NAS Meridian Civilians of the Year

Volume 58, Number 25 https://www.cnic.navy.mil/meridian ~ www.facebook.com/NASMeridian ~ Twitter: @nasmeridianms December 10, 2020 Dear Santa

Letters written by children in NAS Meridian’s Childcare programs. See more on page 10

What’s Inside NAS Meridian Civilians of the Year

~ page 4 ~

Joint Chiefs discuss future defense budgets

Keith Creel Will Pearson

~ page 6 ~ Senior Civilian of the Year Junior Civilian of the Year Fire & Emergency Services Fire & Emergency Services Operation Warp Speed

Follow us on www.facebook.com/ Memorial service, award ceremonies NASMeridian and Twitter: @NASMeridianMS honor victims of Pensacola terrorist attack

From Naval Education and Class Cameron Walters paid pay tribute to the eight Sailors, Capt. Edgardo Moreno, NASC’s ~ page 2 ~ Training Command Public the ultimate sacrifice in -ser Marines, government civilians, commanding officer, presented Affairs vice to their nation,” said Rear Naval Air Station Pensacola the Purple Heart Medals post- Navy to decommission USS Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, security forces and Escambia humously to the families of Bonhomme Richard Naval Aviation Schools Naval Education and Training County Sherriff’s Office depu- Watson, Haitham and Walters. Command (NASC) held a Command (NETC), the cer- ties who were injured. They all “In these times the war zone memorial service, as well as emony’s guest speaker. “As we exemplify honor, courage and is no longer limited to battle- wreath-laying and Purple lay this wreath for our three commitment.” fields, it all too often finds its ~ page 5 ~ Heart Medal ceremonies, at fallen shipmates, we honor Garvin commented on the way to bastions where it is least Naval Air Station (NAS) Pen- their bravery and their sacri- strong relationship between expected,” said Cmdr. Michael Christmas Safety sacola Dec. 4. fice.” the Pensacola community and Lofgren, NASC’s executive of- The memorial service and The ceremony also recog- the military at NAS Pensacola. ficer, who provided remarks at wreath laying marked the one- nized those who were wound- “Here in Pensacola, in the the ceremonies. “These heroes, year anniversary of the Dec. 6 ed during the attack: Ensign ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation,’ we selflessly and tirelessly prepar- ~ page 8 ~ NAS Pensacola terrorist attack Kristy Lehmer, Ensign Bri- are a family with an unshake- ing for a battlefield, suddenly that left three U.S. Navy Sail- anna Thomas, Airman Ryan able foundation, a family that and unexpectedly found them- New house for rent! ors killed and eight other per- Blackwell, Airman George stands the test of time and is selves in a war zone.” sonnel injured. Johnson, Jessica Pickett, Capt. unwavering in our defense of The Purple Heart Medal is “It was almost one year ago Charles Hogue, Sheriff’s Depu- the constitution and the coun- a United States military deco- page 9 today during a despicable and ty Matthew Tinch and Sheriff’s try whose course it directs,” ration awarded in the name of ~ ~ cowardly act of terrorism that Deputy Jonathan Glass. said Garvin. the President to those wounded Military Family Finances Ensign Joshua Watson, Petty “Today, we continue to During three separate cer- or killed while serving, on or Officer 3rd Class Mohammed mourn those who lost their emonies at the National Naval after April 5, 1917, with the Haitham and Petty Officer 3rd lives,” said Garvin. “We also Aviation Museum, Garvin and U.S. military. 2 The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 Photo of Week A Day in Naval History

~ Dec. 8, 1967 ~

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation to create the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the Department of the Navy. The law established active- duty attorneys as a distinct professional group, and it ushered in a new era of legal administration within the Navy.

Photo by Sgt. Brooke C Woods Marine Corps Recruit Eliseo Z. Sandoval takes on an obstacle during a confidence course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.

Local Happenings December 1-30: Trees of Christmas at Merrehope from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Merrehope is at ~ Dec. 12, 1972 ~ 905 Martine Luther King Dr., Meridian. Admission $10 adults, $5 students, Senior Citizens and Military $9, children under 4 are Capt. Eugene A. Cernan, commander of Apollo 17, walks on the Moon and raises the U.S. flag. Cmdr. Ronald E. Evans is the Command Module Pilot and Harrison free. Call 601-483-8439. H. Schmitt is the Lunar Module pilot. The mission lasts 12 days, 13 hours and 52 minutes. 18: Blues Series: Aa’Keela and The Beats from 6-9 p.m. at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience. Join Maxie from Maxie’s Juke Joint for a night of music with Aa’Keela and The Beats. Led by local favorite Aa’Keela Hudnall on vocals and keyboard, The Beats will perform blues, R&B, and soul music at Navy News Briefs The MAX December Blues Series show. Registration required: $20 for non-members; free for members. Call 601-581-1550. Navy to decommission 19: Vitalant Blood Drive from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Bonita Lakes Mall former Justice space. What better way to help during the USS Bonhomme Richard Christmas season than to give blood? This is a life-saving After thorough consideration, the termined the cost could exceed $1 billion, necessity that is greatly needed. For information, contact Debby Navy has decided to decommission USS which is as much or more than a new- Delshad at [email protected] or 601-693-3433 ext. Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), a Wasp- construction hospital ship, submarine 222. class amphibious assault ship, due to the tender, or command-and-control ship. extensive damage sustained during the Although the timeline for towing and dis- July fire. mantlement are still being finalized, the 19: Breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m. at the Mississippi Arts + “We did not come to this decision light- Navy will execute an inactivation avail- Entertainment Experience. Two Sessions: 9–9:45 a.m. and 10:15– ly,” said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth ability that will remove systems and com- J. Braithwaite. “Following an extensive ponents for use in other ships. 11a.m. Children ages 0–12 are invited to breakfast with Santa material assessment in which various Since July, the Navy has taken nu- Claus at The MAX! We’ll sing Christmas carols, make ornaments, courses of action were considered and merous actions designed to provide im- and socially visit with Santa. Each session is limited to 50 guests. evaluated, we came to the conclusion that mediate fire safety and prevention im- it is not fiscally responsible to restore her. provements across the Fleet and shore $5 per person. Registration required. Call 601-581-1550. “Although it saddens me that it is not installations. Working collaboratively, cost effective to bring her back, I know the fleet commanders established a Fire this ship’s legacy will continue to live on Safety Assessment Program to conduct through the brave men and women who random assessments of ship’s compliance fought so hard to save her, as well as the with Navy fire-safety regulations, with Sailors and Marines who served aboard a priority on ships undergoing mainte- Tips for motorcycle winter riding her during her 22-year history,” Braith- nance availabilities. waite said. Naval Sea Systems Command issued Following the fire, the Navy conducted an advisory to all supervising authorities from Naval Safety Center a comprehensive material assessment on directed fire prevention requirements that concluded the cost to restore Bon- and outlined corrective actions to improve From Amy Robinson bike he now rides, which blocks more of homme Richard could exceed $3 billion fire protection, damage control, and fire- Naval Safety Center Safety Promotions the wind and cold than the sport bike he and require between five and seven years fighting doctrine, all of which will be exe- rode in his younger years. to complete. cuted in close partnerships with industry Many motorcycle riders will face the For those who plan to ride during the The Navy also examined rebuilding partners. decision soon if they haven’t already: colder months, Lowder has a few recom- the ship for alternate purposes and de- --From U.S. Navy whether to winterize and store their ride mendations on gear, stemming from his till the spring or dare to brave the drop- years riding a sport bike when that was ping temps on two wheels. his only means of transportation. Unless they’re on the West Coast, “You absolutely want to dress in layers many riders will inevitably face the deci- while you’re riding, because when you are sion soon if they haven’t already: wheth- going down the road at 60 miles an hour 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing advances er to winterize and store their ride till and it’s 60 degrees outside, it typically the spring or dare to brave the dropping feels like 40 with the wind chill factor air superiority with F-35C temps on two wheels. figured in there,” he said, adding that he “It’s a personal preference,” said U.S. even went so far as to buy a pair of boots a In a time characterized by rapidly advanced capabilities is essential to its Marine Corps Master Sgt. Ryan Lowder, a size bigger so he could wear thicker socks. evolving tactics and modernized equip- employment in an increasingly non-per- tactical vehicle analyst at the Naval Safe- “Usually, the first things that get cold ment, the Marine Corps has taken the missive maritime domain. ty Center (NAVSAFECEN). “Me, I like to are your feet and your hands, so you want next step in maintaining air superior- To receive this qualification, squad- ride, so if it’s nice outside – and nice to me to ensure you invest in some really good ity as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron rons must meet the Headquarters Ma- is when the sun’s out – it doesn’t matter gloves that allow your fingers to move (VMFA) 314 declares their initial op- rine Corps standards, which define the what temperature it is.” freely, but also provide you with that erational capability (IOC) for the F-35C minimum number of trained Marines, Lowder, who has more than 20 years warmth. Lightning II. mission ready aircraft and trained pilots of experience riding both sport bikes and “You’re going to spend a couple of extra Initial operational capability declara- needed in order for a squadron to become cruisers, said he doesn’t mind riding in bucks, but if you don’t have a big fairing tion marks a significant accomplishment IOC complete. cold weather for a couple of reasons. The blocking the wind like some of the cruis- for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), “Our maintenance department was first and arguably most important: He has ers, your fingers and your hands are going enabling VMFA-314 to deploy the F-35C critical to the success of IOC. In addition the right gear. The second is the type of to pay the price first.” onto aircraft carriers where they will be to accepting and inspecting the multiple able to support combat operations any- aircraft that arrived throughout the year, where in the world. the Marines maintained a high level of “The F-35 is an expeditionary plat- aircraft readiness,” said Lt. Col. Dun- form that extends the reach of our Ma- can French, VMFA-314 executive officer. The Navy & Marine Corps rines and machines, and increases our “Those mission capable aircraft allowed ability to support joint and allied part- the pilots to train in the appropriate mis- ners at a moment’s notice,” said Maj. sions required of IOC, as well as contrib- Relief Society is looking for Gen. Christopher Mahoney, 3rd MAW uted towards the readiness metrics of commanding general. “By effectively em- IOC.” volunteers to reopen the ploying the F-35, MAGTF [Marine Air- The F-35’s ability to combine ad- Ground Task Force] commanders have vanced stealth capabilities, integrated the potential to dominate our adversar- avionics and the most powerful sensor Uniform Locker/Thrift Store. ies in a joint battlespace, in the air and package the Department of Defense has out at sea.” ever seen allows it to operate in contest- Having the most advanced stealth ed areas, and gives the Marine Corps an If you are interested, please email fighter jets the world has ever seen is unparalleled ability to maintain air su- [email protected] only the beginning. A strategic and tac- periority in dynamic, unpredictable and tical understanding of how to operate competitive environments. and properly maintain the F-35 and its --From 1st Lt. Charles Allen

This DoD newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Hotlines & Helpful Numbers Contents of The Skyline are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss. SAPR Victim Assistance: 601-604-3037 The Skyline ~ Government, the Department of Defense, or NAS Meridian, Mississippi. The Skyline is pub- SAPR Civilian Victim Assistance: 601-486-3122 lished every other Thursday by The Meridian Star, a private firm in no way connected with the SARC: 601-481-4274 U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with the commanding officer of Naval Air Station, Command Staff Editorial Staff SAFE Helpline: 877-995-5247 Meridian, Mississippi. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Commanding Officer ~ Public Affairs Officer ~ Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 Meridian Public Affairs Office. The Skyline solicits news contributions from military and civilian Military OneSource: 800-342-9647 sources. It reserves the right to edit material selected for publication. The deadline for material Penny Randall is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Send submissions to: The Skyline, 255 Rosen- Capt. Timothy B. Moore CEAP (DoN Civilian): 844-366-2327 Public Affairs Specialist~ baum Ave., Suite 163, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Meridian, MS 39309-5003 or Executive Officer ~ EAP (NAF Civilian): 800-932-0034 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information, call (601) 679- Adam Prince FFSC Meridian: 601-679-2360 Cmdr. J.P. Falardeau 2318 or (601) 679-2809. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or Staff Writer/Photographer~ Chaplain: 601-604-2015 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Command Master Chief ~ NMCRS Duty Cell: 601-604-2206 The Meridian Star of products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this MC2 Krystina Coffey EEO (NAF): 866-295-0328 publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without re- CMDCM Maurice Sutherland gard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handi- EEO (GS): 904-542-2802 cap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user orpatron. The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 3 Public Works NAS Meridian Civilians of the Quarter

Marcus Lloyd Marilynn Kirksey Photo by Matt Copeland Senior Civilian of the Quarter Junior Civilian of the Quarter Jason Coleman replaces a road sign that is in place to Security Air Operations safeguard drivers, pedestrians, and assets onboard the installation. The sign he is working on is especially important as it reminds motorist to reduce speeds while passing troop formations. NMCRS Presidential Commendation Commissaries continue deliver benefit while prioritizing safety of customers, employees during COVID-19 pandemic

By Kevin L. Robinson DeCA public affairs specialist

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the Defense Commis- sary Agency is reassuring its customers and employees that their health and welfare is the commissaries’ top priority. “We exist to enrich our customers’ quality of life by providing significant savings on their groceries, and they can rest assured that we will do so safely and efficiently,” said William F. Moore, DeCA director. “As we deliver the commissary benefit, the safety of our val- ued customers and dedicated employees remains our No. 1 priority especially during this unprecedented time,” he added. “We continue to follow strict DOD health protection in our stores, spe- cifically regarding sanitary measures, face coverings and social distancing.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, DeCA has imple- mented the following measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus in commissaries: • Commissaries conduct daily health screenings of anyone who Photo by Adam Prince works in commissaries – including employees, baggers and affili- Capt. Timothy B. Moore, left, commanding officer of NAS Meridian presents a Navy and Marine ated contractors – before they start their shifts Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Presidential Certificate of Commendation to HM1 Monique • Anyone (including customers) entering a store must wear a Baskins during an awards ceremony in the Admin building onboard NAS Meridian, Dec. 2. face covering Baskins received the commendation, in part, for her efforts in improving the duty phone • Stores have clear plastic sneeze shields in all regular checkout systems resulting in more effective communications for NMCRS volunteers from Aug. 2019- lanes Dec. 2020. • Commissary personnel wipe down checkout areas, product display cases, restrooms and shopping carts with disinfectant, and practice routine hand washing and other basic sanitation measures • Touchless credit card processing eliminates the need for the customer to sign The following personnel are also • Customers scan their own ID cards so cashiers can provide them touchless transactions recognized by NMCRS for their • Reusable bag usage has been banned • DeCA canceled special events such as the spring sidewalk sales, in-store product demonstrations (including DeCA’s free volunteer efforts during 2020: coffee program), group tours, vendor-sponsored events and other events to discourage group gatherings • Commissaries are working with installation leadership and 100 hours: public health personnel to implement risk reduction practices specific to that base. HM2 Janeiqua Bass From a product availability standpoint, DeCA continues to work with its industry suppliers to increase deliveries to com- LS2 Joshawn Coleman missaries where the need is greatest – especially overseas – to ensure product availability, particularly on items that are in high HM2 Dakota Neel demand like liquid sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper. Store directors have the flexibility to determine item limita- Elizabeth Scott tions based on supplier availability and customer demand. These actions help stores control stock outs and panic buying, Moore said. “At this time, when the industry-wide grocery logistics system 300 hours: is being stressed, we want our customers to know we are aggres- sively partnering with the supplier community to fix any short- Sgt. Spencer Blauvelt ages and ensure our military patrons have shelves full of what they need over the holidays,” he said. “There is no need for panic AZ1 Lionel Boone 500 hours: buying. If they happen to see empty shelves in the store, we ask HM1 Monique Baskins them to please be patient – the store will be restocked often the Sgt. Coraima Flores very next day.” Customers should continue to refer to DeCA’s Coronavirus PS1 Shawn Fox page for updates related to commissaries. For overall updates 600 hours: and guidance regarding this virus, they are encouraged to ac- HM2 Luis Jumenez cess the following websites: the federal government’s response to AZ1 Gilberto Garcia COVID-19 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s AZ1 Andrew LaPointe Coronavirus site. 4The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs discusses future defense budgets

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

Army Gen. Mark A. Milley is a realist, and he sees future defense budgets, at best, remaining flat or possibly going down significantly in the years ahead. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Brook- ings Institution’s Michael O’Hanlon yesterday that COV- ID-19 has hit the nation hard, and that carries over to the budgeting process. The upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic must be countered and remedied before the United States can budget its military to prevail in great power competition. Great power competition with China and Russia is the main factor in the strategic environment today. To be a great power requires a strong and capable military to be sure, but it also requires a strong and capable economy. “You have to have a very resilient country as a whole; you have to have a great education system; you’ve got to have great infrastructure,” he said. “You have to look at it as a whole, of which the military is one piece of the whole.” The military is expensive with a budget this fiscal year of $750 billion. But preparing the military to meet the threats of the future while fighting the battles of today would require about 3 to 5 percent real growth each year. “And we would want to have a sustained, predict- able, adequate budget in a timely way every year,” Milley said. “But that’s also not necessarily going to happen, and I don’t anticipate that it will happen.” Pentagon officials must do a quick reality check on the Photo by Master Sgt. Charles E. Burden national budget. “I suspect that, at best, the Pentagon’s Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff holds a conversation about foreign policy with budgets will start flattening out,” he said. “There’s a rea- Brookings Institute Sr. Fellow Michael O’Hanlon via teleconference at the Pentagon. sonable prospect that they could actually decline significantly, depending on what happens in the environment.” The military is not divorced from the rest of America. But even if everything goes perfectly in the fight against a considerable amount of money that the United States The military does not operate in a vacuum. What happens COVID-19, the military budget will flatten, he said. “That expends on overseas deployments or overseas bases and lo- outside the gates affects those inside them. “We have had doesn’t mean that the world’s going to end for us,” he said. cations, etc.,” Milley said. “Is every one of those absolutely, a significant pandemic,” the general said. “We’ve had … an “What that means is that we have to tighten up and take a positively necessary for the defense of the United States? economic situation nationally for almost going on a year much harder look at priorities and where we put the mon- Is every one of them tied to a vital national security inter- now. We’ve got significant unemployment.” eys we do get.” est? Is every one of those exercises that we do really criti- Moving forward, the nation’s most important priority The DOD must absolutely optimize the money it will cally important?” is to take care of the coronavirus pandemic. The United get, and ruthlessly enforce priorities, he said. DOD leaders must take hard looks at everything the States has to get that behind us and breathe new life into “We have to … take a hard look at what we do [and] department does. “I think [it] is warranted, and I have no the economy, Milley said. “Once you do that, then you can where we do it,” he said. problem in leading us through that to the extent that we put additional moneys into a military.” Part of this is looking at overseas footprints. “There’s can,” he said.

Escaping the holiday shopping vortex

I’ve never from which there was no escape. understood the COLUMN An agonizing two hours later, I had thrill of camp- painstakingly discovered that one ing out, standing coupon was for in-store purchases in long lines, only, three had expired, and although and elbowing another WAS for online purchases, fellow shoppers it only applied IF you used a store on Black Friday, credit card, which we didn’t have. I just to get a tried to avail myself of the advertised few bucks off of military discount, but it only worked an Insta-Pot or on Tuesdays, and then, only if I’d been Nintendo Switch. pre-approved after scanning and up- Frankly, I’d rath- loading a copy of my husband’s form er stick a hot DD-214. Monday discounts were for poker in my eye Molinari first responders, Wednesdays were for than fight the seniors, Thursdays were for medical holiday crowds workers, Fridays were for left-handed the day after Thanksgiving, when I’m dyslexics, Saturdays were for or- usually sucking leftover turkey from phaned red-heads, and Sundays were my teeth and watching old movies. for polka dancers. Or something like So when the media reported that that. Black Friday had been rendered In the end, only the free shipping “irrelevant” by the 2020 coronavi- discount worked, and after complet- rus pandemic, I felt vindicated and ing the transaction, I realized that relieved. I’d paid prices that were jacked up to However, I soon learned that Black compensate for the complicated Black Friday had not been cancelled after Friday discount schemes. Feeling all — it was merely “reinvented.” defeated, I longed for the pre-Internet Instead of one day of holiday shop- holidays of my youth, when gift lists ping mania, the consumer mayhem were shorter, shopping was limited to formerly known as Black Friday a couple of weeks in December, and had been stretched out over October, people gave simple items that were November and December. The pro- appreciated. longed agony now included online and Back then, we relaxed in our gabar- in-store discounts, incentives for curb- dine slacks at home, making thought- side pick up to avoid delivery delays, ful crafts like macrame owl wall hang- and “Health Ambassadors” to monitor ings and pencil caddies made from occupancy limits and enforce safety mayonnaise jars stuck with bits of protocols. masking tape rubbed with shoe polish. Oh, joy. We crocheted awkward sweater vests, As a woman with beefy upper arms made crooked cutting boards in shop and habit of losing receipts, I am a class, and fashioned ash trays out of firm believer in trying on and eye- clay. And if we weren’t crafty, we went balling items before buying. I would to old-fashioned department stores normally insist on shopping in store, and bought our loved ones modestly- but the pandemic restrictions have priced Avon perfumes, English forced even me to bend my own rules. Leather cologne, handkerchiefs, ties, Against my better judgment, I reluc- tea towels, record albums, Nerf balls, tantly tried online shopping to buy my Slinkys and mood rings. 2020 Christmas gifts. Ah, the good old days… Once on my laptop, I was sucked On second thought, I hope this in by flashy digital ads promising doesn’t give my family the wrong “Forty-percent off for a limited time!” idea. I may have openly disparaged and “Free shipping with coupon code!” the evils of Black Friday shopping For a moment, I thought that I might and extolled the virtues of hand-made actually save money. After creating gifts, but let’s be clear: I do NOT want accounts and accepting cookies that to open a box on Christmas that con- would fill my inbox with countless tains anything made out of macaroni junk emails for months to come, I noodles and yarn. filled various online shopping carts If you are looking for a gift for me, I with a variety of gifts for my whole recommend you search online and use family. a coupon code. Size ten, roomy in the “Who knew online shopping would sleeves. be so easy and affordable!” I thought, Lisa Smith Molinari’s self syndicated columns ap- just before keying in the first coupon pear on her blog, www.themeatandpotatoesoflife. code. I pressed the return key, excited com and she recently co-authored Stories Around to see my savings, when I suddenly the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Mili- found myself caught in a digital vortex tary Life Follow Lisa@MolinariWrites. The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 5 Exercise Coastal Caribbean Warrior

Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr. mission. 2nd Marine Division “There is nowhere else we could’ve trained with a full “This is really a unique troop of Dutch Frogmen,” said Foster. “The environment U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 2nd Reconnais- here in Aruba is better suited to developing the skills that sance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division recently traveled opportunity. The Dutch will help us in future operations, and it really helps us in- nearly 1,600 miles to conduct open-water and dive training tegrate with the Dutch who will be a really strong partner with Netherlands Marines from the 32nd Raiding Squad- Marines’ subject-matter in the event we have to operate in Eastern Europe or the ron in Savaneta, Aruba, on November 7. expertise in coastal tropics high North.” The training increases interoperability between the 2nd Recon Battalion completed a visit, board, search, Netherlands Marine Corps and the U.S. Marines as they is invaluable to preparing and seizure training package as well as dive training, and work side-by-side as partner nations. 2nd Recon Battalion, a series of firing ranges. Being able to learn from the Neth- stationed on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, don’t often us for combat situations in erlands Marines in their primary area of operations, helps have the opportunity to work in tropical waters such as 2nd Recon Battalion build a faster, more mobile, and more those of Aruba. To further develop the relationship be- foreign regions.” lethal force when operating in such diverse locations. tween the two units, the Dutch Marines, will in turn, trav- “The training is helping us build new unit operating el to Camp Lejeune in coming months to perfect their own — Capt. Joshua Foster, company commander of C Company, procedures,” said Sgt. Zachary Palmgren, a team leader tactics in a foreign climate and to perform myriad other 2nd Recon Battalion with 2nd Recon Battalion. “The water is clear so the dive types of training in the U.S. teams can see what they’re doing and better build on the “The training circumstances here in Aruba are opti- foundations they have. The VBSS training helps us inte- mal,” said Netherlands Marine Corps Capt. Mark Brou- grate with the Dutch, and it shows us a more real-world wer, a Dutch exchange officer embedded with 2nd Recon in coastal tropics is invaluable to preparing us for combat application for the training we do at home.” Battalion. “We have everything in place here to train a lot situations in foreign regions.” By working together, Marines from both nations de- better than we could’ve on Camp Lejeune. On top of that, The 32nd Raiding Squadron is regarded as an essential veloped a better understanding of how to implement new the skills we teach to 2nd Recon, we do here on a daily line of defense for the island of Aruba. Their effectiveness techniques. This type of bilateral training is critical, in basis.” in conducting open water operations and their integration particular when fighting in littoral and coastal regions. “This is really a unique opportunity,” said Capt. Josh- with their naval counterparts represent vital skills for 2nd 2nd Recon Battalion’s mastery of these skills is paramount ua Foster, company commander of C Company, 2d Recon Recon Battalion to hone. This bilateral training increases if they are to integrate effectively with their own naval Battalion. “The Dutch Marines’ subject-matter expertise proficiency in a variety of skills necessary to complete their counterparts.

Helmand province, Afghanistan Setermoen, Norway

Photo by Sgt. Anthony Ortiz Photo by Cpl. William Chockey A U.S. Marine conducts an operations check on a 310 Small Unmanned Ground U.S. Marines hike through snow during a cold weather live-fire training event in Vehicle on Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan. preparation for Exercise Reindeer II in Setermoen, Norway. Christmas safety

As we engage in the holiday season with decorations, great food, and purpose (outside/inside). relaxation, the NAS Meridian Fire Department would like to recommend • Ensure the lights were tested by an independent testing some tips to ensure everyone stays safe: laboratory. • Check each strand of lights for broken bulbs, fraying, or any Christmas Tree Safety damage prior to using and replace if necessary. • If you are using a “real” christmas tree, make sure you water it daily • ALWAYS turn off the lights before bed or when you leave the so it does not dry out. house. • Do not buy a tree if the needles fall off when touched. • Read manufacturer recommendation on how many light strands to • Make sure you cut at least 2 inches from the bottom of the truck connect together. before you place it in your home. • NEVER use a candle to decorate the christmas tree. • Keep every tree at least 36 inches from any heat source. • If the needles start to turn brown, you need to get rid of the tree. The NAS Fire Department would like to wish all of you a very safe holiday • If you have an artificial tree, ensure it is labeled, certified, or season. identified by the manufacturer that it is fire retardant. ***************** Andrew Waters is the NAS Meridian Decoration Safety Fire Inspector. • When utilizing lights, ensure they are being used for the intended He can be contacted at 601-679-3866. 6 The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 Operation Warp Speed leaders say 20 million COVID-19 vaccines may be available this month

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II said that key officials with Operation Warp Speed report that 20 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine could be distributed this month. Azar was joined for a media briefing by Army Gen. Gustave F. Perna, chief operating officer of OWS, and Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief advisor to OWS. ‘’We are planning to be ready when [an emergency-use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration] is approved; and when the EUA decision comes [through], distribution to the American people becomes immediate within 24 hours. That’s our goal. That’s what we’re striving for,’’ Perna said. According to published reports, the drug maker Moderna announced encouraging results from a study of its COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 30, noting that complete data from the large-scale study showed its COVID-19 vaccine to be 94.1% effective. The drug manufacturer said it has applied to the FDA to authorize the vaccine for emergency use, while two other companies also have filed emergency-use authorization applications with the FDA. ‘’On top of that, more OWS-supported DoD photo candidates are well on their way in that fi- Operation Warp Speed Chief Operating Officer Army Gen. Gus Perna, left, and Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman nal phase of clinical trials,’’ Azar said. ‘’[The] and chief executive officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, join other company leaders to discuss details of COVID-19 vaccine FDA has scheduled a meeting of its vaccine distribution and administration. Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are integral to the vaccine distribution. advisory committee to review the Moderna vaccine on December 17 following their meeting on the Pfizer vaccine on December can who wants it. And because of Operation Control and Prevention’s advisory commit- ‘’As we approach the vaccine rollout, 10. We also learned this morning that the Warp Speed, we expect to be at that point in tee on immunization practices has issued we’re also continuing to expand access to United Kingdom has granted authorization the spring,’’ Azar said. recommendations to OWS leadership on treatments for COVID-19,’’ he said, add- to the Pfizer vaccine,’’ he added. Having substantial quantities of a safe how vaccines can be effectively and equita- ing that, as of this week, OWS has distrib- If all goes well, the secretary said, OWS can and effective vaccine that’s been autho- bly distributed. uted more than 157,000 patient courses of make its first shipments of the vaccine to rized by FDA before the end of the year is These recommendations will now be two authorized antibody products across states this month. a remarkable achievement, the secretary used by states to develop the best priori- the United States and allocated a total of ‘’Of course, we’re all eager to have said, adding that the vaccine will start sav- tization system for their residents, Azar 205,000 courses for delivery to states. enough supply to vaccinate every Ameri- ing lives very soon. The Centers for Disease said. =OWS, page 9

NAVFAC updates name to reflect technical, acquisition mission requirements

By Sue Brink does to enable warfighter lethality, and NAVFAC Public Affairs it helps current and potential future supported activities understand the techni- Naval Facilities Engineering Com- cal and procurement authority assigned mand changed its name to Naval Fa- to NAVFAC,” said Rear Adm. John Kor- cilities Engineering Systems Command ka, commander of NAVFAC and chief of (NAVFAC) Oct. 26 to more accurately Civil Engineers. “In addition, this name reflect its well-established nature and change brings NAVFAC in line with the mission as the naval shore facilities, base naming convention of other Navy sys- operating support, and expeditionary en- tems commands, including Naval Sea gineering systems command that deliv- Systems Command, Naval Air Systems ers life-cycle technical and acquisition Command, Naval Information Warfare solutions aligned to Fleet and Marine Systems Command, Naval Supply Sys- Corps priorities. tems Command, Marine Corps Systems The name change includes the NAV- Command, and their associated warfare FAC Southeast office located in Jack- centers and field activities.” sonville, Florida. This office provides The name change commenced Oct. services throughout the southeast from 26 with an official announcement to the Texas, east to South Carolina, and south command’s leadership and is being im- to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. NAVFAC plemented as quickly as possible across Southeast delivers and maintains qual- the enterprise. ity, sustainable facilities, acquires and NAVFAC is the oldest of the Navy’s manages capabilities for the Navy’s expe- systems commands, having been estab- ditionary combat forces, provides contin- lished as the Bureau of Yards and Docks gency engineering response, and enables (BuDocks) in August 1842. At its cre- energy security and environmental stew- ation, BuDocks supported a shore estab- ardship. lishment of seven ship repair yards, four In addition to NAVFAC’s alignment ordnance magazines, and five naval sta- with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy tions. Its officers are commissioned in the (Energy, Installations & Environment) as Navy Civil Engineer Corps, which came the Navy and Marine Corps real estate into being in March 1867. During the acquisition, management, and disposal 1966 reorganization of the Department of authority, NAVFAC also aligns with the Navy, BuDocks became NAVFAC. Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Re- The Navy’s systems commands are search, Development & Acquisition) as materiel agencies who are responsible the Navy and Marine Corps acquisition for the design, construction and main- and technical authority for construction tenance of assigned military systems. and facilities engineering programs, de- Systems commands provide full life-cycle veloping, procuring, and sustaining shore support for a specific category of military facilities and environmental solutions in hardware or software, including research order to enable warfighter lethality. and development, design, procurement, “This change better reflects the full testing, repair and in-service engineering spectrum of critical work that NAVFAC and logistics support. The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 7

NAS Meridian, MS • Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facility Phone Numbers

Fitness Center 679-2379 Library 679-2326 MWR Admin. 679-2551 Liberty Center 679-3760 Rudders Pub & Grill 679-2780 MWR Jobs Line 679-2467 Tickets 679-3773 CDC/CDH 679-2652 McCain Rec Center 679-2651 SAC 679-5252 Equipment Rental 679-2609 SLO 679-2473

YOUR COMMENTS DIRECTLY IMPACT WE WANT PLANNING FOR YOUR FEEDBACK MWR FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMING

NAVYMWRMERIDIAN.COM/SURVEYS

FACILITIES ARE OPEN

ALL facilities require masks (ages 6 & up), social distancing, temperature checks and COVID questioning. Hand sanitizer/sinks are available.

COMMUNITY RECREATION Office currently located at the McCain Recreation Center Authorized: Active Duty/Dependents Hours: Monday-Friday 1400-1800, Weekend 1000-1800 Rental equipment limited to individual use items / Paintball remains closed FITNESS CENTER Authorized: Active Duty only Hours: Block scheduling HOBBY SHOP Located behind the Library Authorized: Active Duty/Dependents Hours (by appointment only): Monday-Friday 1600-1900, Saturday 1000-1500 Automotive, woodworking, pottery and welding areas available LIBERTY CENTER Authorized: A-School Students only Hours: Monday-Thursday 1600-2145, Friday & Saturday 1030-2345, Sunday 1030-2145 LIBRARY Authorized: Active Duty only Hours (by appointment only): Mon.-Wed. & Fri. 1000-1800, Thursday 1000-2000, Saturday 1000-1600 No physical browsing - books must be browsed online and picked up at a scheduled time McCAIN RECREATION CENTER Authorized: Active Duty & Dependents Hours: Block scheduling Subway Restaurant currently closed (bowling, putt-putt, arcade and movie theater currently open) RUDDERS PUB & GRILL Authorized: Anyone with base access Hours: Monday-Friday 0630-1300 Advance orders through Dine on the Go Meridian highly encouraged

STAY UP-TO-DATE BY VISITING NAVYMWRMERIDIAN.COM OR DOWNLOADING THE FREE NAVYMWR MERIDIAN APP.

LETTERS TO SANTA BATTLE IT OUT ON November 16 - December 11 THE BIG SCREEN! WE’VE PARTNERED WITH THE NORTH POLE TO HAVE SANTA RECORD DECEMBER 3 VIDEO MESSAGES OF HIM READING CHRISTMAS WISHLISTS! CHRISTMAS JUST DANCE 2020 @ 1800 VISIT NAVYMWRMERIDIAN.COM/LETTERS-TO-SANTA DECEMBER 17 ARTS & CRAFTS DRIVE-THRU TO SUBMIT YOUR LIST. WE’LL SHARE THE VIDEOS ON OUR MORTAL KOMBAT 11 @ 1800 DECEMBER 31 FACEBOOK PAGE THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 14TH. (NINTENDO SWITCH) 1000-1200 AT THE MCCAIN RECREATION CENTER YOUR CHOICE @ 1800

AT THE LIBERTY CENTER DECEMBER 5 & 19 DECEMBER 12 & 26 COLOR SHEET & CRAYONS DIY CRAFTS

navymwrmeridian.com navymwrmeridian.com navymwrmeridian.com

HOLIDAY DRIVE-THRU Christmas Day DECEMBER 22 • 1700-1900 • MCCAIN RECREATION CENTER LIBERTY B WL HOLIDAY Join us outside the McCain Recreation Center, where Santa and his elves & PUTT-PUTT will hand out holiday crafts, candy canes, hot chocolate and more! December 25 • 1600-2030 • McCain Rec Center SAFARI December 17 • MWR Meridian Facebook Page

Join us on our Facebook Page for a holiday-themed virtual animal show!

LIBERTY PATRONS CAN ENJOY FREE GAMES OF BOWLING AND PUTT-PUTT, ALONG WITH PRE-PACKAGED REFRESHMENTS (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST).

SPONSORED BY: LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE AND ALL COVID RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

*THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY DOES navymwrmeridian.com NOT ENDORSE ANY COMPANY, SPONSOR navymwrmeridian.com OR THEIR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. NAVYMWRMERIDIAN.COM 8 The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 FITNESS FITNESS CENTER (601) 679-2379

• Currently limited to Active Duty (see block schedule below) • Masks, social distancing, temperature checks and COVID questioning required, hand sanitizer/sinks available • Social distance markings and directional signage throughout the facility • Towel service unavailable • Showers/lockers unavailable

Facility Capacity Limited to 75 Patrons Hours of Operation for the Following Personnel:

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat & Holidays Sun & Holidays

0600-1000: 0600-1000: 0600-1000: 0600-1000: 0600-1000: Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) 1000-1300: 1000-1300: Active Duty Active Duty 1100-1500: 1100-1500: 1100-1500: 1100-1500: 1100-1500: (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty Active Duty (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) (No A-School Students) 1400-1700: 1400-1700: A-School Students A-School Students 1600-2000: 1600-2000: 1600-2000: 1600-2000: 1600-2000: A-School Students A-School Students A-School Students A-School Students A-School Students

Navy adds new functionality to Safety Mishap Reporting System

By Stephanie Slater als. Unlike older legacy systems such as the Naval Safety Center Safety Promotions Web-Enabled Safety System (WESS), users can quickly and easily input data, which re- The Department of the Navy will add a duces the chance for error. new event supervisor reporting functionality Mishap data entered into RMI provides to its safety mishap reporting system with relevant information for identifying and the release of Risk Management Information managing risk, enabling NAVSAFECEN to (RMI) Streamlined Incident Reporting Two foster a safety culture of excellence that en- (SIR-2) on Dec. 10. courages risk management, problem-solving The event supervisor reporting role al- and proactive thinking. By identifying lead- lows users to enter an event as a supervi- ing indicators of mishaps and hazards to sor report, which is an abbreviated version mitigate risk, and performing objective anal- of the investigation module found in SIR. ysis of this data, NAVSAFECEN can deliver Safety personnel then review these reports safety lessons learned in support of its man- for further investigation and completion of date to preserve readiness and save lives. mishap reporting in SIR. In preparation for this second launch, the The online training session schedule fol- Naval Safety Center now provides virtual lows below. RMI SIR Familiarization Train- RMI user administration and SIR familiar- ing Schedule: ization training through Dec. 17, 2020. Dec. 8: 8 a.m.-12 p.m, & 1-5 p.m. (EST) All safety professionals, safety specialists Dec. 9, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (EST) and collateral duty safety professionals are Dec. 10, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (PST), 11 a.m.-3 p.m. strongly encouraged to attend. (EST) The interactive sessions are four hours in Dec. 15, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (JST), 6-10 p.m. length and scheduled across multiple time (EST) zones. Topics include SIR account access, ac- Dec. 16, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (JST), 6-10 p.m. counts management, entering mishaps and (EST) recommendations, message approval pro- Dec. 17, 1-5 p.m. (CET), 7-11 a.m. (EST) cess, memorandum of final evaluation and the newly added supervisors’ report module. EST Eastern Standard Time NAVSAFECEN will record these sessions JST Japan Standard Time and place one in the RMI resource section of PST Pacific Standard Time its website once all sessions finish. CET Central European Time (Italy and Spain) The Navy and Marine Corps began us- Access training through Adobe Connect ing RMI SIR to report safety events on Aug. using the following URL: http://navsafeetc. 31, 2020. RMI SIR provides a single, easy to adobeconnect.com/RMI_Training. Please log use point of data entry for safety profession- in as a guest. Sale... Or BOATS/CAMPERS/TRAILERS Bluetooth, JBL, heated yard with boat slip & pier. 3BD/3BA brick home with kitchen and lawn mowing. ing $300; call Willy at 601- seats, almost new tires, Pets allowed. Pet deposit sunroom, larged fenced in 20 Miles to NAS Meridian. 880-3237. 2018 Mallard M185 Burgundy interior! Asking $300. $1,300 rent per yard. Convenient to shop- Rent $1800 w/ $1k depos- Bose A20 Aviation Travel Trailer. Sleeps 4 $17,500. Call 601-880- month. Call 973-876-5006. ping and base. Below mar- it. Call Michelle Carlson Headset w/Bluetooth with 1 queen bed/2 bunks. 3211. For Rent: 4BD/3BA tri- ket price for quick sale. 601-507-9238. like new barely used (2 Easy to tow at 3,575 lbs; 2018 Subaru Outback level home in NE School $139K. Call 601-513-3395 hrs max usage) in perfect MISCELLANEOUS only selling because mili- 2.5 limited, 12k miles; District. Spacious, over or 601-227-1870. working condition. Paid tary member is moving Subaru safety features 3300 sq ft. Ideal for large For Sale: 3BD/2.5BA For Sale: COLT Ma- $1,103.90 have original overseas. Great living and warranties included. family with lots of open Ranch style home in west rine M45A1 Desert Tan receipt and all original quarters with lake view. Asking $29k. Call 601- yard, or bachelors, share a Meridian. 2307 sq. feet. At- 1911 45 Caliber Pistol in boxing and case. Asking Hooked up and ready to 480-5100. home. Minutes from NAS tached, enclosed garage blue colt case. comes with $700 OBO. Call Kim at live in, including cables, 2017 Dodge Challeng- Meridian (about 6 miles) and 16 x 32 in-ground pool 2 clips. and a gun lock 601-480-7181. hoses, septic lines, plus er, grey with racing stripe. $1,800 month/security de- inside of fenced back yard. $1,600. Call Willy at 601- the $500 towing kit. Ask- $24k. Call 601-880-3237. posit 1st month rent – call Easy access to Hwy. 19 880-3237. ing $17,000. Call 360-434- HOMES/APARTMENTS 601-616-2263. and. Call 601-880-3211. 15ft Tripod swivel seat To submit an item to 3035. For Rent: 2BA/1BA on For Rent: 3BD/3BA fur- deer stand new in the box. the “Sale...Or” column, AUTOMOBILES, ETC. New! For Rent: the water at Dalewood nished home, includes wa- Asking $300; call Willy at e-mail adam.prince@ 2BD/1.5BA single family $600 per month. Call 601- ter, trash, electric, gas, ba- 601-880-3237. navy.mil. Deadline is the For Sale: 2010 Toyota home in Dalewood - fully 683-6038. sic monthly maid service Primos 360 Ground Thursday prior to Tundra Crew Max 2wd. renovated. Fenced in back For Sale By Owner: dusting, bathrooms and Blind new in the box. Ask- publication. 159k miles Moon roof,

Listings in the “Sale...Or” column are free for anyone who works at NAS Meridian. You can purchase an ad for a business or organization in “The Skyline,” by calling The Meridian Star at 601-693-1551 -- ask for Advertising or email: [email protected] The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020 9 Fleet & Family Support Center In 2019 spouse survey: 70 percent report good, better finances

By C. Todd Lopez than past years,” he said. In 2017, for in- DoD News, Defense Media Activity stance, that number was at 60%. Around 59% of survey respondents in- The Defense Department just released dicated that they favored their military the results of the 2019 Survey of Active spouse staying in the military service. Duty Spouses. The survey is conducted ev- That number has dropped. The most re- ery two years, and this year’s report, like cent peak put that statistic at 68% in 2012. those in other years, provide the depart- Since 2006, survey respondents most likely ment with guides on how to adjust family to say they prefer their spouse staying in policy in the coming years, the principal the military have invariably come from the deputy under secretary of defense for per- higher ranking personnel, both enlisted sonnel and readiness said. and officers. “These survey results are important be- Other areas of concern within the sur- cause they help us evaluate policy and pro- vey involve spouse employment, Rosenfeld gram success, address issues and gaps in said. According to the 2019 report, approxi- resources and identify areas for necessary mately 22% of active duty spouses are un- improvement,” said William Bushman dur- employed. ing a virtual conference today where the “Although the rate has been stable since results of the survey were revealed. 2012, it is higher than the civilian rate,” he As part of the 2019 survey, more than said, adding that the rate of unemployment 65,200 active duty military spouses were is higher for spouses married to junior ser- invited to participate, a little over 10,000, vice members, female spouses, ethnic and or 16.5%, opted to take part. Survey topics racial minorities, spouse’s under 26 years covered employment, deployment, reinte- Photo by Master Sgt. C.T. Michael A soldier assigned to the Oklahoma National Guard walks with loved ones at an of age and those with no college or some gration and satisfaction with military life. college. Because the survey was completed in 2019, Army aviation facility in Tulsa, Okla., upon returning from a yearlong deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Childcare is also a concern for military the effects of COVID-19 did not play a part families, Rosenfeld said. Approximately in the survey. 43% of spouses with children under 13 re- “While many of the 2019 survey results “comfortable” or “very comfortable.” This ed in the survey also reported overall satis- ported using some form of childcare so that are consistent with past years, the sur- contrasts with only 64% reporting the faction with their marriage as well as lower they can go to work. Only about 39%, how- vey indicates that there are areas where same way in 2012. levels of marital instability as compared to ever, used on-base child care, Rosenfeld we are doing well, findings that may be of “This encouraging finding mirrors re- the average married civilian. said. some concern and findings that need to be sults we have found on a status of forces While positive trends appeared through- “Those spouses who do not routinely watched,” said Dr. Paul Rosenfeld, director survey of military members,” Rosenfeld out the report, there are areas of concern, use on-base child care indicated availabil- of the Center for Retention and Readiness said. Rosenfeld said. ity, inconvenient location and affordability within the Office of People Analytics. Also in the report, he said, is that 41% “Satisfaction with the military way of were the top reasons that they did not use Family finances and personal health were of spouses reported that in the past 12 life and support for a spouse to stay on on-base child care,” Rosenfeld said. among the positive trends highlighted in months, their financial condition had im- active duty both decreased, although the With the results of the survey now com- the 2019 ADSS, Rosenfeld said. proved, and reasons cited included reduc- findings still reflect that the majority of piled, Bushman said the numbers will be According to Rosenfeld, the survey tion in debt and better financial manage- spouses are satisfied, while over half — used in coming years to continue to shape shows that 70% of respondents reported ment. 56% — are satisfied or very satisfied with policy to improve the lives of service mem- their family financial situation as either The majority of spouses who participat- the military way of life — that is lower bers and their families.

=OWS ‘’So between mid-December and the OWS wants to encourage all Americans end of February, we will have potentially to spread the word about the availability immunized 100 million people, which is of COVID-19 treatments, Azar said. ‘’Vac- really more or less the size of the signifi- cines will only bring this pandemic to an cant at-risk population,’’ comprising the end if enough Americans choose to take elderly, health care workers and firstline these vaccines. We now have highly prom- workers, Slaoui said. ising efficacy data that I believe many Perna said OWS has provided 64 ju- Americans are encouraged by and excited risdictions – which comprises 50 states, about.’’ eight territories and six mega cities--plus Azar also pleaded with those who have five federal agencies -- with their alloca- recovered from COVID-19 within the last tions of the vaccines that are going to be three months to donate plasma. available this month. ‘’We need you to donate plasma,’’ he Azar encouraged Americans to talk to said, noting that more than a quarter-mil- their health care providers and visit the lion courses of convalescent plasma have CDC website to learn more about the vac- been used on Americans to help prevent cines being developed and the processes severe consequences from the deadly vi- they’ve gone through. rus. He encouraged potential plasma do- ‘’These vaccine products will be as- nors to contact their local American Red sessed with the same rigor that Ameri- Cross or blood bank or go to coronavirus. cans can expect when it comes to any gov for more information. other vaccine or drug that is reviewed by Slaoui emphasized that it’s important the FDA.’’ for all Americans who get the Moderna or Perna also encouraged Americans to edu- the Pfizer vaccine to come back three or cate themselves about the vaccines and Photo by Thomas Burton, DoD four weeks after their initial vaccine to the approval process. Navy Vice Admiral Nancy A. Norton, director of the Defense Information get their second dose in order to complete ‘’Don’t allow one headline to determine Systems Agency, speaks virtually to commanders, directors, deputies and the immunization schedule. what you’re going to do. There’s so much chief information officers. Fortunately, he added, the investments available information. And I just encour- OWS has made in scaling up allows OWS age everybody, as individuals, as a com- to feel confident that it will be able to dis- munity and a part of our great nation, to tribute 20 million vaccines in December, really inform themselves and then make COVID-related telework accelerates followed by 60 million doses in January, the decision that is best for you and your and 100 million doses by February. family,’’ he said. DISA’s zero-trust adoption

By C. Todd Lopez compartmentalization within a ship or DoD News, Defense Media Activity submarine to prevent flooding as an ex- ample of how a network can be protected The incredible increase in telework against attack from adversaries. within the Defense Department as a re- “Segmenting critical assets ensures sult of COVID-19-related social distanc- that when — not if, but when — your ing requirements has provided U.S. ad- network is compromised, the damage is versaries more attack surface to cause limited, the loss of data is limited and harm to defense networks. This, among your mission is assured,” Norton said. other factors, has increased the depart- “In a traditional perimeter defense model ment’s focus on zero trust architecture, to network defense, if an adversary got the director of the Defense Information through the perimeter, they would have Systems Agency said. free rein throughout the network. We “The move to maximum telework has wouldn’t want a [similar] ship design also accelerated a cybersecurity para- that would allow one flooded compart- digm shift that we will outline in our ment to sink a warship.” upcoming ‘zero trust’ reference architec- Norton said the paradigm change for ture,” said Vice Adm. Nancy A. Norton zero trust comes through three princi- during a keynote address today at the ples. The first of those is to never trust, Armed Forces Communications and Elec- but always verify. tronics Association’s virtual TechNetCy- “It ensures that all users and devices ber 2020 conference. are treated as untrusted and everything Under the “zero trust” model, Norton is authenticated and explicitly autho- said, DISA makes the assumption that rized to the least privilege required using the DOD’s internal networks are as hos- dynamic security policies,” she said. tile as external networks. Second, she said, that users will al- “We are being attacked in the cy- ways assume a breach of security and ber domain constantly, with state and will intentionally operate and defend as non-state actors generating more than if an adversary is already present inside a billion cyber events a month on our the IT environment. networks across every DOD component “We will scrutinize each request for around the world,” Norton said. access, users, devices and data flows us- To defend against that, Norton said, ing a deny by default approach and log- the defense department must get better ging and inspecting all traffic,” she said. at defending its network. That’s some- Finally, the third principle is to verify ex- thing DISA and Joint Force Headquar- plicitly, she said. ters Department of Defense information “All resources must be consistently networks are working on. accessed in a secure manner using mul- “We are moving towards more micro- tiple attributes to build confidence levels segmentation in this cybersecurity model for appropriate access to resources,” she with zero trust,” she said. “It will apply to said. “With zero trust, we will affect every our data and critical resources from our arena of our cyber domain, allowing us to data centers to our mobile devices.” shield our data better by closing every As a naval officer, Norton used the compartment in the ship.” 10 The Skyline ~ December 10, 2020

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday