Volume 56, Number 19 https://www.cnic.navy.mil/meridian ~ www.facebook.com/NASMeridian ~ Twitter: @nasmeridianms September 13, 2018 Base Bells Across America for fallen heroes NAS Meridian is hosting a Bells Across America remembrance cer- you is that regardless of the branch of service, we will provide you with Events emony, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Naval support and help you locate your branch’s survivor services. Navy Technical Training Center Administration Building. Gold Star support coordinators provide dedicated outreach This event will honor fallen service members and and support when, and for as long as, you desire. Our co- ]Parent’s Night Out Gold Star families as part of a national observances ordinators are located all over the United States and are and ringing of bells. ready to help you in any way they can. Sept. 28 from 6-10 For centuries, bells serve multiple purposes In 1947, Congress approved the use of the Gold at CDC. $4 per in the Navy, including: timekeeping; safety and Star Lapel Button as a way to recognize the fami- hour. communication; to sound alarms; in ceremonies lies of service members who lose their lives while and events; and to signal the presence of impor- engaged in action against an enemy of the United Call 679-2652. tant persons. During these memorial events, the States. bells rung will not signal anyone’s presence; in- In 1977, the Army approved issue of the Lapel stead, they will toll in their absence. Button for the next of kin of deceased personnel to ]Operation Get Fit The primary mission of the Navy Gold Star Pro- honor those who lose their lives while serving on active Aug. 1-Oct.1 at the gram is to provide an unprecedented level of service duty or while assigned in a Reserve or National Guard and commitment to Gold Star families. unit in a drill status. gym; meal plans Bells Across America for fallen service members is one These small lapel buttons are normally presented to included. way the Navy recognizes the sacrifices of our fallen heroes eligible family members prior to the military funeral service. Al- and their Gold Star families left behind. The ceremonies are held in as- though they are less than an inch in size, they are packed with great Call 679-2379. sociation with Gold Star Mother’s Day and Gold Star Family’s Day. Both meaning and emotion. They are not awards. They are symbols of honor. are celebrated each year on the last Sunday in September. For more information regarding event details and the Navy Gold Star ] Navy Gold Star is an inclusive program – regardless of your loved Program please contact, Troy Field at 601 679-2360. The Great Navy one’s military branch, location, or manner of death. Our commitment to --From FFSC Campout Sept. 21-22 from 5 p.m-10 a.m. at Lake Martha. Congratulations Chief Selectees Camping 101 tutorial provided. Call 679-2526.

]Teen Board Game NOAA graphic Day Projected path of Hurricane Florence Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. Fleet Forces directs at the Andrew Triplett Library. Norfolk ships to Call 679-2326. sea ahead of Hurricane Florence Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Com- mand ordered all Navy ships in the Hamp- Follow us on ton Roads area to set Sortie Condition Al- www.facebook. pha ahead of Hurricane Florence, Sept. 11. Nearly 30 ships got underway from com/NASMeridian Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expedi- and Twitter: tionary Base Little Creek as Hurricane @NASMeridianMS Florence threatened high winds and rain to the Mid-Atlantic coast. Ships departed for areas of the Atlantic where they will be Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat best postured for storm avoidance. Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationmen (Sel) Violet Baker, Chief Hospital Corpsman Ships that did not underway -- due to (Sel) Ben Husinecky, Chief Yeoman (Sel) Bryson Werner and Chief Damage Controlman (Sel) maintenance status -- took extra precau- Anthony Cowles pose for a group photo outside the Administration building onboard NAS tions to avoid potential damage. Meirdian, Sept. 10. The group will be pinned, Sept. 14 during a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the =Hurricane, page 10 What’s Naval Operational Support Center Meridian. Inside

MCPON Smith pinned aboard USS Constitution POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony By MC3 Casey Scoular He was pinned by chief petty officer Sept. 19, at 10 a.m. at page 2: USS Constitution Public Affairs selectees Legalman 1st Class Melissa Meridian City Hall, 3rd Floor. Whitaker and Damage Controlman 1st Russell Smith, the Master Chief Class Ryan Reffitt. “To have two chief se- Area Happenings Petty Officer of the Navy, was pinned lectees pin me who represent the promise Guest Speaker: to MCPON, Aug. 31, during USS Con- and the hope of the mess that I get to very Recipient stitution’s underway, which concluded proudly represent, nothing can top that,” 1st Sgt. Antonio E. Marquez, Marine this year’s Chief Petty Officer Heritage Smith said. Weeks. After the pinning, Smith discussed two Aviation Training Support Squadron 1 page 6: “To be honest, I can’t think of a better of his goals as the MCPON. “One, is to place to be pinned,” Smith said. “I have a provide transparency and opportunity for Presented by Naval Air Station Meridian Wireless Marines long history with USS Constitution; I’m everyone that serves in our Navy so that an honorary crew member. Constitution all of us as Sailors recognize that what- & 186th Air Refueling Wing, was the place where I reenlisted the last ever we choose to be, however we choose Mississippi National Guard. time. Where I have had so many fun ex- to apply our talents, is going to improve periences with chiefs and chief selectees.” our U.S. Navy,” Smith said. His second page 7: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John goal is to ensure the Navy is ready for an ~~ Public is invited to attend ~~ Richardson announced Smith as the 15th era of great power competition. “There’s a Check out what’s MCPON Aug. 29. storm on the horizon and we have a job in for sale. Smith is the first MCPON in the Na- the chief’s mess to prepare our Sailors to vy’s history to be pinned aboard USS Con- face those challenges. It’s going to take a stitution. lot of hard work to get there.” page 9:

Next TAP class Oct. 4

Photo by Sarah MC1 Villegas ~ page 4 ~ Legalman 1st Class Melissa Whitaker and Damage Controlman 1st Class Ryan Reffitt, chief petty officer selectees, pin collar devices on the 15th Master Chief Petty Suicide awareness Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith during the USS Constitution CPO month Heritage Week. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson announced Smith the MCPON Aug. 29. As the Navy’s 15th MCPON, Smith will serve as the senior-ranking enlisted leader and advisor to the CNO. 2 The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 Photo of Week A Day in Naval History

~ Sept. 13, 2008 ~

Hurricane Ike hits Galveston and Houston, Texas. At Galvestons Seawolf Park, a maritime museum, the museum ship USS Stewart (DE 238) and museum submarine USS Cavalla (SS 244), suffer damage as they are thrown out of the water onto land. Both vessels are restored to the prior locations and undergo renovations.

Photo by MC2 Camilo Fernan Sailors play flag football at Constitution Field at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. Area Happenings ~ Sept. 12, 1966 ~

September Gemini 11 is launched. Gemini 11’s Commander is Charles Conrad Jr., Command 8: Variety Sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at xx Call 601-482-6271. Pilot. The mission lasts two days and 23 hours and includes 44 orbits at an altitude 14: Barrel Racing at 7:30 p.m. at the Lauderdale County of 1368.9 km. An HS-3 helicopter from USS Guam (LPH 9) recovers the crew. Agri-Center. Training 5 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. $3 gate fee for spectators. Call Lisa at 601-482-8498. 18: How to navigate the path of a lay caregiver from 10 a.m.-noon at the Meridian Community College Workforce Center. This is a free seminar for professional caregivers and lay caregivers. Navy News Briefs Call 228-679-8233. January 2019 E-7 advancement cycle announced 20: Brown Bag Lunch at The MAX from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience. Spend your lunch hour The January 2019 Navy-wide enlisted Professional Development Center (NET- at the Citizens National Bank Courtyard at The MAX with examination (Cycle 242) testing date for PDC). “The E-7 advancement process dif- active-duty and full-time support Sail- fers from the E-4 to E-6 process in that entertainment by Aa’Keela Hudnall. Free and open to the public. Call ors who are advancement eligible to the the final multiple score (FMS) consists of 601-581-1550. pay grade of E-7 was announced in Naval only two elements that are used to rank 22: Governor’s Ride for Wounded Warriors from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) order eligible E-6s; the exam score and 214/18, Aug. 31. performance mark average (PMA). So, Ride starts in Hattiesburg and ends in Gulfport. Proceeds go to the The Navywide examination date is being prepared for the exam is essential.” Mississippi Wounded Warrior Project. Call 601-482-4131. Jan. 17 for active-duty and full-time sup- Participation in the January exam is 27: Chicks with Hits at 7:30 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center. Three port (FTS) Sailors eligible to advance to only a part of the advancement process chief petty officer, as well as E-6s who are for E-7. The top 60 percent, ranked by top country music stars sit on stage with acoustic guitars, making required to take the E-7 exam for the lim- FMS, in each rating get to compete for you feel like you just dropped by their house for a little music, a few ited duty officer program. advancement against peers and have stories, and a lot of fun. Tickets are $52; call 601-696-2200. “Bibliographies (BIBs) for the E-7 their records sent to the E-7 selection January exam are updated and available boards. October for download on My Navy Portal and the Selection Board Eligibility results from 4-10 p.m. at the Lauderdale County Navy COOL website,” said Master Chief are normally released in mid-March on 8-14: Queen City Fair Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power the Navy Enlisted Advancement System Agri-Center. The fair features the areas largest midway with over 30 Gregory Prichard, command master chief (NEAS) website. thrill rides for all ages. Entertainment includes: the Swifty Swine of the Naval Education and Training --By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Professional Development Center Public Affairs Racing Pigs, chainsaw artist, petting zoo and Little Miss Queen City Fair Pageant. $7 gate admission; Call 601-934-4867. 11-16: Singin’ in The Rain at the Meridian Little Theatre. Navy to conduct emergency preparedness exercise Performances run Thursday through Tuesday nightly at 7 p.m. with For two days in September, Com- agement teams, processes, procedures the exception of a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $22 or $20; mander, Navy Installation Command, and partnerships with local mutual aid military discount available; call 601-482-6371. Regions Southwest and Northwest along agencies to be better prepared in the re- with their installations and tenant com- sponse to real-world disasters.” Ongoing mands will be testing their abilities to The installations, along with their Earth’s Bounty from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Singing Brakeman Park. Event respond to a major earthquake and what tenant commands, will test various pro- is the first Saturday of the month from April to November. Call follows next. cedures, including damage assessment, The exercise, called Citadel Rumble evacuation plans, disaster preparedness, 601-485-1944. 2018, will test Navy installations’ capa- recovery and consequence management Meridian Art Walk from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1901 Front Street. Event is bilities to prepare for, respond to and re- plans, and accounting for Sailors and the first Saturday of the month from April to November. Email cover from “all-hazards” scenarios, which Navy families in the affected regions basically means that if an earthquake through the Navy Family Accountability [email protected]. isn’t hazardous enough, it triggers other and Assessment System (NFAAS). Military Spouses Support Circle meets Tuesdays from 5:30-6:45 hazardous event scenarios. This participation will include review- p.m. and Fridays from 1:30-2:45 p.m. at the Balfour Beatty The exercise, spearheaded by Com- ing and exercising earthquake instruc- mander, Navy Installations Command, tions and procedures, as well as fully ac- Community Center. Free childcare provided. Call 361-455-2108 will be conducted in collaboration with counting for Sailors and Navy families in local and federal authorities at bases the affected regions through the Navy. within Navy Region Southwest and Navy In addition, the exercise will further Region Northwest Sept. 5 - 7. enhance the Navy’s readiness to deploy “Citadel Rumble is an annual fully in- forces even under the most adverse con- tegrated disaster preparedness, response ditions. and recovery exercise to evaluate Shore “We hope to minimize any impact to Emergency Management program readi- the public,” said Velasquez, “but if any- ness,” said Mike Velasquez, deputy emer- one has concerns or wonders if something NAS Meridian NMCRS gency management director. “This exer- is real or part of the exercise, we encour- cise will provide the shore enterprise the age them to their contact public affairs. Office is open on Tuesdays from opportunity to exercise emergency man- --From Navy Installations Command

8 a.m.-noon & Thursdays from Naval Hospital Jacksonville selected as first Navy facility 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. to transition to Defense Health Agency Naval Hospital Jacksonville, in- will all remain the same. They will con- cluding its five branch health clinics in tinue to receive the same exceptional Call 601-679-2504. Florida and , will be the first level of care and service. Navy military medical treatment facil- “Naval Hospital Jacksonville is hon- Administration Building 255, ity (MTF) to transition to the Defense ored to be selected as the first Navy facil- Health Agency (DHA) on Oct. 1, 2018. ity to make this transition,” said Naval The change in administration will Hospital Jacksonville Commanding Of- Suite 283 be transparent to patients — service ficer Capt. Matthew Case. “It’s a testa- members, family members, and retirees ment to our track record as an — with little or no immediate effect on innovator.” their experience of care. For patients, --By Jeanne Casey, Naval Hospital Jacksonville their facility, physicians, and coverage Public Affairs

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 Capt. Brian S. Horstman Penny Randall is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Send submissions to: The Skyline, 255 Rosen- CEAP (DoN Civilian): 844-366-2327 baum Ave., Suite 163, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Meridian, MS 39309-5003 or Executive Officer ~ Public Affairs Specialist~ EAP (NAF Civilian): 800-932-0034 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information, call (601) 679- FFSC Meridian: 601-679-2360 2318 or (601) 679-2809. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or Cmdr. J.P. Falardeau Adam Prince Chaplain: 601-604-2015 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Command Master Chief ~ Staff Writer/Photographer ~ NMCRS Duty Cell: 601-604-2206 The Meridian Star of products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this EEO (NAF): 866-295-0328 publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without re- CMDCM Maurice Sutherland MC1 Chris Liaghat 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 ~ September 13, 2018 3 CPR

Photo by Brian Lamar Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Darien Whitfield takes the Navy-wide 1st Class Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat advancement exam on the mess decks of the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Staff Sgt. William Phillips, center, practices chest compressions during Dunham (DDG 109). an American Heart Association (AHA) cardiopulmonary resuscitation training class in the Naval Technical Training Center onboard Naval Air Station Meridian, Sept. 11. After successfully completing the training, service members and civilians received an American Heart Association Got Points? Your final multiple qualification which will still be valid under the new Red Cross qualification system taking effect on Sept. 15. score is key to advancement

By Ens. Yixuan Liu Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center

National Literacy Day Sailors studying for the fall 2018 Navy-wide enlisted advancement examinations (Cycles 240 and 103) need to know that the exam is just one of several factors used to determine advancement to the next-higher paygrade. The Final Multiple Score (FMS) determines if a E3-E5 Sailor will be advanced, and is a calculation that takes into account several elements, including Advance- ment Exam Score, Performance Mark Average and additional points for awards, education, previous exam performance and Individual Augmentee assignment. “The FMS factors that have the greatest impact are their Advancement Exami- nation results and Performance Mark Average,” said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) Command Master Chief James Ber- halter. “These two components account for over 80 percent of the total E4-E6 FMS, but since one or two points can make the difference in whether you get advanced or not, Sailors need to take advantage of all the points they have earned.” To ensure that all eligible points are in the system, Sailors need to review and sign their Advancement Worksheet with their command’s Educational Services Of- ficer (ESO) prior to taking an advancement exam. The Advancement Worksheet should list and contain all the correct data necessary to accurately calculate each service member’s FMS. Senior Chief Construction Electrician Nicholas Whitbeck, a military rating exam strategist at NETPDC, stressed that Sailors need to verify all the elements of their Advancement Worksheets, making sure they are accurate and up-to-date as soon as they are eligible for advancement. “Sailors need to make sure that their personal awards are updated in Navy Stan- dard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) and Navy Department Awards Web Service (NDAWS) and can do so with the help of their respective Administration Departments,” said Whitbeck. “This will ensure that their proper award points will be reflected on their worksheets for that exam cycle. They must also ensure that all Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat of the evaluations are listed on their worksheets to ensure that the proper PMA is Sailors from NAS Meridian and Navy Operational Support Center reflected prior to the exam taking place. This will help alleviate some of the stress Meridian participate in a National Literacy Day event at T.J. Upper of trying to update or correct their worksheets after the results are posted.” Elementary School, Meridian on Sept. 7. National Literacy Day is Sept. Sailors seeking to better understand the FMS system can do so using the Navy’s 8; and it aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, FMS Calculator app. The app uses data entered by service members to calculate communities and societies. their projected FMS. The app also contains a tutorial that explains the calculations used to obtain the Final Multiple Score and historical FMS minimum advancement scores for each of the different ratings. The FMS Calculator app can be found by searching “FMS Calculator” on Google Play or in the Apple Store. “I used FMS when I was an E5 getting ready for my advancement exam,” said Ingram Reenlistment Personnel Specialist 1st Class Orazai Aydogdiyev, Leading Petty Officer for Navy Recruiting Station Dothan, Alabama. “I wanted to strategically study for my exam, so by using the calculator, I was able to get the projected minimum score I needed on the exam to be competitive for promotion. The app accounts for all of your cycle, paygrade, evaluation scores, etc.; it compiles all of that for you. I encourage junior Sailors to use the FMS app to see how competitive they are and gauge their percen- tile standing according to their peers. It is an excellent exam strategy.”

Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Rajhae Ingram, right, accepts his reenlistment certificate from Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Braulio Galvan at a reenlistment ceremony near Ponta Creek Recreation Center onboard Naval Air Station Meridian, Aug. 30. Ingram reenlisted in the U.S. Navy for six years. 4 The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 CNRSE observes Suicide Awareness Month

By MC1 Brian G. Reynolds campaign will be introducing new educa- Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs tional material as well as new tools and re- sources for gatekeepers, leaders, command Some decisions can’t be reversed, can resilience team members and families. loom over loved ones like a dark thunder- There is a stigma in the military that cloud, and can have a devastating effect asking for help regarding suicide related on the decision-makers, their families and behavior is a sign of weakness. However, the Navy’s culture. Stallard believes the contrary. Last year, 75 Sailors made the irrevers- “The stigma of getting help for mental ible decision to take their own lives. In the health problems is real,” Stallard said. “It Southeast Region alone, there were 393 looks like a sign of weakness, but actually suicide related behaviors, 58 suicide at- getting help is a sign of strength. It’s a sign tempts and 18 suicide deaths. inside of you that you have the fortitude As a means to recognize the impact and attitude to ask for help. Not asking for these decisions have made, Commander, help is really a weakness.” Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), Rear This negative stigma suggests that if Adm. Bette Bolivar signed a proclamation a service member reaches out for help, it observing Suicide Awareness Month and could result in a loss of security clearance continuing CNRSE’s commitment to sui- and/or have an adverse effect on their ca- cide prevention. reer goals. Every year, the Navy sets aside each “It will not affect your career as long September to emphasize suicide preven- as long as you’re able to work,” Stallard tion, but it’s a year-round effort. said. “Your clearance will not be in jeop- “In our proclamation, we note that sui- ardy. Your job will not be in jeopardy as cide prevention is not just a once a year long as you didn’t violate the uniform code or one month thing,” Southeast Regional of military justice. If someone reaches out Chaplain Capt. Daniel Stallard said. “It’s and gets help, recovers and bounces back, every Sailor, every day. That really is the there should be no effect on his or her ca- important thing about prevention of any reer.” kind of destructive behavior. “ Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. All Navy personnel are trained to inter- John Richardson has launched an initia- vene in the case of a shipmate displaying tive called A Culture of Excellence. This suicide related behavior. The Navy uses initiative is an effort to prevent the onset the acronym ACT (ask, care, treat) to en- of destructive behaviors by mobilizing a courage Sailors to help save a life. multi-pronged approach to reinforce the “The prevalence of suicide is a call to ac- Navy’s Warrior Ethos and objectives of a: tion,” Stallard said. “ACT is a nice device (1) safe Navy, (2) partner of choice, and (3) to help us think about asking the question, a most lethal force to any adversary. ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ We need At the installation level, Commander, to be direct. We need to be able to have Naval Installation Command, Vice Adm. the discussion, but we have to know the Mary Jackson has initiated a program symptoms and signs of suicide. Then we called Strategizing and Collaborating on care and, because we care, we ask. When Prevention Efforts (SCOPE). This pro- we find out a shipmate or family member gram falls in line with the CNO’s initiative needs help, we take action.” in that it focuses on strengthening indi- The proclamation encourages loved viduals -- whether it be psychologically or ones, leaders, peers, friends and shipmates physically -- in order to prevent negative to exercise ACT when a Sailor shows signs outcomes. of distress. Destructive behaviors continue to im- Each September, Navy Suicide Preven- pact the Navy’s mission and have a dev- tion Branch releases new resources to en- astating effect. Asking for help is not a courage Sailors to have the conversation career killer. It is a sign of strength and regarding suicide prevention, recognize resilience. the warning signs and motivate Sailors to “I want to encourage people to look make small ACTs to prevent suicide. This beyond the stigma and say, ‘Hey, I need year, the branch’s Every Sailor Everyday help,’” Stallard said.

Fast food, slow study It was an made this newfangled appliance “smart” ordinary morning. COLUMN and had no idea how to cook by convection, Or so we thought. I was ecstatic that we could finally afford The dog was nap- “fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.” ping in the kitchen After a painful month of using our son’s corner, my son was pizza sauce-splattered college microwave making a sandwich, that had been stored in a spidery corner of For Sale By Owner/Military and I was folding our basement, our new microwave arrived. 555 Nature’s Way, Meridian laundry. But this I felt a little guilty watching the Lowe’s in- 2058 sq. ft. day would live in stallers do their work, because I had been Northeast Sch. Dist. infamy. the kind military spouse who installed 3BR/2BA. Beautiful, brick home My son’s plate faucets, hung ceiling fans, and replaced on large fenced corner lot in quiet clunked onto the dryer heating elements when my husband subdivision -The Meadows. Separate glass turntable of was deployed. But when I saw that it took dinette, 10 ft. ceilings, triple crown molding throughout. Stained glass our microwave. He two men and a huge set of drill bits to Lisa Smith Molinari accents, Open concept floor plan. slammed the door, hang the microwave and wall bracket, I Central vac syst. Master bath has oversized Jacuzzi tub, sep. shower and began punch- realized that the pro-install saved us from & sep. water closet for toilet. Energy ing the buttons a crooked appliance. efficient w/central gas heat & electric necessary to melt cheese on his roast beef When they were done, I thanked the heat pump, two (50) gal. hot water heaters. Stainless steel appliance sandwich. A series of beeps sounded, and installers and gave them a modest tip. and washer and dryer stay. Large walk- then he pressed “Start.” I found my cold coffee for the test run. in pantry located off kitchen. Sec. syst, BOOM! Placing the cup onto the sparkling clean and underground sprinkler system. “Hayden! What was that?!” I bellowed, turntable and closing the fingerprint-resis- $229,500 instinctively lurching to his rescue despite tant stainless steel door, I noticed that the (601) 679-5055 nearly losing bladder control. The noise display panel lit up like the cockpit of a Please note, that in MS there is had come from the microwave that came Growler. no property tax levied if buyer is 100% VA service connected with our house. It had not given us any Searching the glowing words and icons, disabled and over 65 qualifies for problems since we bought the property, I spotted a keypad. I punched in 1-0-0, but LARGE tax deduction! 48702-1 but something was most definitely wrong. was stymied about what to do next. A mes- After the alarming boom, the appliance sage appeared, “Press start or cancel.” On emitted an ominous grumble and refused the display, I saw “Connect,” “Steam/Sim- to operate. We tried every troubleshooting mer,” “Convect,” “Defrost,” “ Warm Hold,” recommendation in the manual, and called “Accupop,” “Potato,” “Vegetable,” “Reheat,” an appliance repair guy for advice, but “AutoCook,” “Remote Enable,” and “Kids MCRAE REALTY COMPANY nothing worked. Menu,” but no “Start.” I was afraid to We were forced to face facts: Our micro- punch any buttons for fear that I might in- ROLLING HILLS SUBDIVISION wave had blown her magnetron, and she advertently initiate an electronic warfare was terminal. attack on my neighbors, so I grabbed the My son and I looked at each other with manual. APARTMENTS FOR RENT: panic as if contemplating the end of the An hour later, I found the start button universe. “What does one do without a — it was the square icon with an arrow in functioning microwave?” I wondered with the middle, duh! — but I was more con- 2 Bd/1 bath with W/D hookups fear. “Sure, we have a range and an oven, fused than ever. According to the manual, but they’re mainly for Thanksgiving. We’ll if I had the wherewithal to figure out the starve by the time November rolls around! instructions, my smartphone could control Location in Marion Ms. In the meantime, how am I supposed to the microwave remotely, I could program reheat my coffee when it goes cold? We’ll it to cook in Kosher Consumer-Friendly Off Hwy 45 N/Confederate Drive never survive!” Mode, and I could set it to automatically Unable to cope with the thought of know the difference between tomato soup life without instant gratification, we ran and Hot Pockets. Reasonably priced. straight to the store. My husband had I knew I would never use 90% of the received a $500 Lowe’s gift card as a work microwave’s fancy features. Had we spent bonus, so we upgraded to an impressive $500 just so we could melt cheese? I may Call McRae Realty @ 601 693-2067 for info or model known as the “Whirlpool Smart have been outsmarted by an appliance, but Microwave and Convection Oven with sipping steaming hot coffee, it felt like it Scan-to-cook Technology.” was worth every penny. Visit www.mcraerentalproperties.com “We have arrived!” I thought, remem- Lisa Smith Molinari’s self syndicated columns appear on bering the years living in military base her blog, www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and she housing and cheap rentals, making due recently co-authored Stories Around the Table: Laughter, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE with sub-standard microwaves. Never Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life Follow Lisa@ 135278-1 mind that I didn’t know exactly what MolinariWrites. The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 5 Pfc. Jonathan Albanez Pfc. Baylee Brazeal

MATSS-1 Student MATSS-1 Student Hometown: Montgomery Village, Md. OOORAH! Hometown: Tupelo, Miss. Pfc. Brazeal joined the Marine Corps Pfc. Albanez joined the Marine Corps March 18 because of the camaraderie that Jan. 18 looking for a change in his daily comes with being part of a team. routine. She enjoys watching movies and sleep- Albanez loves playing music -- drums, ing -- as both provide a great stress relief. piano, guitar and bass. “It’s a gateway She is most looking forward to getting for me to express myself,” he said. to the fleet and seeing the world. His most memorable experience from Brazeal admires her mother for always boot camp came near the end. “I’m being there when she was needed. proud of graduating as a squad leader,” Her most memorable experience in boot he said. “I had pride in my and camp came when she got in trouble for helped lead others to the end of boot laughing. “I had to stand on the quarter- camp.” deck shouting ‘hahahahahah’ while get- He’s most looking foward to ting reprimanded by my drill instructors leadership opportunities available in for laughing,” she said. the Marines.

Marines test future of wireless communications

By Pfc. Kindo Go and Sgt. Timothy Valero be a lot more difficult to set up and understand,” III Marine Expeditionary Force said Holt. “When the Marines heard ‘free space optics’ and ‘lasers’, they got nervous about that. Marines with 7th Communication Battal- Then when they actually got behind the gear ion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Informa- and were able to operate it, it was easier than tion Group conducted field testing of a new Free expected. Now we know any Marine, of any Space Optics system at Camp Hansen, Okina- rank, is able to get the gear up and running.” wa, Japan, Aug. 21. The Marines are working alongside engi- FSO is an optical communication system neers with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, that transfers data on a highly secured and the developers of the new FSO system. Dr. Lin- nearly undetectable infrared laser, separate da Thomas, a senior research engineer with the from the radio frequency spectrum. The FSO al- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, said they came lows for higher data rates compared to the cur- to Okinawa to test how well the system works in rent systems in the Marine Corps. This allows variable weather conditions. more users on a single network, and larger files, “We came out to Okinawa because it was one imagery and information to be transmitted. of the harshest humid environments with high- “The FSO is technology which changes the ly variable weather on very short time scales,” dynamics of how Marines will support the de- Thomas said. “It can go from being nice and sun- mand for greater data throughout while not ny to torrential downpours. We are looking at increasing the need for more radio frequency how the system operates and handles these con- spectrum, an already constrained resource,” ditions and how we can better fulfill the needs of said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jerome Foreman, a the future Marine Corps.” strategic electromagnetic spectrum officer with Throughout the time of fielding this new Headquarters Marine Corps. technology the Marine Corps is already looking Foreman explains everything from the bat- into real-world applications. tlespace to providing humanitarian aid is data- “We have it tied into just one system, but driven so, “ensuring warfighters are equipped I can see this system actually expanding,” with the information they need whenever and said Foreman. “Right now it is doing ground- wherever they need it, is critical to mission suc- to-ground communications, but I see it going cess.” ship-to-shore and even air-to-ground. This is a The FSO is designed to be user friendly, system we could actually fly over and send in- Photo by Sgt. Timothy Valero lightweight and mobile. Marines can quickly formation down to the ground components in an Lance Cpl. Justin Simmons, left, and Lance Cpl. Austin Ruckle, right, both learn how to set up and operate the system instant.” field radio operators with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine within minutes and are able to easily move the III MIG provides commanders the ability Expeditionary Force Information Group remove the free space optic system equipment to different locations, said Sgt. Wil- to integrate information warfare during their from a tactical elevated antenna mass at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. liam Holt, a cyber-systems administrator with planning, training, and operations. One role of Marines are testing the new system, which will allow Marines to transmit Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, 1st the III MIG is to field and test new information mission critical information faster and more securely in environments with Marine Aircraft Wing. systems, which better equip the Marines during damaged infrastructure. “When it first came up, we thought it would combat, training or support operations.

NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE, Albany

Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Wetzel Australian Defence Force members with Charlie Company, 5th Royal Australian Photo by Re-Essa Buckels Regiment, fire squad automatic weapons during Marine Rotational Force – Darwin’s Gunnery Sgt. Melvin Ashley, the former company first sergeant of Marine Corps Exercise Koolendong at Mount Bundey Training Area, Australia. Logistics Base Albany retired after serving 20 years, August 31. Safety & Energy Efficiency is Our Duty 6 The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018

NAS Meridian, MS • Morale, Welfare and Recreation On the Web: www.navymwrmeridian.com Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MWRMeridian

Facility Phone Numbers

Fitness Center 679-2379 Library 679-2326 P.C. Golf Course 679-2526 Liberty Center 679-3760 Rudders Pub & Grill 679-2780 MWR Admin. 679-2551 Tickets 679-3773 CDC/CDH 679-2652 MWR Jobs Line 679-2467 McCain Rec Center 679-2651 SAC 679-5252 Equipment Rental 679-2609 SLO 679-2473

Coming Coming Attractions NAS MERIDIAN Attractions McCain Rec McCain Rec Center Center Thursday, September 13 Friday, September 21 5 p.m., Surf’s Up, PG 5 p.m., Tomorrowland, PG 7 p.m., Pulp Fiction, R 7:30 p.m., Addams Family Values, PG13 Friday, September 14 Saturday, September 22 5 p.m., Storks, PG 1 p.m., A Dog’s Purpose, PG 7 p.m., Platoon, R 5 p.m., A Quiet Place, PG13 7 p.m., Addams Family Values, PG13 Saturday, September 15 1 p.m., Sherlock Gnomes, PG Sunday, September 23 5 p.m., Life of the Party, PG13 1 p.m., Trolls, PG 7 p.m., Platoon, R 5 p.m., Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, PG13 7 p.m., A Quiet Place, PG13 Sunday, September 16 1 p.m., Surf’s Up, PG September 21-22 • 1700-1000 Monday, September 24 5 p.m., Pulp Fiction, R 5 p.m., Alice in Wonderland, PG Join us at Lake Martha for a night of activities, including an 7:30 p.m., Life of the Party, PG13 outdoor movie. If you’ve never camped before, our Camping 101 7 p.m., Fast & Furious, PG13 Monday, September 17 tutorial will have you ready for a great Navy campout! Tuesday, September 25 5 p.m., Trolls, PG Be sure to enter the raffle for a chance to stay 5 p.m., Alice Through the Looking Glass, PG 7 p.m., Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, PG13 in an air-conditioned Safari tent! 7 p.m., There’s Something About Mary, R Tuesday, September 18 For more information, contact the Ponta Creek Wednesday, September 26 5 p.m., Tomorrowland, PG Community Recreation Complex at (601) 679-2526. 5 p.m., Back to the Future, PG 7:30 p.m., Addams Family Values, PG13 7 p.m., Book Club, PG13 Wednesday, September 21 Thursday, September 27 5 p.m., A Dog’s Purpose, PG 5 p.m., Alice in Wonderland, PG 7 p.m., A Quiet Place, PG13 7 p.m., Fast & Furious, PG13 Thursday, September 20 Friday, September 28 5 p.m., Trolls, PG 5 p.m., Alice Through the Looking Glass, PG 7 p.m., Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, PG13 7 p.m., There’s Something About Mary, R The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 7

INTERESTED IN COMPLETING A HALF OR FULL MARATHON?

Sports Contact running coach & MWR Fitness Director Evelyn Watkins to schedule individual or group run sessions and get ready for the Magnolia Marathon, which will take place this November in Meridian*! (This is a half and full marathon. Military discount is available.) Evelyn will run with you, provide a custom training schedule to follow and HIIT COMPETITION offer advice on shoes, form, nutrition and all things running! September 20 • 1100- 1300 at the Fitness Center NOFFS Box

Contact Information: [email protected] • (601) 679-2379

*The Department of the Navy does not endorse any company, sponsor or their products or services. navymwrmeridian.com LIFT THE GYM SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 31

THE GYM = APPROX. 20,000 POUNDS

PARTICIPANTS MUST LOG THEIR HEAVIEST WEIGHT LIFTED EACH SESSION (MACHINES OR FREE WEIGHTS) AND SUBMIT IT TO THE TRAINER ON STAFF OR THE FRONT DESK. TOTALS MUST BE LOGGED ON THE DAY OF COMPLETION TO COUNT. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY.

THE TRAINERS/FITNESS SUPERVISOR WILL TALLY THE TOTAL POUNDS AND MAINTAIN INDIVIDUAL LOG SHEETS FOR EACH PARTICIPANT. WEEKLY TOTALS WILL BE POSTED ON MONDAYS ON THE FITNESS INFO BOARD.

navymwrmeridian.com DoD leaders emphasize national defense strategy By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

Defense Department military and civilian leaders participated in the Defense News Conference, Sept. 5, to discuss the 2018 National Defense Strategy and how the U.S. military is evolving as it responds to global power competition. Leaders in attendance included Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy Eric Chewning, and military deputy to the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy III. The leaders’ remarks revolved around the three lines of effort of the NDS: optimiz- ing lethality, increasing the number of allies and partners, and reforming the way DoD does business to quickly get technology into the hands of warfighters.

Here are some takeaways from the daylong conference: -- The Navy must be ready to compete in all arenas of global threats against near- peer competitors such as Russia and China, both of which have growing technology capabilities. -- DoD readiness ensures it has more tools today than it has had in the past, which allows the services to provide training that’s rigorous and realistic. More importantly, today’s training ensures mastery of skills. -- A tenet of DoD training is to ensure the services can train and fight with DoD part- ners and allies. -- Squadrons are the power base of the Air Force. They are the guts, brains and clenched fist of American resolve, and comprise how the Air Force competes, deters and wins. “We must build a more lethal and ready Air Force that can operate seam- lessly across all domains with joint and allied partners,” Wilson said. -- Industrial-base collaboration with U.S. partners and allies is an important diplo- Photo by MC1 Raymond D. Diaz III matic tool for DoD. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson delivers remarks at the second annual -- A critical part of the NDS effort to reform business practices in DoD is the priority Defense News Conference in Arlington, Va. Richardson discussed global naval great power to get capabilities in the hands of service members downrange quickly. competition and the Navy’s role within the National Defense Strategy. Sale... Or

BOATS/CAMPERS/TRAILERS Excellent condition. Asking dirt bike $2,200. All in good $1900/month rent. See Zillow nities, including upstairs 4th 12 ft ceilings, heartland pine $10,500. Call 601-527-4981. shape ready to go. Overseas for pictures and specs. Call BD w/ full BA that could be floors, large brick patio, walk- 2017 Keystone Ava- 2010 Polaris Ranger move forcing sale. Make of- 904-254-5345. bonus room and three-acre in closets, walk-in pantry, lanche 365MB (5th wheel) 800XP Browning Edition, fer ready to deal! Call Ben at For Rent: 3 BD/2 BA peninsula lot boasts appx granite countertops, alarm motor home. Sleeps eight; camo color. roof, windshield, 843-597-4221. home in Collinsville. Located 1,000 ft. of shoreline & fea- system, quiet and safe neigh- great living quarters; includes winch, extra set of wheels/ AUTOMOBILES, ETC. in West Lauderdale School tures an expansive sprinkler borhood. Asking $310,000. cables, hoses and septic tires, and dual gun scabbard. District. Call Joseph at 504- system using lake water. Call Call number 601-917-0379. lines. Asking $49k. Call 586- Asking $7,800. Call Pete at 2010 Buick Lucerne, 421-8757 or email at Peters- Jenny Ziemba at 601-480- MISCELLANEOUS 899-6429. 601-678-3458. Asking $8,500; 121,000 [email protected]. 5969 or 601-282-5261. 2018 Mallard M185 Trav- 2013 Harley Davidson miles, loaded, excellent con- For Rent: 3 BD/2 BA home For Sale: 4 BD/3.5 BA, Riding Lawnmower used el Trailer. Sleeps 4 with 1 Switchback, Asking $8,000; dition; garage kept with new 15 minutes from NAS; pets Spacious lake front home less than one summer. Ask- queen bed/2 bunks. Easy to only one owner; still under tires. Call 601-739-3264. allowed with deposit. $1,200 with bonus room over the ing $850. 42” cut blade. Call tow at 3,575 lbs; only selling warranty; all maintenance 2017 Camaro Gen6, 4k per month; $1,000 deposit garage. Clarkdale school 601-482-2276. because military member is done by Harley Davidson. miles, 50th anniversary lim- with option for 3-year lease at district (ranked #1 within lo- Woman’s Converse moving overseas. Great liv- Call 505-658-1675. ited addition; like-new condi- $1,100 per month. Available cal area). Amenities include Composite Toe Trainer ing quarters with lake view. 1982 Harley Davidson tion. $38,500. Call 601-686- Aug. 1. Call 334-654-0571. wood floors, granite counter- Safety Shoe Size 10, brand Hooked up and ready to live FLHS, 80 C.I. Shovelhead 1027. For Sale: 3 BD/2 BA tops, custom crown molding, new in box, $65. White with in, including cables, hoses, Engine w/4-Speed Transmis- 2012 Honda Civic, 47k Ranch style home in North- plantation shutters, lots of gray & teal trim. Call Teresa septic lines, plus the $500 sion. Nice Antique Bike -- miles, $9,200. Call 601-490- east School district; less closet/storage space, archi- 601-616-9251 (Please no towing kit. Asking $17,000. just can’t ride anymore. Call 3835. than 10 minutes from NAS. tectural brick accents, gas calls after 8 p.m.) 601-527-9756/601-986-8378 Hardwood floors, new metal lanterns, and more. Asking Call 360-434-3035 HOMES/APARTMENTS 2004 Honda TRX450R roof in quiet neighborhood. $374,000. Call 601-723-0741 four wheeler $2,600; 2005 FSBO or Rent: 4BD/2.5 Asking $160k. Call 601-454- for a private showing. To submit an item to the MOTORCYCLES/GEAR/ATV Honda TRX250EX four BA one level brick home in 4990. For Sale: 4 BD/2 BA, 2490 “Sale...Or” column, e-mail wheeler $1,600; 2002 Ya- Briarwood cul-de-sac with For Sale: 4BD/3.5BA square ft. home in Southern [email protected]. 2010 Ultra Classic Harley Deadline is the dirt bike vinyl fence, granite and Lakefront home in Scham- Oaks Subdivision, Northeast Davidson 29K miles 96cc maha TTR-125L Thursday prior to Screaming Eagle Engine. $800; and 2006 50SX-F stainless. Asking 249,900 or berville Estates. Lots of ame- Lauderdale School District, publication.

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] 8 The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 Navy Destroyer seizes 2,521 AK-47 rifles in Gulf of Aden The guided missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham machine guns, 39 spare PKM barrels and 20 60 mm mor- seized an illicit weapons shipment containing 2,521 AK- tar tubes. 47 rifles Aug. 28, U.S. 5th Fleet officials announced today. The third seizure was by the French navy destroyer The weapons were found aboard a stateless skiff in in- FS Provence March 20, 2016, and yielded again almost ternational waters in the Gulf of Aden. 2,000 AK-47 rifles, 64 Dragunov sniper rifles, nine anti- The full count follows an initial estimate of more than tank missiles and six PK machine guns with bipods. 1,000 rifles. The skiff was determined to be stateless fol- The fourth seizure was by U.S. Navy coastal patrol lowing a flag-verification boarding conducted in - accor ship USS Sirocco, which was operating as part of U.S. 5th dance with international law. The origin and intended Fleet, March 28, 2016, when it intercepted a dhow con- destination of the skiff have not yet been determined. taining 1,500 AK-47s, 200 RPG launchers and 21 .50-cali- “As a part of our countertrafficking mission, we are ber machine guns. actively involved in searching for illegal weapons ship- The United Kingdom-based investigative organization ments of all kinds,” said Navy Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, Conflict Armament Research studied and linked three of commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. the caches to weapons that plausibly derive from Iranian 5th Fleet, and the Combined Maritime Forces. stockpiles. “Ensuring the free flow of commerce for legitimate Based on an analysis of all available information, in- traffic and countering malign actors at sea continue to cluding crew interviews, a review of onboard records and Photo by MC3 Jonathan Clay be paramount to the U.S. Navy and its regional partners an examination of the arms aboard the vessel, the United Sailors stack a cache of more than 1,000 AK-47 automatic and allies,” Stearney added. States concluded that the arms from the four interdic- rifles aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason The seizure comes after four weapons seizures in 2015 tions in 2015 and 2016 originated in Iran and were in- Dunham (DDG 109). and 2016 accomplished by Combined Maritime Forces tended to be delivered to the Houthis in Yemen in con- and U.S. 5th Fleet assets. travention of United Nations Security Council Resolution The first seizure was by the Royal Australian Navy’s 2216. HMAS Melbourne, Sept. 27, 2015, when it intercepted a The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses dhow containing 75 anti-tank guided munitions, four tri- nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes pods with associated equipment, four launch tubes, two the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of launcher assembly units and three missile guidance sets. the Indian Ocean. The region is comprised of 20 countries The second seizure was by the Royal Australian Na- and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of vy’s HMAS Darwin, which intercepted a dhow Feb. 27, Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab-al-Mandeb 2016, and confiscated nearly 2,000 AK-47 rifles, 81 rock- at the southern tip of Yemen. et-propelled grenade launchers, 49 PKM general purpose --From U.S. Fifth Fleet

F-35C Lightning II conducts operational test-1 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln F-35C Lightning II aircraft from Strike Fighter “We hope to see how it integrates onboard the ship,” Squadron (VFA) 125 are conducting their Operational said Horan. “Can we maintain it? Can we get the parts? Test-1 (OT-1) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Car- Can we get it airborne? Can we repair it if it has a prob- rier Strike Group 12 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft lem? Those are the kinds of things [we are looking for].” carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). In addition to assessing the suitability of the F-35C OT-1 evaluates the full spectrum of the F-35C’s suit- on a Nimitz-class class aircraft carrier, OT-1 evaluators ability for operation within a carrier air wing and mis- observed the effectiveness of the F-35C in real-world sion effectiveness to the maximum extent possible. scenarios. “The F-35C brings stealth, enhanced electronic capa- “The effectiveness piece is what we’re doing when bilities and a different sustainment model,” said Rear we’re airborne and executing missions,” said Capt. Matt Adm. Dale Horan, director, Joint Strike Fighter Fleet Norris, from the Joint Strike Fighter Operational Test Integration Office. “Operating this new generation of Team. “We’ve been integrating with the strike group and aircraft out on the aircraft carrier brings a different set accomplishing many missions like defensive counter air of tools, techniques and procedures, and we’re learning and anti-submarine warfare, for instance.” how to integrate them into the battle group.” Previously, F-35C and F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots The F-35C has the ability to pass on the information have only conducted carrier qualifications together, so it collects not only to other F-35s in the air, but to legacy OT-1 marks the first time the F-35Cs have joined a car- aircraft, carrier air wings, strike groups and troops on rier air wing to perform in a cyclic operations environ- ground, enhancing the warfighting potential of the fleet. ment. Evaluators have been assessing the suitability of the During cyclic operations, aircraft simulate missions, F-35C aboard carriers by defining how well it performs practice aerial maneuvers and take off and land contin- with other aircraft and incorporates into an air plan, uously with brief pauses to allow for maintenance, fuel monitoring maintenance and identifying its logistics and ordnance changes. footprint. --From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs 141983-1

DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando From left, graduate student Anton Cottrill, Dr. Jacopo Buongiorno and Dr. Michael Strano try out their neoprene wetsuits at a pool at MIT’s athletic center. Cottrill is holding the pressure tank used to treat the wetsuits with heavy inert gasses. Freeze fighter: Warmer wetsuit increases Navy dive time

By Warren Duffie Jr. Office of Naval Research To protect Navy divers operating in freezing conditions, the Office of Naval Re- search here is sponsoring work to design a wetsuit mirroring the insulating proper- ties of animal blubber -- allowing divers to swim in frozen waters for longer periods of time. The work is being conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology and George Mason University. They’ve developed a wetsuit infused with an artificial blubber layer that can triple the endurance time of divers in frozen lakes, rivers or oceans. “This kind of research is especially important as more Arctic sea lanes open up and the Navy increases its readiness to operate in that part of the world,” said Maria Me- deiros, a program officer in ONR’s Sea Warfare and Weapons Department. “Whether it’s special operations, search and rescue or ship repair, maintenance and salvage, finding ways to increase divers’ time and effectiveness in the ice is a priority.” The project is being led by two MIT professors -- Dr. Michael Strano and Dr. Jacopo Buongiorno -- and focuses on neoprene wetsuits. Neoprene is the most common mate- rial used to make wetsuits, and is a synthetic rubber resembling a thick foam with numerous air pockets. These pockets slow the transfer of heat from the body into the surrounding water. Strano and Buongiorno found that by substituting air with various heavy inert gasses, which are non-toxic, don’t have negative chemical reactions and don’t burn or explode, they created a more efficient, artificial blubber layer within the wetsuit. To do so, Strano and Buongiorno placed a neoprene wetsuit in a sealed, specially designed tank the size of a beer keg -- and pumped the container with heavy inert gasses for several hours. Laboratory tests showed the newly pressurized wetsuit kept its insulating proper- ties for over 20 hours after treatment, far longer than divers usually spend in frigid waters. The treatment also could be done in advance of a dive, with the wetsuit placed in a bag to be opened just before use. In such cases, the 20-hour countdown didn’t start until the suit was removed from the bag. “The great thing about this research is that you don’t have to recreate neoprene from scratch,” Strano said. “You can take a wetsuit from a closet, pump the gas into it and transform it into a super-fabric.” 119516-1 The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 9

This week we asked: “What is your favorite thing about living in Meridian?” IT’S YOUR TURN... By MC1 Chris Liaghat

Rebecca Bryant YNSN Zachary Rowan Ciaira Edwards AZAR Dakota Hyde PSSA Kelly Butler FFSC NTTC Student Ponta Creek NATTC Student NTTC Student “I love the small town feel “I enjoy the lakes nearby. “The historic Bonita Lakes “The people. It is a very “My favorite part of of Meridian. Everyone They give me a quiet place Park, it’s very educational close and tight knit Meridian is the scenery welcomes you with open to chill out and relax.” and has beautiful places for community and everyone and how open and empty arms.” your kids to play.” feels like family.” it is.” Fleet & Family Support Center Every Sailor, every day: Starts with you FFSC Briefs September is Navy Sui- If you think a ship- To register for any of the following workshops, cide Prevention Month, mate or anyone you please call the FFSC at 601-679-2360. The class and this year’s theme is know is having trouble may not be presented if no one registers, so make Every Sailor, Every Day. navigating stress, ACT sure you call if you’re interested! Can’t make the According to the National (Ask, Care, Treat): Ask scheduled time? Call anyway - the workshop facili- Association on Mental Ill- – Ask directly, “Are tator may be able to work with you one-on-one, give ness, every year more than you thinking of killing you materials, or let you know when the class will 41,000 individuals die by yourself?” Care – Lis- be offered again. All classes held at FFSC (Build- suicide. Though we often ten without judgment. ing 405) unless otherwise noted view statistics as a call-to- Show that you care. action, suicide prevention Treat – Get help imme- is not about numbers. diately and don’t leave The impact of losing one that person alone. Es- Transition GPS Seminar Sailor to suicide is felt by cort him or her to the Sept. 17-21 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. many and for some the im- nearest chaplain, trust- Military personnel who are voluntarily or pact last a lifetime. Each of ed leader or medical us has the power to make professional for treat- involuntarily separating or retiring and are a difference. Every Sailor, ment. within 180 days of separating are required Every Day starts with us The “1 Small ACT” to attend this seminar, held at the FFSC. It -- all of us. of the “Every Sailor, Ev- is highly recommended that spouses at- All members of the Navy community should lead by ery Day” campaign encourages all members of the Navy tend. You may also attend if you’re up to example and take proactive steps toward strengthen- community to use common, simple acts of kindness as ing physical, psychological and emotional wellness on opportunities to save lives and reduce the shame and 24 months away from your separation or a daily basis, recognizing when it’s necessary to seek stigma that prevents open discussion about suicide. retirement date. The following topics will help. Everyone can benefit from active dialogue about stress be covered: résumés, job search skills, job If you notice anything out of the norm with a loved and suicide. One conversation can change a life. FFSC interviewing, employment (state & federal), one or a friend, one conversation—1 Small ACT—can staff are available to assist each Navy family member open the door for support by breaking the silence and and provide useful resources to increase awareness veterans’ benefits, pay & travel, movement facilitating early intervention. One conversation can and support -- call 679-2360. of household goods, TRICARE, emotional change a life. --From FFSC transition to separation, financial planning, forms & documents, benefits & services, military obligations, and more. You must see your Command Career Counselor or Admin Officer before attending Transition GPS to obtain several documents that are required for the seminar.

Welcome Aboard Oct. 2 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. FFSC welcomes you to Meridian by providing current information and policies regarding NAS. Topics covered will include: Navy career choices, FFSC services, Medical, Dental, Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Program, TRICARE, vehicle registration, on- & off-base driving regulations, legal services, community services, Chapel & other religious services, MWR, things to do at NAS & in Meridian, and more!

IA Spouse Discussion Group Oct. 4 from 11 a.m.-noon FFSC hosts this IA Spouse Discussion Group over coffee (or tea). Join other military spouses to talk about the challenges of IA deployment, share survival tips, discuss the impact of deployment on children, remind one another about the benefits of deployment, or just kick back & CNIC’s Ready Navy Program: ‘Get ready, get set, prepare!’ chat!

September is National Emergency awareness program. It is designed for Navy Personnel and families are Transition GPS Capstone Preparedness Month. Command- the Navy community, to increase the strongly encouraged to strengthen Oct. 4 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. er, Navy Installations Command’s ability of every person and family on emergency planning at home, as well Ninety days before their separation from (CNIC) Ready Navy Program educates or near Navy installations to meet to- as at work, by reading and follow- military service, service members will Sailors and their families on how to be day’s challenges head on and plan and ing the tips and information found at participate in a CAPSTONE event, which prepared when an emergency occurs. prepare for all types of hazards, rang- www.Ready.Navy.mil. This year’s overall theme is “Disasters ing from hurricanes and earthquakes “Pull out your insurance policies will verify that transitioning service members Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.” to terrorist attacks. and make sure they provide the right completed the Transition GPS curriculum Each week in September will have coverage for you,” Alexander said. and achieved Career Readiness Standards. a focused theme: Make and Practice By exploring the links on the Ready “Keep some amount of cash on hand, Service members who require additional Your Plan; Learn Life Saving Skills; Navy site, you will: in small denominations; it is likely Check Your Insurance Coverage; and * Be informed of potential hazards that credit and debit cards will not be assistance will be referred to supplemental Save For an Emergency. and what to do before, during, and af- usable for some period of time. Final- training opportunities. In addition, through “National Preparedness Month ter an emergency, ly, consider taking a first aid or CPR the CAPSTONE event, all service members reminds us all of the importance of * Understand the steps to make an class; you or your family’s lives may will be offered a ‘warm handover’ to being prepared in the event disaster emergency plan that includes what to depend on it!” appropriate government agencies and strikes,” said Tim Alexander, CNIC Di- do, where to go, and what to take with Commander, Navy Installations rector of Operations. “For many of us, you, Command is comprised of approxi- organizations that will be able to provide it is not a question of ‘if’ but a matter * Learn to build a kit to support basic mately 53,000 military and civilian them continued benefits, services, and of ‘when.’ Having a well thought-out needs for a minimum of three days, personnel worldwide responsible for support as veterans. See your command plan to execute when the time comes and the operations, maintenance and career counselor for more information. significantly improves the chances of * Access tools and resources to help quality of life programs to sustain the a positive outcome.” you and your family prepare for emer- Navy’s fleet, enable the fighter, and Ready Navy is a proactive Navy- gency situations that could arise at support the family. wide emergency preparedness, public any time with no warning. --From Navy Installations Command 10 The Skyline ~ September 13, 2018 9/11 Remembrance “We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember.”

--President George W. Bush

Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat Sailors and Marines observe morning colors during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in front of the Administration building onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Sept. 11. The ceremony was coordinated and led by the fiscal year 2019 chief petty officer selects.

=Hurricane hours. Commanding officers have a number of Navy installations in Hampton Roads options when staying in port, depending on preparations for the storm, included: secur- the severity of the weather. Some of these ing hazards throughout the installations, options include adding additional mooring removing debris from drainage areas, des- and storm lines, dropping the anchor, and ignating alternate parking areas for flood disconnecting shore power cables. prone areas, sand bagging flood prone - ar “Our ships can better weather storms of eas, topping off fuel in generators and gov- this magnitude when they are underway,” ernment vehicles and relocating dumpsters said U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Adm. and equipment to more secure areas. Christopher Grady. All personnel and their families should The number one mission is to protect the review their Navy Family Accountability fleet, to include keeping our personnel and and Assessment System (NFAAS) account their families safe. at https://navyfamily.navy.mil, as well as Additionally, Commander, Navy Region review hurricane checklists and evacuation Mid-Atlantic ordered all Navy installations plans in the event an evacuation is neces- in the Hampton Roads area to set Tropi- sary. Service members are encouraged to cal Cyclone Condition of Readiness Three discuss evacuation and reporting require- (III), meaning sustained destructive winds ments with their chain of command and of greater than 50 knots associated with family members. a tropical system are expected within 48 --From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs U.S. Navy photo via NOAA An infrared satellite image of Pacific Ocean from the GOES 15 Advanced Baseline Imager showing Tropical Storm Olivia at 0600 EST. Olivia is located approximately

360 miles east north east of Hilo, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 70 MPH, gusting the to 85 MPH, moving west at 9 MPH. Meridian Star Hawaii-based ships sortie ahead of Tropical Storm Olivia

Rear Adm. Brian Fort, commander, cautions to avoid potential damage. Navy Region Hawaii/ Naval Surface Commanding officers have a number Honoring Outstanding Teachers and Group Middle Pacific, announced that of options when staying in port, depend- U.S. Navy ships and submarines based ing on the severity of the weather. Some Educators in East Mississippi and in Hawaii not currently undergoing of these options include adding addition- maintenance availabilities have sortied al mooring and storm lines, dropping the as Tropical Storm Olivia travels toward anchor, and disconnecting shore power West Alabama the Hawaiian Islands. cables. Ships that sortied will be positioned Personnel in Navy Region Hawaii, to help respond after the storm, if need- including on Oahu and Kauai, should Do you have a teacher who has made ed. follow hurricane awareness and pre- an impact on you or your child’s life? “Sortie of our Pearl Harbor-based paredness guidelines established by ships allows them the most protection city/county and state government. Navy from the approaching storm,” said Fort. Region Hawaii and its installations - Do you have a teaching “An early sortie allows them enough Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam and time to transit safely out of the path of Pacific Missile Range Facility - Provide colleague whose style you admire? the storm.” updated information on Facebook sites. The Navy ordered a sortie in order At the beginning of hurricane season Nominate them for the to reduce the risk of significant dam- in early June, Navy Region Hawaii pro- Golden Apple Award! Then, age to ships and piers during potential vided detailed information in the region/ encourage others to do the same! high winds and seas caused by Tropical base newspaper Ho’okele for service Storm Olivia. Some ships will not get members, civilian workforce and fami- Nominations may be underway, due to various maintenance lies. availabilities, and are taking extra pre- --From Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs submitted by students, parents, faculty, or community members. Nominees must be someone employed full-time in the K-12 education field (public or private) within the following counties: Lauderdale, Neshoba, Kemper, Clarke, Newton, Choctaw & Sumter

LaBiche Jewelers * Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company

To nominate a teacher, log on to wmdn.net, wgbctv.com, goldenappleawards.com 131973-1 or meridianstar.com