VT-9 Trained Aviators First F-35C Pilots to Graduate from TOPGUN

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Volume 58, Number 13 https://www.cnic.navy.mil/meridian ~ www.facebook.com/NASMeridian ~ Twitter: @nasmeridianms June 25, 2020 VT-9 trained aviators first F-35C pilots to graduate from TOPGUN

By Gidget Fuentes ing them the tactics, techniques and USNI News procedures that are required for them to successfully employ their aircraft, inte- Two F-35C pilots are the first naval grated into a larger force,” Cmdr. Timo- aviators to graduate from the TOPGUN thy Myers, TOPGUN department head, course flying the fifth-generation Joint said in the release. “We are also in the Strike Fighter, the Navy announced. business of teaching our graduates how Marine Maj. Derek Heinz and Navy to instruct other students, so that when Lt. William Goodwin are among the lat- they go back to the fleet, they are able to est graduates of the Navy Strike Fighter instruct at a very high level.” Tactics Instructor course, run at Naval While TOPGUN had previously grad- Aviation Warfighting Development Cen- uated students who trained to F-35C tac- ter at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev. tics and procedures, Heinz and Goodwin Heinz is a member of the “Rough Raid- are the first fleet pilots already flying the ers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) jet to graduate the course, which used a 125, and Goodwin is a member of the syllabus developed from the ground up “Argonauts” of VFA-147, both F-35C specifically for F-35C integrated opera- Lightning II squadrons based at NAS tions, the Navy said. NAWDC has gradu- Lemoore, Calif. ally incorporated F-35C tactics into the Both Heinz and Goodwin trained and training curriculum as the advanced jet earned their “Wings of Gold” at Naval continues to enter the fleet and replace Air Station Meridian through Training aging Navy and Marine Corps fighter air- Squadron 9 (VT-9). Maj. Heinz in Janu- craft. ary 2011, and Lt. Goodwin in July 2014. “The Lightning II proved its value The TOPGUN course is an individual- to the Navy during every phase of the level course that’s designed to take fleet TOPGUN course,” Myers said, “and its pilots and train them to be strike fighter integration with the F/A-18E/F Super tactics instructors, experts in the latest Hornet, E/A-18G Growler and E-2C/D advanced aerial warfighting tactics. They, Hawkeye demonstrated that the power- in turn, use that knowledge and skill to ful combination of 4th and 5th generation US Navy photo train other pilots in fleet squadrons. The fighters, with advanced electronic attack, Two F-35C Lightning II, attached to Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing, the latest class graduated last month. and command and control, is a force-mul- “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the “Rough Raiders “Strike Fighter “Our focus on the students that go tiplier against advanced threats.” Squadron (VFA) 125 and the “Grim Reapers” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101 through TOPGUN is not limited to teach- =TOPGUN, page 2 complete a flight overhead Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

Chief Emenogu earns recognition for work during COVID-19

From Staff Reports

NAS Meridian’s own Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Nnamdi Emenogu is being honored by National University’s Department of Community Health, during a virtual ceremony June 25. “ I am very appreciative of the opportunity that working in EM has provided me and for the steadfast support of the command,” Emenogu said. “Being able Blended Retirement System CY 2021 continuation pay announced to apply hands-on knowledge to a field which I feel a strong desire to serve, is By MC1 Mark D. Faram simply priceless. Our team will go the ex- Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs tra mile to ensure the health and safety of all. Such efforts are necessary in com- The Navy released the calendar year 2021 Blended Retirement System (BRS) bating the ongoing pandemic and main- continuation pay (CP) rates for eligible Sailors, in NAVADMIN 172/20, June 18. taining military readiness.” Under BRS, Sailors participate in a modernized retirement program. Emenogu will be receiving distinct rec- Throughout their career, Sailors who opt-in or were auto-enrolled in the Thrift Sav- ognition and subsequently inducted into Emenogu ings Plan receive a matching contribution of up to five percent of their base pay from the Gamma Psi Chapter of Delta Omega, the Navy. Those who stay until retirement after 20 years, still get retired pay at a the Honorary Society of Public Health, as two percent of base pay for every year of service (YOS) vice the two and a half per- a result of his services during the COV- communication and real-time updates cent multiplier they would receive under the legacy retirement system. ID-19 pandemic. The Delta Omega Hon- were available to frontline workers and One additional benefit of BRS is continuation pay. All Sailors enrolled in BRS orary Society in Public Health was found- emergency responders. qualify for the incentive, which currently comes at the 12-year “mid-career point.” ed in 1924 at Johns Hopkins University Emenogu led 20 Crisis Action Team To collect the incentive, eligible Sailors must do two things. They must request within the School of Hygiene and Public meetings and Emergency Management the pay before they arrive at their 12th pay anniversary and they must agree to Health to promote the graduate study of Working Group sessions, identifying mit- obligate for another four years of service via NSIPS before they can collect. public health, and to recognize outstand- igation measures necessary to protect the If the Sailor has a correct email on file in the Navy Standard Integrated Person- ing achievement in the new field. community. His efforts resulted in keep- nel System (NSIPS), notification that this milestone is approaching will come at the Members are inducted by chapters ing overall infection rate at a stable and 12, six, three and one-month dates prior to reaching their 12th year of service. through a highly-selective process that low level while ensuring the health and For Active Duty and Full-Time Support (FTS) Sailors, the calendar year 2021 assesses their outstanding performance protection of 3,400 military and civilian payout is two and a half times their monthly base pay. For drilling reservists, it is and devotion to the field. To maintain personnel occupying NAS Meridian. half of one month’s salary. This is the same amount as the calendar year 2020 pay- the credibility of this prestigious society, Chief Emenogu earned his Master’s De- out. chapters are limited in the number of gree in Public Health, with concentration For example, an Active Duty or FTS E-5 or E-6 with 12-years of service is eligible members they may induct each year. in Healthcare for a one-time payout of roughly $9,000 and $10,000, respectively. In the Select- Emenogu serves as the Emergency Administration from National Univer- ed Reserve, those payouts would be approximately $1,800 for the E-5 and close to Management Training & Plans Coordina- sity in June 2019, and was the receipient $2,000 for the E-6. tor for the installation. During the past of the Department of Community Health The incentive is taxable income, but for Sailors who obligate for the pay while in three months, he has been vital in imple- 2019 Service Award. He is currently in an eligible Combat Tax Exclusion Zone, the entire amount is tax-free. Sailors get menting and monitoring Health Protec- pursuit of his Doctor of Public Health to choose the payment method and can elect either a lump-sum or in equal install- tion Condition Measures (HPCON) with- Degree through Walden University and ments, which can’t exceed four annual payments over four consecutive years. in the installation. His coordination with plans on taking up Public Health full Sailors can also collect this pay in addition to any other career-specific or reten- local health agencies ensured seamless time when he retires from the Navy. tion incentives.

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Area Happenings Battle of Midway Remembrance

Command Master Chief Maurice Sutherland, left, looks on as NAS ~ page 5 ~ Meridian’s Executive Officer Cmdr. John- 4th of July Safety Paul Falardeau places a wreath to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Midway in front of the ~ page 7 ~ Administration Building, June 5.

For Sale We sincerely apologize for incorrectly identifying Command Master Chief ~ page 9 ~ Maurice Sutherland in the last issue of the Skyline. Controlling your mood at work 2 The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 Photo of Week A Day in Naval History

~ June 25, 1950 ~

North Korea invades South Korea, beginning the Korean War. Two days later, President Harry S. Truman supports the United Nations call and authorizes US naval and air operations south of the 38th Parallel, Korea.

~ June 28, 1914 ~

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated at Sarajevo, Bosnia. This act Photo by PO3 Andrew Langholf eventually leads to WWI. On Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Talisha Williams uses a telescopic alidade this date in 1919, the Versailles aboard the USS Halsey in the Pacific Ocean. The guided missile destroyer Peace Treaty is signed, which is deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to ends WWI. support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission detecting and monitoring illicit trafficking to facilitate international and interagency interdiction and apprehension. Navy News Briefs Local Happenings USS Halsey assists distressed Mariner July The Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer can Coast Guard vessel and is in route 4: July 4th Family Picnicy from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the MAEX oudoor USS Halsey (DDG 97) assisted a fish- to Costa Rica for further care. courtyard. Pack a picnic lunch and social distance on our beautiful ing vessel in distress while operating U.S. and coalition forces have a new lawn. We’ll have Britt Gully on the Courtyard stage at noon, in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of opera- long-standing tradition of helping tions June 16. mariners in distress by providing med- ice cold watermelon, games with prizes (you could win two tickets Halsey received a distress call from ical assistance, engineering assistance to Sipp & Savor!), a food truck, and a special treat for members. a Costa Rican fishing vessel reporting and search and rescue efforts. Discount admission: $5 adults, $1 youth 6–17, kids 5 and under + that one of their crew members re- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ quired medical assistance. Halsey de- U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Members free. Call 601-581-1550. ployed a medical response team aboard Command’s joint and combined mili- 10: Lunch + A Movie: Dark Crystal at noon at the MAEX. Jim its rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to tary operations by employing mari- Henson redefined fantasy filmmaking with his film Dark Crystal, the vessel. time forces in cooperative maritime Upon examination, medical person- security operations to maintain access, released in 1982. Join us for background on this cult classic as nel determined that a medical evacu- enhance interoperability, and build Ward Emling, retired director of the Mississippi Film Commission, ation (MEDEVAC) was necessary for enduring partnerships in order to en- previews the film at noon. Free and open to the public. Call 601- patient survival and transported the hance regional security and promote patient to Halsey for further medical peace, stability and prosperity in the 581-1550. treatment. Caribbean, Central and South Ameri- 11: State Games Corn Hole Tournament at 9 a.m.at the MAEX. In partnership with Costa Rica the can region. Singles and doubles divisions for beginner, advanced and patient was transferred to a Costa Ri- --From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs competititve. Tickets are $20 per person. Call 800-482-0205 or 601- 581-1550. 18: Calligraphy Workshop with Graham Carraway from 9 a.m.- noon at the MAEX. With guidance and one-on-one instruction from Test squadrons receive next-gen Super Hornet calligrapher Graham Carraway, you will walk away from this half-day The Navy is welcoming its next-gen- largely unchanged, Block III’s increased workshop with a solid foundation of the fundamentals of calligraphy eration multi-mission tactical fighter by service life of 10,000 flight hours and re- and the knowledge to train your eyes and hands to create beautiful taking delivery of the first Block III F/A- duced radar signature are accompanied script. All supplies included. Ages 16 and up. Class size limited. 18 Super Hornet test jets this month, as by a new avionics suite that brings the part of its continuing effort to improve Common Tactical Picture into the cock- Registration required. $60 Members. Call 601-581-1550. aircraft lethality, survivability, interoper- pit. ability and sustainability in an evolving The aircrew will also find an Advanced threat environment. Cockpit System, with large touchscreen Like every aircraft slated for the fleet, displays for improved user interface and the Boeing-produced two-seat (F287) and more powerful computing through the single-seat (E323) models will undergo Distributed Targeting Processor Network comprehensive testing. At Naval Air Sta- and Tactical Targeting Network Technol- tion Patuxent River, Maryland, Air Test ogy. and Evaluation Squadron (VX-23) will F/A-18 & EA-1G Program Manager perform shore-based carrier testing and (PMA-265) Capt. Jason Denney recalled focus mainly on the hardware and aero- Block III started as an unconventional mechanical aspects of test with the F acquisition program in support of main- =TOPGUN Strike Fighter Wing commander Capt. model. At VX-31, on Naval Air Weapons taining improved aviation readiness and TOPGUN graduates play key roles at Adan Covarrubias said in the news release. Station China Lake, California, teams speed to the fleet initiatives as the Navy their own squadrons. “Our focus is on as- will examine software functionality and revamped its roadmap. sisting the [Strike Fighter Tactics Instruc- The F-35C TOPGUN graduates will in- network architecture, explained Capt. After leveraging nearly two decades’ tors] at the operational fleet squadron struct VFA-147 in the latest tactics “that Mike Burks, F/A-18 E/F deputy program worth of cost and production data, pushing the big picture tactics and ensur- will, in turn, be brought to the fight during manager. the award-winning NAVAIR contracts ing that everything is ready to go for the Carrier Air Wing 2’s first deployment with He added that once testing is complete team was able to expeditiously award a first and subsequent F-35C carrier deploy- the Navy’s Joint Strike Fighter,” Covarru- at VX-23, the two-seated model will ferry roughly $4 billion multiyear procurement ments,” Goodwin said in the release. “The bias said. “Additionally, the tactics that to VX-31 to complete Block III flight test- contract to Boeing in March 2019. For idea is that VFA-147 SFTIs can use the were developed during this first F-35C class ing. taxpayers, this provides significant cost standards of tactical execution we provide are currently being integrated into the car- “Now it’s up to our test squadrons and savings in the form of bulk purchasing to train their own people and take that rier air wing’s work-up cycle, truly making our integration team to verify require- and long-range planning that capitalizes knowledge with them through deployment. them a more lethal carrier and air wing of ments are met and ensure the engineer- on existing production lines that will al- We are here to ensure that they are set up the future.” ing behind the Block III is validated prior low the Navy to acquire a minimum of 24 for success.” Navy officials have said VFA-147 will to full-scale production and delivery of strike fighters each year through fiscal Heinz is an F-35C instructor at VFA- deploy aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) the Block III to the fleet,” Burks said. year 2021. 125, the Fleet Replacement Squadron for in 2021, while VMFA-314’s carrier deploy- While the jet’s exterior appearance is --From Program Executive Office Tactical the F-35C Lightning II that trains Navy ment is slated for Fiscal Year 2022, ac- Aircraft Public Affairs and Marine Corps carrier-based pilots. “I’m cording to the Marine Corps’ 2019 Aviation still training students to fly the aircraft, it’s Plan. just now I have the additional responsibil- In addition to missions covered by ity as an SFTI to bring that advanced train- fourth-generation fighters, the F-35C ing to the fleet, while helping maintain the brings increased data processing and net- TOPGUN training syllabus and ensuring working capacity, contributing to the need Effective August 1, 2020, standardization of training for all instruc- to experiment with how to best fight the tors,” he said in the news release. “We are jets and then teach those tactics to fleet pi- you must be always working to maintain the highest lots. standards of training.” The Navy plans to buy 257 of the F-35Cs The F-35C community is still growing for its carrier-based squadrons, according its base of pilots and maintainers, after the to a May 13 Congressional Research Ser- Joint Strike Fighter Wing was stood up in vice report on the JSF program. The Ma- 21 August 2018 and the Navy declared initial rine Corps plans to buy a total of 420 F-35 operating capability for its F-35C in Febru- jets – 353 of the short-takeoff and vertical years of age or older ary 2019. The program declared Safe-for- landing F-35B and 67 of the carrier-variant Flight Operations Certification for VFA-147 F35-C – to replace the EA-6B Prowler, AV- to purchase tobacco products or “Argonauts” in December 2018 and for the 8B Harrier and older F/A-18 jets, according electronic nicotine delivery systems “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack to its Aviation Plan. The Marines’ F-35s Squadron 314 in March 2020. Both VFA- would support 14 active and two reserve at retail outlets on DoD installations 147 and VFA-125 continue to meet program F-35B squadrons, four F-35C squadrons requirements, pass inspections, and receive and two F-35B fleet replacement squad- and facilities within the United States certifications while operating detachments rons. Squadrons would have 10 to 16 air- ashore and at sea, the Navy said. craft, enabling squadron support for neces- and it’s territories and possessions.* “This tremendous accomplishment is sary shipboard detachment deployments, yet another step for the F-35C community although the service’s latest Force Design * Pursuant to Section I of Title I of Public Law 116-94 as we continue to focus on delivering this 2030, released in late March, would estab- game-changing aircraft to the fleet,” Joint lish 10-plane squadrons. 96000

96000_Minimum Purchase Age Requirment_CONUS_7x5.5.indd 1 6/2/20 7:11 AM

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 ~ 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 Public Affairs Specialist~ Chaplain: 601-604-2015 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Command Master Chief ~ Adam Prince 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 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 ~ June 25, 2020 3 Flexibility is key for PWD Meridian during COVID-19

By Sue Brink tracts for the installation, has taken advantage of various tech- NAVFAC Southeast Public Affairs nologies to hold virtual preconstruction conferences and contract negotiations to ensure that construction continues. The nation is facing one of the worst pandemics in over 100 “Our industry partners have been working closely with leader- years, but no one would suspect that if they visited Naval Air ship to implement daily health screenings, to utilize protective Station Meridian, Mississippi. The McDonnell Douglas T-45 Gos- equipment such as facemasks, and to practice social distancing in hawk training aircraft are still buzzing the skies and students order to balance the safety of the workforce,” said Gordon. “They safely fill classrooms. are following the CDC guidelines side-by-side with us.” Despite the challenges brought on by teleworking and so- The FEAD leveraged its flexibility with the contracting pro- cial distancing, the Public Works Department (PWD) continues cess by utilizing its janitorial services contract to expeditiously to support the Installation’s mission to train the Warfighter “to issue a task order to clean the Child Development Center after a fight…from the sea.” staff member tested positive for COVID-19. To accomplish the workload, the PWD split its shops workforce “By using this tool, we were able to complete this task in less into two separate teams, Blue and Gold teams. than 48 hours,” said Gordon. “Although the center remained “This concept allows fewer people to be present in the work- closed for 14 days to ensure no other staff members were at risk, place at any given time, thus reducing the risk of spreading the the rapid response of our contracting team enabled the center to illness,” said PWD Meridian Facilities Engineering and Acqui- return to normal operations as soon as possible, minimizing the sition Division Director (FEAD) Lt. Kristi Gordon. “Each team impact to mission essential personnel who depend on the center works four 10-hour shifts, structured with the appropriate combi- for childcare.” nation of trades to respond to all routine, urgent and emergency NAS Meridian may be small, but their mission is vital to service calls.” fleet readiness in support of the national strategic defense. One team works Monday through Wednesday on site and tele- “In my time here, I have noticed many folks call it Mayberry,” works on Thursday. The other team teleworks on Wednesday and said Gordon. “It’s a quiet and unassuming place nestled in the works on site Thursday through Saturday. hills of rural east central Mississippi.” This clear separation allows the off-going crew to sanitize their The NAS Meridian mission of training the Warfighter includes Photo by Matt Copeland spaces so that the oncoming team enters a clean environment. qualifying hundreds of jet pilots and Navy and Marine Corps en- BZ to the entire Plumbing Shop for “This helps to keep the entire team safe,” said Gordon. listed logisticians annually, the majority of whom join operational a job well done while replacing a In the event that a team member tests positive for COVID-19, forces around the world within weeks of departing Meridian. domestic water line at Centroid. The the affected team is placed in a restriction of movement (ROM) “Allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to negatively impact the old water line was degraded and had status while the other team is recalled to cover operations until training pipeline of these Sailors and Marines would prove detri- failed numerous times. The new line will members can safely return to work. mental to the fleet for years to come,” said Gordon. “The dedica- improve reliability of the water system Additionally, the two-team construct allows the PWD to per- tion and commitment of the people of PWD Meridian to maintain and decrease unplanned outages. This form work on Saturday, when the airfield is normally closed. continued facility and base operations is a force enabler.” project was a success as it was done “With the flexibility created in the work rotation, we have been The ability to remain flexible and adapt to change is the main in series with a contractor working on able to reduce overtime costs associated with a traditional work- driver for the team to accomplish the mission in spite of COV- the high pressure water main which week and we have seen an increase in productivity rates since ID-19. Lessons learned from this unprecedented event will un- required excellent coordination between implementing the plan,” said Gordon. doubtedly influence future operations to keep the Navy, Marine FEAD and Production. Pictured are Greg The FEAD, which oversees all service and construction con- Corps and Department of Defense team ready at all times. Freeman and Benjamin Carpenter.

Photo by Matt Copeland Photo by Chris Nutt BZ to the entire carpenter shop for a job well done Dusty Payton, Lavelle Franks and Bo Coleman while repairing concrete on the airfield. The concrete relocate the vehicle barricades at the hangar Photo by Matt Copeland was repaired due to channeling under the arresting following completion of the high pressure gear cable. Personnel in photo left to right, Tyler water main replacement. The shops support Gary Matthews removes shrubs at Building 150. Shrub removal was needed to comply Hagwood, Gary Matthews, Eric Jefferies, Jason in executing this work was vital to this critical Coleman, Scott Knuth and Brad Grayson. infrastructure upgrade project. with ATFP requirements.

Naval Air Forces announces changes to Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist Program

Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) today announced changes to the Navy’s Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) program. The updated COMNAVAIR- FORINST 1414.2A instruction requires Sailors to attain in-rating technical qualifications up to the work center supervisor level prior to enrolling in the EAWS program. Combined with previous changes to the OPNAV instruction that eliminated the requirement for Sailors to earn a warfare qualifi- cation within 30 months of reporting to a command, the new EAWS program gives Sailors more time to focus on mastering their technical specialty, ultimately resulting in CVN, LHA and LHD class ships, will still be able to qualify through ters of their craft, who show value Air Force, Pacific Fleet (CNAP). increased expertise across aviation aviation squadrons, maintenance a memorandum of understanding by knowing and being an expert in “By removing the requirement for ratings. facilities (Fleet Readiness Cen- (MOU). their job; these are the same Sail- Sailors to requalify on the same “Our readiness depends on hav- ters/Aviation Intermediate Main- A third-class petty officer (E-4) ors we should be promoting and T/M/S, we hope to encourage those ing the best maintainers, the best tenance Depots) and the Naval may enroll with command master who we want to keep in our Navy.” experts to remain in their same aircrewmen and the most tech- Air Warfare Development Center chief (CMC) or command senior One other notable change in the platform for multiple tours. nically proficient Sailors in our (NAWDC) are eligible to enroll in enlisted leader (CSEL) approval EAWS instruction governs re-qual- “We have made great strides in squadrons, aboard our aircraft car- the program if they meet the fol- if they have an early promote (EP) ification. Platform-specific qualifi- aviation readiness over the past riers and in our maintenance facil- lowing criteria: on their most recent periodic eval- cations do not expire. Once EAWS couple years, and this EAWS pro- ities,” said Vice Adm. DeWolfe H. •E-5 or senior uation and a score of 50 or better qualified on a specific aircraft type/ gram refinement is another step in Miller III, CNAF. The new EAWS •Complete in all in-rating qualifi- on their most recent advancement model/series, a Sailor no longer that direction,” Tocorzic continued. requirements will give Naval Avia- cations exam. Sailors in paygrades E-3 must requalify upon reporting to “Our message to Sailors is clear: tion forces a stronger technical •Qualified up to Journeyman/ and below are not eligible to enroll. that same type command (for ex- become the very best in your par- foundation. After mastering the Workcenter Supervisor “We want to allow our most ju- ample, VP to VP, CVN to CVN, ticular rating, which directly im- key fundamentals of their rating, nior Sailors the time and opportu- etc.). pacts your command’s readiness Sailors can then branch out to gain Sailors assigned temporarily nity to become technical experts in “Data analytics has proven to and warfighting effectiveness.” other aviation warfare skillsets (TAD) to an aviation command for their trade craft, and provide them us that maintaining our techni- For more information on the and knowledge, becoming a true more than 120 days are eligible if the space to focus on their job,” cal experts in specific type model new EAWS program requirements, aviation specialist.” they are qualified as Journeyman/ said Force Master Chief Huben series (T/M/S) has a direct impact contact your unit CMC/CSEL or Workcenter Supervisor in their re- Phillips, of Commander, Naval Air on increased combat readiness,” EAWS program coordinator. Active duty, SELRES and FTS spective rating. Sailors assigned Forces Atlantic (CNAL). “The goal said Force Master Chief James --From Commander, Naval Air Sailors permanently assigned to to select support type commands is to encourage Sailors to be mas- Tocorzic, of Commander, Naval Forces Public Affairs HOME FOR SALE 5405 Rainbow Parkway Convenient to NAS Meridian In PRICE REDUCED Rainbow Lakes Gated Community Call for an appointment to see today. 399618-1 Melinda Adkins 601-934-3408 GoHillGroup.com 4The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 Former USS Theodore Roosevelt commander will not be reinstated

By C. Todd Lopez DoD News, Defense Media Activity

Following the release of a report into the events surrounding an outbreak of COV- ID-19 on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Navy Capt. Brett E. Crozier, the ship’s former commander, will not be reinstated, Navy Adm. Michael M. Gilday, chief of naval operations said at a Pentagon news conference. Based on facts found in the report, which Gilday and Navy Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite characterized as both thorough and fair, Gilday said his initial recommendation that Crozier reinstated was proven wrong. In addition, Navy Rear Adm. Stuart Baker’s pending promotion to two-star rank has been put on hold, pending further review, Gilday said. Baker, the commander of Strike Group 9, was Crozier’s immediate superior. “I previously believed that Captain Crozier should be reinstated following his Photo by MC3 Zachary Wheeler relief in April, after conducting an initial An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, launches from flight deck of the investigation,” Gilday said at today’s news aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to participate in dual carrier operations with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz conference. “The much broader, deeper in- (CVN 68), June 21, 2020. Dual carrier operations unify the tactical power of two individual carrier strike groups, providing fleet vestigation that we conducted in the weeks commanders with an unmatched, unified credible combat force capable of operating indefinitely. following that had a much deeper scope. It is my belief that both Admiral Baker and to a safer environment more quickly, Gil- ters sent by Captain Crozier were unnec- said. “Moreover, I fully support its findings Captain Crozier fell well short of what we day said. Additionally, he said, Crozier essary. Actions were already underway to and recommendations, and I’d like to take expect of those in command. Had I known “exercised questionable judgment when acquire [Centers for Disease Control and this time to commend the investigation then what I know today, I would have not he released sailors from quarantine on the Prevention]-compliant off-base hotel rooms team led by [Adm. Robert P. Burke] under made that recommendation to reinstate ship, which put his crew at higher risk and for the crew before he sent that email.” the direction of our chief of naval operations Captain Crozier. Moreover, if Captain Cro- may have increased the spread of the virus Gilday said it’s rare for ship command- [on the work that they did, under very de- zier were still in command today, I would be aboard the Theodore Roosevelt.” ers to directly communicate as high up in manding conditions.” relieving him.” Crozier was relieved of duty April 2 fol- their chain of command as Crozier did. The secretary also commended Guam Crozier will not be reassigned as the lowing the leak of a letter he wrote to those “If they do, they must ensure that all Gov. Lew Guerrero; Navy Rear Adm. John commanding officer of the USS Theodore higher up in his chain of command. In the of the means of communication within the Menoni, the commander of Joint Region Roosevelt, nor will he be eligible for future letter, he asked for more assistance in deal- chain of command have been thoroughly Marianas; and Navy Capt. Jeffrey Grimes, command opportunities. Instead, he will be ing with the outbreak of COVID-19 on the exhausted and that they have a full un- commander of Naval Base Guam, for work reassigned to other work. ship. derstanding of all the facts, and that they related to finding facilities on Guam to “Captain Crozier’s primary responsibil- Gilday said it is the findings of the more include all members of their chain of com- house sailors from the Roosevelt. ity was the safety and the well-being of the detailed investigation, rather than the ex- mand in that communication,” he said. “Their outstanding efforts greatly con- crew, so that the ship could remain as op- istence of the leaked letter, that have pre- At the time the letter was sent, Gilday tributed to the health, safety and recovery erationally ready as possible,” he said. “In vented Crozier from being reinstated as said, the Navy already had made arrange- of the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt,” reviewing both Admiral Baker and Captain commander of the Roosevelt. ments for off-ship lodging for Roosevelt sail- Braithwaite said. Crozier’s actions, they did not do enough, “As Captain Crozier stated in his email, ors. Braithwaite also expressed condolences soon enough, to fulfill their primary obliga- he should have been more decisive when Braithwaite said he’s satisfied with the for Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Rob- tion.” the ship pulled into Guam,” Gilday said. depth and fairness of the report, and its ert Thacker Jr., a USS Theodore Roosevelt Both Crozier and Baker failed to move “He also said that he was ultimately re- conclusions. aviation ordnanceman, who died April 13 of sailors off the aircraft carrier as quickly as sponsible for his ship and his crew. And I “I am satisfied that it was conducted in COVID-19. He was the only sailor aboard they could have, and failed to move them agree. In the end, the email and the let- an extremely thorough and fair manner,” he the Roosevelt to die from COVID-19.

Family vacation socializing

“Mom, how my lips after dinner, I would wonder, did you meet COLUMN “Would I make new girlfriends to body people your surf with? Would I make an idiot out age during your of myself at a volleyball game? Would I family vacation?” find summer love?” my 22-year-old One summer night after word of a daughter Anna bonfire had been circulated, I scurried asked a couple of out of the house barefoot after dinner. weeks ago, dur- I was wearing a cropped white Maui ing the 13-hour and Sons t-shirt and a long pastel pink car ride to our surfer skirt. Sporting a golden tan, I North Carolina swished my long sandy blonde hair as beach cottage. I strutted the path to the beach. From We would be the sea oat-dotted walkover, I saw the picking up Molinari bonfire down the beach, glowing in the Anna’s col- dusky night. I carried on toward the lege roommate silhouettes of teenagers against the on the way. flames, feeling pretty, confident, full of Clearly, the girls were weighing their hope for a fun night. vacation social options. About five strides later, it hap- I dug deep into my faded memory pened. bank. There were a few beach sto- Today, bonfires aren’t the only ries I would NOT tell her; however, I things prohibited on the beach. Dogs had had plenty of relatively innocent are no longer allowed either. But back experiences in my youth that were then, one had to be careful where one worth recounting. The beach cot- stepped. Especially while barefoot. tage had been in my extended family The foul substance oozed between since 1979, when it was outfitted with my toes like Play-Doh through a Fun groovy gold shag carpeting, match- Factory squeeze machine. My mind ing plaid This End Up furniture, and raced with the potential humiliation a circular red painted fireplace. That I might suffer. But I just had to get house was where I spent all my child- to that fire. Missing this key event hood family vacations, where I met my would spell certain social disaster, or husband, and where we’ve taken our worse, summer vacation mediocrity. own family vacations every summer. I plastered a confident frosted grin Three lots away was the Atlantic to my perfect 80s beach ensemble, Ocean — sea oats, golden sand and and continued my stride. But at the green-blue water stretching for miles last minute, I diverted to the surf, along the narrow, hurricane-battered shouting playfully, “I just wanna barrier reef that runs from the Virgin- see if the water’s warm enough for a ia border south to Duck, Nags Head, midnight swim!” In darkness at the Hatteras, Okracoke, Cape Lookout ocean’s edge, I plunged my fouled foot and Emerald Isle. into the wet sand, scraping it furi- When adolescence descended and ously back and forth to remove the my social life became paramount, I humiliating remnants. kept a vigil from my beach towel or Not only did I attend that bonfire, walked the shoreline, scanning the I also miraculously, I escaped hook clusters of umbrellas and chairs for worm, and had a most awesome sum- boys and girls my age. mer vacation. Considering the only telephone Recounting these stories to my I had access to was attached to the daughter and her college room mate, wood-paneled wall of our beach house we realized that it’s harder for kids or two miles down the road in a phone today to meet peers on vacation. booth, my only means of communicat- Smartphones and social media have ing was face-to-face interaction. After made spontaneous in-person interac- scanning the beach all day, adoles- tions obsolete. Even creepy. cents, teens, and young lifeguards “It may seem old fashioned, but try would eventually approach each other, meeting other young people face- introduce themselves, and exchange to-face while we’re at the beach,” any information about meet ups hap- I advised. “But whatever you do, I pening that night. recommend wearing shoes.”e. It was all I could do to get through Lisa Smith Molinari’s self syndicated columns ap- dinner with my parents at the beach pear on her blog, www.themeatandpotatoesoflife. house. The thought of meeting up with com and she recently co-authored Stories Around other kids my age was so exciting. the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in While I teased my bangs and frosted Military Life Follow Lisa@MolinariWrites. The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 5 “You’re only as good as your last flight”

By 1st Lt. Fredrick Walker “There’s nothing like it! When I was flying fixed wing in Marine Corps Air Station Miramar the T-6 trainer all I could think about was going faster “As soon as I started flying, and still flying in formation. Flying formation and aero- If you had asked a 15 or 16-year-old Meleah Martin batics is really what made me fall in love with fixed wing what she wanted to do after high school, her answer prob- I knew one hundred percent aircraft. Out of Kingsville, I got my first choice, which ably would have included earning a scholarship to play was flying jets out of Miramar. I’ve been here ever since.” lacrosse at the collegiate level and a nice career outside of that’s where I wanted to be. Just six months after checking into her first Fleet Ma- the military. Little did she know that just over seven years There’s nothing like it!” rine Force squadron – VMFA (All-Weather) 225 – Capt. later she would be a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy Martin found herself headed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan for and a Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet pilot. -- Capt. Meleah Martin, a VMFA 323 pilot a six-month deployment as part of the Marine Corps’ Unit “I was born and raised in Walkersville, Maryland, and Deployment Program. During that time, she flew the F/A- lived on the same street my entire life through high school,” 18D in support of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing operations. said Capt. Meleah Martin, now a pilot with Marine Fighter “I learned so much from that experience,” she said, re- Attack Squadron 323. “We never moved around and I’m flecting on her time overseas. “It was my first deployment not from a military family or anything like that.” had a family feel and I liked how it seemed. I still love it to and my first time away from the United States. Ihad The only child of insurance professionals, Martin had this day and I’m very happy with my choice.” a wonderful commanding officer who I hope to emulate no intentions of joining the military, let alone the Marine Following her graduation from USNA in May 2013, 2nd in the future. He helped me fall in love with the Marine Corps. But, her parents instilled in her the belief that she Lt. Martin began six months of basic officer training at The Corps, stay in love with Marine Corps Aviation and want could be anything she wanted to be. That ethic proved to Basic School located on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Vir- to keep doing this.” be invaluable as she began the rigorous journey to earning ginia. She then spent nearly two years in Pensacola, Flori- As the January 2020 “sun down” of VMFA(AW)-225 the “wings of gold” that identify a select group of Marine da, and then Kingsville, Texas, learning the fundamentals drew near in preparation for the squadron’s transition officers as naval aviators. of flight and how to operate aircraft safely and effectively. to the F-35B Lightning II, she got her opportunity. Since “I didn’t know where the Naval Academy was or what it Finally, after earning her aviator wings in October 2016, August 2019, she has been with VMFA-323, a Miramar- was,” she said, reflecting on her path to USNA. “But when then-1st Lt. Martin moved on to F/A-18 Hornet-specific based F/A-18C squadron. they recruited me during my junior year as a club lacrosse training with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron Known around the squadron by her “Stranger Things”- athlete with the Frederick Stars, I found out more about it 101 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. inspired call-sign “Eleven,” Capt. Martin now serves and realized that it was the school I wanted to attend. In There, she further honed her aviator skills and leadership as both a section lead and the S-1 officer-in-charge for fact, it was the only school I applied to and I was fortunate abilities. VMFA-323. As a section lead, she is responsible for all enough to get in. My parents supported me through all of “While I was in flight training I wasn’t one hundred the facets of flights she directs as it pertains to her and that.” percent sure what I wanted to fly, but I knew it was very her wingman, from safe navigation to communication After graduating from Walkersville High School the fol- difficult to get jets,” the now-seasoned pilot recalled. with external agencies. As the S-1 OIC, she oversees all lowing year, she matriculated at the Academy where she “So naturally, I saw the competition and was like ‘that administrative matters to include: payment, government later earned her Bachelor of Science degree. looks like fun.’ I also really enjoyed flying so I did the travel, new-joins and separations. “Just being a competitive person, I didn’t know why I best I could and put my name in the hat. Fortunately, my “Aviation can beat you up day in and day out,” she fur- wanted to be a Marine yet. As I learned more about the grades and performance were good enough to be selected ther explained. “But you still keep coming back for more Corps, I fell in love with the idea, and I fought for it. Being for jets.” because you love it. It’s one of the most mentally taxing a pilot sounded really fun, so I fought for that too,” she re- “As soon as I started flying, I knew one hundred per- and physically challenging things that I’ve ever done in called. “After talking with Marines, I found that the Corps cent that’s where I wanted to be,” she went on to explain. my life. That’s why I love it.”

Camp Lejeune, N.C. Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Magadan Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Wilson U.S. Marines fire high-explosive delay rounds as suppression and support during a A U.S. Marine drinks water while in full mission oriented protective posture gear fire and support range at Camp Lejeune, N.C. during a unit-held uphill run on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Safety & Energy Efficiency is Our Duty

4TH OF JULY SAFETY

As we celebrate this great nation’s freedom I’m reminded of the amazing men and women aboard NAS Meridian who have fought hard to defend it. I have no doubt that everyone will be dusting off the grill and getting the fireworks ready.

With that in mind here is some information to help you and your family stay safe this summer!!! As always thank you for all your hard work and dedication. It is truly an honor to get to serve this great base each and every day.

Andrew Waters is the NAS Meridian Fire Inspector. His number is 601-679-3866. 6 The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 MCC summer enrollment highest in school’s history By Kay Thomas demic environment have taken advantage of the College’s creating a better life for the people affected by COVID - 19,” MCC Director of College Promotions summer offerings. Dr. Huebner added. College officials are responding to the needs of the com- Brandon Dewease, director of student en gagement at Summer student enrollment at Meridian Community munity, said MCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner. “In ad- MCC, said high school graduates from the class of 2020 College set the record for the highest in the history of the dition to providing regular summer courses, we are offering have responded favorably. “While the effect of the pandem- College. an opportunity for incoming students to get a jump on their ic environment affected people in many different ways, an MCC administrators said the count reached 1,917 stu- college career. In addition, we are using our resources to overarching component was that many people just didn’t dents for the summer term, compared to the 2019 report equip K-12 teachers to be better prepared to teach online if know what to do. The offer for the free course has cre- of 1,007 resulting in a 90 percent increase. Previously, the they are faced with similar challenges in the future. We’ve ated a call to action. We have seen graduates respond from highest enrollment occurred in 2010 with a little over 1,500 been overwhelmed by the number of individuals who want many different states and they are taking classes across students. to take advantage of these opportunities and we hope we’ve the board, ranging from Art Appreciation to Psychology,” he The record-setting figure represents a variety of innova- been successful in preparing them for what’s next,” he said. said. tive class offerings, including an eight-week digital teach- Typically, in times of economic uncertainty, people turn to Summer Term II classes begin June 29 and registration ing and learning course geared for K-12 teachers and a higher education. is open through June 30. Registration continues for MCC’s tuition-free summer class for high school seniors. Students “We can be the solution in becoming essential and in fall term that gets underway on Aug. 17. who had to adjust their summer plans because of the pan-

Top legal officers address racial disparity in military justice

By Terri Moon Cronk Unlawful discrimination undermines a unit’s abil- DoD News, Defense Media Activity “Only as a unified force that’s free of ity to function effectively, and it cannot be tolerated, Hannink noted. “We must overcome any bias or any ste- Racial disparity in the military justice system exists, discrimination, racial inequality and reotype that diminishes cohesiveness, camaraderie, or and much work remains to put an end to it, the services’ prejudice can we fully demonstrate morale,” he said. top legal officers said on Capitol Hill. our core values and serve as the elite The Navy can’t be under any illusions about the fact Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee’s that racism is alive and well in the country, the vice ad- military personnel subcommittee recently were judge warfighting organization America miral said. “And I can’t be under any illusions that we advocate leaders Army Lt. Gen. Charles N. Pede, Navy requires and expects us to be.” don’t have it in our Navy. ... So the Navy emphatically Vice Adm. John G. Hannink, Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey and unequivocally denounces racism.” A. Rockwell and Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel J. Lec- Rockwell said it’s vital to eradicate racial disparity in ce. -- ~Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel J. Lecce, staff judge advocate to the commandant of the Marine Corps the military justice system to ensure fairness, inclusion “Today our Army represents our country’s best ideals and diversity for all service members; and he added that more than ever,” Pede said. “And I also believe that like an inclusive and diverse force is “absolutely necessary to the country we serve, there is still much more that must defend a diverse and inclusive nation.” be done.” While the Navy reviews specific cases to ensure there He noted the Uniform Code of Military Justice — a the issue. is not disparate treatment based on a protected class, federal law enacted by Congress that governs the mili- “[The GAO] report raises difficult questions — ques- “we don’t have clear answers or underlying reasons as to tary justice system — was born out of a concern for fun- tions that demand answers. Sitting here today, we do why the disparity exists,” Rockwell said. As with all dif- damental fairness for those suspected of a crime. “But not have those answers. So our task is to ask the right ficult issues the nation faces, solutions to address that as good as our justice system is, we can never take for questions and find the answers,” Pede said. disparity will require whole-of-government and societal granted its health or its fairness. It requires constant The Army JAG said he directed a comprehensive as- approaches, he added. care,” Pede said. sessment with the provost marshal general “to get left of “Only as a unified force that’s free of discrimination, All four judge advocate general officers said a May the allegation, left of the disposition decision, to exam- racial inequality and prejudice can we fully demonstrate 2019 General Accounting Office report found racial dis- ine why the justice system is more likely to investigate our core values and serve as the elite warfighting orga- parities in the military justice system. They agreed mili- certain soldiers in what investigations and command nization America requires and expects us to be,” Lecce tarywide training and education is necessary to solve decisions tell us about the issue.” said.

Graphic by MC1 Arthurgwain L. Marquez Updated travel guidance for Navy Reserve Sailors Commander, Navy Reserve Force rival locations: (CNRF) issued new, Reserve-specific • If both locations are “green” without guidance on June 22 for Selected Reserve any travel restrictions, the member can (SELRES) Sailors travelling to conduct, execute travel without a waiver. Mem- Annual Training (AT), Active Duty for bers shall continue to follow CDC guid- Training (ADT), and Inactive Duty Train- ance for social distancing and hygiene ing-Travel (IDTT) during the COVID-19 while traveling and on orders. pandemic. • If either the departure or arrival loca- ALNAVRESFOR 015/20 is primar- tion is “red,” a waiver must be approved ily based on the latest U.S. Navy travel by the supported command, delineating guidance issued June 12 (NAVADMIN the travel is considered mission essential. 168/20). SELRES Sailors executing Ac- Funding for travel will not be ap- tive Duty Special Work (ADSW) orders proved by Navy Reserve Order Writing and mobilizations will continue to follow System (NROWS) fund approvers un- the NAVADMIN guidance and any spe- less the departure and arrival locations cial requirements from their supported are “green,” or a travel waiver has been command. approved. In both scenarios, SELRES Regardless of the type of orders, Sailors need to keep their Navy Reserve SELRES Sailors must contact their des- Activity (NRA) informed. When submit- tination command prior to travel in order ting their NROWS orders, Reserve Sail- to determine Health Protection Condition ors will need to state whether or not their Status and any local COVID-19 based re- HOR is located within 50 miles of a DoD porting requirements. installation. Prior to executing AT/ADT/IDTT or- Members travelling for IDT drills ders, SELRES must evaluate the CO- must contact the NRA to verify eligibil- VID-19 statuses of their departure and ity to drill based on current local health arrival location. Their departure location conditions. is their Home-of-Record (HOR) or loca- “We know this process will take some tion starting travel from, and their des- getting used to,” said Rear Adm. John tination is wherever their orders will be Schommer, deputy commander, Navy Re- executed. SELRES Sailors will use the serve Force (CNRF). “Nevertheless, the Navy’s official site for COVID-19 location process established helps to mitigate the evaluation (https://www.mnp.navy.mil/ risk of spreading COVID-19 while ensur- group/don]covid]19]travel]tracker) when ing operational support and training re- determining whether a location is “green” quirements are being met.” or “red.” If the status of either the order loca- SELRES Sailors who reside within 50 tion or the member’s HOR changes while miles of a Department of Defense (DoD) the member is on orders, they will con- facility listed on the official Navy CO- tinue on orders through the original end VID-19 guide will utilize both Factor 1 date unless directed otherwise by the sup- (state and/or regional criteria) and Fac- ported command. In such circumstances, tor 2 (installation-level criteria based a desire to extend orders will require a on conditions in and surrounding DoD waiver and mission essential approval. installations, facilities, and locations) to NRAs are directed to establish a sus- determine the status of their departure tainable routine to review and approve location. If either is “red,” the departure travel requests. One week prior to all location will be considered “red.” Those travel, all NRAs will perform a final re- residing more than 50 miles from DoD view of pending travel for funding ap- facilities will only use Factor 1 when de- proved orders to ensure departure and termining the status. arrival locations are still “green” on all Factors. If a location has changed to “red,” After evaluating the departure and ar- a waiver is required to execute travel. --From Commander, Navy Reserve Force The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 7

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 COVID-19 impact to MWR Coming Attractions Attractions McCain Rec McCain Rec Center Center Thursday, June 25 Friday, July 3 5 p.m., Patton, PG 5 p.m., Smallfoot, PG 8 p.m., Ocean’s Eleven, PG13 7 p.m., Se7en, R Friday, June 26 Saturday, July 4 5 p.m., Pete’s Dragon (2016), PG 1 p.m., Smurfs: The Lost Village, PG 7 p.m., Ocean’s Twelve, PG13 5 p.m., Rocky, PG 7 p.m., Se7en, R Saturday, June 27 1 p.m., Power Rangers, PG13 A number of changes have been implemented throughout the MWR Sunday, July 5 THEATER5 p.m., Ocean’s Twelve, CLOSED PG13 per region guidance. All MWR facilities, with the exception of the 1 p.m.,THEATER Sing!, PG CLOSED 7:05 p.m., Ocean’s Thirteen, PG13 Child Development Center, are closed until further notice. All in- 5 p.m., Ready Player One, PG13 7:20 p.m., Rocky, PG Sunday, June 28 person events have been cancelled or postponed until further notice. 1 p.m., Patton, PG To stay up-to-date regarding impacts to the MWR due to Monday, July 6 5 p.m., Ocean’s Eleven, PG13 5 p.m., Spider-Man: ...Spider-Verse, PG 7 p.m., Ocean’s Thirteen, PG13 COVID-19, follow the NAS Meridian MWR Facebook page (where 7 p.m., Super Troopers, R we’ll also be posting workout videos, at-home activity ideas, and Monday, June 29 Tuesday, July 7 5 p.m., Sing!, PG links to free media and activity resources) or check the COVID-19 5 p.m., Tangled, PG 7 p.m., Ready Player One, PG13 section of our website at navymwrmeridian.com/COVID-19. 7 p.m., Super Troopers 2, PG Tuesday, June 30 Wednesday, July 8 5 p.m., Smallfoot, PG 5 p.m., The Emoji Movie, PG 7 p.m., Se7en, R 7 p.m., The Fate of the Furious, PG13 Wednesday, July 1 Thursday, July 9 5 p.m., Smurfs: The Lost Village, PG 5 p.m., Spider-Man: ...Spider-Verse, PG 7 p.m., Rocky, PG 7 p.m., Super Troopers, R Thursday, July 2 Friday, July 10 5 p.m., Sing!, PG 5 p.m., Tangled, PG 7 p.m., Ready Player One, PG13 7 p.m., Super Troopers 2, PG

TAKE PART IN THE LIBRARY’S WEEKLY STORY TIME SERIES EACH WEDNESDAY FROM HOME!

ACTIVITIES AND LINKS TO EACH WEEK’S STORIES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE VIA THE ‘EVENTS’ PAGE.

OUR LIBERTY PROGRAM IS SHARING TUTORIALS FOR EASY-TO-MAKE MICROWAVABLE SNACKS THAT OUR SINGLE AND UNACCOMPANIED ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL CAN MAKE WHILE THE LIBERTY CENTER AND ITS KITCHEN ARE CLOSED. VISIT OUR FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM PAGES TO LEARN MORE!

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NAVYMWRMERIDIAN.COM 8 The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 FITNESS SPRING FLING WATER BALLOON RACE MAY 14 • 1600 • PONTA CREEK COMPLEX

THIS RACE IS OPEN TO ALL ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL, RETIREES, VIRTUAL 5K RESERVISTS, DOD CIVILIANS, THEIR DEPENDENTS AND GUESTS, AND CONTRACTORSCANCELLED WORKING FULL TIME ON THE INSTALLATION. REGISTER AT THE FITNESS CENTER OR AT THE EVENT. CALL (601) 679-2379 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS

navymwrmeridian.com

CAPTAIN’S CUP SOCCER LEAGUE PLAY: MARCH 23 - JUNE 11 REGISTRATION: FEBRUARY 3 - MARCH 20 POSTPONEDMONDAYS & THURSDAYS COACHES MEETING: MARCH 16 (1500 @ FITNESS CENTER) CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FOR SIMPLE VIDEO WORKOUTS FROM OUR FITNESS CENTER THAT YOU CAN COMPLETE AT HOME! CONTACT TIM LOCKEY @ (601) 679-2367 FOR REGISTRATION. CAPTAIN’S CUP LEAGUES ARE OPEN TO ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL, RETIREES, RESERVISTS, DOD CIVILIANS, DEPENDENTS AND CONTRACTORS WORKING FULL-TIME ON THE INSTALLATION.

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 18 OR OLDER.

SPONSORED BY:

*NO NAVY ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED

navymwrmeridian.com

The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society WHAT’S Active Duty Fund Drive has extended their deadlines to June 30 for cash, check and online donations. If you would OPEN ON like to add your donations to the fight, please do so now!! Your contributions BASE are assisting military personnel through some tough times right now during Practice 6-feet social distancing COVID-19 and other family/personal crisis’. You can donate at nmcrs.org and aCommissary then clicking on DONATE. If you have aNavy Exchange Main Store and Mini Mart any questions, please get with your local aNaval Branch Health Clinic aOutdoor track at Fitness Center, trails and fields available NMCRS representative listed below. for individual use (no MWR gear available) aRiding Stables/Storage Units for current occupants Meridian Site Coordinator: AC1 Wheeler aOutdoor green spaces available for individual use NAS Meridian: MA1 Goodman, LS1 Davis, (no MWR gear available) ABH2 Johnson PLAYGROUNDS REMAIN CLOSED NTTC: Petty Officer Boyette aLakes are still open for fishing. Must have own equipment MATSS-1: Sgt. T Flores and current permit. NHBC: HM2 Gallow aGolf (walking only, no rental clubs) TW-1: Lt. Cmdr. Mattingly VT-7 and 9: Lt. Alvirde, Lt. Lawrence

Sale... Or BOATS/CAMPERS/TRAILERS still under warranty; all 2018 Subaru Outback et Dekalb. W/D hookups. Washer and dryer and pool 5062. maintenance done by Har- 2.5 limited, 12k miles; Electric stove. Central H/ table included. Two-car 15ft Tripod swivel seat 2018 Mallard M185 ley Davidson. Call 505- Subaru safety features AC. 21 miles from NAS garage. $1800 per month deer stand new in the box. Travel Trailer. Sleeps 4 658-1675. and warranties included. Meridian. $800/month. includes water, garbage, Asking $300; call Willy at with 1 queen bed/2 bunks. 1982 Harley Davidson Asking $29k. Call 601- Call Christi at 769-236- gas and electricity. $1000 601-880-3237. Easy to tow at 3,575 lbs; FLHS, 80 C.I. Shovel- 480-5100. 8374. deposit required. 20 min- Primos 360 Ground only selling because mili- head Engine w/4-speed 2017 Dodge Challeng- For Rent: 3BD/3BA fur- utes to base. Will rent to 3 Blind new in the box. Ask- tary member is moving Transmission. Nice An- er, grey with racing stripe. nished home, includes wa- single military members or ing $300; call Willy at 601- overseas. Great living tique Bike -- just can’t ride $24k. Call 601-880-3237. ter, trash, electric, gas, ba- a family. Owner is retired 880-3237. quarters with lake view. anymore. Call 601-527- 2017 Camaro Gen6, 4k sic monthly maid service military. Call Michelle at Bose A20 Aviation Hooked up and ready to 9756/601-986-8378. miles, 50th anniversary dusting, bathrooms and 601-679-2824 or 601-507- Headset w/Bluetooth live in, including cables, limited addition; like-new kitchen and lawn mowing. 9238. like new barely used (2 AUTOMOBILES, ETC. hoses, septic lines, plus condition. $38,500. Call 20 Miles to NAS Meridian. hrs max usage) in perfect the $500 towing kit. Ask- For Sale: 2010 Toyota 601-686-1027. Rent $1800 w/ $1k depos- MISCELLANEOUS working condition. Paid ing $17,000. Call 360-434- Tundra Crew Max 2wd. it. Call Michelle Carlson $1,103.90 have original HOMES/APARTMENTS 3035. 159k miles Moon roof, 601-507-9238. New! For Sale: Micro- receipt and all original MOTORCYCLES/GEAR/ATV Bluetooth, JBL, heated For Sale: 3BD/2.5BA For Rent: 2BD/1BA wave rarely used, $15. boxing and case. Asking seats, almost new tires, Ranch style home in west Refurbished barn in quiet Call 703-626-7817. $700 OBO. Call Kim at 2010 Polaris Ranger Burgundy interior! Asking Meridian. 2307 sq. feet. At- country setting. Two out- New! For Sale: Rowing 601-480-7181. 800XP Browning Edition, $17,500. Call 601-880- tached, enclosed garage door decks. Small yard. Machine still in the box, camo color. roof, wind- 3211. and 16 x 32 in-ground pool W/D hookups. Propane $300. Call 703-626-7817. shield, winch, extra set of 2005 Honda Odyssey inside of fenced back yard. gas stove. Electric H/AC. For Sale: Zero-turn To submit an item to wheels/tires, and dual gun Touring Edition, heat- Easy access to Hwy. 19 West Lauderdale School Lawn Mower Bad Boy the “Sale...Or” column, scabbard. Asking $7,800. ed seats, satellite radio, and close proximity shop- District. 20 miles from Mower MZ 42” cut w/ e-mail adam.prince@ Call Pete at 601-678-3458. power everything, seats ping. Call 601-880-3211. NAS. Call 601-681-4482. KOHLER engine. 2yrs old navy.mil. Deadline is the 2013 Harley David- 7. Asking $4700. Call 601- For Rent: 3BD/2BA For Rent: 3BD/3BA fur- in July - $2,500. Call Gary Thursday prior to son Switchback, Asking 616-0947. home on two acres in qui- nished home on 3.2 acres. Matthews at 601-575- publication. $8,000; only one owner;

Listings in the “Sale...Or” column are free for anyone who works at NAS Meridian. You can purchase an ad for a business or organization in “The Skyline,” by calling The Meridian Star at 601-693-1551 -- ask for Advertising or email: [email protected] The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 9 Fleet & Family Support Center Managing your mood at work

Most of us have emotional ups and the day carries over into events that occur to resolve any disagreements before you plainers. Have a polite exit strategy you downs at work. Some days we can’t wait to later and affects how you cope with them. have to leave for work -- ideally, the night can use when someone starts to gripe. get to work and other days we can’t wait to Many things can affect the mood you bring before. An argument before work may affect • Make the most of your lunch break. When go home. Our moods may be affected by a to work. You may have a long commute. You your child’s performance in school as much at all possible, take your lunch break. Try great variety of factors -- from the weather may have a tense relationship with a room- as yours on the job. to make time to eat away from your work to a long commute to a personal issue or a mate or family member. Or, you may leave • Make your commute more pleasant. Al- area, in a lunch area with co-workers you conversation with someone. for work when it’s dark outside, so you don’t low enough time for the trip so that a traffic enjoy being with. It’s normal to experience different moods have sunshine and blue skies to lift your jam or delay doesn’t ruin your mood. Listen • Take mini-breaks to stretch in your work during the workday, but it’s also impor- spirits. to music, radio programs, or recorded books area as needed to build energy and boost tant to know how to manage them. Recent by authors you enjoy. your mood. studies have found that moods can have a In situations like these, you can still arrive • Keep breakfast snacks available as a • Connect with positive people through- strong effect on performance. Research has at work in a good mood if you plan ahead: backup. If your commute doesn’t always out the day. Being around upbeat people also shown that moods are contagious -- • Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is allow you to eat breakfast at home, keep makes us feel good. Scientists have found people can “catch” moods from each other. one of the most common causes of mood healthy snacks in your purse or car or at that most of us at times “mirror” or copy the It will be easier to do your best at work and swings. Research has found that Americans your office so that you won’t start work feel- physical gestures of others without realiz- help your co-workers do their best if you are sleep two hours less per night than their ing irritable because of hunger pangs. ing it. aware of your moods and know how to con- great-grandparents did. And many adults The key to managing your moods during • Limit how long you “hold on” to a nega- trol them. get only six or seven hours of sleep a night the day is to balance the “up” and “down” tive emotion. Daniel Goleman writes in Your moods may affect your work in instead of the eight or nine that doctors rec- times. Your overall sense of well-being Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter many ways. Some of these may be obvious. ommend. is determined partly by factors you can’t More Than IQ that we may not have control If you’re feeling low because of a problem at • Eat a healthy breakfast. Food can have control, including your genes and family over when we’re swept by an emotion, or home, you may find it harder to get started a strong effect on your moods. You’ll feel background. So it’s unrealistic to try never what the emotion will be. But we can con- on a challenging project. If you’re overjoyed satisfied longer if you eat complex carbo- to have a bad mood or to stay in an upbeat trol how long an emotion will last. by a great performance evaluation, you may hydrates and protein, which are digested mood every minute of the day. You don’t move on to something else. be able accomplish even more than usual. more slowly and make you feel satisfied have to avoid all unpleasant feelings to be • Learn relaxation techniques you can do Your moods can also affect your work in for several hours. Avoid refined sugars that happy. Just don’t allow them to crowd out at work. Physical tension can prolong a bad more subtle ways, according to a study by provide a quick mood-enhancing energy all the good feelings. mood. Keep your posture and gestures re- Nancy Rothbard at the Wharton School at rush often followed by an energy crash. laxed but not sloppy when you’re sitting or the University of Pennsylvania and Stef- • Eliminate hectic morning routines. Take Here are some tips: standing. fanie Wilk at the Fisher School of Business steps to develop a manageable morning • Be aware of and keep track of your moods. • Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. at Ohio State University. routine for yourself and your household. Pay attention to your moods at different Alcohol is a depressant, and a drink or two Setting a wake-up time that ensures you times of the day and in different situations at dinner can still affect you the next day. They found that: have enough time to do what needs to be and note how, if at all, they affect your • Talk with a doctor if your moods are se- • The mood we bring to work has more done before leaving for work will make it work. Get feedback if you aren’t sure about vere or frequent enough to affect your work. effect on our performance than do mood easier to arrive at work on time and in a re- this. You might also keep a notebook of your Mood swings can result from some illnesses, changes caused by events in the workplace. laxed mood. Pick out your clothes, organize moods. For example, if you often become medications and normal biological changes. • Both positive and negative moods can af- what you need to take to work, and set the grouchy in the late morning because you’re You may have a health concern that needs fect your performance, but positive moods breakfast table the night before. hungry, you may need to eat a healthier attention if your moods seem to be worse or are more powerful. • Establish family routines to prepare for breakfast. last longer than other people’s. • The moods of customers or clients may af- the morning rush. If you have children, • Acknowledge your bad moods and don’t Most of us can’t avoid occasional bad moods. fect your moods. help them get organized the night before, allow them to affect others. Avoid blaming You may not always be able to prevent them All of this means that while you need to too. Consider making lunch preparations others for your moods. (“Talking with him from occurring, but you can control how you be aware of your moods all day long, it’s es- a family activity and try to get much of it always gets me upset.”) Even if you’re in a respond to them. You can keep your moods pecially important to start work in a good done the night before. bad mood, be courteous and businesslike from affecting your performance, and your mood or a positive frame of mind. Why does • Avoid arguments with the people you live with co-workers and customers. overall sense of well-being, by being aware this matter so much? A possible explana- with before leaving for work. Tensions at • Set boundaries. Take steps to avoid of your moods and how to manage them. tion is that your mood at the beginning of home can spill over into the workplace. Try “catching” the bad moods of chronic com- --From FFSC 10 The Skyline ~ June 25, 2020 Remains of 147 South Korean soldiers from the Korean War will return home

By Terri Moon Cronk 147 remains as being of South Korean origin. DoD News, Defense Media Activity Gleaned from advanced DNA and other forensic analyses, 77 of them are from the remains In the largest repatriation of South Korean North Korea turned over in 55 boxes in July soldiers’ remains from the Korean War, 147 2018, and the others are from remains repatri- such remains will be returned to South Korea ated in the early 1990s, he said. following an honor ceremony today at Joint The Pearl Harbor-Hickam ceremony will be Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. followed by a June 25 repatriation ceremony Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Ac- in South Korea’s capital of Seoul, hosted by tion Accounting Agency public affairs official President Moon Jae-in. June 25 coincides with Lee Tucker emphasized that South Korean the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Ko- soldiers fought alongside U.S. troops during rean War, Tucker noted. that war against North Korea. The war lasted Seven South Korean family members have from 1950 to 1953. The remains are returning been identified as having DNA matches to sev- to South Korea after 67 years, he noted. en of the 147 remains, and they will be present “This, like the past repatriation, is due at the ceremony in Seoul. to the strong and long standing partnership South Korea also will turn over to the Unit- between the Defense POW/MIA Accounting ed Nations Command six sets of U.S. remains Agency and [South Korea’s] Ministry of Na- that South Korean teams have recovered. The tional Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and seven South Korean soldiers, who have been Identification,” Tucker said. “It is the incred- identified, and the six U.S. service members ible improvements in technology, advance- will be at the forefront of the ceremony in ments in forensic science and the strong part- Seoul, Tucker said. Photo by Air Force Senior Airman Kelsey Tucker nership between DPAA and MAKRI which led The United Nations Command will conduct Members from the United Nations Command Honor Guard remove remains to these identifications.” a dignified transfer of remains aboard a U.S. of a fallen service member from a vehicle and load it onto a waiting C-17 MAKRI and DPAA scientists have con- aircraft at Osan Air Base on June 26 or 27 for Globemaster III at Osan Air Base, South Korea. The UNC repatriated 55 cases ducted joint forensic reviews and validated transport to Hawaii, he said. of remains fromNorth Korea.

U.S., Japan Navies exercise together in South China Sea

By Lt. Lauren Chatmas able the ships to practice communicating and coordination Destroyer Squadron SEVEN Public Affairs while operating in close proximity to one another. “This exercise is particularly valuable since we are oper- Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabri- ating with JMSDF trainees; they are the future maritime elle Giffords (LCS 10) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense professionals that our Sailors will eventually operate with Force (JMSDF) Kashima class-training vessel JS Kashima for years to come,” said Cmdr. Dustin T. Lonero, command- (TV-3508) and Shimayuki-class training vessel JS Shima- ing officer, Gabrielle Giffords Blue Crew. “Each event gets yuki (TV-3513) conducted bilateral exercises while sailing easier, while increasing in complexity, showing that both together in the South China Sea, June 23. of our navies are sharpening our maritime practices with Gabrielle Giffords, Kashima and Shimayuki met at sea like-minded professionals in the open ocean.” to practice and enhance bilateral interoperability between Kashima, Shimayuki, both attached to JMSDF Training the two navies and to emphasize the importance of com- Squadron, are underway in the South China Sea as a part munications and coordination while operating together. In of their Training Cruise 2020, to give the JMSDF trainee April, Gabrielle Giffords sailed with JMSDF Akizuki-class officers the opportunity to learn basic knowledge and skills destroyer JS Teruzuki (DD 116) in the Andaman Sea. as professional mariners. Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Rear Adm. YAGI Kouji, commander of JMSDF Training Strike Group (ESG) 7 underscored the importance of prac- Squadron, said this overseas training cruise is for newly ticing bilateral exercises to effectively maintain a free and commissioned officers and will operate in the Indo-Pacific open Indo-Pacific. region. The cruise’s primary objective is to promote sea- “The opportunity to operate with our friends and allies manship of the officers through various exercises at sea at sea is incredibly important for our combined readiness Photo by MC2 Brenton Poyser “The JMSDF newly commissioned officers not only pro- and partnership,” said Kacher. “Executing complex mari- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS moted their basic seamanship skill but learned the impor- time skills with our Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), left, exercises with the tance of improving the interoperability between JMSDF allies allows both of our teams to build on our interoper- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) training and United States Navy,” said Yagi. “I also hope that the ability and readiness as we maintain a free and open Indo- ships JS Kashima (TV 3508) and JS Shimayuki (TV newly commissioned officers understand that the bilateral Pacific.” 3513), June 23. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer exercises as we did today strengthen partnership with the Some of the events included bilateral communications Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, U.S. Navy and the partnership would form the basis of pro- exercises, division tactics to practice precision maneuver- operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to moting security and stability in the region. I appreciate the ing, and a photo exercise. All the events were designed to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a opportunity for this bilateral exercise with Gabrielle Gif- enhance interoperability between the two navies and to en- ready-response force. fords.” Hypersonics testing OPEN FOR DINING accelerates

By C. Todd Lopez Also part of the department’s efforts DoD News, Defense Media Activity is the defense against adversary use of hypersonic missile threats — and that The March 19 test of a hypersonic may involve space, said Navy Vice Adm. glide body at the Pacific Missile Range Jon Hill, director of the Missile Defense Facility in Hawaii is just the start for Agency. Land-, silo- or air-launched the Defense Department, the assistant hypersonic weapons all challenge the director for hypersonics in the Office of existing U.S. sensor architecture, Hill the Undersecretary of Defense for Re- said, and so new sensors must come on- search and Engineering said, and after line. ample flight testing, the department “We have to work on sensor architec- will move toward developing weapons ture,” Hill said. “Because they do ma- from the concepts it’s been testing. neuver and they are global, you have “Over the next 12 months really to be able to track them worldwide what we will see is continued accel- and globally. It does drive you towards eration of the development of offensive a space architecture, which is where hypersonic systems,” Michael E. White we’re going.” said today during an online panel dis- DOD is now working with the Space cussion hosted by Defense One. Development Agency on the Hypersonic Hypersonic weapons move faster and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor to than anything currently being used, address tracking of hypersonics, the ad- giving adversaries far less time to react, miral said. That system is part of the and they provide a much harder target larger national defense space architec- to counteract with interceptors. White ture. said DOD is developing hypersonic “As ballistic missiles increase in weapons that can travel anywhere be- their complexity ... you’re going to be tween Mach 5 and Mach 20. able to look down from cold space onto The March test of the hypersonic that warm earth and be able to see glide body successfully demonstrated those,” he said. “As hypersonics come a capability to perform intermediate- up and look ballistic initially, then turn range hypersonic boost, glide and into something else, you have to be able strike, he said. That test, White added, to track that and maintain track. In or- begins a “very active flight test season” der for us to transition from indications over the next year, and beyond, to take and warning into a fire control solution, concepts now under development with- we have to have a firm track and you in the department and prove them with really can’t handle the global maneuver 1600 24th Ave. additional tests. problem without space.” “A number of our programs across Hill said the department already Meridian MS 39301 the portfolio will realize flight test dem- has had a prototype of such satellites onstration over the next 12 months and in space for some time, and is collect- then start the transition from weapon ing data from it. In the early 2020s, he Ph. 601-207-5128 system concept development to actual added, additional satellites will also go weapon system development moving up to demonstrate tracking ability. forward,” he said. Ph. 601-207-5130

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