®

Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family Vol. 18, No. 6, Norfolk, VA FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM February 11, 2010 Congressman John Murtha dies at 77 COMPILED BY FLAGSHIP STAFF their deepest condolence for the death of Rep- resentative John Murtha (D-PA) at Virginia Rep. John Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. Murtha, a Pennsyl- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus thanked vania powerhouse Murtha for a life of service to the nation. in Congress for 36 “The Navy and Marine Corps extend its deep- years and an ear- est sympathies to the family of Chairman Murtha ly ally for Speaker during this difficult time. Both in uniform and in Nancy Pelosi in the halls of Congress, Chairman Murtha dedi- her rise to the top cated his life to serving his country both in the of the House, died Marine Corps and Congress. His unwavering

Photo by MC2 Kevin S. O’Brien Monday, Feb. 1, support of our Sailors and Marines, and in par- President Barack Obama delivers remarks to an audience of Sailors and as a result of com- ticular our wounded warriors, was well known Marines before introducing President Barack Obama during a visit to plications from Congressman and deeply appreciated. The men and women of U.S. Naval Air Station Jacksonville. During his visit he also met with gold recent surgery. John Murtha (D - PA) the naval service and all who have served will star families-families that have lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan, to An announce- sorely miss this strong proponent of selfless ser- personally thank them for their sacrifi ce. ment from his offi ce said Murtha died at 1:18 vice to our nation,” said Mabus. p.m. at the Virginia Hospital Center, where he Murtha a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, DoD releases defense reviews, had been admitted last week after having his gall- the 77-year-old Democrat won national fame for bladder removed at Bethesda Naval Hospital. 2011 budget proposal, 2010 war The U.S. Navy leadership expressed today See MURTHA, A11 funding supplemental request PRESS RELEASE processes were broadened and From Department of Defense deepened by the analysis and Norfolk-based Strike Group conclusions contained in the WASHINGTON — Presi- Quadrennial Defense Review.” dent Barack Obama Feb. 1 sent The fiscal 2011 base budget to Congress a proposed de- request represents an increase making a difference in Haiti fense budget of $708 billion for of $18 billion over the $531 bil- fiscal 2011. lion enacted for fiscal 2010. PRESS RELEASE The budget request for the This is an increase of 3.4 per- Carrier Strike Group Two Public Affairs Department of Defense (DoD) cent, or 1.8 percent real growth includes $549 billion in discretion- after adjusting for inflation. The PORT-AU-PRINCE — The ary budget authority to fund base DoD needs modest real growth sailors assigned to Carrier Strike defense programs and $159 billion to maintain, train, and equip Group 2 (CSG 2) fi nd themselves to support overseas contingency the forces that sustain our war- in a unique position to render as- operations (OCO), primarily in Af- time efforts. sistance to the relief efforts in ghanistan and Iraq. The fiscal 2011 OCO request Haiti. They are “Boots dry” in This proposal continues the will provide additional resourc- Port-Au-Prince. reform agenda established in es needed to sustain U.S. forces The Norfolk-based Strike Group, the 2009 DoD budget request in Operation Enduring Freedom which will eventually embark on and builds on the initiatives – in Afghanistan and elsewhere America’s newest Aircraft Carri- identified by the 2010 Quadren- – and Operation Iraqi Freedom. er, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN nial Defense Review (QDR) and Included are funds for pay and 77), travelled in large numbers in 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense benefits, logistics and other the direction of Haiti shortly after Review (BMDR). support, force protection, con- the devastating earthquake struck The QDR examines DoD strat- tinuing efforts to counteract the nation Jan. 12. There are now egies and priorities. It assesses improvised explosive devices, 172 sailors from the Strike Group the threats and challenges that as well as funding to fully sup- taking part in Operation Unifi ed the nation faces and re-balances port the buildup in Afghanistan Response, most of them living in DoD’s strategies, capabilities, and to carry out a responsible tents and working in the Joint Task and forces to ensure the U.S. drawdown in Iraq. Force (JTF) Haiti command cen- military has the flexibility to “The choices made and pri- ter just outside the United States address today’s conflicts and orities set in these budget Embassy in Port-Au-Prince. tomorrow’s threats. requests and strategic defense Not yet embarked on CVN 77 as The BMDR evaluates the bal- reviews reflect America’s com- it conducted Sea Trials and Flight listic missile threat to the U.S. mitment to succeed in the wars Deck Certifi cation, the Strike and its allies and articulates we are in while making the in- Group was in a unique position of policy. It determines the appro- vestments necessary to prepare availability after the earthquake priate role of ballistic missile for threats on or beyond the ho- struck to assist in the humanitar- defense in the country’s na- rizon,” said Gates. ian assistance mission. Initially, tional security and military Also accompanying the 2011 the staff reported to Naval Station strategies. budget proposal is a fi scal 2010 Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to stand- “The fiscal 2011 budget re- supplemental request of $33 bil- up the Joint Logistics Hub at the quest builds on the reforms lion to support the added costs base air strip. In that capacity, CSG begun in last year’s defense of the President’s new strategy in 2 provided the command and con- budget,” said Defense Sec- Afghanistan and strengthen U.S. trol and expertise to manage the retary Robert Gates. “These force levels with approximately movement of food, water, medi- substantial changes to allocate 30,000 additional troops. cal supplies and relief personnel to defense dollars more wisely and reform the department’s See DOD, A11 See HAITI, A11 U.S. Navy photo by LS1 Kelly Chastain

Bystander intervention: Looking out for your shipmates BY FLTCM (SW/AW) TOM HOWARD Fleet Master Chief, U.S. Fleet Forces Command ery Sailor should be trained, brought up to of a sexual nature or perpetrates sexual ha- and the fallen. “Shipmate” is a fi re-hard- speed on the term and made aware of the rassment. ened, selfl essly earned title that boasts, “I A recent incident involving a female Sail- affect it can have on this horrible yet avoid- Incidents of sexual assault erode the very am a United States Sailor!” or in San Diego has me very concerned, able assault. fabric of our Navy culture; shipmates take We, you and I, must strive for an environ- and at the same time, encouraged by the ac- I recall recently a situation where a young care of shipmates, and it’s impossible to ment where behavior of this nature [sexual tion of someone who stepped up to ‘do the girl was sexually assaulted by a group of think that at one moment we can expect a assault] is not tolerated and bystanders in- right thing’. males while upwards of 20 people may shipmate to be there when we need them in tervene when a shipmate is being forced to The Sailor from one of the local com- have witnessed the assault but stood idly by the event of crisis or damage and the next do something against their will. mands was being harassed by a male Sailor and did nothing. I cringe each time I think moment attempt to assault them, in this case Here are some ways to act through by- from another command while in a public about how this could happen. in a sexual nature. The two do not coexist. stander intervention: area of a new single Sailor bachelor hous- There can be many forms of bystand- In a recent opportunity to “defi ne” what • Let your friends know that sexual as- ing unit, and the situation quickly escalated er intervention. It could be someone who a shipmate is and means, Chief Aviation sault or any form of sexual misconduct isn’t to what could be defi ned as a physical sexu- witnesses an accident and calls for help, or Electronics Technician Brown wrote: “Ship- going to work with you and you’re going to al assault. Although others observed what perhaps someone who directly steps in or mate” is a term with inherent connotations engage if confronted with it. was going on but weren’t quite sure wheth- supports a shipmate when he or she is ex- of teamwork, camaraderie and belonging. • Don’t hesitate to speak up upon an ob- er to involve themselves, a female bystander periencing some type of harassment. It embodies duty, honor, courage, commit- servation of a potential victim in a hostile quickly intervened, removed the victim from The fact is, all of us may be bystanders ment and excellence. “Shipmate” exclaims situation. Make sure the victim is okay and the situation, and convinced the victim to re- at some point in one way or another to a the spirited commonality of all Sailors: One seek assistance. port the incident to base police. broad spectrum of events leading to sexu- Team! One Fight! It illustrates hardships • If you are uncomfortable with approach- This is a perfect example of why ‘By- al violence. Each of us may be faced or may shared, victories won. “Shipmate” defi nes ing a situation alone, ask a friend, then ask stander Intervention’ is a crucial element observe situations in which an individu- common purpose: ships, seas, defense of them if he or she will accompany you while of sexual assault prevention and why ev- al makes an inappropriate comment or act freedom. It carries echoes of war, heroes, approaching the situation.

INSIDE: 2010 POLAR PLUNGE WINTER FESTIVAL A8 FRONT & CENTER B1 OFF DUTY C1 Polar Plunge 2010 was Eisenhower Sailors cheer Sweets for your sweetie full of superheroes on the big game in style Schakolad Chocolate Factory The 18th Annual festival raised Eisenhower Sailors were able in Virginia Beach serves up $861,000 (and counting) for to view a live broadcast of a variety of fresh made Special Olympics Virginia. Super Bowl XLIV while at sea. European style chocolates. TAX TIME

Commander Navy Region Military OneSource Mid-Atlantic is: Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel

The Flagship® is produced by Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic offers free tax fi ling staff. The editorial content of this newspaper and any supplement is BY ELAINE WILSON resident returns for each federal return, prepared, edited and provided by the public affairs offi ce of Commander Navy American Forces Press Service Thomas said. However, he added, they Region Mid- Atlantic. should ensure they’re fi lling through Mil- Regional program manager for Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is WASHINGTON — Defense offi cials en- itary OneSource. People who fi le through courage military families to once again take H&R Block directly may be charged for ser- Public Affairs Director advantage of the free electronic tax fi ling vices, he cautioned. Beth Baker services offered through Military One- The program is set up for basic returns. Editorial Staff Source. People who wish to upgrade to the premi- Managing Editor People can access the H&R Block at um program also may incur charges. Micheal Mink Home program by going to Military One- For tax assistance, fi lers can call a Mili- Deputy Managing Editor Source at www.militaryonesource.com/ tary OneSource tax consultant from 7 a.m. MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford and clicking on “Tax Filing Services.” to 11 p.m. EST, seven-days-a-week, at 800- Editorial Assistant More than 200,000 service members fi led 730-3802. MC2 Mandy Hunsucker their tax returns through this resource last “That’s a tremendous service,” Thomas Graphic Designer year, offi cials said. said. “We feel it’s important to give our mili- David Todd “We have such a mobile force, and you tary families the absolute best.” Off Duty Editor / Designer have folks dispersed all over the world. It’s Along with the consultants, people with Tim Rafalski a quick link for the family to link up with the complicated tax returns can visit a legal as- The Flagship® is an authorized [service member],” said Tommy T. Thom- sistance offi ce on a military installation for publication for members of the military services and their families. Its contents do as, deputy undersecretary of defense for more in-depth advice, he said. not necessarily refl ect the offi cial views of military community and family policy. “It’s a Whether online or on base, people should the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine convenience for you to be able to go on that fi le early, Thomas advised. Corps and do not imply endorsement site and fi le that tax form.” “Don’t run up against the 15 April dead- thereof. The appearance of advertising The program is open to active duty, Guard line,” he said. “And when you get the return, in this newspaper, including inserts and Reserve service members, regardless look at it as the means to secure your fami- or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of of activation status, as well as spouses, de- ly’s fi nances,” whether its paying off debts, Defense, the Navy or Marine Corps, pendent children and family members adding to a savings account or contributing Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products and services standing in for a deployed service member. to a Thrift Savings Plan. advertised. Participants can e-fi le up to three state For more news, visit www.navy.mil. Everything advertised in The Flagship® shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or MCPON emphasizes path to success rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confi rmed, the publisher PRESS RELEASE sponsorship and indoctrination foundation. shall refuse to print advertising from that From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs source until the violation is corrected. The They are designed to improve the ability of Flagship® is published by Flagship, Inc., a Sailors to achieve their professional goals. subsidiary of Landmark Communications, Inc., a private fi rm in no way connected MILLINGTON, Tenn. — The master “Career development boards have never with the Department of Defense, the chief petty offi cer of the Navy (MCPON) been more important for our Sailors than U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps, under exclusive contract with the U.S. Navy. stressed the importance of the Brilliant on today. Conducting and documenting ca- Questions or comments can be the Basics program during a visit to Navy reer development boards sets a course for directed to the public affairs offi cer or the editor. The Flagship® can be reached at Personnel Command (NPC) Jan. 27. an individual Sailor’s success and can be tai- 322-2865 (editor), 322-2864 (assistant Brilliant on the Basics addresses six per- lored throughout their career for continued editor). The fax number is 444-3029 or write Commander, Navy Region, Mid- sonnel programs every command should growth,” said West. Guidance is available Atlantic, The Flagship®, 1510 Gilbert St., use; sponsorship, indoctrination, career de- in the Navy Enlisted Retention and Career Norfolk, VA 23511-2737. All news releases should be sent to this address. Stories velopment boards, mentorship, individual Development Instruction OPNAVINST may be submitted via e-mail to news@ recognition and a rigorous ombudsman/ 1040.11C. fl agshipnews.com. You can visit The Flagship’s Web site at www.fl agshipnews. family outreach program. The Navy’s Ombudsman Program serves com. “We have got to execute Brilliant on the as a link between commanding offi cers and The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, Inc., whose offi ces Basics. Those are the basic programs that Sailors’ families. are at 150 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, if a command does, it is going to be a bet- “We’ve got to continue to invest the right VA 23510. Minimum weekly circulation is 45,000. ter command and a more informed Sailor amount of training mixed with the right Flagship, Inc. and family,” said MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. amount of conversation and mentoring be- General Manager West, during an all hands call. cause our Sailors are the most important Laura Baxter, 222-3964 Sponsorship and indoctrination provide a asset we have,” said West. Creative Director solid foundation for newly reporting Sailors West visited NPC to receive briefs on Tricia Lieurance, 222-3968 and their families. The Navy’s Command the latest personnel policy and program

Free Classifi ed Advertising, 222-3967 Sponsorship and Indoctrination Instruction changes and the impact on Sailors and their Distribution, 446-2881 OPNAVINST 1740.3C details command re- families. Home Delivery, 222-3965 quirements. For more information, including a Bril- © 2009 Flagship, Inc. Career development boards, mentoring liant on the Basics guide, visit NPC’s Web site All rights reserved. and individual recognition can build on the www.npc.navy.mil/. THE FLAGSHIP’S LEEWARD SHOUT What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

“It’s a time to “It’s a special “It’s a holiday share with the day set apart were people people you love where we can spend tons of and to let them show the ones money. They know what they we love extra should be mean to you.” love.” showing love to the one’s they love throughout the year, not just on one day.” FC3 LS1 (AW/SW) AT2 (AW) Alyssa Neely Elisa London Cathleen Scott USS Monterey (CG 61) CNATTU Norfolk HM-15

“I think “I’ve always “It’s a designated Valentine’s Day thought time for everyone is a super over- Valentine’s to show their rated holiday, Day is a day to love towards the only because remember the one they’re with I don’t get person you love (romantically).” chocolates or or that special fl owers.” someone in your life.”

ATAN ENC (SW/AW) YN3 Anthony Skubon Ronnie Weston Jason Leach HM-15 COMPHIBRON 4 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Photos by MC2 Mandy Hunsucker

Brought to you by AROUND THE NAVY Navy phases out enlisted USS Freedom readies field service records for maiden deployment PRESS RELEASE BY LT. ED EARLY USS Freedom Public Affairs er Squadron 14 and Coast casualty triage. From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Guard Law Enforcement “The training provided USS FREEDOM, at Detachment (LEDET) a good refresher for us – MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Like wash Sea — USS Freedom (LCS 407. LEDET 407 will em- it’s a good opportunity to khakis and dungarees, the old brown-fold- 1), the Navy’s first littoral bark the ship during keep our skills up,” said er enlisted field service record (FSR) will combat ship, is underway deployment. Chief Hospital Corpsman soon become a thing of the past as the off the coast of Florida for Freedom welcomed the (SW/FMF) Joseph Dennis Navy eliminates the paper record in 2010. final training and certifi- Coast Guard detachment of Bridgeport, Texas, the NAVADMIN 040/10, released Feb. 3, cation prior to its maiden aboard for nearly three Gold Crew’s independent outlines the Navy’s plan to close-out the deployment to the U.S. days of CIT/AUF exer- duty corpsman (IDC). “As FSR by Sept. 30. Southern Command cises at sea. LEDET 407 an IDC, exercises like this Service record information will now be (SOUTHCOM) region. worked with Freedom’s give me confidence in my generated and maintained electronically Counter-illicit traffick- core crew and its aviation crew’s ability to operate in through a secure Internet connection to ing (CIT), damage control, detachment to certify the any emergency.” the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel and systems training be- ship for CIT operations. Freedom’s crew also en- System (NSIPS) Electronic Service Re- gan soon after Freedom’s “The Coast Guard was gaged in combat systems cord (ESR). Officer field service records arrival at Naval Station extremely professional testing, running through have already been eliminated. Mayport, Fla., on Jan. 25. and knowledgeable, and I a series of live-fire and The Navy first implemented ESRs in “This training is extreme- look forward to working tracking tests using the 2006. Accessible through a secure Inter- ly important for Freedom with them in the future,” ship’s Mk 110 57mm gun, net connection, the ESR provides access and will help us prepare West said. as well as the 30mm guns to personnel, training and awards data for the CIT mission we ex- While Coast Guard ob- of the ship’s tailored Sur- for individual Sailors, Personnel Sup- pect to perform while in servers evaluated the face Warfare Mission port Detachments (PSDs), personnel the 4th Fleet area of opera- aviation detachment – Package. offices holding service records, Navy Op- Photo by MC3 Josue L. Escobosa tions,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Norfolk-based Helicopter While the testing sched- erational Support Centers and customer Personnel Specialist Seaman Casey Flett, West of Imperial Beach, Sea Combat Squadron ule has been a rigorous commands of PSDs. A shipboard version from Mount Pleasant, Utah, searches for Calif., operations officer (HSC) 22, Detachment 2 – one, Freedom’s Sailors are is available through NSIPS Afloat for Sail- service records in the personnel office aboard for the Gold Crew, one of in tracking go-fast boats, a confident that the ship will ors at sea with limited bandwidth. the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Freedom’s two rotation- Coast Guard coxswain was be ready for its upcoming Stennis (CVN 74). PSD Memphis began closing out re- al crews. “Freedom can learning how to operate journey. cords for Sailors at Navy Personnel NAVADMIN, ESR allows for global trans- be an extremely formida- Freedom’s 11-meter rig- “I really believe the train- Command (NPC) last year as part of a actions for medals and awards, training ble weapon in the war on id-hulled inflatable boats ing provided will make our field test. and education, personnel qualification drugs.” (RHIBs). senior crew ready for the “It went pretty well. There are a lot standards (PQS) and routine administra- Freedom’s crew is part “The Coast Guard does challenges ahead and pay of tools online that can help you locate tive remarks, as well as creates electronic of an innovative manning not operate our 11-meter dividends while Freedom is things you need from your electronic ser- forms that can be printed and signed construct that reduces RHIB, so this was impor- on deployment,” said West. vice record,” said Personnel Specialist when a hard copy is required. crew size, demanding each tant training for them as Freedom is the first 2nd Class Kelvin Turner, assigned to PSD Commanding officers, executive of- Sailor maintain high levels well,” said Gold Crew ship of the revolution- Memphis. “We have not noticed much of ficers and command master chiefs can of proficiency in multi- navigator Lt. John Hill, a ary Littoral Combat Ship a hiccup.” obtain command-level view only access ple fields, and optimizes native of Auckland, New program, a fast, agile, All active duty and drilling Reserve by completing the NSIPS/ESR system au- ship operability with mul- Zealand. mission-focused ship that Sailors can access their ESR by signing thorization request and contacting their tiple crews. The ship is The LEDET soon gave demonstrates the latest in up for a self-service ESR account on the local NSIPS area manager. manned by two rotational way to an integrated train- naval warfighting technol- NSIPS Web page at https://nsips.nmci. A much smaller version of personnel crews, “Blue” and “Gold”, ing team from the San ogy. The ship is specifically navy.mil/ using a Common Access Card documents, such as Record of Emergen- of 40 Sailors each. Prior Diego-based Littoral Com- designed to defeat “anti- (CAC)-enabled computer. Sailors can view cy Data, Service member’s Group Life to deployment, each crew bat Ship Class Squadron, access” threats in shallow, their own records, as well as make minor Insurance, Security Clearance Eligibility member must prove his or which put Freedom’s crew coastal water regions, in- changes, including emergency contact Certification and Family Care Plans are her competency across a through its paces in a se- cluding fast surface craft, information, home and mailing address, still required to be maintained by the com- wide range of skills. ries of damage control and quiet diesel submarines, official e-mail address and other person- mand to support associated programs. Sailors attended counter- firefighting drills. The ex- and mines. al information. Navy Reserve Sailors can NPC is conducting training at PSDs illicit trafficking/airborne ercises tested the crew’s Freedom’s deployment also input their civilian employment infor- throughout the fleet to make the transi- use of force (CIT/AUF) response to a variety of will conclude later this mation. tion as seamless as possible. instruction ashore, led shipboard emergencies, year with a transit to her NPC began implementing FSR close- For more information, read NAVAD- by Afloat Training Group from a simulated heli- new homeport of San Di- outs early this year. According to the MIN 040/10. (ATG) Mayport, Destroy- copter crash landing to ego. Military families get free access to caregiver network BY ELAINE WILSON American Forces Press Service certified care providers as trusted you to provide this life is good for everybody,” well as caregivers who are service to our people,’” he added. WASHINGTON — Mil- military-subsidized and Thomas said. “If that mil- While the membership itary families now have authorized access to a mil- itary member is out on the is free, service members free access to an online itary installation. front line knowing that the will be responsible for network of quality care- The site will help meet family back home has a the hiring and payment of givers who can assist with the unique needs of mili- sense of ease and comfort, caregivers, officials said. everything from babysit- tary families as they face ting to dog walking. deployments, long hours Sittercity is the nation’s at work and assignments largest online source for to remote locations, Thom- local babysitters, nannies, as said. elder care providers, dog “Because of the mo- walkers, housekeepers bile nature of military life, and tutors, and contains trusted community re- more than a million care- sources are often difficult giver profiles, officials to identify and locate,” he Military Family members can access Sittercity the nation’s said. largest caregiver network, containing more than a million acknowledged. “These on- Military members and profiles. line tools will help service their families can acti- and family members attain vate their membership by “We believe that access The paid membership the best match between going to www.sittercity. to Sittercity’s nationwide enables military families resource and need.” com/dod. network of quality care entry to a custom-built Thomas said service The Sittercity Corpo- providers will be highly Defense Department Web members and their fami- rate Program, funded by beneficial to our service site portal where they can lies can rest assured that the Defense Department, members and their fam- match up caregivers to they’re being provided offers military families - ilies,” said Tommy T. their situation; gain instant with top-notch care. The - including active duty, Thomas, deputy under- access to caregiver profiles site “links military family Guard and Reserve -- with secretary of defense for that include background members with somebody a paid membership to the military community and checks, references and that the Department of With Sittercity people can find local babysitters, nannies, elder site. family policy. reviews; and find military- Defense says, ‘We’ve en- care providers, dog walkers, housekeepers and tutors. Service members, families gain access to free, online tutoring

BY ELAINE WILSON American Forces Press Service military community and family said, are making the most of the policy. live, one-on-one help. “Thanks for WASHINGTON — The De- “We are pleased to expand this having this service when our fam- fense Department has launched program to all U.S. military fam- ily is separated at this time due to a free, online tutoring service for ilies and provide peace of mind deployments and training,” a 6th service members and their fami- that their children are never grader of a Marine commented. lies, Jan. 26. alone when it comes to learning “My father is unable to help one- The site – www.tutor.com/mil- - there is always a certified, pro- on-one.” itary – offers round-the-clock fessional tutor available to help,” “I really appreciate this,” an- professional tutors who can as- he said. other program participant, a 9th sist with homework, studying, Active-duty service members, grader, said. “It really helps me test preparation, resume writing National Guard and reserve understand my schoolwork. It’s and more. personnel on active duty in a going to really help me ace my Marine Corps and Army fam- deployed status, Defense De- exams coming up! I am definite- ilies have had access to the partment civilians in a deployed ly going to use this very often.” program for more than a year. status and their dependents are Tutor.com’s network includes Seeing the value, Defense Depart- eligible to participate, officials more than 1,800 professional tu- ment officials decided to expand The free for service members and their families Web site, tutor.com, can said. Along with test preparation, tors and career specialists who the service to encompass all ser- help with studying, homework, test preparation and even resume writing. the site is open to students of have delivered more than 5 mil- vice members and their families, One on one help is available for kids from kindergarten to 12th grade at any age – from kindergartners to lion one-on-one tutoring sessions any time. officials said. high school seniors – for one-on- since 2001, officials said. Each tu- “Providing 24/7 academic many parents have a deployed rine Corps and Army families,” one help in math, science, social tor is certified through the site, and career support for military spouse has been an important said Tommy T. Thomas, depu- studies and English. and all sessions are recorded for families during a time when so and well-received benefit for Ma- ty undersecretary of defense for Many of these students, officials quality control. NAVY MEDICINE Navy surgeon general discusses support for wounded warriors

PRESS RELEASE and innovative treatments Navy Surgeon General Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs for TBI and post traumat- also shared his views on the ic stress disorder (PTSD) long-term care that will be ALEXANDRIA — Navy and what the Navy is doing needed for many wounded Surgeon General discussed to assist them throughout veterans and emphasized support available to Wound- their healing process and the Navy’s commitment to ed Warriors Feb. 2 at the transition into civilian life. work with numerous part- first Wounded Warrior “We’ve been exploring all ners to ensure they receive Hiring and Support Confer- options to help treat PTSD,” enduring care. ence held in the National said Robinson. “One very “Care doesn’t stop when Capital Region. successful program we’ve the war stops,” said Robin- Vice Adm. Adam Robin- implemented at Naval Med- son. “Care for our wounded son, the surgeon general, ical Center San Diego is warriors today will contin- spoke at the conference a virtual reality simulator ue for the better part of this which was hosted by Navy that adds a technological century, but we won’t be Sea Systems Command at twist to a common PTSD able to do it alone. We have the Hilton Alexandria Mark treatment called prolonged- to blend a set of care across Center. exposure therapy in which multiple federal and civil- The conference focused patients recall in graphic ian agencies to provide the on federal employment op- detail the traumatic events best care for those who portunities for disabled that set off their illness. have sacrificed so much for veterans. For many sufferers, retell- this great nation.”

Speaking to an audience ing and discussing the bad For more news from Navy Photo by MC1 Tiffini Jones-Vanderwyst of approximately 400 peo- memories with a therapist Medicine, visit www.navy. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead signs a banner at the wounded warrior ple, Robinson emphasized can take away the sting.” mil/local/mednews/. hiring and support conference. the Navy’s commitment to providing medical care for military personnel and their families. “The Navy has a long his- tory of taking care of its own and our commitment to our injured Sailors, Ma- rines and their families do not end with their arrival at a medical unit or hospital. It continues through their entire road to recovery,” said Robinson. “When our people who are in the fight are hurt, we apply all on our training and resourc- es to provide rapid care in partnership with our sister services.” The goal of the confer- ence was to improve the Department of the Navy’s overall approach and effec- tiveness in hiring wounded warriors. The conference presentations explored best practices and policies for helping injured veterans find employment, as well as exploring barriers to hiring them while also discussing ways to overcome them. According to the Depart- ment of Veterans Affairs, several federal authorities apply to 30 percent or more disabled, yet unemploy- ment is double the national average for Wounded War- riors. Career employment is the final step in re-inte- gration into society. “We work hard to find post military service em- ployment opportunities and help employers understand that they need to recognize that there may be physical, as well as, cognitive limi- tations if an employee has moderate to severe TBI (traumatic brain injury),” said Robinson. “Generally people who sustain a con- cussion will recover with time but that limited work hours and other accommo- dations may be necessary.” Robinson emphasized that while employers may have to make some accom- modations, their return on investment would be high. “As long as you invest in them, they will do their jobs,” said Robinson. “All around the world, our men and women in the military guarantee their work with their lives. They won’t quit because that is who they are.” Robinson provided an overview of significant health challenges associat- ed with returning wounded warriors including standard A Boomer’s Perspective: From Cold War to War on Terrorism

BY LINDA D. KOZARYN cal weapons such as anthrax and American Forces Press Service Sarin gas cause death and de- struction. LONDON — Born a 1950s In Iraq, U.S. and NATO troops baby boomer, I grew up during first had to deal with homemade the Cold War with the threat of bombs known as IEDs -- impro- nuclear holocaust looming on vised explosive devices. As we the horizon. As a little girl, I had worked to deploy better armor to dreams in which Russian troops protect our troops, the enemy de- swarmed over the hill in our back veloped armor-piercing bombs. yard. Suicide bombings have been Maybe that’s what propelled the rage among terrorist groups me to serve in the Army for nine for years now. It’s not easy to de- years and work as a Defense De- tect and deter walking bombs. partment civilian for another 17 Everyone becomes a possible years. Linda Kozaryn, director Armed Forces Press Service and part of the baby boomer generation, remembers the end threat. No complaints, though. I’ve had of he cold war and the rise of asymmetric warfare. Defense officials dub these an incredibly fortunate career methods “unconventional, non- with the military. I’ve enjoyed the his accomplice, Terry Nichols, and horror of this new reality Haiti, aboard the USNS Comfort, traditional and asymmetric.” For fun, travel and adventure those were homegrown Americans -- overwhelmed our nation when and on the road with Defense the life of me, I’ve never been old recruiting ads always of- disgruntled wackos, perhaps, but two hijacked planes crashed into Secretary Robert M. Gates, I vol- able to get a handle on “asym- fered. still Americans. New York’s Twin Towers and an- unteered to take my first official metric.” But I think I’ve got the I’ve also seen the world change But then in 1996, terrorists other slammed into the Pentagon. trip in several years. general idea -- terrorists will use in a way I never would have imag- detonated a truck bomb near a A fourth hijacked plane en route I accompanied Deputy Defense any means to strike their target. ined possible. I’ve witnessed the complex in Khobar, Saudi Ara- to the White House crashed in Secretary William J. Lynn III’s of- That’s what makes it so hard. end of the Cold War and visit- bia, that housed U.S. service Pennsylvania thanks to the hero- ficial party to London, where he This enemy wears no uniform and ed Soviet-bloc nations as they members. Apparently, the idea of ic passengers aboard. met with top government leaders has no allegiance to a particular emerged from behind the Iron using “nontraditional” means to The 9/11 attack traumatized, and addressed two European se- nation. Troops never know who Curtain. I’ve walked in Moscow’s strike U.S. targets was catching and united, the American people. curity groups. He said his overall they’re fighting, or how, when or Red Square and toured the Krem- on. Then-President George W. Bush goal for the trip was to encourage what the enemy will attack. Con- lin. In 1998, terrorists bombed the launched the global war on ter- defense cooperation. sequently, U.S. defense officials I’ve also witnessed the emer- U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tan- rorism, and U.S. forces went into Lynn’s message to members of are working to change how they gence and felt the impact of zania. Osama Bin Laden, head of Afghanistan to wipe out al-Qaida Parliament, European military of- train, equip and structure the na- terrorism. a terrorist group, was the main training camps. A year later, Bush ficers and the media was simple tion’s armed forces. When I began traveling the suspect behind the bombings. gave the order to invade Iraq. and direct: new threats require They’re institutionalizing the world with the U.S. defense secre- Suddenly, terrorism had a face. The die was cast, but not just in new capabilities. Developing military’s ability to counter ter- tary as an American Forces Press The tall, thin, bearded Saudi America. Terrorist groups struck these capabilities requires coop- rorism by upgrading special Service reporter in 1995, terror- Arabian religious extremist would the Philippines, Tokyo, London, eration and collaboration by the operations forces and strength- ists existed only in the shadowy, henceforth haunt our dreams. We and Madrid. Security heightened militaries and defense industries ening the battlefield “enablers” foreign world of spy novels. No began to hear of terrorist training at airports around the world. of the United States and its allies. for “irregular” operations -- heli- one hurt Americans. We were the camps in places like Libya and Travelers on planes, trains, sub- It boils down to an effort to save copter lift, mine-resistant vehicles white-hatted good guys whom ev- Afghanistan, and we learned of ways and cruise ships now faced time and money in putting the and intelligence, surveillance erybody loved. “jihad” and vows to kill all Amer- the threat of terrorism, as did right tools and equipment into and reconnaissance platforms. Granted, there was the 1983 icans. everyday citizens in everyday warfighters’ hands. They’re expanding the use of un- bombing of the U.S. barracks in In 2000, in the port of Aden, places. The old days when two oppos- manned aerial vehicles. Like the Beirut. But the attack occurred Yemen, a small group of sui- Throughout these years, AFPS ing armies faced each other on grim reaper, no one knows when during Lebanon’s civil war, and cide bombers used a skiff to pull has covered the spread of terror- the front lines are long gone. A an MQ-9 will strike. it happened in the Middle East. alongside the USS Cole destroyer ism and its impact on the U.S. need still exists for convention- The U.S. military is chang- Trouble always was brewing and detonate a bomb. It now was military. I somehow rose through al forces and weapons -- troops, ing rapidly to meet the world’s there. clear that our nation faced a new the ranks to become the director tanks, ships, artillery and air emerging security threats of to- Less than 10 years later, in enemy that had emerged from of the press service and the De- power -- but as we’ve all seen, the day and tomorrow. Let’s hope 1993, terrorists bombed New the shadows. fense Department’s home page. I nation’s new enemy fights in new Lynn’s message is heard far and York’s World Trade Center. The This enemy couldn’t take on foolishly traded globe-trotting for ways. wide among our allies, and that attack on American soil had to be the strength of our armed forc- management. Terrorist groups employ car, they’ll work together to protect an anomaly, or so we thought. es, but it could inflict harm in This week, however, we were truck and shoe bombs. The lat- our troops, our people and our In 1995, Timothy McVeigh its own way, in its own time. The stretched pretty thin when word est thwarted attack involved homelands. detonated a Ryder truck full of terrorists were organized and de- came down that the deputy de- powdered explosives in a man’s As for me -- I’m thinking about explosives in front of the govern- termined. The name “al-Qaida” fense secretary wanted an AFPS underwear. Kidnappings and be- retiring to a little farm in the ment building in Oklahoma City. gradually wormed its way into reporter on his next trip. Since we headings are another means country, to sit back with my cats This wasn’t really “terrorism.” our lives. already had reporters covering of causing fear and mayhem. and quietly watch the next couple How could it be? McVeigh and On Sept. 11, 2001, the reach the Pentagon, relief operations in Homemade bombs and biologi- of decades go by. Distinguished Sailors honored with commemorative stamp

BY MC2 (EXW/AW) David A. Rosenberg, a JESSE B. AWALT naval historian, provides Naval District Washington a brief history of the four Public Affairs Sailors featured on the Distinguished Sailors WASHINGTON — U.S. commemorative stamps Navy and United States during a first-day-of-issue Postal Service (USPS) of- ceremony at the U.S. Navy ficials gathered at the U.S. Memorial. The stamps Navy Memorial Feb. 4 for commemorate four a first-day-of-issue stamp Sailors who served with bravery and distinction dedication ceremony of during the 20th century: the Distinguished Sailors William S. Sims, Adm. Stamps. Arleigh A. Burke, Lt. The free public event that Cmdr. John McCloy and drew more than 250 people Officer’s Cook 3rd Class honored four Sailors, who Doris Miller. appear on 44-cent commem- Photo by MCC John Lil orative first-class stamps. USPS officials say they hope the Distinguished Sailors Stamps will help to immortalize William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John McCloy and Doris “Dorie” Miller, who served with bravery and distinction during the 20th century. “I am pleased to hon- or these four great Sailors who impacted our nation and world,” said John E. Potter, USPS postmaster general. “These brave indi- viduals represent the U.S. Navy’s proud legacy of ser- vice to this nation. Their example is an inspiration to every American.” Juan Garcia, assistant secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, reflected on the diversity of the Sailors fea- tured on the new stamps. “This wildly diverse group is tied together by their love of country and their fearless courage un- der fire,” said Garcia. “It’s a diversity reflected in to- day’s Navy mission itself.” In addition to stamp collectors and naval histori- ans, relatives of the Sailors being honored came to Washington from various parts of the country to at- tend the event. For some relatives of these Sailors, the stamp series has in- spired new interest in their family history. “I was of course very pleased at the news of the stamp. I am glad that younger generations will perhaps get to know these four distinguished sailors,” said Anne Hopkins, grand- daughter of William Sims. “Although I grew up knowing of my grandfa- ther mostly as a World War I leader..., I have only come to appreciate this in the past couple of years, and through the discussions related to the stamp,” Hop- kins said of her grandfather, who died in 1936 when she was six years old. Although the honored Sailors are not alive, they were still remembered as shipmates. “They are our shipmates; we still think of them that way,” said Vice Admiral Sam J. Locklear III, direc- tor, Navy Staff. “These Sailors in their own way, and in their own time, all exemplified in ev- ery way the basic core values of our Navy, which are honor, courage and commitment,” said Lock- lear. “I like to imagine that while we are having this ceremony today they are somewhere all looking down on this event.” Locklear said the Sail- ors would probably all be surprised that their faces were showing up on U.S. stamps. “I can only imagine the conversation they would likely be having between themselves,” said Lock- lear. “They are probably all amused.” Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-is- sue postmark by mail and may purchase new stamps at their local post office, at The Postal Store at www. usps.com/shop or by call- ing 800-STAMP-24. For more news from Na- val District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ ndw/. POLAR PLUNGE 2010

All photos by Harry Gerwien/Military Newspapers of Virginia Once the whistle blew the polar plungers wasted no time in their race to the waves. The 2010 Polar Plunge® Winter Festival took place on Feb. 6 at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Polar Plunge 2010 was full of superheroes VIRGINIA BEACH — For the 18th Annual Polar Plunge® est group of volunteers and law enforcement partners in extreme Plunge on record for Special Olympics Virginia, Winter Festival benefiting Special Olympics Virginia fans the world,” said Rick Jeffrey, president of Special Olympics many groups helped take the Plunge to new heights. proved that not even the weather could stop their support of Virginia. “This year’s Polar Plunge® was a very challenging Gold level Polar Plunge® sponsors included Hardee’s, Booz the event. 2,636 thrill-seekers took the icy dip this year, despite event to pull off considering Saturday’s weather conditions, Allen Hamilton, GEICO, the Virginia Beach Convention and snow, rain, sleet and but we managed to do it in a safe fashion.” Visitor’s Bureau and Admobile. 30+mph wind, raising “Still, the challenge that our plungers faced on Satur- Be sure to mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Polar $861,000 (and day, though extreme, was small when compared with the Plunge, set for Feb. 5, 2011. Photos of the 2010 Polar Plunge counting) for challenges our Special Olympics athletes and their family will be posted on www.polarplunge.com. Special Olym- members face every day,” Jeffrey added. “By overcoming the Editor’s note: A special thank you goes out to Harry Gerwien pics Virginia. challenge, though, these plungers will help our athletes meet of Military Newspapers of Virginia for braving the elements to “We have their challenge of a lifetime.” photograph the Polar Plunge® this year. The Flagship appreci- the great- While this year’s weather made for the coldest and most ates your dedication.

Polar Plunge® attendees provided great viewing with their variety of costumes. Waldo’s Warriors from Chesapeake get ready for the plunge.

This mans penguin suit provided a temporary shelter from the Richard Nixon of the Presidential Plungers of Chesapeake cold freezing wind and snow. Other participants braved the After many long minutes of waiting in the cold and freezing gives a presidential victory sign on his completion of this storm in attire for a summer dip. rain the plungers ran to the surf. years very cold Polar Plunge®.

Munchkins, Tin Man, Dorothy and the good witch of the West were part of the Wizard of Oz cast that took part in this years Safety was a prime concern for polar plungers. Here, safety personnel members of the U.S. Coast Guard are pre positioned in Polar Plunge®. The Oz group were all from Alcoa Howmet the surf for the event. Their survival wet suits kept them warm for the event. Hampton Plant in Hampton. Special pay defined for service members in Haiti operations Sailors serving in support of Operation Unified Response may be able to collect hardship duty, imminent danger pays

PRESS RELEASE Prince on Jan. 12. same legal interpretation to de- provided by Busch’s office fur- days will be eligible for HDP-L. Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs “Navy staffs have been collabo- termine the eligibility of their ther clarifies that for purposes of Those who work intermittently WASHINGTON — The Navy rating on providing this guidance crews.” IDP entitlements involving oper- on land would not be eligible. For has clarified eligibility for Im- to ensure we are getting it right The land area of Haiti has been ations in Haiti, the term ‘internal example, flight crews or corps- minent Danger Pay (IDP) and for our Sailors who are per- designated for payment of IDP at waters’ is defined as any waters men who are frequently on land, Hardship Duty Pay-Location forming this vital lifesaving $225 per month, and will not be landward of the low-water line. but routinely return to the ship (HDP-L) for Sailors serving in mission,” said Jeri Busch, head prorated for a partial month. The Waters landward of the outermost are not eligible. Those who are support of Operation Unified Re- of the military pay and com- land area includes internal wa- harbor works are also considered eligible will receive $100 per sponse providing humanitarian pensation policy branch for the ters and waters landward of the internal waters. month. operations for Haitians follow- Chief of Naval Personnel. “The baseline, in accordance with in- Only those Sailors on tem- For more news from Chief of ing a 7.0 magnitude earthquake goal is to ensure that all com- ternational law. porary duty to the land area of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy. that struck just outside of Port au manding officers are using the The guidance memorandum Haiti for 30 or more consecutive mil/local/cnp/. SOCIAL MEDIA Navy Twitter account @NavyNews fi nalist in Shorty Awards

PRESS RELEASE acceptance speeches, will be held about the Navy via Twitter can USS Normandy and more have From Defense Media Activity Anacostia in March in New York City. check out @NavyNews by visiting been effective in sharing sto- WASHINGTON — The Na- Capt. Dave Werner, who was http://twitter.com/navynews. ries, images and personal vy’s official Twitter account, the commanding offi cer of the for- Twitter users can vote by send- experiences in their re- @NavyNews, has been named mer Naval Media Center and led ing a tweet like this: I nominate @ lief efforts. In addition to one of six finalists in the “2010 its merge into Defense Media Ac- NavyNews for a Shorty Award in gaining and engaging with Shorty Awards” among more tivity, launched @NavyNews last #government because (reason). thousands of new fans than 250 nominations in the year to further share the Navy’s Voting closes out Feb.5. and followers, their ef- government category. story in the emerging media net- Twitter users number in the tens forts have been highlighted The other government fi nalists work. It currently has more than of millions according to multiple es- by national media includ- include NASA, Gov. Corey Book- 8,270 followers, made up chiefl y of timates. Its to-the-point approach ing Washington Post and er (Newark, New Jersey mayor), Sailors, veterans, family members has become a favorite source for CNN. Virginia State Parks, the Marine and supporters. He’s sent out more news, especially during breaking For a complete list of recog- Corps, and Israel Los Angeles. than 6,000 tweets, many including stories or crisis like the earthquake nized Navy social media sites, Recognized as the “Oscars of links to stories, images and content in Haiti. Its short, text feeds are also visit www.navy.mil/media/ Twitter,” the second annual Shorty made available on Navy.mil. mobile friendly, making it popular smd.asp. Awards has gained internation- “It’s really about the work Sail- with those on the go. al notoriety. Twitter users vote by ors are doing around the globe As more people turn to social sending a ‘tweet,’ which is a post of - effectively sharing that it in Twit- media sites like Twitter, Facebook, The Navy’s 140 characters or fewer. Votes for fi - ter is really the easy part,” Werner YouTube and Flickr to understand offi cial twitter nalists will be accepted from Feb. 1 said. “I think it’s also an extension and share the world around them, account - 5. Winners will be determined by a of the groundbreaking work by the Navy has continued to build its has been named a combination of the popular vote and Navy in the social media space led presence there. fi nalist by an evaluation by the members by MCPON West, Naval Air Forces Multiple ships responding to in the of the new Real-Time Academy of and others who are intelligently ex- Haiti turned to social media to en- “Oscars Short Form Arts & Sciences www. ploring, innovating and pushing the gage interested audiences on the of Twitter” rtacademy.org. An awards ceremo- envelope.” Navy’s efforts there. USS Carl Vin- the Shorty ny, complete with 140-character Those interested in learning son, USS Bataan, USNS Comfort, Awards.

Defending against social networking threats

Feb. 23 – NAS Oceana Base Theater Only 4 percent named LinkedIn as a security Feb. 24 – Naval Station Norfolk building C-9 threat. Feb. 25 – JEB Little Creek base theater 9 a.m., 1 Facebook is by far the largest social network – p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – and you’ll fi nd more bad apples in the biggest All DoD and family members welcome orchard said Graham Cluely from Sophos in a blog. Nearly two thirds (60 percent) of businesses be- When Facebook rolled-out its new recommend- lieve social network Facebook poses the biggest ed privacy settings late last year, it was a backwards threat to security, says Sophos. step, encouraging many users to share their infor- Research by the security fi rm Sophos for its Secu- mation with everybody on the internet. rity Threat 2010 report revealed that MySpace was While LinkedIn is considered to be the lest threat- voted second with 18 percent, closely followed by ening social network, it still provides hackers with a Twitter with 17 percent of votes. sizeable pool of information. DOD: President Obama sent Congress a proposed defense budget of $708 billion for 2011

Continued from page A1 Key highlights of the Book.” proposed DoD budget are The 2010 QDR and “To make sure we have outlined in the attached BMDR are available on- the resources needed to summary and charts. For line at www.defense. support our troops de- more information and to gov/DefenseReviews. ploying to the Afghanistan view the entire fiscal 2011 Transcripts from appli- theater, I will be asking budget proposal, please cable budget and strategic the Congress to enact the visit www.budget.mil and defense review briefings supplemental by spring download the “FY 2011 can also be viewed at www. 2010,” said Gates. Budget Request Overview defense.gov/transcripts. MURTHA: Rep. John Murtha U.S. Navy photo by LS1 Kelly Chastain HAITI: CSG 2 Sailors in unique died from complications of position to render assistance a recent surgery, Feb. 1 Continued from page A1 most difficult time,” said in uniform as a decorated Roughead. combat Marine, and then to the earthquake relief efforts standing up against U.S. “I was deeply saddened as an elected representa- military involvement in to hear of the passing of tive.” Continued from page A1 my team,” said Rear. Adm. be a part of this kind of team Iraq. But in Congress it- Jack Murtha,” wrote Sec- “I’ve known Jack and Thomas. “Helping the peo- and get the opportunity to self, he also symbolized worked with him for Haiti and ships operating off ple of Haiti in their hour of help people.” an old-school generation more than two decades, the coast. need has required everyone The Strike Group staff going back to Tip O’Neill Murtha a Marine starting back in the Rea- Most of the staff depart- to live and work outside of manning is currently aug- and the Democratic hey- gan administration when ed Cuba for Haiti Jan. 28 to their normal comfort zone. mented by 84 personnel day of the ’70s, when the veteran of the I was at CIA,” Gates con- support the Carrier Strike Like everyone involved in from Navy Construction Bat- House was less divid- tinued. “I will always Group Commander, Rear this mission, they’ve quickly talion Maintenance Unit 202. ed by partisan ideology Vietnam War, remember and be grate- Adm. Dave Thomas, as he and enthusiastically adapted A small number of person- than by often regional the 77-year-old ful for Congressman assumed command of Task to the unique circumstances nel remained in Cuba, and interests. Murtha’s personal ef- Force 41 (CTF 41), the U.S. and performed magnificent- 13 personnel are on board Chief of Naval Opera- Democrat won forts on behalf of the Navy’s sea-based element ly to help save lives.” BATAAN providing sup- tions Adm. Gary Roughead national fame Afghan resistance fight- supporting JTF-Haiti. Thom- Living in tents and work- port to Rear Adm. Thomas. said the Navy has lost a ing the Soviets - efforts as took command Feb. 1st, ing in a makeshift command For the rest of the staff liv- huge supporter. for standing that helped bring about after USS CARL VINSON center amidst the rubble and ing and working outside of “Our Navy is saddened the end of the Cold War.” (CVN 70) and its Carrier devastation in Haiti is indeed the embassy, they are get- by the passing of Chair- up against Gates concluded by Strike Group staff and lead- new ground for the staff, ting an up-close perspective man Murtha. He cared U.S. military writing, “In our dealings ership departed the area. which normally resides on- on how much the relief effort deeply for the men and over the years, Jack and Thomas is embarked aboard board an Aircraft Carrier. is making a difference for the women of our Navy and involvement in I did not always agree, the task force’s new flagship, “It is absolutely amazing,” people of Haiti. their families. Since Iraq. but I always respected the amphibious assault ship said Information Systems “You hear about the Na- 1974, Sailors and their his candor, and knew USS Bataan (LHD 5), but a Technician (IT) Seaman Ap- vy’s Global Force for Good families have known that he cared deeply majority of the staff stayed prentice Andrea Frank, the slogan,” said Capt. Jeff Aus- they have had a tire- about the men and wom- behind in Haiti to remain co- Strike Group’s most junior tin, the Strike Group’s less advocate working on retary of Defense Robert en of America’s military ordinated with the rest of the sailor. “I thought I’d be sleep- Operations Officer. “Well, their behalf, and he will Gates in a recent state- and intelligence commu- JTF on the ground. ing on a ship when I joined we are living it right now. It be missed. Our thoughts ment. “America has lost nity. My condolences to “I am so very proud of the Navy, not outside in a makes me so proud to be in and prayers are with the a true patriot who served Joyce and the rest of the each and every member of tent. But it feels so good to the United States Navy.” Murtha family during this his country faithfully first Murtha family.” SECTION B FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM February 11, 2010

The of FFSC teaches Sailors the ins the and outs of buying a vehicle BY MC1Art (AW) TIMOTHY COMERFORD Deal: The Flagship Staff any big purchase. The hour and a half one at FFSC or back at their command Yes they will have the car repossessed car-buying class is one of the FFSCs through a Command Financial Special- if they fail to make payments, Gamble NORFOLK — The Fleet and Fam- most attended classes and offers many ist. We talk about the options that Sailors explained, but the car payment doesn’t ily Support Center (FFSC) Hampton kinds of information to Sailors. The have when buying or leasing vehicles.” go away just because the car does. Roads holds a free-car buying seminar class answers questions about buying Then there is financing. “You will still have to pay and now each month at each of their offices or or leasing a vehicle, purchasing new or “There are people that have gone you no longer have a vehicle,” Gamble they can hold a class at individual com- used and fitting payments into a bud- out to dealerships and were financed said. mands when requested. But the class get. It also teaches the Sailors about through the dealership and are paying Gamble says the class also explains can teach anyone who is going out to the three parts of buying. 84 percent interest. One young lady, an the subjects dealers don’t mention make that big vehicle purchase; they “There are three deals in car buying E-4 bought an inexpensive car and she when you go to the dealership, like ve- don’t have to be on four wheels. – keep each one separate – the pur- was paying $900 a month – she couldn’t hicle insurance and gas consumption “Even though it is called car buying chase, the finance and the trade-in,” make her first payment,” Gamble said. that should be taken into consideration it can be used for other things,” said said Pam Gamble, Financial Education They use these scenarios to help when figuring out a budget. Pam Gamble, Financial Educator for Services at FFSC Norfolk. Sailors understand the “Sometimes – especially for younger Sail- FFSC Norfolk. “If you are going to buy “We have them make a consequences of ors -- insurance payments can be more than a truck or motorcycle, you will be do- budget – either one on bad financing. ing the same thing.” See ART OF THE DEAL, B11 The information offered is useful for making

VFA-32 celebrates its 65th Anniversary BY MCSN KAYLA JO GUTHRIE ministrationman 1st Class (AW) USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs Edison Mercer. With the wide variety of enlist- USS HARRY S. TRUMAN ed personnel and offi cers, the — The squadron has protected Swordsmen have a broad range national interests and security of capabilities they can perform. by providing tactical air support The squadron is the fi rst line of since Feb. 1, 1945. defense for strike fi ghting. Their The Swordsmen were original- assets include 12 F/A-18F Super ly known as VBF-3 and were the Hornets that provide strike fi ght- fi rst Navy carrier-based pilots to er support, in-fl ight refueling, and strike the homeland of the Japa- reconnaissance, said Mercer. nese Empire during World War “VFA-32 sets a standard for oth- II. er platforms,” explained Lt. Amy Through the history of the Gabriel. “We are the only squad- squadron, pilots have fl own a ron with a two-seat aircraft that Photo by MC3 Chad R. Erdmann Sailors wait for the big game to begin during an early morning Super Bowl XLIV party in the hanger bay of the wide variety of planes and set the has a pilot and a WSO (Weapons Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). standard for other squadrons to System Offi cer). We provide follow. The planes the air-to-ground support squadron have fl own missions that sup- include the F6F-5 port to troops Eisenhower Sailors cheer “Hellcat,” F8F-1 and person- “Bearcat,” F4U- nel on land. 4 “Corsair,” The squad- on the big game in style F9F-6 “Cou- ron also gar,” F8U-1 uses their “Crusader,” F- jets known BY MC2 ADAM PRINCE 4B “Phantom” as ‘tankers’ USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and F-14 “Tom- to perform cat.” in-flight USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, at Sea The refueling.” — Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carri- squadron In order er USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) has been a part to achieve enjoyed a little touch of home as they viewed a of the USS Harry the highest live broadcast of this year’s Super Bowl XLIV S. Truman Strike Group level of mission accom- match up between the New Orleans Saints since 2004. When the Swords- plishment it is important to have and Indianapolis Colts, Feb. 8. men transitioned to the FA-18F strong camaraderie and unit co- With a nine-hour time difference from Miami, Super Hornet in May 2005 they hesiveness. the Super Bowl party did not begin until 3:00 a.m. changed their squadron name to Mercer said that it is his fi rst However, the “late-night” kickoff did not deter VFA-32. time being part of a squadron and IKE Sailors from relaxing and cheering for The squadron’s great lega- his favorite part is being part of their teams. cy could not be accomplished the tight-knit community. “I think it makes us feel a part without the crew of offi cers and Both Gabriel and Geiger agree of society again. We know enlisted members. the unit camaraderie is what they our families are at home “The squadron consists of ap- enjoy most about VFA-32. watching the game,” said proximately 250 personnel, “The squadron works together Airman Denny Hockman including 35 offi cers and 215 en- as a team. We all share responsibil- from the Air Depart- listed members working together ities and work well with each other. ment. “Even though to complete the overall mission,” I enjoy seeing the pieces come to- we may lose a little said L.t. j.g. Bryan Geiger. gether and knowing that if I ever sleep, it is defi nitely “The enlisted person- have a question I will always have worth it to feel a lit- nel consist of information an expert to help me out,” said Ga- tle piece of home out systems technicians, aviation briel. here at sea.” ordnancemen, aviation structur- In celebration of their 65th anni- IKE’s Morale, Wel- al mechanics, aircrew survival versary, the squadron is designing fare and Recreation equipmentmen, aviation electron- a new mascot emblem similar to (MWR) hosted the event ics technicians, aviation structural the old one and is having a celebra- which included the game mechanic safety equipmentmen, tion dinner, Mercer added. on the movie screen in the aviation maintenance adminis- For more news from USS Harry trationmen , and a line shack,” S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www. See BIG GAME, B11 said Aviation Maintenance Ad- navy.mil/local/cvn75/. HOMEFRONT NEWS

Show the earth some eco-friendly SPOUSE love this Valentine’s Day BY JACQUELINE BODNAR 25 pounds of candy per year. During 2004 alone, around $14 billion worth of chocolate The perfect Valentine’s Day gift While every day of the year goods were sold, with an ad- is a good time to be environ- ditional $5.7 billion spent on BY CASEY SPURR I‘ve decided to consider Valen- preciate what they are doing, but mentally friendly, holidays non-chocolate candy. For the Navy wife and Blue Star Families tine’s Day as New Year’s Day in our a genuine expression of that grat- are especially important. Peo- eco-minded person, it comes Chapter Director marriage. It will be a day to commit itude is a gift beyond measure. ple tend to celebrate them as no surprise that much of I’m a hopeless romantic and I to new resolutions and show my The real gift is not just expressing in ways that take a lot of re- the cacao used in today’s can- freely admit this. I enjoy candlelit love and commitment to my hus- gratitude on Valentine’s Day, but re- sources to create, and that dies is produced with the help dinners, good old-fashioned love band. I happen to adore him, but membering how far a simple “thank leave a lot of waste to dispose of damaging pesticides, not letters and spontaneous expres- I realize that in the rush of our dai- you” goes every day of the year … of. From avoiding pesticides to mention child labor. The sions of affection. Despite my ly lives I may not exactly go out of even when we get so caught up in to using recycled paper, there good news is that organic and romantic nature, I think Valentine’s my way to show that all the time. I our daily routines that we forget to are many ways for your fam- Fair Trade chocolates are Day has become far too commer- think we need a day each year to re- say it. ily to be more eco-friendly, available that address both of cialized. I believe in the idea of mind us of the importance of what As for the actual celebration of this Valentine’s Day. You these issues. Check out your Valentine’s Day – I just don’t be- we have and get back to celebrating Valentine’s Day, I think I’ll pass don’t have to give up the local health-food store for op- lieve one should have to spend a our love. on dinner in a fancy restaurant. good tastes or the fun to keep tions. small fortune on expensive gifts It’s no secret that military mar- I’d rather start a new tradition of it green. to express his or her love. Call me riages aren’t easy. Our marriages spending the day alone with my SMELLING THE ROSES crazy, but $75+ dropped on the de- face unique challenges and some- husband – just the two of us. I can CARDS ABOUND livery of a dozen roses and then an times we get too caught up in think of no better day than lunch at Nearly $400 million worth hour or more waiting for a table at devoting attention to the challenges the humble little restaurant where One of the mainstays of of cut flowers are produced a trendy restaurant doesn’t exactly we face – forgetting to nurture our we had our fi rst date, visiting a mu- Valentine’s Day for children in the country, each year. exude romance. relationship with our spouse. In the seum or some other local spot and is the exchange of little hol- The downside is that most I feel like we are almost guilt- 2009 fi scal year that ended Sept. 30, then spending the evening curled iday cards. Your child goes are grown using a lot of pesti- ed into expensive Valentine’s Day there were an estimated 27,312 di- up on the couch with a good mov- to school with a box full and cides, which are damaging to traditions because we don’t want vorces among the nearly 765,000 ie and our favorite home cooked comes home with just as the environment. Those pesti- our beloved to think we don’t care married members of the active-duty meal. That is much more of a cele- many. Sure, they’re fun for cides may also linger and end enough to participate. It has be- Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine bration of us and certainly my idea the moment, but they’re soon up being brought into your come more or less a “put a check Corps, according to fi gures provid- of the perfect Valentine’s Day. forgotten and trashed. A lot of home. Certain stores, like in the box” kind of thing. Each ed by the Pentagon. With alarming resources go into making the Whole Foods Market, car- year I stress over the perfect gift numbers like this, perhaps all of us Casey Spurr is a Navy spouse who millions of small greetings ry organic flowers that come for my husband. He doesn’t really could use this special holiday to re- is actively involved in Blue Star Fam- that are doled out each year. with all the good and leave out want anything, but how could I let commit ourselves to the things that ilies and serves on her congressman’s When possible, opt for cards the bad. You can also check a holiday dedicated to the very cel- keep our marriages happy. The re- Military Family Affairs Committee. made out of recycled paper your local farmer’s market for ebration of love and romance pass lationship between a husband and a She lives in Virginia Beach with her or, better yet, let your chil- fresh-cut flowers grown with- without acknowledging my one wife is, after all, the most important husband and their 2-year-old son. To dren get creative and make out harsh chemicals. true love? There is a lot of pressure in a household. When we are truly contact Casey, send an e-mail to their own cards out of recy- Any steps you take this Val- surrounding this little day. happy with our spouses the entire [email protected]. cled materials. And, when all entine’s Day to make it more This year I decided to reinvent family benefi ts too. is said and done, be sure to environmentally friendly are the holiday. I asked my husband to This year instead of some trin- recycle as much of the ma- ones in the right direction. not send roses because I don’t want ket of my affection, I plan to let my terial and cards as possible, It’s a win-win situation for him to spend the money just be- husband know just how much I ap- once the holiday is over. all. You get a chance to teach cause the calendar says he should. preciate him and how much having your child how to respect I’m sure he thought this was just a him in my life means to me. I THAT SWEET TOOTH their home and make con- test to see if he’d send them anyway. believe an ounce of appre- scious choices to live green. I think a lot of women would agree ciation is the best You can’t help but no- At the same time, the person that being surprised with fl owers gift any of us can tice all the brightly colored on the receiving end of the any other day of the year “just be- give our spous- heart-shaped boxes of the gift learns about the issues, cause I love you” is far better than a es. Too often sweet stuff that stock the and the planet benefits from dozen roses delivered “just because we begin to shelves, this time of year. less pollution. it’s Valentine’s Day.” I’m not sug- take for grant- We Americans love our can- gesting we should merely ignore ed the little dy, especially chocolate. In Jacqueline Bodnar is a free- the holiday altogether, I just think things they do fact, the U.S. Census Bu- lance writer that lives in Port there needs to be a better way to ac- to make us hap- reau reports that the average Orange, Fla. with her husband knowledge and celebrate a couple’s py. That’s not to Americans consumes about and two children. love for one another. say that we don’t ap-

Reach out to p NewsChannel 3’s Bianca MARRIED Martinez at bianca. to the Military [email protected]. Be sure to check out “Do My Military Job” every Wednesday at 11 The proudest moments p.m. on NewsChannel 3! College money, Aisle 3 BY BIANCA MARTINEZ them, I am proud to see that the men and women of It is a struggle fi nding money to pay for your As you likely know, a the United States military came to stand beside them. children’s college tuition. Any little bit can help. So here few months ago, the Navy In our newsroom we received a fl ood of press releas- is something you may not have known. The commissary changed their slogan. Little es about the activations of different ships rushing to the gives scholarships. Now, the deadline is right around the did the Depart- assistance of the tiny Ca- corner so as I give you a little more info, start gathering ment of Defense ribbean country. It gave your thoughts. know how soon me goose bumps to know The applications are available in commissaries worldwide and online. Since the program was started the branch would that our community would in 2000, over $7.3 million has been awarded. The be living up to that have a direct affect on how scholarships are for $1,500 each. To qualify the applicant credo. Hampton many lives could be saved must be a dependent, unmarried, younger than 21 child Roads’ Sailors from the crumbled build- of active duty personnel, Reserve, Guard and retired and Sailors from across the country right ings and lost homes. military members, survivors of service members who now are the fi nest of examples of what it And then more press died while on active duty or survivors of someone who means. releases came in the fol- died while receiving retired pay from It is always so hard to be left at home lowing week. They were the military. base. It’s hard when your spouse gets spun up in a fi lled with stories of hope and faith. It sent chills up my There is an essay involved on this matter of days, heck hours, to go and answer their spine to know that my neighbor was getting food and topic: “You can travel back in time; call of duty. However, for so many this time was differ- water to those that need it most. It brought tears to my however, you cannot change events. What point in history would you visit ent. In the light of the tragedy in Haiti, our challenge eyes to know that someone I worked with on one of and why?” of being left to hold down the fort seems so small. my Do My Military Jobs was caring for so many of the Interested? Head to www. The country of Haiti is in shambles. Children are liv- children now left without parents. It did my heart good militaryscholar.org. Good Luck!! ing in tents and some can not even fi nd their parents. when I heard about the two ships that reunited a new Their luxuries are what we consider our necessities. I mom and her baby left in a box outside the rubble. can not imagine the loneliness the country and its peo- Months ago the new slogan of the U.S. Navy was ple must have felt immediately after the earthquake. announced. “A Global Force For Good” and now it is Although they have a long and tough road ahead of the essence of who these proud sailors are.

You can catch Bianca Martinez anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts with Kurt Williams during the work week. You can also follow her laughter, stress and tears as a military wife in her blog, “Married to the Military,” weekly in the Flagship. Personal Finance Seminar offers new ideas to Oceana Sailors STORY AND PHOTO BY fail at financial success because of MC2 KRISTAN ROBERTSON Peter Bielagus, fear. “We live in an age of financial NAS Oceana Public Affairs “Young America’s anxiety. You need to face your fears Financial Coach”, and protect your dreams in this re- VIRGINIA BEACH — The takes time to talk to cession.” Oceana Sailors and second part of the annual “Military With that fear comes “second answer questions Saves” campaign, the Personal Fi- after the Personal hand stress” he added, which in- nance Seminar, was held at the Finance Seminar cludes other family members or Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana held at the base close friends influencing your abil- base theater Feb. 4. theater Feb. 4. The ity to get past your own fears with Author, speaker and consultant seminar was the their fears as well. Peter Beilagus, known as Young second of three “Make a list of any and all of America’s Financial Coach was a parts of the Military your anxieties.” Boston suggest- guest speaker, along with Kelvin Saves Program ed. “Then go through and find the sponsored by NAS Boston, host of PBS’s “Money- things you can fix and fix them. Oceana Fleet and wise” series. Family Support Find the ones that you need help Beilagus opened with the widely Center in efforts to with and get the help you need. As used excuse that so much finan- get military members for the ones you can’t do anything cial trouble starts with the attitude on the path to about, pray and move on.” that it is never “a good time” to financial freedom. The seminar closed with both start saving money. to motivate people to take control. close credit card accounts, but let felt like the luckiest uncle alive. It’s speakers meeting Sailors to answer “If nothing from this seminar He offered tips on how to orga- the accounts close due to inactivi- important to look at the wonderful questions about personal situa- sinks in, please remember this,” he nize goals and improve personal ty, he added. stuff around us to create those feel- tions. They also invited everyone said. “Start saving before you need credit scores by first fixing mis- From personal experience, ings of fulfillment for free.” to find out more and take charge of to start.” He went on to explain that takes on credit reports, paying off Beilagus also pointed out the stig- During the second half of the their finances by contacting Fleet there will always be something in debts and establishing good pay- ma of buying things to impress seminar, Kelvin Boston took over and Family Support Center for pro- the way, but it is a matter of orga- ment history. other people. to compare pursuing financial suc- grams and resources to start taking nizing personal goals and having “A common misconception is “Don’t get caught in the cycle of cess to playing a game, one he control immediately. the desire and initiative to achieve that you should pay a little each trying to change your emotional called “Who’s Afraid to Be a Mil- The NAS Oceana FFSC can be financial freedom. month on loans and credit cards state,” he said. “I could fill a book lionaire?,” the title of one of his reached at 433-2912. To find out Beilagus speaks to military in- to improve credit, but in actual- with all the things I don’t have… books to help master financial and more about Peter Beilagus and stallations, colleges, high schools ity, you should pay off debt as but there are moments that I for- emotional stress. Kelvin Boston and their products, and even corporations all over the soon as you can, or pay an extra get about what I don’t have, like “You may decide not to play,” helpful hints and resources, vis- country using a mix of personal bit each month until it’s paid off,” the moment I received an e-mail Boston said, “but it will play you.” it www.peterspeaks.com and www. experiences, humor and emotion Beilagus said. Also, you shouldn’t with an ultrasound of my niece; I Boston noted that many people moneywise.tv, respectively. Naval Officer enlists wife into Air Force Reserve force

BY LT. PATRICK EVANS Public Affairs Officer That pride continued to my husband’s career. We Force offers her.” to serving your county.” the opportunity to finish my Submarine Group Two shine, even though Shane, would love to be dual career- Shane and Amy were not According to Amy, mil- education with military as- who has been in the Navy oriented until he retires. I alone in this decision. The itary service was an easy sisting me,” she said. “My GROTON, Conn. — Lt. nearly 22 years, tried to con- would like to retire from the couple, who will celebrate decision. “I love the mil- goal is to become an officer Cmdr. Shane Guilford, Sub- vince Amy to chose Navy service and acquire a retire- their 18th wedding anni- itary,” she said. “It has like my husband. I am show- marine Group Two Supply blue over Air Force blue. ment as well.” versary in June, have two afforded me and my family ing that it is never too late to Officer, enlisted his wife, “Of course. That was This is a new beginning girls: Sydney, 16; and, Mi- the opportunity for a won- accomplish your dream. Amy, into the Air Force my first choice,” he said. for Amy, who said she “felt chaela, 12. derful life. Even with all the “They both love me and Reserves on Jan. 13. Mrs. “However, the education honored to have the man “They are a little worried sacrifices, I would choose support what I am doing. Guilford will be attached to and training benefits the who I love and who is so about it, as they should be,” this life again.” They have had all my atten- the 439th Aerospace Medi- Air Force offered her out- accomplished to be able to said Shane. “Amy is taking As she embarks on this tion for the last 17 years, and, cine Squadron as a Medical weighed her loyalty to the help me on my journey to a big step. That said, the latest course along her life, I must say, I have raised won- Laboratory Apprentice at Navy.” start my career again.” girls are also very proud Amy is setting long-term derful, well-adjusted, strong Westover Air Force Base “I would have joined the “My wife is a strong, of her for taking this on ‘at goals for herself and her girls. I hope that they can go (AFB) in Springfield, Mass. Navy,” said Amy, “but the smart, independent person,” her age.’ Their words, not family. She wants to get a into the world and see that “My wife has sacrificed need for, and what interest- said Shane, 40, a graduate mine,” laughed Shane. Master’s degree in Bio-en- they can accomplish any- for me for many years while ed, me was not available. from Eastern Connecticut “The girls know the risk, vironmental Management. thing they desire. I hope to, I was away,” said Shane. “It’s I chose the Air Force be- State University and the Na- and they know the securi- Currently, she is a junior at one day, enlist one of them, my turn to support her. I was cause they had the Medical val Postgraduate School. “I ty of the service,” remarked Eastern Connecticut State so they can have the bene- very proud and honored to Lab Tech job available and know she can handle what- Amy, 39. “I have explained University. fits and the pride of serving be able to enlist her.” their program worked with ever challenges the Air that there are great benefits “This path will afford me their country,” she said. CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Local Seven Deadly Sins: Greed

BY CMDR. JOHN HANNIGAN exist. Nearly every kind of his wealth shall not follow or a bit more. service times H&S Battalion Chaplain, sin could be placed under him down.” (Psalm 42:18) Greed is one of the ugli- MCB Quantico one of the seven catego- It was a sin of Judas Is- est of sins. LDS PROGRAMS ries. With that said, let’s cariot who loved money Editor’s Note: This is the JEB Little Creek Chapel Worship Schedule: The misconception begin. so much that he even be- first of a seven-part series Noon — Sun. Worship (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) about the list of seven trayed Jesus for 30 pieces on the ‘‘Seven Deadly Sins.” 8 p.m. — Wed. Bible Study ‘‘deadly” sins is that they GREED of silver. These particular seven are (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) are sins that God will not This is about more though a list originally used in forgive. The Bible is clear Greed is one of the sev- than money. The virtue early Christian teachings that the only sin God will en capital sins. It is the against which greed sins to educate and instruct NAVAL STATION NORFOLK not forgive is that of con- excessive love for, and is generosity which means followers concerning fall- ROMAN CATHOLIC PROTESTANT tinued unbelief, because seeking after, wealth and letting others get the credit en man’s tendency to sin. Our Lady of Victory Chapel David Adams Memorial it rejects the only means other worldly possessions. or praise. It is giving with- Several of the Chaplains Mass Schedule: Chapel Worship Services: to obtain forgiveness Greed is also called covet- out having expectations of aboard MCB Quantico 5 p.m. — Sat. 10:30 a.m.— Sun. – Jesus Christ and his ousness and avarice. the other person. Greed have collaborated on this (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) Worship substitutionary death on A greedy person strives wants to get its ‘‘fair share” series. 10 a.m.— Sun. Wednesday Services: the cross. for more riches than he 11:45 a.m.— Mon.- Fri. 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.— Bible Is the idea of seven requires, and is never Catholic Mass aboard guided- (except holidays) Study Noon “Lunch deadly sins found in the content, however much Confessions: with the Lord” Bible? Yes and no. he already possesses. missile cruiser USS Hue City 4:15 p.m. Sat. Proverbs 6:16-19 de- From greed arise hard- For more information call clares, ‘‘There are six heartedness towards the Naval Station Norfolk Chapel 444-7361 things the Lord hates, poor, lying, cheating, usu- seven that are detestable ry, defrauding laborers of to him: wages, and other sins. JEWISH PROGRAMS ‘‘Those who seek to 1. Haughty eyes become rich fall into Commodore Uraih P. Levy Chapel: Jewish services are 2. A lying tongue temptation and a snare; at Norfolk chapel in Building C7 on the Second Floor 3. Hands that shed inno- for covetousness is the every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Building C7 is located at 1630 cent blood root of all evils.” (1 Timo- Morris St. on Naval Base Norfolk. For more information 4. A heart that devises thy 6:9-10) Greed destroys call 444-7361 or 7363. wicked schemes faith, for the avaricious 5. Feet that are quick to are so absorbed in mon- MUSLIM PROGRAMS rush into evil ey getting that they have Masjid al Da’wah 6. A false witness who no time for their spiritual 2nd Floor (Bldg. C-7): Muslim services are pours out lies welfare. at Norfolk chapel every Friday at 1:30 p.m. 7. A man who stirs up To provide for one’s fu- dissension among brothers ture and that of one’s family is praiseworthy. To JEB LITTLE CREEK CHAPEL However, this list is not avoid waste and extrava- what most people under- gance is a virtue. ROMAN CATHOLIC Confessions: stand as the seven deadly We meet with greedy Mass Schedule: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. — Sat. sins. persons among both rich 5 p.m.— Sat. PROTESTANT According to Pope Greg- and poor. Often among the (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) 9 a.m. — Sun. School ory the Great in the 6th rich there is money with- 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. — Sun. (4 years-Adult) century, the seven deadly out avarice, and among 11:30 a.m. — Tues. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. — Sun. sins are: Pride, envy, glut- the poor, avarice without (except holidays) Divine Worship, tony, lust, anger, greed money. Children’s Church and sloth. Liberality, which dis- (Ages 4-10) Although these are un- poses us rightly to use PWOC: Bible Study at the Chapel Annex Every Wed. deniably sins, they are worldly goods, is opposed Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: 10 a.m. - noon never given the descrip- to greed. PWOC: Evening Bible Study Every Mon.: 7 p.m. tion of ‘‘the seven deadly The greedy person is Latter Day Saints Coffeehouse sins” in the Bible. The tra- very foolish. He works 11:30 a.m. — Sun. 6 p.m. — Sun. ditional list of seven deadly hard all his life and be- sins can function as a good comes hated by men. His Photo by MC3 Matthew Bookwalter Cmdr. Jon Brzek, a chaplain aboard the Nimitz-class For more information call JEB way to categorize the money is left to heirs who Little Creek Chapel 462-7427 aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), many different sins that most probably ridicule his conducts Catholic Mass during a visit to the guided- miserliness. ‘‘For when he missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66). Hue City is deployed (the greedy person) dies, with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group as part of an he shall take none of it; on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces. CPPD hosts educational planning, counseling conference

PRESS RELEASE From Center for Personal “Much like the NCO’s pro- local Navy College Offices for and Professional Development grams, the mission of the the first time as a result of this Public Affairs NMCRS’s education program week’s event,” Rowe said. “I look is to help eligible Navy and Ma- forward to helping them all estab- VIRGINIA BEACH — The rine Corps service members and lish their education plan and start Center for Personal and Profes- families pursue their academ- their journey.” sional Development’s (CPPD) ic goals by providing a source ESO/CCC conferences in Norfolk Navy College Office (NCO) of education financing,” said are conducted quarterly to ensure all hosted an Educational Services Nelson. commands have the most up-to-date Officer (ESO)/Command Career The conference provided op- information on military education Counselor (CCC) Conference portunities for attendees to meet programs. The next Norfolk-based Jan. 27-29 in Norfolk, Va. with college representatives to conference will be held April 21- Topics presented at the con- ask questions and to hear what 23. ference included educational Sailors need to do to get started The Hampton Roads area NCOs planning and counseling, vet- on their educational goals. will also be hosting region-wide erans education benefits, the “Even with many of our ships Navy College Program Distance Troops to Teachers program, deployed to support the opera- Learning Partnership education Navy College Program Afloat tions in Haiti, we were thrilled fairs the week of April 26-30 to College Education and improving with the large audience turnout provide Sailors and their fami- Armed Services Vocational Apti- this week,” said Maria Rowe, di- lies with direct access to partner tude Battery scores. rector of the Norfolk NCO. colleges that support the local “There is no more important Sailors from over 20 different area. thing you can do for your chain of commands attended the three- For more information about command than to advise them of day conference. the programs and support offered their Sailors’ career advancement “Every one of these attend- by the 52 worldwide NCOs, visit opportunities,” said Kathy Nel- ees serves as a ‘force multiplier’ www.navycollege.navy.mil. son, director of the Navy/Marine for CPPD and our Navy College For more information about Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) in Offices, taking important infor- CPPD, visit https://www.netc. Norfolk. mation back to their commands navy.mil/centers/cppd/ . Photo by MC1 Charlemagne Obana Nelson, a former commanding to assist their chain of command For more news from Center Topics presented at the conference included educational planning and officer, stressed the importance and their Sailors,” said Rowe. for Personal and Professional counseling, veterans education benefits, the Troops to Teachers program, of military education programs to “I’m sure we’ll have a num- Development, visit www.navy.mil/ Navy College Program Afloat College Education and improving Armed the audience. ber of new students visiting our local/voledpao/. Services Vocational Aptitude Battery scores. CNE teaches valve maintenance to ensure fleet readiness PRESS RELEASE maintain their skillset af- conduct preventative and that when the student re- Training Support Center ter initial training at “A” corrective maintenance ports back to their ship Hampton Roads and Naval Education and Training School. In the future, A+ and valve replacement.” they have the knowledge Command Public Affairs Training will also include The course is also an al- and ability to do their job,” water-tight door mainte- ternative for ships to save said Machinist’s Mate NORFOLK — The Cen- nance, pump maintenance money on replacement, 2nd Class Mark Shayaye, ter for Naval Engineering and electrical control de- and repair by civilian con- valve maintenance course (CNE) now offers courses vice maintenance. tractor costs. instructor. “The positive on valve maintenance to “A+ Training came about “Instead of purchasing response to the training East Coast-based Sailors after analyzing inspection new valves Sailors will be has been overwhelming.” at their learning facility reports and receiving feed- able to repair valves in- CNE will also offer the in Norfolk to ensure fleet back from the fleet,” said stead of having their ship course to West Coast- readiness. Master Chief Hull Tech- spend time and money on based Sailors at their CNE will also offer the nician Ronnie Merriman, valve replacement,” said learning facility in San Di- course to West Coast- CNE leading chief petty Wesley. “Our intent is to ego by mid- March. based Sailors at their officer. “We’re doing our Photo by MC3 Peter Merrill have Sailors who com- To learn more about learning facility in San Di- part to ensure fleet readi- Center for Naval Engineering (CNE) now offers courses plete the course to report Center for Naval Engineer- ego by mid- March. ness by providing training on valve maintenance to East Coast-based Sailors at their back to their ship’s more ing visit https://www.netc. The course is part of that’s current and up-to- learning facility in Norfolk as part of CNE’s newest addition to confident and competent navy.mil/centers/cne/. CNE’s newest addition date.” its curriculum called A+ Training. in their maintenance abil- For more news from Na- to its curriculum called “The course is designed ‘by the book’ procedural System Technician Pat- ities.” val Education and Training A+ Training. The course to build on existing skills knowledge,” said CNE’s rick Wesley. “Sailors need “We make the train- Command, visit www.navy. will help ensure Sailors and abilities, and provide Senior Chief Gas Turbine to identify discrepancies, ing as real as possible so mil/local/cnet/. OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE Normandy provides helping hand to La Gonave

BY ENSIGN ADAM R. COLE USS Normandy Public Affairs

LA GONAVE, Haiti — Sailors from guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) delivered humanitarian assistance to the population in the Haitian island of La Gonave Feb. 2 in support of Operation Unified Response. La Gonave lies about 20 miles off the coast of Haiti, and the is- land itself is more than 30 miles long. The area that Normandy has primarily been responsible for providing relief is on the south- western edge. “While we know that much of the heavy lifting is being done in Port-au-Prince,” said Normandy Commanding Officer Jeffrey T. Griffin. “We know we are making a significant impact to the people of La Gonave, especially the inter- nally displaced people that fled Photo by Lt. j.g. Heather Heyob there after the earthquake.” Haitians and Sailors assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) carry humanitarian rations toward a humanitarian aid distribution Normandy has been delivering center. Normandy is deployed supporting Operation Unified Response. humanitarian rations, provided by a U.S.-based non-profit hu- firsthand the gratitude from the boats (RHIB) to survey along the Lt. Cmdr. Michael Faust, Nor- Normandy deployed Jan. 13, manitarian food-aid organization people we were helping.” coast of La Gonave. If piers were mandy’s chief engineer, was the from Norfolk to support Opera- called “Kids Against Hunger.” Normandy’s embarked heli- not available, Normandy Sailors officer-in-charge on Normandy’s tion Unified Response, the U.S. More than 70,000 portions of copter detachment, the Mayport, were ferried ashore with the as- second visit into Pointe des Lata- Southern Command-led effort those rations, which is essen- Fla.-based Helicopter Anti-sub- sistance from local fisherman. nier. He observed a “resilient to provide humanitarian assis- tially a nutria-grain mix with the marine Squadron Light (HSL) The shore party, a 25-man team, community,” one that was grate- tance and disaster relief to Haiti calories of a full meal, medical 46, Detachment 3, has been would then coordinate with local ful for the help and that was very in the wake of a 7.0-magnitude supplies and about 700 gallons of crucial in the assessment and leadership to set up a distribution much about helping each other, earthquake that occurred on Jan. water have been delivered to the assistance process. Helicopters center. If possible, a helicopter even giving some of their aid to a 12. coastal towns of Boden, Pointe have been taking pallets of the landing zone would be set up to nearby settlement. As the Navy component des Latanier and Pointe a Perrot. “Kids Against Hunger” boxes and further receive humanitarian aid “The children were priceless command of U.S. Southern Com- Three separate visits were made delivering them to designated supplies via air delivery. with endless smiles,” said Faust. mand, NAVSO’s mission is to to Boden and two to Pointe des landing zones near or inside the Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class All those that go say they have direct U.S. naval forces operat- Latanier. towns. (Surface Warfare) Maxy Baskin, been touched by what they have ing in the Caribbean, Central and Normandy initially visited Pe- “It feels good to be helping the a native of Haiti, has been a cru- witnessed in the severity of con- South American regions and in- tit de Nippes on Haiti’s southern people of Haiti in this manner,” cial link by acting as the shore ditions, including the joy of the teract with partner nation navies peninsula region, and MEDEVAC Lt. j.g. Matthew Headley, a pi- party’s translator for each people, particularly the children within the maritime environment. an 11-year-old girl with yellow lot with HSL 46, Det 3, who went visit. and their good cheer. The kids In support of Operation Unified fever, as well as gave them 20 gal- with the Normandy crew to Point “This is amazing to be able to play games such as “kick the Response, C4F is tasked to coor- lons of fuel for the town generator a Perrot. “We so often take for help my [native] country like can”, “telephone” and “tag” with dinate the U.S. Navy’s response to provide power to the town for a granted all that we have, as Amer- this,” said Baskin. “It is just great glee. to disaster relief in Haiti following number of days. icans. [Here] We were delivering great to be able to give aid in this “The kids don’t have much, but a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. “It’s a humbling and rewarding basic essentials, food, water, and manner, to touch people’s lives what they do have, they make the 12. The focus of Operation Uni- experience,” said Griffin. “This is medical supplies that are com- directly, to know that you are giv- most of,” said Fire Controlman fied Response is to alleviate the certainly a different type of mis- monplace to us, but is something ing them something they truly 2nd Class (SW) Melanie Cheso- suffering of survivors and sup- sion than what we train for, but they desperately need. I can’t get need.” nis, who enjoyed dancing with port humanitarian relief efforts. we’re more than happy to do it. I enough of this mission.” Nearly every Sailor on Nor- the kids and playing their games. For more news from Command- was able to personally go ashore For each assessment and as- mandy has had the opportunity “It’s not us helping them, but er, U.S. Naval Forces Southern when we sent aid to Pointe des sistance mission, Normandy to go ashore and participate in them helping us in giving a differ- Command, visit www.navy.mil/lo- Latanier, and I was able to see launched rigid hull inflatable the mission. ent perspective of the world.” cal/cusns/. OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE Beachmaster unit clears the way for relief in Haiti BY MC3 SAMANTHA ROBINETT USS Bataan Public Affairs Beachmasters food and other goods out of gratitude for their GRAND GOAVE, Haiti — extensive help in the area. Beachmaster Unit Two (BMU-2) “They offer us many different embarked aboard the multipur- things to show their gratitude,” pose amphibious assault ship USS said Booker. “They even ask us Bataan (LHD 5) has been work- to play basketball and soccer with ing the beaches of Grand Goave, them. It is really fun to be out Haiti, to keep disaster relief sup- here with these kids on a day-to- plies packed aboard air cushion day basis and see how happy they landing craft (LCAC) moving be- remained in the face of chaos. It tween shore and ship and into the makes me even happier that we hands of the Haitian people who can be out here helping them.” need them most. Beachmasters go ashore ev- BMU-2’s mission is to provide eryday to ensure that all the craft tactical components in support coming ashore are in proper of the Bataan Amphibious Relief working order to fulfill their du- Mission. They also assist with ties and responsibilities to best the evacuation of casualties, and serve the needs of the Haitian facilitate the movement of troops, population affected by the recent equipment and supplies over the earthquake Jan. 12. beach. USS Bataan (LHD 5) along with “We transfer a lot of person- the dock landing ships USS Fort nel everyday,” said Gunner’s McHenry (LSD 43), USS Carter Mate 2nd Class Calvin Book- Photo by MC2 Gabriel S. Weber Hall (LSD 50) and USS Gunston er, a member of BMU-2. He Beachmaster Unit Two (BMU-2) embarked aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD Hall (LHD 44) are deployed as said the Beachmasters bring out 5) works the beaches of Grand Goave, Haiti, keeping disaster relief supplies packed aboard air cushion landing part of the Bataan Amphibious craft (LCAC) moving into the hands of the Haitian people who need them most. Navy volunteers working at a lo- Relief Mission, supporting Oper- cal missionary, along with food, fic control section directs boat communications with Bataan and ly,” said Booker. “I was expecting ation Unified Response to provide water and supplies to continue traffic in the surf zone; includ- enters prescribed radio nets. devastated people and a lot of military support capabilities to supporting the people of Haiti ing beaching and retracting the BMU-2 has spent a great deal chaos, but we haven’t seen that. civil authorities and to help stabi- and non-governmental organiza- landing craft, and directing the of time ashore in Haiti, and re- In fact, they have tried to learn lize and improve the situation in tions in the relief effort. smooth and efficient flow of per- silient and good natured tend to English and tried to teach us Cre- the wake of this disaster. A Beach Party Team consists sonnel and material over the enter the conversation when de- ole.” For more news from USS Bata- of traffic control and salvage, and beach. The communications sec- scribing their hosts. Booker said the locals have an (LHD 5), visit www.navy. communications units. The traf- tion establishes visual and radio “The Haitians are very friend- been very friendly, offering the mil/local/lhd5/. Comfort MEDEVACS Haitian patients to U.S. for further care

BY MC3 TIMOTHY WILSON USNS Comfort Public Affairs it seems to be working,” ple who require care is vided has not changed; more than 30 multination- Sherck said. “The patients massive and Haiti needs they are looking into more al partners have banded PORT-AU-PRINCE, we are sending may re- additional help, said Air resources so we can care together in Operation Uni- Haiti — Five Haitians and quire some length of care, Force Lt. Col. Christle for these patients.” fied Response to provide one American travelled but the cases we are pick- Shavers, chief of patient The most predominant disaster relief to Haiti. Cur- to North Carolina for ad- ing are individuals that will movement team at the injuries resulting from rent estimates by Haitian vanced medical treatment be able to return to Haiti Port-au-Prince airport. the earthquake and re- officials indicate that more Feb. 2 as a result of a joint as fully functioning indi- She added that the U.S. quiring care are complex than 200,000 Haitians died U.S. military effort. viduals in their society.” military is here to help orthopedic cases related in the 7.0 earthquake that The patients were evac- Before any decision facilitate the process of to people being trapped in struck Jan. 12, and another uated from Port-au-Prince is made to convey Hai- healing. rubble. In addition, spinal 300,000 were left injured after being released from tians to the United States, With the numbers of pa- fracture, burn and pediat- in the wake of the devasta- the hospital ship USNS doctors aboard Comfort tients requiring advanced ric patients often require tion. In addition to medical Comfort (T-AH 20) due to review each case and de- care, facilitating them re- extensive follow-up treat- care already provided by their injuries exceeding termine the best location mains a task requiring a ment to complete the care various agencies with- the capabilities of medi- for treatment. If possible, great deal of detailed plan- process. in the Caribbean nation, cal resources available in medical treatment is pro- ning and concentration. “We are giving the same more than 2,000,000 water Haiti. vided on board Comfort. “(Recently) we did not level of care that we are bottles and daily food ra- Lt. Cmdr. Eric Sher- If not, there are a number have patient movement providing to our Soldiers tions have been provided Photo by MC2 Shannon Warner ck, medical liaison officer of medical care centers for two days because we and Sailors when they are to help ease the suffering Hospitalman Christopher R. aboard Comfort, regularly waiting to lend a helping were trying to find differ- in a combat zone,” said of the Haitian people. Brossard, assigned to the Military helps to coordinate trans- hand. ent locations to receive Navy Lt. Eric Hardy, a For more news about the Sealift Command hospital ship portation of patients like “Medical facilities in the the patients,” Shavers staff nurse on board Com- relief efforts in Haiti, visit USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), gives a patient aboard Comfort a shot to those sent to North Caro- U.S. are volunteering ser- said. “The commitment fort. www.navy.mil/haiti/index. prevent blood clotting. Five Haitians lina who require advanced vices after seeing patients the United States has pro- The United States and html. were evacuated to a North Carolina medical care. on the news,” Sherck Medical Facility for treatment “It’s a daily process we said. beyond the scope of the ship. constantly re-evaluate and The amount of peo- Truman Strike Group participates in sustainment exercise BY MC3 DAVID R. FINLEY USS Harry S. Truman fight off simulated attacks. in the world when called Public Affairs “The other ships are play- upon. ing simulated bad guys,” The HST CSG is com- USS HARRY S. TRU- said Rankin. “They have prised of the aircraft MAN — The USS Harry a plan to come out and at- carrier USS Harry S. Tru- S. Truman (CVN 75) and tack HST CSG. We have to man (CVN 75), with its key elements of its carrier engage them and actually embarked air wing, Carrier strike group (CSG) recent- demonstrate we can protect Air Wing( CVW) 3, Com- ly completed a successful the ship in that kind of envi- mander, Strike Group 10, sustainment training ex- ronment.” and embarked Destroyer ercise (SUSTAINEX) in Plenty of Sailors were glad Squadron 26 staff, guid- preparation for its next de- to be back out to sea and ed missile cruiser USS ployment. felt the SUSTAINEX evo- Normandy (CG 60); guid- The carrier, Carrier Air lution was a great success, ed missile destroyers USS Wing 3 and destroyers were including Capt. Nelson Cas- Ross (DDG 71), USS Oscar at sea from Jan. 20 - Feb. 1 tro, chief of staff for Carrier Austin (DDG 79) and USS to take part in the exercise Photo by MC2 Kilho Par Strike Group 10. Winston S. Churchill (DDG The aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) kept trained by recertifying their capabilities as which serves as a key train- “First, after spending the 81). they wait for deployment. ing element for keeping the last few years in the joint CVW-3 consists of Strike strike group trained and JTFEX,” said Cmdr. Joe together in a variety of tac- operate without being in community, it’s great to be Fighter Squadrons VFA- ready. Gadwill, strike operations tical situations and ensures range of a divert field,” said back at sea,” Castro said. 32, VFA-37, VFA-105 and “After Joint Task Force officer. “We worked with the strike group and its Rankin. “A lot of the time “With respect to the SUS- VMFA-312; Tactical Elec- Exercise (JTFEX) in Sep- other ships within our own crew are ready for deploy- on deployment, we are ei- TAINEX, I was just inspired tronics Warfare Squadron tember, we were completely strike group as a coalition. ment. ther in the middle of an by the strike group Sailors VAQ-130; Carrier Airborne trained up and ready to go It’s called SUSTAINEX, be- “One of the main reasons ocean where a divert field and Marines and their effi- Early Warning Squadron on cruise,” said Cmdr. Chris cause we are sustaining our we are out here is to get our is too far away or we are off ciency, professionalism and VAW-126; and Helicopter Rankin, air operations offi- readiness.” COE [Combat Operations the coast of a hostile land discipline throughout the Anti-Submarine Squadron cer. “When the deployment SUSTAINEX is a recerti- Efficiency] recertification,” where divert fields are not exercise.” HS-7. date slid we had to figure fication evolution designed said Gadwill. available.” With the completion of For more news from USS out a way to maintain our to test the capabilities of “What COE means is The exercise calls for SUSTAINEX, HST CSG Harry S. Truman (CVN readiness.” the carrier strike group. It the carrier and air wing HST CSG to deal with real- remains fully trained and 75), visit www.navy.mil/lo- “We ran it like a mini evaluates how ships work are proficient enough to life combat situations and ready to deploy anywhere cal/cvn75/. Gunslingers get temporarily snowed in during Nevada training PRESS RELEASE the skies. Carrier Air Wing Three The Gunslingers trained Public Affairs for the many missions which a Strike Fighter The Gunslingers of VFA- pilot must be proficient in- 105 recently returned from cluding Close Air Support a two week detachment to (CAS), Air Warfare, and NAS Fallon with Carrier Large Force Exercises that Air Wing THREE (CVW- integrate assets from the 3). Looking to refine their entire Air Wing. skills and further increase The hard work and ded- their combat readiness, ication of the Gunslinger the Gunslingers were met ordnance division, led by with a December snow- Chief Warrant Officer Rob- storm in the high desert of ert Campbell, enabled Nevada. pilots to successfully Members The six inches of drop 61,000 pounds of the fresh powder and of ordnance on the Gunslingers single digit temper- Fallon Range Com- VFA-105 atures made flying plex. brush snow sorties difficult dur- Sailors battled off a F-18E ing the first week, the cold and icy super hornet so pilots attended lec- conditions while in Fallon tures at the Naval Strike loading jets with 500, 1,000, Nevada. The Gunslingers and Air Warfare Center and 2,000 pound bombs. were detached (NSAWC) to learn the lat- These efforts provided the for training est tactics from the Navy’s Gunslinger pilots unparal- with Carrier experts. leled training opportunities Air Wing Three Field personnel and to drop GPS-guided bombs, to increase VFA-105’s maintenance de- laser-guided bombs, and their combat partment worked around conventional bombs. readiness. the clock to ensure that air- “The positive attitude U.S. Navy photo craft could be launched as displayed by the entire soon as Mother Nature de- squadron while overcoming cided to cooperate. harsh conditions allowed “Despite the snow, cold the Gunslingers to contin- weather, and freezing fog, ue to set the pace,” said the Gunslinger mainte- Commander Max “Toto” nance department was Shuman, VFA-105 Com- able to provide high quality manding Officer. jets for all events… which The maintenance de- provided crucial current partment’s tireless efforts theater training for the pi- enabled the Gunslingers lots,” said Lt. Cmdr Greg to fly key training sor- “Dingo” Provencher, VFA- ties as they continue their 105 Maintenance Officer. work-up cycle. The de- As a warm front blew tachment increased the through the Fallon area squadron’s lethality and bringing balmy tempera- will pay innumerable divi- tures in the mid-30s, the dends as VFA-105 prepares pilots of VFA-105 took to to deploy. USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group, 24th MEU Depart Haiti

PRESS RELEASE From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command

ABOARD USS NASSAU, at Sea — The USS Nassau Amphib- ious Ready Group (ARG) with embarked 24th Marine Expedi- tionary Unit (MEU) departed Haiti Feb. 7, continuing on its originally scheduled deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibil- ity (AOR). The Nassau ARG includes ships from Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8: the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the am- phibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). The three ships and nearly 2,000 Sailors departed Virginia Jan. 18 on a deployment to the CENT- COM AOR, but were diverted to Haiti to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake that struck the country Jan. 12, after on-loading more than 2,300 Ma- rines of the 24th MEU. Air Force Gen. Douglas Fras- er, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), re- Photo by MC2 Patrick Gordon leased the ARG/MEU from the A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) operates next to the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) off the coast of Haiti. Nassau is conducting mission after assessments made humanitarian and disaster relief operations as part of Operation Unified Response, Feb. 4. Nassau departed Haiti on Jan. 7 to return to its scheduled from leadership of the multina- deployment. tional interagency effort indicated itarian mission.” cal personnel aboard Nassau and as 5th Fleet’s Theater Reserve, out of the Port-au-Prince harbor. that ground-based relief efforts While on the ground in Hai- Mesa Verde treated 16 Haitian relieving the USS Bonhomme Underwood quickly became a had drastically improved. ti, the Marines of the 24th MEU earthquake victims aboard ship- Richard ARG and 11th MEU. lifeline for relief efforts, deliver- “Thanks to the expeditionary were instrumental in assisting board medical facilities. On Saturday, two other Navy ing hundreds of boxes including capabilities of the Nassau ARG the World Food Program (WFP) “I’m very grateful and blessed ships, USS Normandy (CG 60) food and water, conducting 82 with embarked 24th MEU, we in Carrefour and Maison Lecrai. that I could help make a really big and USS Underwood (FFG 36), lifesaving medical evacuations were able to help the government WFP is conducting a targeted difference in a time of need,” said also completed operations in Hai- and transporting approximately of Haiti, UN and international and systematic food distribution Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class ti. On station for a total of 21 days, 600 personnel. relief workers mitigate the imme- to the Haitian people at 16 distri- Laketta Thomas of Nassau. “It Normandy and its crew delivered While these humanitarian as- diate impact of the earthquake on bution sites around Haiti. means so much to me to know meals donated by the not-for- sistance assets departed the communities both near and fur- The 24th MEU also assisted that I have provided care, sup- profit organization “Kids Against theatre, another joined the mis- ther away from the epicenter,” Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti with port and understanding to those Hunger, over 1,000 gallons of wa- sion, as SOUTHCOM deployed a Fraser said. “The ongoing contri- the construction of a 250-bed in- that needed help.” ter, and other food stuffs to towns team of logistics specialists from butions of U.S. and international terim aftercare medical facility in Lance Cpl. Brian O. Melendez on the Haitian island of La Go- Army installations nationwide. relief organizations with exten- Port-au-Prince that will be turned echoed similar thoughts. nave. The Joint Logistics Command sive experience and expertise in over to the U.S. Agency for Inter- “The satisfaction of being able Underwood and its attached (JLC) comprises 2,000 troops that helping nations recover from di- national Development (USAID) to help here means a lot,” he said. Helicopter Anti-submarine will support the movement of re- sasters has lessened the need for to provide follow-on care for con- “The Haitian people needed our Squadron Light (HSL) 60, De- lief supplies from ports of entry units with capabilities like those valescent patients recovering help, and we were able to do a lot tachment 1, arrived in Haiti Jan. to distribution points with landing of the Nassau ARG and the 24th from surgeries. for them.” 16 and immediately began pro- craft, cargo handling equipment MEU, so I have released them Medical and dental personnel The Nassau ARG/24th MEU viding support to the Naval and transport vehicles. from this mission with our ut- from the 24th MEU treated more are en route the U.S. 5th Fleet Oceanographic Center’s critical For more news from Operation most gratitude for their timely than 100 Haitians on the island AOR to conduct theater security survey, making it possible for re- Unified Response visit www.navy. support to this important human- of Gonave. Additionally, medi- cooperation missions and serve lief ships to navigate safely in and mil/haiti BIG GAME: Sailors feel closer to home while watching game MWR has two grand openings at Norfolk

Continued from page B1 think everyone is ready to have a good time and enjoy hangar bay, games, priz- the day.” es and a feast of food and Even hours before kick- drinks. off, IKE’s hangar bay began “I think it is important filling up with Sailors who that the Sailors get to see were ready to enjoy the things live, and I think it game and take a brief re- is important to celebrate spite from the long work an event like the Super day. Bowl, even if it’s 3:30 in the “This helps keep our spir- morning,” explained Sara its up while we’re out to Dowell, IKE’s MWR direc- sea. It’s great to be able to tor. “It is things like this that relax and take some time helps the crew feel closer to off to enjoy the game,” said Photo by DC2 Letitia M. McKelvey home.” Logistics Specialist Seaman Above: FC3 (SW) Jacob Shimmin, IKE’s Supply Department Matthew Morgan from the USS Mitscher, plays a computer game at the newly opened Combat helped keep the tradition of Supply Department. Zone located at C-9, Naval Station Super Bowl Sunday going As the game wound down Norfolk. The facility is equipped strong by providing buf- close to 7 a.m., with the with 35 state of the art head to head fet-style service for all the Saints topping the Colts, gaming computers with some of the hungry fans. The mess 31-17, for their first Super newest games out there such as; decks were filled with a Bowl win, IKE Sailor’s re- Call of Duty, Fallout 3, Command & wide array of snacks in- ported to morning quarters Conquer: Red Alert 3 and many more. cluding hot wings, chips, to share highlights of the For more information call 444-5588. chicken nuggets and cook- game. Left: The Craftech Hobby shop has now moved to the back of Bldg. C- ies. IKE is currently on a regu- 9 at Naval Station Norfolk. The new “Setting up an MWR larly scheduled deployment phone number is 445-0351. The event like this takes a lot of in support of Maritime Se- Wood Shop (still located in bldg. P- coordination,” said Dowell. curity Operation in the U.S. 4) is open Wednesday & Thursday “So many Sailors pitched in 5th Fleet area of responsi- noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to make tonight a success. I bility. Photo by MC2 Travis C. Moore to 5 p.m. THE ART OF THE DEAL: FFSC teaches Sailors the costs of vehicle ownership

Continued from page B1 is worth you can negoti- ate. Remember that there a car payment,” She added. is what is on the sticker The class teaches Sail- and then there is what the ors about loans and how dealership paid for it. You it is a good idea to shop should only pay about one around for the lowest an- percent over what that nual percentage rates, dealership paid.” and about warranties The class offers tips for and what to watch out getting that kind of price. for. “There are Web sites “If you are buying a new that tell you what you vehicle you already have a need to know,” said Gam- warranty, you won’t need ble. “If you show up with the extended warranty. a folder full of paperwork Ford automatically offers that you have done your three years, 36 moth war- homework the salesman is ranties, a lot of the time less likely to haggle with you can negotiate for a you.” longer warranty.” Gamble recommends The class also presents taking your time when Sailors with the inside in- purchasing an auto. Don’t formation on dealing with spend more than an hour salesmen. at a dealership, always “You know how they go have a second choice for a back and forth with their car and be willing to walk manager and say, ‘oh, away if the deal doesn’t you are getting the best sound good enough. deal we can give you, he For information on the won’t go any lower than FFSCs of Hampton Roads this,” Gamble said. “If you classes or to find a class have done you research schedule visit www.nffsp. and know what the car org or call 444-6289.

It’s always time for good hygiene

Photo by MC2 Jason R. Zalasky Lieutenant Kasey Farah of Fairfax, Va. assisted by Hospital Corpsman Richard Williams of Avon Park, Fla. perform dental work on Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Jason Richardson of Buffalo, NY aboard the amphibious dock landing ship, USS Ashland (LSD 48). USS Ashland deployed as part of the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group/ 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (NAS ARG/24MEU) in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.