October 18, 2018 Edition Naval Station Newport celebrates 243 years HIGHLIGHTS
Navy Birthday Celebrations
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USS Willard Keith Reunion Tours NAVSTA
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NETSAFA Launches International Officer Leadership, Ethics Course
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USS Thomas Hudner
Cmdr. Marc Picard (center), executive officer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, and FT2 Joseph Bender cut the first of two Navy Birthday cakes during the division’s annual employee appreciation picnic October 11. (US Navy photos by Richard Allen, McLaughlin Research Corp.)
NEWPORT, R.I.—Sailors, civilians and military families joined together in Inside This Issue celebration of the Navy’s 243rd Birthday Wednesday during a special luncheon hosted by Ney Hall Galley. Around the Station 1 In keeping with a time-honored Navy tradition, the birthday celebration began with BZ Shipmates 7 a cake cutting ceremony. The first slice of cake was cut by the youngest Sailor, At the Clinic 9 Culinary Specialist 2 (Surface Warfare) Morale Welfare & Rec 11 Richard Boatwright, and the oldest Navy civilian David Britto, signifying the pass 12 down of information from one generation to The oldest and youngest from the Meat & Potatoes the next. Ney Hall Galley who cut the cake Now Hear This 13 Celebrations Around the Fleet Whether based in the United States or were David Britto, 63, and CS2 abroad, Sailors held celebrations to mark the Richard Boatwright, 23, at Naval Traffic & Commuting 14 Navy’s 243rd birthday with other service Station Newport 243rd Navy members, civilians, guests and community Birthday Luncheon with a cake 15 Around the Fleet members while top leaders have sent cutting ceremony Wednesday messages to the fleet reflecting on the theme morning. Veteran’s News 17 “Forged by the Sea.” Story continued on page 2
1 AROUND THE STATION...
Sailors and Marines Attendees also heard from aboard the amphibious Cmdr. Timothy Knapp, transport dock ship USS New CNATTU commanding York (LPD 21) celebrated the officer. “This year’s ‘Forged Navy’s birthday while by the Sea’ theme fits enroute to support the largest perfectly with our training NATO exercise in more than mission here at Keesler,” 20 years. Knapp said. “Many of our “The New York and all course graduates are headed of our Marine teammates to deployable units.” have had an incredibly Meanwhile, Hawaii-based successful year, deployed Sailors had a commemoration forward – twice – to support Oct. 12 at the World War II and defend freedom around Valor in the Pacific National the globe while furthering Monument Visitor Center. our nation’s goals,” said Navy Region Hawaii kicked Capt. Brent DeVore, New CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti—Service members forward- off the commemoration with York’s commanding officer. deployed to Camp Lemonnier and Combined Task Force- a bell-ringing ceremony. The “Our strength at sea, Horn of Africa, along with base personnel and coalition keynote speaker was Capt. cemented in our bonds of partners celebrate the U.S. Navy's 243rd birthday by Jeff Bernard, commander of hosting a Navy Ball at the base multipurpose facility, Oct. teamwork and common Joint Base Pearl Harbor- 13, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Shannon D. Barnwell) purpose, permits us to Hickam. operate at this high of a In Manama, Bahrain, more level. To celebrate this than 500 service members Navy birthday at sea, on our way to Additionally, a bell ringing ceremony and guests celebrated American naval Trident Juncture to work with our allied was conducted, in which ceremonial eight history during the Navy Birthday Ball at and partner navies, is appropriate to the bells rang to signify the end of the current the Crowne Plaza Hotel. kind of year we have had and our Navy’s birthday year and were followed by a Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, ability to respond to regional crises.” ceremonial strike of one bell to signify the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central “I feel like it is the best way to start of the new birthday year. Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined celebrate the Navy’s birthday because you The celebration at TSC San Diego Maritime Forces, served as the guest are out to sea,” said Yeoman Seaman was concluded with a cake cutting speaker as well as the guest of honor for Apprentice Raashaun Noaks. “There is no performed by the longest and shortest the ceremony. Secretary of the Navy better way to celebrate. I think of winning serving TSC staff members. Richard V. Spencer said in a message to and lots of success but also, when you “Sailors need to understand their the fleet that the Navy is ready to fight, think of the 243 years, you think of all the history,” said Cmdr. Michael Salehi, respond and defend wherever there is people who paid the ultimate sacrifice for commanding officer of IWTC Monterey. need but it needs to do it with a sense of the Navy. We celebrate this day for “They can leverage these lessons for urgency and efficiency. them.” future endeavors.” “Because of your hard work and Training Support Center (TSC) San Additionally, Center for Naval dedication, the foundation for restoring Diego members commemorated the Aviation Technical Training Unit readiness and increasing lethality has birthday Oct. 11 in the TSC San Diego (CNATTU) Keesler students, instructors been set. But as we enter our 244th year Auditorium where Capt. Michael S. and staff were on hand Oct. 12 at Keesler of service, we must now build on that Feyedelem, TSC San Diego’s Air Force Base, Mississippi, for birthday foundation. ,” Spencer said. commanding officer, said the Navy’s role celebrations. The ceremony, led by Over the past two and a half has grown since its birth in 1775. Electronics Technician 1st Class centuries, the Navy has grown to become “We celebrate what the Navy means Bauranege Fleurimond, included a history the largest, most advanced and most lethal to our nation and the contributions that all of the U.S. Navy’s birth. fighting force the world has ever known. of you make,” Feyedelem said. “Most “It’s important to know where we The Navy today has more than 328,000 nations have an army or land defense come from,” Fleurimond said. “Our personnel on active duty and around force, but the strong nations have a Navy. history and heritage is an integral part of 100,000 personnel in the Navy Reserve, There are so many times in our history our service culture, and today is a great 286 deployable battle force ships and that having a strong Navy has impacted day to share a piece of that with the next approximately 270,000 civilian our future.” generation of Sailors.” employees.
NAVSTA Newport Public Affairs Office PAO Office Line: (401) 841-3538 Base Condition Line: (401) 841-2211 Operational and Exercise Impacts are often E-Mail: [email protected] communicated to the public first using the installation Capt. Ian L. Johnson, Commanding Officer Facebook Page—’like’ us at: Facebook.com/ Lisa Rama, Public Affairs Officer NAVSTANewport to stay informed! Kalen Arreola, Public Affairs Specialist Also follow us on Twitter: @NAVSTANEWPORTRI
2 AROUND THE STATION... Sailors from the USS Willard Keith tour NAVSTA
NEWPORT, R.I.—Thirty members of the USS Willard Keith (DD775) reunion association visited the naval station Tuesday. The group enjoyed a visit to the Surface Warfare Officer’s School, held a memorial ceremony inside the Chapel of Hope to pay tribute to their fallen shipmates, had a windshield tour of the installation and lunched at the Officer’s Club. The Keith, in service between 1944 and 1972, had been home ported in Newport from 1946-1947. Members of the USS Willard Keith Reunion pictured above, in alphabetical The ship commissioned the order: Joe Bauer, Betty and Jerry Butler, Marge Cornish, Diane and Tom “USS Willard Keith” was named DiGiorgio, Roger Eberthandy, Duane Ference, Ella Marie and Paul Goldberg, after Willard Woodward Keith, Jr. Art and Joyce Hall, Jerry and Louise Hansen, Adrienne Hardesty, Donald Born on June 13, 1920 in and Jane Hempstead, Michael Jubinville, Ila and Steve Luttrell, Casey Jones, Sue MacDade, Dick and Nancy Marcham, Susan Martinson, Michael Berkeley, Calif.—he enlisted in the and Ruth Anne McHenry, Joe and Sheila Mitchell, Bruce Wylie. (Below) Marine Corps Reserve in April 1939 Command Master Chief Paul King speaks to the reunion members at their and served as an enlisted man until banquet Tuesday. he received an honorable discharge on Nov. 3, 1940 to take an sited beyond the appointment as a second lieutenant Matanikau River and in the reserves on the following day. within range of the Called to active duty on February 20, important Henderson 1941, he served “stateside” until his Field airstrip, the Second unit was transferred to the South Battalion was assigned Pacific in the spring of 1942 to build the left flank position. up for the first Allied offensive in Initial elements of the that theater—Guadalcanal. battalion crossed the Eventually promoted to captain, Matanikau in rubber Keith led Company “G,” 2d boats before dawn on Battalion, 5th Marines, from the November 3, 1942 initial phase of the Guadalcanal supported effectively by CMDCM Paul King, NS Newport Command campaign. He landed with them at dive bomber strikes, Master Chief, was the guest speaker at the Tulagi on August 7, 1942. artillery, and naval reunion dinner held Tuesday evening at the By that autumn, the campaign on gunfire. Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick. Guadalcanal Island was still a hard- That afternoon, Keith led his was annihilated, Keith was struck in fought one. In an offensive aimed company against a Japanese strong- the head by a bullet and killed against Japanese artillery positions point manned by a platoon not only instantly. reinforced with heavy machine guns While the 1st Marine Division but concealed by heavy jungle (Reinforced)—of which the 2d growth and entrenched on Battalion, 6th Marines was a part— commanding high ground. Realizing received the Presidential Unit that neither mortar nor artillery fire Citation, Capt. Willard W. Keith, Jr., could reach the Japanese positions, was awarded a Navy Cross Keith—determined to evict the posthumously for a “grim Japanese—initiated and led determination and aggressive successive bayonet and hand grenade devotion to duty” in keeping with the charges in the face of heavy fire. “highest traditions of the naval Although the Japanese platoon service.”
3 AROUND THE STATION... NETSAFA Launches Inaugural International Officer Leadership, Ethics Course Story by Lt.j.g. Ashley Taylor, Naval Education and Training Command
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) International Training Center (NITC) in conjunction with the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center (NLEC) located here onboard NS Newport, began its inaugural International Officer Leadership and Ethics (IOLE) course Oct. 15. The three-week IOLE course was created by the United States to assist international allies and partners in enhancing the professionalism, ethical awareness and leadership skills of their mid-grade and senior Guy Abbate, lead instructor for the inaugural International Officer officers. Leadership and Ethics (IOLE) course, introduces himself to the class. The “In combating intra-state conflict Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity and terrorism while striving for a (NETSAFA) International Training Center (NITC) offers the three-week secure peacetime environment, IOLE course to assist international allies and partners in enhancing the professionalism, ethical awareness and leadership skills of mid-grade military professionals are now called and senior officers. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Ashley Taylor) upon to carry out an ever expanding range of military, law enforcement, deterrent, and humanitarian “Women are now joining the U.S. “For example, one of our students missions,” said Guy Abbate, IOLE military more than ever before. has led his country's fight against lead instructor, who saw the need for America is at the forefront of gender Boko Haram, another is in charge of just such a course for international equality in the military, and other his country's military public officers while visiting NLEC at the countries are looking to us to learn relations, while another is a U.S. Naval War College in Newport, how to best cultivate a diverse, psychologist attending the course Rhode Island. “To meet these new integrated military.” with her medical mindset.” challenges, the leadership and The course features presentations Among the nations to send professional development of from active-duty commanding officials to the IOLE course include: personnel has become a critical officers, subject matter experts, as Angola, Seychelles, Mauritius, component of national security and well as daily student discussion Uganda, Nigeria, Slovak Republic, mission success.” exercises and reading assignments. Jordan, Djibouti, Iraq, Liberia, The IOLE course curriculum Participants are offered the unique Cameroon, and Niger. addresses leadership topics and also opportunity to share this educational NETSAFA is the U.S. Navy's features classes devoted to civilian experience with other officers from agent for international education and control of the military, ethical around the world, thus benefiting training and coordinates training management of resources, women in from an array of different cultures, support to international governments the military, equal opportunity, religions and national historical and organizations. discipline, fairness and the use of precedents. As a field activity of Naval deadly force. “I am truly excited not only by Education and Training Command “Many countries attending this the number of international officers (NETC), the command serves as a course do not allow women in the that are currently attending our focal point for all security assistance military or allow them only in course, but also for the students' wide training program issues, coordination reduced capacities,” said Randy variety of backgrounds,” said and advice within the U.S. Navy. Clendenon, NITC project director. Abbate.
4 AROUND THE STATION...
USS Thomas Hudner to be commissioned in Boston, Dec. 1 SAN DIEGO – On June 12, BIW shipyard in Bath, Maine and The ship departs Pier 2 Secretary of the Navy Richard V. launched several weeks later on tomorrow afternoon. Spencer announced the newest April 23. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile Arleigh Burke (DDG 51 class) destroyer, Pre Commissioning Unit class destroyers are highly-capable, SHIP FACTS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), will be multi-mission ships that conduct a Class: ARLEIGH BURKE class commissioned during a ceremony variety of operations, from destroyer Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 in Boston. peacetime presence to national Motto: Above All Others The ship, commanded by Cmdr. security. These DDGs provide a Keel Laid: November 16, 2015 Christened: April, 1, 2017 Nathan Scherry is the 66th Arleigh wide range of warfighting Length: 513 feet Burke-class destroyer, and the 36th capabilities in multi-threat air, Beam: 66 feet DDG 51 class destroyer built by surface, and subsurface Draft: 30.5 feet Displacement: 9,217 tons General Dynamics Bath Iron Works environments. Speed: 30+ knots (34.5 mph) (BIW). It is the first warship named New ships in this class, such as Propulsion: 4x General Electric for naval aviator and Medal of Thomas Hudner, have anti-ballistic LM2500 Gas Turbines 100,000 shp (75,00 kW) Honor recipient Capt. Thomas J. missile capabilities as well. The Crew: 27 Officers, 280 Enlisted Hudner. DDG’s all-steel construction Personnel Hudner, a native of Fall River, provides a survivable platform. Armament: Mass., received the Medal of Honor After commissioning in Boston, 96 MK41 Vertical Launch System for his heroic actions during the she will make her way to homeport (VLS) cells for Standard Missles, Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in in Mayport, Florida. ESSM, Tomahawk, and VLA 1950. Hudner crash landed his plane EDITORS NOTE: The 1 MK34 Gun Weapon System 5”/62 in an unsuccessful effort to save the Thomas Hudner pulled into NS 1 MK15 Mod 1B 20 CWIS life of his wingman and friend, Newport earlier this week for fuel 2 MK38 Mod2 25mm Machine Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first and supplies as she begins sea trials Gun System African American combat pilot. leading up to her official 2 MK32 Triple Tube Mount SVTT
In fall of 2015, the keel of commissioning later this year. Aircraft: 2 SH-60R LAMPS MKIII Thomas Hudner was laid down. The This article is reprinted from an Helicopters ship was christened on April 1, 2017 earlier announcement published this during a snowy ceremony at the summer.
5 AROUND THE STATION...
Naval Station Newport Fire Fighters support the annual Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. All across the country firefighters demonstrate their support, bring awareness and fight to find a cure for breast cancer. Above (from left to right) FF/ILS Dennis Gregory, Lt. Matt Brown, FF/PM Joe Puglise, Capt. Scott Beaudoin, Capt. Jeff Gavitt, Insp. Dave Stimson FF Adam Peterson, Capt. Daniel Miller, FF Tracy Hudson. The photo was taken in front of the E-71 at Station 25, District 7, Naval Station Newport R.I. (Photo contributed by Daniel E. Miller, captain, Naval Station Newport Fire Department)
6 BZ SHIPMATES... NUWC Division Newport engineer presented Department
of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award
Story by Jeff Prater NAVSEA Public Affairs
One thing has stood out above all else for John Babb during his time working at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport. “I’ve been working here 36 years and it’s the people that you work with that results in these types of awards,” Babb told a crowd of more than 100 people on Oct. 1 after he received the Department of the Navy (DON) Superior Civilian Service Award, the second highest honorary award bestowed on a civilian by the Navy. Babb’s commendation was the final award given out at the ceremony, which also recognized two recipients of the DON Meritorious Civilian Service Award and 44 Division Newport winners of the 2017 Naval Sea Systems Donald McCormack (from left), Executive Director, Naval Surface and Command Warfare Center Award. Undersea Warfare Centers; Ron Vien, Division Newport Technical Director; “It’s quite surprising. I’m kind of Sharon and John Babb; and Capt. Michael Coughlin, Division Newport overwhelmed,” Babb, who has spent Commanding Officer gathered for a picture during the Oct. 1 awards most of his career working on ceremony. (U.S. Navy photos by Rich Allen, McLaughlin Research Corp.) submarine concepts but also is the lead customer advocate at NUWC Newport, asked them, “of the people, process and in his remarks. While noting the value said. “I’ll often say it’s not just about results, what do you think I focus on the of collaboration, Vien also stressed the me, it’s about the teams that you put most as the Commanding Officer?” importance of both innovation and together and what they’re able to do. One person chose people, another knowledge sharing. That’s been my career. results and the remaining seven elected “Innovation is really our “I’ve been able to work with and process; Coughlin did not keep them in responsibility as the Naval Undersea assemble some good teams and do some suspense long for the answer. Warfare Center. People often ask, what amazing things. It’s just fun to come to “The people is where I spend most do you do there? I describe it in one work when you have that.” of my time. We deal with the processes sentence: We are the Navy’s technical Babb was not the only one to note and we make sure they’re as good as steward in the undersea domain,” Vien how important the people are to the they can be so we can be effective and said. “When it comes to innovation, work done at NUWC Newport. It was a drive results on the end, but it is, as Mr. that’s our responsibility to continue to common theme in the remarks made by McCormack mentioned, about the advance the state of the art in Donald McCormack, Executive people,” Coughlin said. “It’s about you undersea warfare. Director, Naval Surface and Undersea coming together as a team and doing “… Lastly, knowledge sharing. If Warfare Centers; Capt. Michael great work for our organization. They’ll Coughlin, NUWC Newport you look at the CNO’s initiatives, quickly realize it’s that people piece that high velocity learning ties in closely Commanding Officer; and Ron Vien, will drive results.” NUWC Newport Technical Director. “We really want to be One Team to that. I think about how our “We have great facilities and labs, across all of the Warfare Centers,” everyday world, how it’s changed — but it’s really about the people,” McCormack said. “I know one thing for at least over my career. We used to McCormack said. “There’s nothing sure and that’s together, we’re stronger. be limited to only so much more important that we can do as If we leverage all the resources that we information and now there’s so many leaders than to recognize and reward the have across all the Warfare Centers, other resources out there where folks that are doing outstanding work.” then we can make better teams and we’re able to grab knowledge and Coughlin supported this line of provide better services and products to share information more quickly.” thinking in a brief anecdote. He recently the Navy.” Babb’s career in many ways has visited with nine new employees and Vien further expanded on this topic
7 BZ SHIPMATES... Superior Civilian Service Award, continued reflected all these concepts — a more serious tone. “It’s outstanding Superior Civilian Service Award for his particularly in the last seven years. In work that you’ve always done, John, you dedication, technical excellence, and that time, Babb has led an effort know that.” unwavering vision for the evolution and covered under Public Law 110-417 The DON Superior Civilian Service advancement of undersea technologies Section 219 where he teaches a small Award is intended to recognize superior from May 2008 to April 2018. His group of young professionals what he civilian service or contributions that technical expertise in systems does, introduces them to shipyards and have resulted in high value or benefits to engineering and integration has the group does a project from it. the Navy. Signed by Rear Adm. Moises furthered the Navy’s unmanned “That’s really rewarding because DelToro III, commander, Naval Sea underwater vehicle and submarine- they are the future,” Babb said. “I’m Systems Command, the award related programs, and his leadership happy to see them all so enthusiastic.” recognizes a pattern of long-term efforts in Concept Formulation have laid The feeling among Babb’s pupils sustained high performance, innovative the groundwork for the fleet’s future clearly is mutual, as a number of them leadership of highly successful capabilities. were in attendance for the ceremony. programs, scientific or technical “Through active collaborations with They were among the first to rise when advances of significant value, government, industry, and academia, he Babb received a standing ovation after accomplishments which show unusual has fostered research, innovation, and he got his award and a medal was pinned management abilities, innovative product development leading to to his coat by his wife, Sharon. thinking and/or outstanding leadership successful fielding of undersea systems. McCormack also congratulated Babb — that benefits the Navy. His steadfast dedication to after some playful ribbing. Babb’s citation reads: cultivating the next generation of over “Congratulations to all the award “The Naval Undersea Warfare 40 engineers and scientists has ensured winners — even John Babb,” Center is pleased to award Mr. John the continuity of technical excellence for McCormack joked before continuing in Babb the Department of the Navy Division Newport and the Navy.
Ensign Binal Rana, assigned to Naval Station Newport Public Works Office, was promoted on Oct. 1 to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade during a ceremony held in the Mahon Reading Room of the Naval War College. Administering the Oath of Promotion is Rear Adm. Jeff Harley, President of the Naval War College. BZ LT!
8 AT THE CLINIC... Hospitalman Apprentice’s quick thinking saves critically-injured civilian motorist
Kathy MacKnight, Naval Health Clinic New England Public Affairs Hospitalman Apprentice (HA) Evan Stott checked into Naval Health Clinic New England (NHCNE) Newport, R.I., in May 2018, after completion of Corps School, and on June 22 he was headed home to Brockport, N.Y., when unforeseen traffic caused him to be at the right place at the right time. Stott’s father, Terry, had picked him up in Newport, and several hours later outside of Albany, NY, they witnessed a motorcycle accident where the rider lost control of his bike, hit the guardrail and was thrown over 50 feet. The impact from the crash caused the rider’s helmet to fly off HA Evan Stott, Naval Health and he was face down on the Clinic New England pavement. The victim’s right leg (NHCNE) Newport, R.I., in May. Pictured (above left) was severed and was approximately visits motorcyclist Romero 20 feet away from his body. Jones who was injured in a Stott and his father were some of life threatening accident. the first people on the scene and Stott’s quick reaction immediately Stott’s Corpsman helped a Jones during a training kicked into gear. potentially life-threatening He removed his belt and applied situation. (Right) Capt. it as a tourniquet to the leg to stop Marnie Buchanan, the hemorrhaging and his father who presented Stott with a Navy is an Emergency Medical Technician and Marine Corps (EMT) and Fireman, concentrated on Achievement Medal Oct. 5. getting the victim’s breathing stabilized. your response automatic. What I did productive life. They assessed the victim’s is what any Corpsman would do.” NHCNE Commanding Officer, condition, aligned his limbs and On September 16, Stott and his Captain Marnie Buchanan, presented moved him onto his back as he was father had the opportunity to visit Stott with a Navy and Marine Corps having trouble breathing. with Romero Jones, the critically Achievement Medal on October 5. They also managed to keep him injured young man, in upstate N.Y. The award reads in part, “His conscious by talking to him while Romero’s goal was to be able to quick thinking, rapid response and continuing his care until the stand to greet the Stotts after expert medical evaluation of a ambulance arrived 20 minutes after spending two months in the hospital civilian motorist prevented possible the accident. and it was an emotional visit for all loss of life. When asked about his ability to involved. His heroic efforts were shining handle this type of medical Romero who is a nursing student examples of the key principles of the emergency, Stott said, “Corps has a long road ahead with additional command’s philosophy and the School teaches you to perform and surgeries on his jaw and leg, but he Navy’s core values.” the intensity of the training makes will recover to live a normal and
9 AT THE CLINIC...
10 MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION...
11 THE MEAT & POTATOES OF LIFE The obituary I can’t forget A few of years ago, a friend sent me subconscious, surfacing when I needed Wisconsin, Virginia, the link to an obituary she’d read in the to quell doubts about my place in the Turkey, Florida and, Boston Globe over coffee that morning. I world. The memory of the obituary has finally, Pennsylvania,” MOLINARI didn’t know the woman who had died. become a mantric rumination that I the obit read, adding that Louise parented “Mrs. Louise Bickford” was a complete conjure to soothe the deep-seeded fear the kids alone during Jim’s stranger to me. However, my friend that my life is insignificant or unaccompanied tours in Vietnam and shared the article because Louise had unimportant. Korea. It described her mother’s “love of been a military spouse, like me. Even though the article didn’t travel, curiosity about other cultures, The obituary made no reference to an describe the kind of accomplishments organizational skills, and pragmatic impressive career or professional that are normally deemed print-worthy, nature” that made her “well suited to her achievements on Louise’s part. It didn’t the essay about Louise is a portrait of a life as a military spouse.” mention awards for talents or life that truly mattered. After Jim retired from the Army, one proficiencies. No newsworthy I’ve been thinking more about might think he and Louise settled into a contributions to society or attempts to Louise lately. With my husband retired stable life without hardship. However, “a change the world. Nothing that would from the Navy and our last child off to tragic accident left Jim a quadriplegic in measure up to traditional barometers of college, I recently interviewed for my 1976.” Louise “spent the next 18 years as success. first out-of-the-house job since 1996. his primary caregiver until Jim’s death in But this seemingly unremarkable I’ve spent the last two decades raising 1994.” But she had always had a “great newsprint about a military spouse I never our three kids, moving, managing the capacity to roll with the vicissitudes of knew, somehow tapped into my psyche household, volunteering, and freelance life, accepting whatever difficulties life and left an indelible mark. writing from home. As I brace myself for threw at her with humor, grace and After reading the obit, my friend and rejection, I wonder, have I accomplished style.” I exchanged messages such as, “She did enough in life? Will this job save me Louise spent the rest of her years the New York Times crossword in pen. I from oblivion? Will my children be “caring for her extensive brood,” and can’t even do it in pencil.” And, “Wow, I proud of me? pursuing her many passions. Her can only hope that I leave that kind of According to the obituary written by children proudly described her as a legacy.” And then my friend and I went Louise’s five children, Louise was born “multi-faceted individual” who “taught back to our busy routines, leaving behind in 1930 and raised in a Pennsylvania coal swimming; was a substitute teacher; led the shared tidbit about Louise Bickford, -mining town. The valedictorian of her Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops; … did the 85-year-old Army wife who died on high school class, she went on to get her the NY Times crossword puzzle in pen; December 9, 2015. teaching degree and to marry James played the piano; sang in choruses; The only problem was, I couldn’t Bickford, her husband of 40 years. organized an international supper club; forget. “Jim’s Army career took him, Louise and was a gracious hostess her entire The 600-word description of and the five children plus pets to postings life.” Louise’s life had seeped into my in France, California, Kentucky, Iran, They wrote, “Louise’s life was grounded by family, from her early life until her death,” and her family of five children, twelve grandchildren and a great grandchild “loved and admired” Louise for “her great wit, integrity, love of laughter and independent spirit.” Mrs. Louise Bickford had it right. Regardless of the pressure to live up to traditional measures of success, ultimately, a life grounded by family is a life well-lived.
Lisa’s syndicated column appears in military and civilian newspapers including Stars and Stripes, and on her blog at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and can be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter: @MolinariWrites or ‘like’ her on Facebook at: https://facebook.com/ Louise Bickford playing piano for her five children during the holidays in TheMeatandPotatoesofLife the 1960s. Photos provided by Anne Bickford, Louise’s daughter. 12 NOW HEAR THIS... CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX PROGRAM Background: On Sunday, October 23, 1983, a terrorist FOR OVERSEAS CHILDREN truck bomb exploded in a barracks killing 241 American The Women of the Chapel are sponsoring a shoebox Servicemen including 220 Marines, 10 Sailors, 3 Soldiers, packing party at the Chapel of Hope at 1500 on Sun 28 and injuring 128 Americans. Nine Rhode Islanders serving OCT. Shoe-box sized boxes in holiday colors will be sent as with the U.S. Marine Corps died in the attack. Christmas presents to children overseas who have been the victims of natural disasters, war and famine. Boxes will be packed with hygiene products, school supplies, toys and other appropriate items for the children who receive them. Everyone with base access and their families are welcome to participate.
RHODE ISLAND CONNECTED WARRIORS – FREE YOGA CLASSES Every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Located at Camp Fogarty, Building 214, 2841 South County Trail, East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Attend three classes and get a free yoga mat. Yoga classes are free to service and family members, and veterans. Must have a valid military I.D. to attend. For more information, contact Lori at [email protected]. CHAPEL OF HOPE VETERAN TICKETS FOUNDATION (VetTix) – is a national Telephone: (401) 841-2234 (during duty hours) nonprofit that supports currently serving military, or (732) 300-7912 (after duty hours) veterans, and the military community with free community-based event tickets ranging from concerts Chapel Office (Base Chapel): to professional sports games. To sign up, go to 1172 Vaughan Street, Newport www.vettix.org. Sundays BLOOD DRIVE THIS MONTH 7:45 a.m. - Liturgical Protestant Service OCT 30: NAPS 2:30—8 p.m. Perry Hall Rm 100 8:30 a.m. - Music Rehearsal for Catholic Mass 9 a.m. - Roman Catholic Mass; FIRE SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK 9 a.m. - Bible Study: Perry Hall, Room 100 Did You Know? There are two kinds of smoke alarms - 10:30 a.m. - Contemporary Protestant Service ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Whereas, photoelectric Tuesday alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. 6:30 p.m. - Men’s Bible Study For early warning, smoke alarms should be installed on either the ceiling or high on a wall. When installing smoke Wednesdays alarms on a wall, do not install closer than 4 inches or 12:05 p.m. - Catholic Mass more than 12 inches from the ceiling. 5 p.m. - Music Rehearsal for Contemporary Protestant
35th ANNUAL BEIRUT MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE Service CEREMONY AT PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY 6:30 p.m. - Women’s Bible Study The 35th Annual Beirut Memorial Observance Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 at 10AM, on the Fridays Weekly grounds of the Portsmouth Historical Society, 870 East Noon - Space available for Muslim Prayer Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871. This annual observance will coincide with the observance at the Beirut First and Third Fridays Memorial site in the Camp Lejeune Memorial Gardens. 9:30 a.m. - Women’s Spiritual Support Group
13 TRAFFIC & COMMUTING GATE HOURS:
Gate 1: Open 7 days-a-week/24-hours-a-day for routine traffic. Gate 2: Open for a.m. commute Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. to alleviate Gate 1 backups. Gate 10: Closed until further notice. Gate 17: Open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS) Gate 7: NHCNE Gate, open Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gate 23: NUWC Gate open 24/7 for commuters. Gate 32: Open Mon - Fri 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for commuters.011878
GATE 1 ANNOUNCEMENT—Gate 1 will be closed on Saturday, October 20th, from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. for maintenance—Gate 17 will be open during this time period.
HOT JOBS AT NEWPORT Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Visit www.usajobs.com to search Open 11/03/2017 to 11/02/2018 by location and apply. INTERIOR DESIGNER PROGRAM MANAGER U.S. Navy - Agency Wide Department of the Navy Department of the Navy Multiple Locations Multiple Locations Starting at $32,844 (GS 5-15) Starting at $40,684 (GS 7-13) Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Open 11/03/2017 to 11/02/2018 Open 11/03/2017 to 11/02/2018
Safety and Occupational Health Specialist FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ANALYST U.S. Navy - Agency Wide U.S. Navy - Agency Wide Department of the Navy Department of the Navy Multiple Locations Multiple Locations Starting at $49,765 (GS 9-13) Starting at $32,844 (GS 5-15) Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Open 11/03/2017 to 11/02/2018 Open 11/03/2017 to 11/03/2018
LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST QUALITY ASSURANCE SPECIALIST U.S. Navy - Agency Wide U.S. Navy - Agency Wide Department of the Navy Department of the Navy Multiple Locations Multiple Locations Starting at $32,844 (GS 5-15) Starting at $32,844 (GS 5-15) Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Multiple Appointment Types • Multiple Schedules Open 11/03/2017 to 11/03/2018 Open 11/03/2017 to 11/02/2018
ACCOUNTANT U.S. Navy - Agency Wide Department of the Navy Multiple Locations Starting at $32,844 (GS 5-15)
14 AROUND THE FLEET ... NAVSEA Approves First Metal Additively Manufactured
Component for Shipboard Use
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) approved the first metal part created by additive manufacturing (AM) for shipboard installation, the command announced Oct. 11. A prototype drain strainer orifice (DSO) assembly will be installed on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in fiscal year 2019 for a one-year test and evaluation trial. The DSO assembly is a steam system component that permits drainage/ removal of water from a steam line while in use. Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (HII- NNS) builds Navy aircraft carriers and proposed installing the prototype on an aircraft carrier for test and evaluation. “This install marks a significant advancement in the Navy’s ability to make parts on demand and combine NAVSEA’s strategic goal of on-time NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Oct. 3, 2018) This drain strainer orifice system, a delivery of ships and submarines prototype, is a steam system component that permits drainage and while maintaining a culture of removal of water from a steam line while in use. A version of this is affordability,” said Rear Adm. Lorin approved as the first metal part created by additive manufacturing for Selby, NAVSEA chief engineer and shipboard installation and will be installed aboard the aircraft carrier USS deputy commander for ship design, Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in fiscal year 2019. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of integration, and naval engineering. Newport News Shipbuilding by Ricky Thompson) “By targeting CVN-75 [USS Harry S. Truman], this allows us to get test for several years, the use of it for “NAVSEA has several efforts results faster, so—if successful—we metal parts for naval systems is a underway to develop specifications can identify additional uses of newer concept and this prototype and standards for more commonly additive manufacturing for the fleet.” assembly design, production, and used additive manufacturing The test articles passed first article testing used traditional processes.” functional and environmental mechanical testing to identify Naval Sea Systems Command is testing, which included material, requirements and acceptance criteria. the largest of the Navy's five systems welding, shock, vibration, Final requirements are still under commands. NAVSEA engineers, hydrostatic and operational steam, review. builds, buys and maintains the and will continue to be evaluated “Specifications will establish a Navy’s ships, submarines and while installed within a low path for NAVSEA and industry to combat systems to meet the fleet's temperature and low pressure follow when designing, current and future operational saturated steam system. After the manufacturing and installing AM requirements. test and evaluation period, the components shipboard and will Get more information about the prototype assembly will be removed streamline the approval process,” Navy from U.S. Navy Facebook or for analysis and inspection. said Dr. Justin Rettaliata, technical Twitter. For more news from Naval While the Navy has been using warrant holder for additive Sea Systems Command, visit additive manufacturing technology manufacturing. www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.
15 AROUND THE FLEET ... National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2018
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the theme for 2018 is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.” National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed each and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2008, a disability is a physical or mental impairment (psychiatric disability) that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual's particular disability,” finding employment. As a matter of individual. said Cook. “Also, current Federal policy, the federal government has a Some of the recognized employees may use this form at any special emphasis on recruiting, disabilities which impact federal time during their employment to hiring, and retaining people with employees include aging, self-identify as having a disability.” targeted disabilities.” amputation, anxiety disorder, back “Agencies use SF-256 to According to Cook, MSC impairment, blindness, cancer, resurvey their workforce to employees who are impacted by a chronic pain, deafness, Graves ’ determine how many people with disability have the option of disease, food allergy, migraines, disabilities are on board. Any requesting a ‘reasonable multiple sclerosis, migraines and information that is captured on this accommodation’ thus enabling them vertigo, according to the Job form is Privacy Act protected,” with a productive working Accommodation Network web site. added Cook. “This form is used to environment. “If you're an individual with a capture data on the disability “A Reasonable accommodation disability, you can apply and demographics of Federal agencies is modifications or adjustments to compete for any job for which you so that such agencies may conduct the work environment, or to the are eligible and meet the analysis to determine how well or manner or circumstances under qualifications, but you also may be poorly they are achieving their which the position held or desired is eligible for a special hiring disability hiring goals. SF-256 customarily performed, that enable authority,” according to Emily defines disability, targeted a qualified individual with a Cook, of Military Sealift disability, and lists the various disability to perform the essential Command’s Equal Employment conditions that are considered functions of that position,” Opportunity Team. “To find Federal disabilities or targeted disabilities. according to Cook. jobs for which you can apply visit OPM recently updated this form to “An applicant or employee may www.usajobs.gov.” better reflect current disability request a reasonable Cook emphasized that it is language.” accommodation at any time, orally important as a federal employee to “Targeted disabilities include or in writing. In addition, identify oneself as a disabled the most severe disabilities such as accommodations are made for employee. blindness, deafness, partial and full employees to insure that they have “The Standard Form (SF 256) paralysis, missing extremities, full access to the benefits and form is required when using dwarfism, epilepsy, intellectual privileges of employment.” Schedule A to appoint people with disabilities, and psychiatric For questions concerning disabilities non-competitively to disabilities,” according to Cook. Reasonable Accommodation, please Federal jobs to identify, for data “Individuals with these disabilities contact the MSC RA Program collection purposes only, the typically have the greatest difficulty Manager.
16 VETERANS NEWS ...
17 VETERANS’ NEWS...
NOV 4 PASTA DINNER pasta, three sauces, three types of meat, and of course salad, FOR KIDS breadsticks, and desserts.
The cut off to purchase or reserve Back by popular demand, the VFW tickets is November 2. Reserve Auxiliary will be hosting another pasta tickets by speaking to any officer or dinner to benefit the VFW National messaging our Facebook page! Home for Children. RSVP AT: https:// Ticket donation is $20, which gets you www.facebook.com/ the choice of three different kinds of events/1999155686772474
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