment Work- with other directorates, developed gaps, while enhancing and im- Plans and Strategy (N3) direc- ference,” said Hawkins. “Even ing Group, played a vital role in a process that brought together a proving multi-national relations torate and Naval Sea Systems though this is an N1/N4 team developing and maintaining a variety of service providers to as- and interoperability. Command to look for ways to award, it really is a Second Fleet Readiness Dashboard, providing sist visiting partner navies during “We had to take a look at how conserve those resources,” said award because without our inter- the commander with contextual their participation in C2F training to split and lower costs where Capt. Scott Hawkins, director of action with the other directorates information needed to make de- and exercise events, thus bridg- we could for our operations, so N1/N4. “One of the things that here we couldn’t do our job.” Yorktown Sailors help ‘Clean the Bay’ to protect the environment PRESS RELEASE Yorktown, Navy Munitions Command were fishing debris, including a crab pot, Naval Weapon Station Yorktown Public Affairs (NMC), NMC CONUS East Division, fishing pole, buoys and the broken hulls of NMC Detachment Yorktown, Navy Ex- two fiberglass boats. YORKOWN — Sailors from Naval peditionary Medical Support Command Besides the York River, Sailors took out Weapons Station (WPNSTA) Yorktown (NEMSCOM), Navy Expeditionary Logis- boats on Cheatham Lake and picked up and its tenant commands joined in the tics Support Group (NAVELSG) and Navy trash along its shoreline, most of which 22nd annual “Clean the Bay Day” by pick- Cargo Handling Battalion ONE (NCHB is inaccessible from the woods surround- ing up trash along the shores of the York 1). In addition, 20 Boy Scouts from Troop ing the lake. Cheatham Lake is part of the River, June 5. “Clean the Bay Day” is spon- 14 in Virginia Beach, who were camping Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Photo by Mark Piggott at Cheatham Annex, joined in the clean-up Outdoor Recreation facility at WPNS- to help restore the creeks, rivers and in- Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Medical effort. TA Yorktown-Cheatham Annex, used by lets of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and Support Command (NEMSCOM) and Navy “The scouts came out and took an en- military personnel and their dependents prevent them from deteriorating due to Munitions Command Detachment Yorktown tire zone on by themselves,” said Mark around Hampton Roads for camping, bik- pollution. carry the remains of a skiff up from the Piggott, Clean the Bay Day coordinator for ing, hiking and fishing. More than 80 volunteers – Sailors and shoreline at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown- WPNSTA Yorktown. “They brought out “This was an outstanding effort by every- their dependents – walked 3.5 miles along Cheatham Annex during Clean the Bay Day. more than five bags of trash and the entire one involved,” added Marks. “We showed the York River and its tributaries that bor- Commanding Officer, WPNSTA York- side of a broken fiberglass skiff.” in this one day what we – at WPNSTA Yor- der WPNSTA Yorktown and WPNSTA town. “They are demonstrating to their In total, the Sailors picked up more than ktown – strive for every day … maintaining Yorktown-Cheatham Annex. kids the type of environmental responsibil- 3,000 pounds of trash, including 222 assort- mission readiness while being good stew- “I was impressed to see the turnout ity we are constantly striving for in today’s ed aluminum cans, 65 various Styrofoam ards of the local environment.” today of not only the Sailors but their chil- Navy.” containers and more than 300 cigarette “Without that balance, we would not be dren as well,” said Captain Chuck Marks, The volunteers came from WPNSTA butts. A majority of the large items found the Navy we are today,” he concluded. CHAPLAIN’S CORNER The Serenity Prayer: Acceptance can go a long way Local service times BY LT. CMDR. I do not believe that it was charge,” then you can be- very high achievers, who LDS PROGRAMS Offi cer Candidates School originally written for 12-step gin to fi nd some control. have discovered this princi- Chaplain, Quantico, Va. JEB Little Creek Chapel Worship Schedule: programs. It was written Sometimes life is confusing ple of facing change. High Noon — Sun. Worship (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) by a well-known preach- in its simplicity. achievers all have one thing 8 p.m. — Wed. Bible Study “God, give us grace to ac- er and theological writer The implied attitude and in common – the self-deter- (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) cept with serenity the things who wrote a simple prayer an essential ingredient is mination to seek and even that cannot be changed, to help keep life in perspec- the willingness to change. embrace change when nec- courage to change the things tive. So, it is not just about This is seemingly an obvious essary. NAVAL STATION NORFOLK which should be changed and addictions. It is for every- point, but not as easy as it The Serenity Prayer ROMAN CATHOLIC PROTESTANT the wisdom to distinguish the one who wants to maintain may sound. People as a rule comes to our aid because Our Lady of Victory Chapel David Adams Memorial one from the other.” some control in life. do not like change and resist it reminds us that there Mass Schedule: Chapel Worship Services: — Reinhold Niebuhr Certainly addictions, change even if it is for some- are things we can’t change, 5 p.m. — Sat. 10:30 a.m.— Sun. by defi nition, take control thing they want. Change is things we must change (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) Worship Alcoholics Anonymous away from people, as folks stressful, hard work and of- and that we must seek to 10 a.m.— Sun. Wednesday Services: and other 12-step programs get deeper into living for ten has a sense of loss. Think know the difference. The 11:45 a.m.— Mon.- Fri. 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.— Bible popularized this little their addiction. A neces- of all the major changes you great power in life is in un- (except holidays) Study Noon “Lunch prayer. These programs sary step towards gaining have faced, like a new job or derstanding that there are Confessions: with the Lord” have helped thousands of control is to face your own moving to a new home or a things you cannot change, 4:15 p.m. Sat. people learn to deal with limitations. The fi rst step change in martial status – ei- things that can and should For more information call such out of control addic- of any 12-step program, ther a marriage or divorce. be changed; the serenity is Naval Station Norfolk Chapel 444-7361 tive behaviors as gambling, for those dealing with ad- All are stressful situations. in knowing which is which. drugs and sexual addic- diction, is to admit you are However, without a willing- Courage is in accepting tions. This amazing little powerless over your own ness to change, the hard and making the changes, JEWISH PROGRAMS prayer has the power that dependencies. Then and work needed to make chang- even when you must be- Commodore Uraih P. Levy Chapel: Jewish services are helps to change peoples’ only then can you begin to es occur will never happen, gin admitting you are not in at Norfolk chapel in Building C7 on the Second Floor lives. It gives power back to fi nd ways to get some con- often because it feels easier control. I once knew a man every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Building C7 is located at 1630 people who had lost control trol back. In a nutshell, and even safer to keep things who resisted treatment on Morris St. on Naval Base Norfolk. For more information over their lives because of if you can admit that you the way they are and avoid his alcoholism because, af- call 444-7361 or 7363. addictions. are not in control and that the pain of the unknown. ter 30 years of drinking, he Although, it must be said, you are not ‘‘large and in There are rare individuals, was afraid that if he didn’t MUSLIM PROGRAMS drink anymore, he didn’t Masjid al Da’wah know who he would be- 2nd Floor (Bldg. C-7): Muslim services are come if he changed his at Norfolk chapel every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Ukulele lifestyle. He feared the un- known: what he would be if JEB LITTLE CREEK CHAPEL music he changed from his miser- able, but well known life as ROMAN CATHOLIC Confessions: Lt. Cmdr. Mike Foskett, a a drunk. Change is tough Mass Schedule: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. — Sat. chaplain assigned to the and not for cowards. 5 p.m.— Sat. PROTESTANT amphibious transport Here is the blessing (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) 9 a.m. — Sun. School dock ship USS Dubuque of the Serenity Prayer. If 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. — Sun. (4 years-Adult) (LPD 8), plays the ukulele you cannot change some 11:30 a.m. — Tues. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. — Sun. as local elderly women problem, hardship or chal- (except holidays) Divine Worship, sing the Chamorro song Children’s Church during a community lenge, accept it for what it service project at the is and work with the chal- (Ages 4-10) Yona/Talofofo Senior lenge. Everyone has some PWOC: Bible Study at the Chapel Annex Every Wed. Citizens Center in Guam. bumps in the road. If you Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: 10 a.m. - noon Photo by MC2 Peter Lewis can change some hardship PWOC: Evening Bible Study Every Mon.: 7 p.m. or problem that is in your Latter Day Saints Coffeehouse power to change, then im- 11:30 a.m. — Sun. 6 p.m. — Sun. prove it or make it better. Finally, work and pray that For more information call JEB you have the wisdom to Little Creek Chapel 462-7427 know the difference. GREEN: Norfolk looks forward to the many benefits green roofing brings

Continued from page B1 ing heavy rain. It will reduce the run-off of a normal building by 60 percent annual- “The vegetation used in the green ly. The third is the energy savings. We’re roof project is a variation of 16 types of hoping to get in-between 15 percent to 20 succulent cacti,” said Kevin White, an em- percent in savings annually for Naval Sta- ployee of Naval Facilities Engineering tion Norfolk,” said White. Command and architect of the “green” roof Naval Station Norfolk is looking forward project. to the benefits that the green roof project Green roofs have many economical and promises. environmental benefits including energy “With a green roof, a building becomes cost savings, prolonging the service-lifes- autonomous,” said Capt. Kelly M. John- pan of roofs and filtering the pollutants son, Commanding Officer of Naval Station held in rainwater run-off thus improving Norfolk. “It relies less on the energy grid the water quality that enters into sanitized and is more self-sustaining, benefiting not sewer systems. only Naval Station but the entire Navy.” “One benefit of having a green roof is its Building A-50 Regional Legal Service of- ability to double the lifespan of a roof. It fice will be the first building to undergo can be extended 40 to 50 years, whereas a the new green roof project with two other normal roof will last about 20 years. The buildings in the planning stages. Construc- Photo by MC3 Samantha L. Rivero other benefit is the rain. There will be no tion on building A-50 is scheduled to be Jessica Gilden, president of Jessico, Inc., explains the steps that needed when installing the runoff during a normal rain and some dur- completed in December. roofing. PROTECT: Advanced training helps Navy CHALLENGE: Event brings base together Continued from page B1 Continued from page B1 of future attacks will come down to the erational Support Center Norfolk. individual Sailor and their ability to rec- “You kind of get to know each oth- ognize and respond to a threat,” said er a little better and work on team McCormick. “It is important that we building skills.” make the training as realistic and au- The event ran from 7:30 a.m. until thentic as possible.” the award presentation at 3:30 p.m., “Having the opportunity to utilize with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place receiv- learned skills and test reaction time not ing plaques and the base champion only benefits the Navy, but it also ben- receiving a trophy presented by the efits individual Sailors,” said Johnson. base commanding officer. “They gain the confidence necessary to “This kind of event brings the base act in stressful situations.” together. Onboard base Little Creek- Since the attack on Cole, the Navy is Fort Story we have 18,000 people making significant strides in improving and 155 different commands, so one its force protection. of my key objectives is to get people The attack took place in a non- to get to know each other, get the Navy port outside the U.S., making it commands to interact,” said Capt. slightly different than the scenarios Charles Stuppard, Commander Joint presented during CP10. However, im- Expeditionary Base Little Creek- portant lessons were learned from both Fort Story. “What I’ve seen over the situations. past 10 weeks that I’ve been here is Advanced training programs like that people just go about doing their CP10 help the Navy as it constant- own things. People go to work, go to Photo by MC3 Kristin L. Grover ly strives to enhance its readiness and Explosives are detonated to convey the their workspace and then go home. the lessons learned will help shape fu- reality of a terrorist attack during Citadel People don’t really interact, so I’m ture planning. This month, Harvey also Protect 2010. Citadel Protect is a series trying to do things so people get to hosted the annual Executive Agent for of training exercises to assess the Navy’s know each other and get that cama- Antiterrorism Conference. The confer- capability to protect waterborne assets raderie. I see Little Creek-Fort Story ence drew a cross-section of experts against threats in Navy ports. as one big ship, where everybody Photo by MC3 Matthew Bookwalter on security within the Navy. Teams plan, which Harvey will brief to flag Equipment Operator 2nd Class Josh McOmbs, knows everybody.” were assigned to different portions officers in October. from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202, The event was sponsored by Joint of the findings from the various sce- For more news from U.S. Fleet stretches to catch a rebound in a 3-on-3 basketball Expeditionary Base Little Creek- narios exercised throughout the year Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/ game during the 3rd Annual Command Challenge on Fort Story Morale, Welfare and to collaborate and produce an action local/clf/. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek- Fort Story. Recreation. NECC hosts 2010 Family Readiness Symposium

(L) Military members set up tables BY MC2 (SCW) for the 2010 Family Readiness PAUL D. WILLIAMS Symposium. Navy Expeditionary Navy Expeditionary Combat Combat Command (NECC) Command Public Affairs Office hosted the Symposium in Virginia Beach, June 3. VIRGINIA BEACH — Navy Expedition- (R) Rear Adm. Michael P. ary Combat Command Tillotson, Commander of (NECC) hosted the 2010 Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), speaks to Family Readiness Sympo- the attendees of the 2010 Family sium, June 3 and 4. Nearly Readiness Symposium, June 300 Family Readiness offi- 3. The symposium was held to cers, ombudsmen, Family bring together command Family Readiness Program (FRP) Readiness team members, leaders and command rep- service organizations and other resentatives attended. stakeholders within the Navy The symposium was de- and local communities. Photos by MC2 Shannon D. Barnwell signed to bring together command Family Read- iness team members, service organizations and other stakeholders within the Navy and lo- cal communities. Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson, Commander of NECC, said the symposium helps Sailors and their fami- lies share lessons that are often learned the hard way. “As leaders, we must do everything within our pow- er to recruit, train, equip and mentor team members to ensure a family support network that provides rel- evant services and keeps families informed on how to best access them,” said Tillotson. The two-day symposium featured keynote speak- ers Adm. J. C. Harvey, Jr., Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and El- len Roughead, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead. Topics included warrior transition, Individual Aug- mentee family support, social networking and op- erational stress control. Roughead challenged all in attendance to focus on preparing and teaching the spouses left behind to use the resources of the FRP to help get through deployments. “The more prepared and the more knowledge- able a person is, the more they are capable of weath- ering any storm,” said Roughead. “That’s what Navy families do. It’s the one thing that I see over and over again – we take care of each other, and we watch out for each other. We have a 234-year histo- ry of watching out for each other. Family Readiness is new in the way that we are making new programs, but it is not new in the way that we do business.” According to Harvey, as Family Readiness pro- grams support Sailors’ families, they are also sup- porting the Sailors and the work they are doing for NECC. “There is nobody that does the myriad of things that NECC does any bet- ter than they do,” he said. “When they get the call, they support both the Sail- or and the family whose Sailor is responding to that call.” Navy College Program for Afloat Education available to fleet

PRESS RELEASE The participating institu- vices, students interested Center for Personal and tions also offer degrees at in NCPACE instructor led Professional Development both the undergraduate and and/or distance learning Public Affairs graduate levels. courses are briefed on the VIRGINIA BEACH In coordination with the NCPACE program, admin- — The Navy College Pro- Navy, under the instruc- istered course placement gram for Afloat Education tor-led program, qualified testing as needed and (NCPACE) offers flexibili- NCPACE instructors de- provided with individual ty for Sailors and Marines ploy with the ships and offer counseling. who are seeking opportu- courses in a classroom en- Additionally, the nities to work towards an vironment. contractor, CTC, has im- academic degree while un- Instructor-delivered plemented a program derway. courses include associ- using the Hobsons’ Retain NCPACE is designed to ate, Bachelor and graduate Constituent Relationship meet the academic needs levels. Distance learning Management Tool that pro- of deployable units by pro- courses are available via vides a way to track retention viding college courses to CD-ROM, personal digital efficiently. service members assigned assistant and iPod and do The system will automat- to eligible sea-going com- not require Internet access. ically generate and send mands. Courses lead to degrees at E-mails to the distance “The program began the associate, Bachelor and learning participants be- in the early 1970s when graduate levels. fore, during and at the end the Navy provided Sailors Because of the self-paced of the term to help keep aboard Polaris submarines nature of the distance them engaged in the cours- with educational films to U.S. Navy Photo learning courses, first- es and programs. NCPACE is designed to meet the academic needs of deployable units by providing college view during off-watch hours courses to service members assigned to eligible sea-going commands. Currently, NCPACE time distance learning For more information and has steadily grown as a provides courses in both instructor-led and distance learning for commands with Type 2 and participants are screened about the Navy College Pro- program since that time. In Type 4 unit identification codes. and counseled by Navy gram, visit https://www. 2009 alone, NCPACE had College Office counselors navycollege.navy.mil/. 14,997 total enrollments,” ing textbooks and related Humes, Assistant Director are affiliated with SOCNAV during NCPACE orienta- For more information said Dr. Mary Redd-Clary, course materials. of the Navy’s Voluntary Ed- (Service members Opportu- tion services and limited to about the Center for Per- Voluntary Education Direc- The NCPACE program ucation Program. nity Colleges Navy), making one course during the first sonal and Professional tor. offers academic skills, The institutions offer- it easier to transfer cred- term. Development, visit www. In 1973, the Navy allowed developmental and col- ing undergraduate courses its and complete degrees. During orientation ser- navy.mil/local/voledpao/. civilian instructors to teach lege-level courses – both aboard selected surface undergraduate and grad- ships and a year later the uate – from regionally Program for Afloat College accredited institutions. Education (PACE) became The objective of NCPACE a fully funded program, is to provide shipboard per- with the exception of text- sonnel with educational books. opportunities comparable Then, in 1987, a technol- to those available to their ogy component, PACE II, counterparts serving on was added. shore duty. Today, NCPACE is a “NCPACE provides our contracted program with deployed Sailors the equal Central Texas College access to further their ed- (CTC). ucation. Education is key Currently, NCPACE to the Navy’s future. Ed- provides courses in both ucation enables Sailors to instructor-led and distance apply themselves to new learning for commands situations and challeng- with Type 2 and Type 4 unit es, improves knowledge identification codes. The in support of their rating Navy funds the tuition at and provides a more effec- 100 percent and students tive, productive and flexible are responsible for purchas- workforce,” said Jennie