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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family Vol. 18, No. 7, Norfolk, VA FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM February 18, 2010 Military Olympians: XXI Winter Olympics Vancouver 2010

BY AIR FORCE LT. COL. ELLEN KRENKE Bailey, 28, of Lake Placid, N.Y., who was 36th today; Special to American Forces Press Service and fi rst-timer Wynn Roberts, 21, of Battle Creek, Mich. ARLINGTON, Va. — A Utah National Guard sol- The biathlon is a combination of cross-country ski- dier today posted the best American fi nish ever in the ing and rifl e shooting. biathlon at the Winter Olympics. Army Sgt. Jeremy Teela, a three-time Olympian, fi nished ninth in the men’s 10-kilometer sprint on the fi rst day of competition in the biathlon in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The previous best fi nish was recorded by Teela’s teammate, Jay Hakkinen, who was 10th in the Torino Olympics in 2006. Despite missing two targets, Teela’s strong skiing pushed him fi ve seconds ahead of one of Russia’s top skiers. “That’s good for the ski form of Jeremy Teela,” said Chad Salmela, a commentator for NBC Sports. With this fi nish, Teela will start ninth in the men’s 12.5-kilometer pursuit Feb. 16. He also will compete in the 20-kilometer event Feb. 18, the 15-kilometer mass start Feb. 21, and the 4x7 fi ve-kilometer relay Feb. 26. Earlier this season, Teela fi nished third in the men’s 20-kilometer event in the World Cup, also held in Whistler. He was the fi rst American biathlete to win a World Cup medal since 1992. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps His U.S. teammates include Tim Burke, who fi n- Army World Class Athlete Program biathlete Sgt. ished 47th today, but medaled twice on the 2009-2010 Jeremy Teela of the Utah National Guard at Whistler World Cup circuit; four-time Olympian Hakkinen, 32, Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley, British Columbia, of Kasilof, Alaska, who fi nished 54th today; Lowell Canada.

Photo by MC2 Kilho Park An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven (HS) 7 patrols the waterways around the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Photo by Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, left, meets with Navy Capt. Anthony Califano as others wait to meet Nye, who spoke at a seminar at Old Dominion Truman wins second University on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. GI Bill process can be improved, consecutive Battle ‘E’ U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye says PRESS RELEASE ery Sailor on board. I cannot think of a better way to BY PHILIP WALZER leges. In some cases, it may be USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs recognize their battle-readiness as we prepare for our The Virginian-Pilot used by a veteran’s spouse or upcoming deployment.” child. Recipients might also get NORFOLK — Crew members aboard USS Harry The Battle ‘E’ Award is one of the few awards given NORFOLK — The Post- stipends for books and hous- S. Truman (CVN 75) were awarded a second consecu- in the Navy that isn’t earned by one individual. Rath- 9/11 GI Bill was deployed in ing. tive Battle Effi ciency Award Feb. 10. er, it is awarded based on a point system that evaluates the fall to help veterans and Nye, D-2nd District, said he Vice Adm. Thomas Kilcline, commander, Naval Air the performance of 14 different departments and their relatives retool for new fi elded complaints from 20 con- Forces (CNAF), announced the East and West Coast more than 4,000 Sailors. careers. stituents, who waited several award winners. This marks the fi fth year the Truman has won the Yet some waited months for months for the housing pay- One of the most coveted awards in the fl eet, the Bat- award. The ship was also a recipient in 2003, 2004, their federal payments and ments. tle Effi ciency Award, more commonly known as the 2005, and 2008. sank deeper in debt. That’s got In a letter Wednesday to Battle ‘E,’ recognizes sustained superior performance The competitive cycle for the award is from Jan. 1 to change, U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye U.S. Secretary of Veterans Af- in an operational environment. to Dec. 31. said. fairs Eric Shinseki, Nye wrote: “I am proud of our Sailors each and every day,” “This is a monumental achievement for the ship,” “The program should be “Because the program is still said Capt. Joe Clarkson, Truman’s commanding offi - said Lt. Cmdr. Cheryl D. Andrea, Truman’s training ready to go when the service not organized, veterans are cer. “This prestigious award refl ects the commitment, person is ready to go to col- being forced to apply for stu- dedication, and sustained pursuit of excellence of ev- See BATTLE ‘E’, A10 lege,” Nye said at a forum at dent loans and to accrue large Old Dominion University, Feb. amounts of personal debt as 5, about the GI Bill. “It’s impor- they wait for the funding to be- Capt. Johnson presented Distinguished Sailors’ Stamp portrait tant that we do an even better come available.” job in providing this service.” At the forum, Ann Hunter, The U.S. Department of the Navy’s chief of voluntary Veterans Affairs, which admin- education, said she believed isters the program, must work hundreds of Navy personnel harder to expedite payments are still awaiting stipends from and overcome other hurdles, the fall. In 90 percent of the Jacob Cheeks, Richmond such as outdated technology, cases, she said, the problem is District Manager Postal Nye said. that the applicant has not fi lled Service, presents Yet a speaker from the Navy out a form properly or a school Naval Station Norfolk’s said most glitches were the has not certifi ed the applicant’s Commanding Offi cer Captain K.J. Johnson with fault not of the government, enrollment. a Distinguished Sailors’ but of the students or schools. Hunter advised college offi - Stamp portrait, Feb. 12 at Offi cials of local colleges said cials to “go online to study all the C-9 Post Offi ce. The the process has caused rela- of the tools the VA has given 44-cent stamps show four tively few problems and seems you to make this work better.” sailors who served with to be running more smoothly She told students to think honor and courage during this semester. twice about colleges whose the 20th Century: William The Post-9/11 GI Bill, cham- counselors have a “deer-in-the- S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, pioned by Sen. Jim Webb, headlights” reaction to the GI John McCloy and Doris “Dorie” Miller. D-Va., covers all tuition and Bill. fees for some recent veterans Photo by MC2 Travis C. Moore at public and some private col- See GI BILL, A10

INSIDE: MOTORCYCLE SAFETY A6 FRONT & CENTER B1 OFF DUTY C1 Oceana adds motorcycles, Wounded Warrior Patriots’ 2010 Military Spouse of the new course to riding program Inn Dedicated at NMCP Year will be chosen from NAS Oceana makes it easier, The new $5.2 million Wounded nominees across all branch- safer for new riders to “try Warrior Patriots’ Inn officially es of the military throughout before they buy” a motorcycle. opened Feb. 12. Hampton Roads. TAX TIME

Commander Navy Region Tax Assistance Centers (TAC) Mid-Atlantic is: Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel

The Flagship® is produced by give Sailors free tax help Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic staff. The editorial content of this COMPILED BY FLAGSHIP STAFF newspaper and any supplement is inal Social Security cards for all who prepared, edited and provided by the public affairs offi ce of Commander Navy use the TAC. Region Mid- Atlantic. NORFOLK — The Tax Assistance Regional program manager for Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is Centers (TAC) located on Naval Station • Birth dates for you, your spouse Norfolk and Oceana Naval Air Station and dependents on the tax return. Public Affairs Director provide free tax preparation services Beth Baker to service members, their dependents, • Current year’s tax package if you Editorial Staff retired service members and any re- received one. Managing Editor servists on active duty for more than Micheal Mink 29 days. • Wage and earning statement(s) Deputy Managing Editor Service members will get help from Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all em- MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford Sailors who have been given rigorous ployers. Editorial Assistant training in tax preparation and most MC2 Mandy Hunsucker service members who use the TAC • Interest and dividend statements Graphic Designer will receive their tax refunds in as little from banks (Forms 1099). David Todd as seven to 10 business days from the Off Duty Editor / Designer time they file. • A copy of last year’s federal and Tim Rafalski “We do most everything, from ba- state returns if available. The Flagship® is an authorized sic interest to home buyer’s credit,” publication for members of the military services and their families. 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You can visit The Flagship’s Web site at www.fl agshipnews. go to the TACs to file their taxes upon through Friday during tax season. Af- com. their return home. ter tax season, they’re open until 2 p.m. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, Inc., whose offi ces According to the IRS, this is what Monday through Friday. The TAC on are at 150 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, you need to bring to Volunteer Income Naval Air Station Oceana accepts cus- VA 23510. Minimum weekly circulation is 45,000. Tax Assistance Program sites: tomers by appointment only and can Flagship, Inc. be reached by calling 433-2252. General Manager • Proof of identification. While there are TACs in many parts Laura Baxter, 222-3964 of the country, the center located on Creative Director • Social Security Cards for you, your Naval Station Norfolk is the largest on Tricia Lieurance, 222-3968 spouse and dependents and/or a So- the east coast and is capable of serving

Free Classifi ed Advertising, 222-3967 cial Security Number verification letter thousands of service members. Be- Distribution, 446-2881 issued by the Social Security Adminis- cause of its central location, it is ideally Home Delivery, 222-3965 tration (the letter must state your SSN situated to serve all the naval bases in © 2009 Flagship, Inc. on it). The IRS requires copies of orig- the Hampton Roads area. All rights reserved. THE FLAGSHIP’S LEEWARD SHOUT What do you plan to do with your 2009 tax refund? “I’m going to pay “I’m paying off “I’ve already off my car and my credit card received my because I don’t and putting the refund and I put need to spend rest into savings it in savings. I’m it right now, I’m for a couple of saving to buy going to put the vacations I want a house that I rest in savings.” to take. I want to will hopefully go to Las Vegas buy within fi ve and Guatemala years.” to meet my OS3 AZ2 boyfriend’s Ensign Nick Higginbotham Janet Collins parents for the Maelina Sakaio USS James E. Williams VAW 124 fi rst time.” USS Leyte Gulf

“I’m saving it. “I’m using part “I’m going to use Later on I want of my tax refund my tax refund to take a trip to put a lift kit to pay off some back home to on my truck and bills like my cell St. Louis, and I’m just going to phone and some I’m going to use have fun with car payments.” it then.” the rest.”

OS3 ABH3 (AW) OSSR Lisa Harrod Daniel Parker Alonte Williams NNSY USS Kearsarge USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79)

Photos by MC2 Mandy Hunsucker

Brought to you by For the latest weather updates and up-to-the-minute weather alerts, go to www.wtkr.com/weather Military collaborates with Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization

BY AIR FORCE 2ND LT. JFSOCC had already planned a VICTORIA BRAYTON supply mission for Feb. 7, so it JFSOCC Public Affairs was easy to add in the contribu- tions from the Salvation Army PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti and J/P HRO. — The combined efforts of the “It’s important for us to work with Joint Forces Special Operations any organization that has the abili- Component Command, the Navy ty to meet a need,” said Col. Barrett HM-14 squadron from Norfolk, Lowe, JFSOCC-Forward deputy Va., the Jenkins-Penn Haitian commander. “By working with the Relief Organization and the Salva- J/P HRO, I think we were able to tion Army resulted in the delivery show the U.S. military’s flexibility of 1000 pounds of supplies to Cap in our relief operations. As a result, Haitien Feb. 7. we were able to meet the specific The delivery to the north- supply needs for one hospital and ern city included much-needed deliver hundreds of pounds of food food, water and medical supplies and water at the same time.” such as casting materials, crutch- Members of the U.S. military es and medicines. The Salvation were also impressed with how Army donated approximately 600 Penn took a direct role in this pounds of rice and beans and the mission, working side-by-side J/P HRO donated bags of rice and with the rest of the unit. boxes of medical supplies to reach “He helped load and unload the a total of 1000 pounds delivered. supplies with us just as if he was The mission started to come part of our team,” Lowe said. “He together Feb. 6. Recognizing actively participated and even the supplies available from the shared part of an MRE with me.” J/P HRO, American actor Sean Photo by MCC Robert J. Fluegel Penn also said he enjoyed the Hollywood actor Sean Penn helps unload medical and food supplies donated by the Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Penn’s relief organization, mem- chance to collaborate with the Organization and the Salvation Army for the city of Cap Hatien. Members of the Joint Forces Special Operations nd bers of the 82 Airborne Division Component Command and the crew of a Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon collaborated with the J/P HRO to deliver the U.S. military to get the supplies who are currently co-located with supplies to the northern city. out, adding that this experience the J/P HRO at Petionville, Hai- was typical of the military sup- ti, put the organization in contact the HM-14 squadron to facilitate Although it may seem unusu- nization, their desire to provide port his organization has had. with the JFSOCC. The JFSOCC the transportation of the supplies al for the U.S. military to work humanitarian assistance and the “The JFSOCC efforts were stel- members then coordinated with to Cap Haitien. so closely with a celebrity’s orga- timeline matched perfectly. The lar,” Penn said.

Photo by MCC Robert J. Fluegel Photo by 2nd Lt. Victoria Brayton Medical and food supplies donated by the Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Haitians help unload medical supplies donated by the Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization and the Salvation Organization and the Salvation Army are unloaded for Cap Hatien. Army. BRAVO ZULU Chief earns Bronze Star for IA service in Iraq

BY AT2 MATTHEW STROUP ply chain. “It took anywhere from Fleet Readiness Center three weeks to three months to get Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs some of the parts that we needed in order to complete our jobs. I was VIRGINIA BEACH — A Chief qualified as a vehicle tactical com- Aviation Electronics Technician mander, so I took a seat on weekly (AW) John Ficke from Fleet Readi- supply runs to get parts. This saved ness Center Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA) us a lot of time in getting our work Site Oceana, who served with the done, plus it kept my mind occu- Joint Counter Radio Controlled Im- pied and engaged during my time provised Explosive Device (IED) in Iraq,” he said. Electronic Warfare Composite And stay engaged he did. His Squadron 1 (JCCS-1), Multi-National award narrative notes that while, Corps-Iraq, was awarded the Bronze “Continuously exposed to signifi- Star Medal Feb. 3 at Fleet Readiness cant risk of hostile action, he logged Center Mid-Atlantic Site Oceana. more than 2,500 miles during 56 Supporting Operation Iraqi Combat Logistics Patrols to ex- Freedom, Chief Ficke served an In- pedite the fielding of systems and dividual Augmentee (IA) tour as the parts to more remote repair sites field site lead at Forward Operating … Chief Petty Officer Ficke fully Base (FOB) Kalsu, approximate- integrated into the 172nd Infantry ly 40 miles south of Baghdad, from Brigade Combat Team Support March 14 to Dec. 19, 2009. Battalion’s weekly logistical mis- Prior to arriving in Iraq, Ficke sions and performed Electronic had his own preconceived notions Warfare Officer functions in a tac- about what he might be doing as tical setting.” a part of his assignment. “My true Commanding Officer, Fleet Read- passion lies in working hands- iness Center Mid-Atlantic, Capt. on with electronics and I really William Bransom presented Ficke thought that I would have an op- the Bronze Star on behalf of Com- portunity to dig into the technical Photo by Lt. Eric Quarles manding General, Multi-national After returning to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Site Oceana, Chief Ficke is presented the Bronze Star by side of CREW (Counter Radio Con- Force - Iraq, Lt. Gen. Charles Jaco- Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Commanding Officer Capt. William Bransom on Feb. 3. trolled IED Electronic Warfare) by, Jr. “It was a tremendous honor equipment. As it was, I took on a “Hams,” as amateur radio oper- ATC (AW) John for me to present the Bronze Star role as a supervisor of a one-and-a- ators are often called, verify their Ficke from FRCMA to Chief Ficke, especially since it is half acre maintenance facility that contacts through the trade of QSL Site Oceana in a the first time in my career that I’ve installed, removed and maintained cards that denote information in- Humvee during had an opportunity to present such CREW equipment on Army com- cluding the call signs of the stations, his IA tour with a prestigious award. I feel very bat vehicles,” Ficke explained. the date and time of contact, the the Joint Counter strongly about recognizing the Despite the intense conditions mode of transmission and the radio Radio Controlled achievements and sacrifices made of in-theater operations, Ficke also frequency. Through the American Improvised by our IA’s and GSA’s around the pursued another passion of his dur- Radio Relay League (ARRL), a na- Explosive Device world, and Chief Ficke’s service is a (IED) Electronic ing his down time- amateur radio. tionally recognized amateur radio Warfare Composite shining example of the impact one “I knew that I was going to Iraq, so organization, Ficke will soon quali- Squadron 1 (JCCS- person can make in such arduous before I left I petitioned the Iraqi fy for the DX Century Club (DXCC) 1), Multi-National conditions,” said Bransom. government to be a licensed radio award, for verifying contact with Corps-Iraq. Ficke The presentation of Ficke’s operator. It took about four months more than 100 “entities” around the was stationed at Bronze Star comes 66 years to the for them to give me a call sign, globe. “So far I have about 90 con- Forward Operating day that Gen. George C. Marshall but I was eventually given one the firmed contacts from my time in Base (FOB) Kalsu, petitioned President Franklin Roos- month after I arrived in country,” Iraq, and it is really only a matter nearly 40 miles evelt to authorize the Bronze Star explained Ficke. of time as to when I hit the centu- south of Baghdad, which was authorized by Executive from March 14 to Under the call sign “YI9TM,” he ry mark. I can’t verify the numbers Dec. 19, 2009. Order 9419 only one day later on made more than 3,500 contacts in but I’m quite certain that if I’m not Courtesy photo February 4, 1944. To be eligible for 132 countries, communicating with the only American radio operator in mission came first during his time lion, installed 520 CREW systems the Bronze Star, a person must dis- other amateur radio operators in Iraq to earn DXCC status, I’m one at FOB Kalsu, and Ficke’s team of and performed more than 2,000 tinguish themselves by heroic or places like Antarctica, Greenland, of a very small group of people who seven civilian field service repre- periodic checks and corrective ac- meritorious achievement or service China and right back home in the are,” said Ficke. sentatives sustained and employed tions. In addition, Ficke took it in connection with military opera- United States. It goes without saying that the 1,500 systems at a cost of $75 mil- upon himself to “enhance” the sup- tions against an armed enemy. Religious Program Specialists celebrate 31 years BY CAT DEBINDER National Naval Medical Center Department of the Navy the RPs provide in the com- Public Affairs established the religious bat setting. program specialist rat- “They are so much more BETHESDA, Md. — ing. Since then, RPs have than a body guard to the National Naval Medical served alongside chaplains chaplains in combat,” he Center’s Pastoral Care at sea and ashore providing said. Department celebrated administrative and logisti- Religious Program Spe- the 31st birthday of the cal support and in combat cialist 1st Class Myesha religious program (RP) spe- as personal security for Booker, who works in the cialist rating the last week the Chaplain Corps,” he Pastoral Care Department, of January in Bethesda. said. “Today, the Navy has read a letter written by the “There has been some nearly 900 active duty RPs Chief of Chaplains Rear form of chaplain assis- stationed throughout the Adm. Robert Burt. tant since chaplains first globe.” “The ministry of the started serving in the Capt. Roosevelt Brown, Chaplain Corps could not Continental Navy,” said head chaplain, Pastoral be done without you. Your Chief Religious Program Care Department, said he commitment, dedication Specialist Jason Arse- deeply appreciates and re- and professionalism wheth- nault, leading chief petty lies on the assistance he er on board ship, on the officer of the pastoral Care gets from his RPs. battlefield, or ashore, have Department, during his “If there weren’t RPs, I’m made you an invaluable opening remarks. “The Photo by MC1 Tiffini Jones-Vanderwyst not sure I’d be a Navy chap- member of the Religious first assistants were re- Finalists of the Chief of Naval Operations Shore Activities Sailor of the Year, Store Keeper 1st lain,” said Brown. “I don’t Ministry team,” Booker quired to have degrees Class Kesha McKibben and Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Chasity M. Morales, are know what chaplains did read. in music and be skilled in introduced to the official party during the announcement ceremony at the Pentagon. before RPs.” For more news from Na- choir direction.” a chaplains assistant has Marine Corps created a security for chaplains in NNMC’s Deputy Com- tional Naval Medical Arsenault said over the changed dramatically. Dur- military occupational spe- combat. mander Capt. Daniel Zinder Center, visit www.navy.mil/ course of time, the role of ing the Vietnam War, the cialty (MOS) for personal “In January 1979, the spoke of the many services local/nnmc/.

Photo by Marine Sgt. Brian A. Tuthill Above: (L-R) Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Bradley C. Smith, from Reno, Nev., and Navy Lt. Carl P. Rhoads, from Weippe, Idaho, battalion chaplain of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, carry a bench into a new chapel tent. The old chapel was flooded during a recent rainstorm and had to be taken down. Left: Seaman Aria Roberson, assigned to the Religious Ministries Department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Photo by MC3 Matthew Patton prepares a Roman Catholic Mass. NAS Oceana adds MOTORCYCLES, new course to riding program BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer

With the addition of a new motorcycle course and fi ve “loaner bikes,” the Safety Department at NAS Oceana has made it much easier for new riders to “try before they buy” a motorcycle and complete the required Basic Riders Course in the process. Oceana was one of four bases in the Navy Region Mid- Atlantic to obtain funding for the motorcycles for use by novice riders during the new combination class, “Learn to Ride/Basic Riders Course,” added before Thanksgiv- ing at Oceana. Also purchasing the trainer bikes were Naval Station Norfolk with 12; Naval Weapons Station Yorktown with two and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story with fi ve. The bikes are also available for use during the Basic Rider Course, which is mandatory for all active duty rid- ers and has been offered at Oceana since its inception. Oceana has also been offering the Military Sport Bike Photos by Harry Gerwien/Military Newspapers of Virginia Course since the opening of the new training range a Riders in the Learn to Ride/Basic Rider Course wait for directions on their “loaner bikes” during the Jan. 29. The NAS year ago, located behind building 531. Oceana Safety Offi ce has added fi ve new training Hyosung 250cc bikes and the new course to their schedule in order for potential riders to “try before they buy,” a motorcycle. The new motorcycles at Oceana include four sport bikes and a cruiser — all 250cc Hyosungs. Sport bikes throughout the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region. took the course using the Hysoung before purchasing put riders in a more aggressive, forward-leaning stance, “Having the bikes and this course is mishap preven- his own bike, which possibly could be a sport bike. Al- making their center of gravity lower to the bike and giv- tion,” explained Oceana’s Safety and Occupational Health though he rode many years ago, it’s been such a long ing them more motorcycle control at higher speeds. Manage Debbie VanBuskirk. time ago that he sees himself as a brand new rider. Cruiser riders sit in a more comfortable, upright posi- “I would prefer that someone learn to ride and see if Learning about turning, braking, speed and downshift- tion, better for longer distance riding. they can actually handle a bike before they go and buy ing on the trainer bike was benefi cial to Robinson. “The “These bikes help riders get through the course the something and get into an accident,” she said. military provides [a bike] and that way you’re not going right way. If you’re just learning or you’re not sure if you During the winter months, the combination course is out and buying a new bike without understanding what want to learn … these bikes will integrate riders into offered once a month but both VanBuskirk and Monte- you’re doing,” Robinson explained. the system,” said Traffi c Safety Trainer Kristen Montejo jo expect as the weather warms up, demand for the class Another benefi t to Robinson was that “if you drop this from Cape Fox Professional Services, will increase and it will be offered more often. bike, you’ve already got the instruction on what to do if the company contracted to teach But the cold weather hasn’t stopped riders from you drop your own bike.” the motorcycle safety courses signing up for the course, with the most recent one con- But attendees in the combination course don’t have to cluding Jan. 29. While class size normally is about half of be novice riders. AWRCS (AW/SW/NAC) Scott Montejo, Kia Sligh, a rider in the Learn what is expected during the spring and summer, riders Kristen’s husband, took the class on his 1999 Harley-Da- to Ride/Basic Rider Course still braved cold temperatures and biting winds for the vidson Road King to re-qualify to become an instructor completes one of the drills opportunity to complete the course. for the state of Virginia. Riding for 20 years, the senior on the Hyosung 250cc bikes As riders went through the various drills around the chief, stationed at the Center for Surface Combat Sys- she borrowed to complete training range on Jan. 29, which included look- tems Dam Neck, feels it’s always good to get a refresher the course. ing right, looking left, cornering and on the basic skills. braking, the loaner bikes provided them The senior chief recommends either the combination with a feel for what they will experience course or the BRC for everyone, including those more when they do purchase their own mo- senior in rank, who may have been riding for a long time. torcycles. “They should go to the course to hone their skills,” he IT1 (EXW/SW) Terrence Robinson strongly suggested. was one of three riders on loan- In order to become an instructor, he’s required to er bikes during the take the course as a student, teach the course under su- most recent class at pervision and maintain the qualifi cations by teaching at Oceana. He was one least one class per quarter. He will be eligible to teach of six riders in the courses at community colleges or for any adult educa- class, which could ac- tion programs. commodate 12 riders While he enjoys teaching new riders because “I want to maximum. Wanting pass my skills, knowledge on,” the senior chief admits to to gain more knowl- another reason for becoming an instructor. “I call ‘self-pres- edge about riding, he ervation.’ If you can ride better, the road’s safer for me.” AROUND THE NAVY USS Ronald Reagan Sailors honor namesake’s birthday

BY MC3 ALEXANDER TIDD presence than perhaps any of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Public Affairs his predecessors. Our Navy owes him a debt of gratitude, SIMI VALLEY, Calif. and we’re happy to live up to — Fifty Sailors from USS that.” Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) at- At the culmination of the tended the celebration of ceremony, Norton and Es- former President Ronald cribano laid a wreath on Reagan’s 99th birthday Feb. President Reagan’s tomb. 6 at the Ronald Reagan Presi- Escribano said there was dential Library and Museum a positive undertone to in Simi Valley, Calif. that somber moment as he The ceremony paid tribute thought of the life and pres- to the life and accomplish- idency of America’s 40th ments of the late president president. with a 21-gun salute by the “Ronald Reagan’s life and Marine Corps Honor Guard achievements shouldn’t fall from Camp Pendelton and a by the wayside,” said Escrib- wreath laying by Capt. K.J. ano. “It’s our duty to help Norton, Ronald Reagan’s preserve his memory any commanding officer, and way we can.” Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class For more news from USS (SW/AW) Angel Escribano, Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) – Ronald Reagan’s Sailor of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, Photo by MC3 Briana C. Brotzman year. visit www.navy.mil/local/ USS Ronald Reagan Sailors honored the former president and ship’s namesake by attending a birthday celebration at the “All of us on board USS cvn76/. Ronald Reagan Library and Museum. Ronald Reagan take im- mense pride in being part of the president’s living leg- acy,” said Norton. “We’re all honored to be here today to celebrate his memory.” “He gave me the image of the model of all that a leader could be,” remarked former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, the secretary of transporta- tion under Reagan. “He was determined and kind in that very American combination. He had a spine of steel and a heart of gold and we loved him for both.” Ronald Reagan Sailors felt honored to participate in the birthday ceremony of their ship’s namesake. “Being able to lay the wreath on Ronald Reagan’s tomb was a surreal moment for me,” said Escribano. “He was a great man who accom- plished so much. Strong leaders are few and far be- tween, and it’s only fitting we pay tribute to him.” Melissa Giller, Ronald Rea- gan Presidential Library director of communications, said it was a fitting tribute having Sailors from Reagan’s namesake ship present at the ceremony. “It meant a lot to the li- brary foundation to have Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan present at this cer- emony,” said Giller. “They exemplify ‘Peace Through Strength.’” The motto “Peace Through Strength” was a recurring theme throughout President Reagan’s presidency. “Ronald Reagan commis- sioned more aircraft carriers than any other president,” said Escribano. “He made a larger contribution to Ameri- ca’s fighting force and global Photo by MC3 Taurean Alexander Seaman Kevin Harris, from Drew Miss., counts Marines as they board a landing craft utility from the well deck of the forward-deployed am- phibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) dur- ing Cobra Gold 2010. Cobra Gold is a joint and Photo by MC1 Geronimo Aquino coalition multinational exercise held annually by the Kingdom of Thailand.

BY MC2 (SW) MATTHEW A. EBARB Hart, Essex’s commanding offi cer. “We Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans USS Essex Public Affairs have Thai offi cers aboard Essex working Republic of Korea amphibious assault vehicles release a smoke screen before hitting the with our staff, and the Marines will oper- beach during a Cobra Gold 2010 amphibious landing demonstration at Hat Yao Beach. GULF OF THAILAND — The for- ate with their Thai counterparts ashore ward-deployed amphibious assault ship during this exercise. This is an excellent USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived off the coast training opportunity in every respect.” of Thailand Feb. 1 to take part in exercise During the exercise, Essex will conduct Cobra Gold 2010 (CG 10). naval maneuvers and training evolutions Cobra Gold is an annual, multination- with the Royal Thai Navy and a Repub- al exercise co-sponsored by the United lic of Korea ship. One such event will be States and the Kingdom of Thailand. a non-combatant evacuation operation This is the 29th iteration in the series and (NEO), which is designed to improve marks the 177th anniversary of U.S.-Thai Essex’s ability to combine with partner relations. nations to evacuate large numbers of ci- “I’m looking forward to working vilians from threatening conditions due with the Royal Thai Navy and Marines. to a natural disaster or other catastro- They’re one of our longest-standing allies phe. in Asia, and this is a great chance to ex- Additionally, multinational forces will change ideas and examine other ways of collaborate in a full-scale, simulated am- doing business,” said Capt. Don Schmie- phibious assault. U.S. and Thai Sailors Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans ley, Commander, Amphibious Squadron and Marines will conduct multi-phase Simulated evacuees board a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during a Cobra Gold 2010 non- Eleven (PHIBRON 11). “Through con- operations in unison, demonstrating am- combatant evacuation demonstration. ducting operations together, we get to phibious interoperability. For one Essex know one another. When you’re called Sailor, the evolution will provide a chance upon and you know who you’re working to play a vital role with his countrymen. with, it makes it that much easier to come “In addition to my duties as a watch su- together to get the job done.” pervisor in combat, I’m going to serve as Essex has the 31st Marine Expedition- a translator,” said Operations Specialist ary Unit embarked and is operating with 2nd Class (SW) Warachard Warakanban- the amphibious transport dock ship USS cha, a native of Bangkok. “I like helping Denver (LPD 9), dock landing ship USS in any way that I can, and for me, this is Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the guided- going to be a very personal thing since missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). The I will be able to help out both nations. group is operating with military person- The United States and Thailand have a nel from Thailand, Singapore and the lot to offer one another, and I'm glad to Republic of Korea. The exercise aims to be a part of something that demonstrates demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy that.” a joint task force to conduct combined The Essex Amphibious Ready Group operations at sea and ashore, and will fea- reports to Commander, Amphibious ture a fi eld training exercise. Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard “This exercise will help the entire am- Landolt, and is headquartered in Okina- phibious ready group team to continue to wa, Japan. Photo by MC1 Geronimo Aquino refi ne our skills, not just with ourselves, For more news from USS Essex (LHD The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) leads U.S., Thai and Korean ships in but also the Thai forces,” said Capt. Troy 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/. formation during Cobra Gold (CG) 2010.

Photo by MC2 Greg Johnson Royal Thai Marine Corps Sgt. Beom Kim stands watch as U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) and Republic of Korea Marines review a map during a simulated amphibious assault during Cobra Gold 2010. Navy COOL recognized for credentialing initiatives

BY GARY NICHOLS Center for Information Dominance Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Navy Credentialing Opportuni- ties On-Line (COOL) is one of several Navy wide programs that helped launch the Navy into a lofty 17th place ranking Navy COOL was recognized by in Training Magazine’s prestigious “Training Top 125” list Training Magazine for 2010 during an awards ceremony Feb. 1 at the San Diego in their ‘Training Convention Center. Top 125’ honoring The “Training Top 125” is an annual list, which honors corporations or corporations and organizations that offer outstanding em- organizations that ployer-sponsored workforce training and development. offer exceptional This is the ninth time Training Magazine has produced its workforce training “Training Top 125” and the first time the Navy applied for and development. and made the cut. In fact, this is the first time any military lutely great job of ensuring that each and every Sailor in the rate of 75 to 80 percent. service has been included on the list. Navy can improve personally and professionally by having “This tells us the program is exceeding all expecta- “We get a significant number of newcomers that apply an opportunity to earn certifications.” tions,” Kelley added. “This program is a definite win for each year,” Training Magazine Editor-in-Chief Lorri Freifeld Kelley said his team cross-linked every Navy specialty or the Sailor, the Navy and the civilian Department of Labor said, “but it’s unusual for an organization come in that high rating with Department of Labor equivalent and ensured the workforce.” on the list.” Navy offered at least one civilian certification to each job With a staff of more than 700 military, civilian and con- That recognition helped the Navy join the ranks of pres- within the Navy. tracted staff members, CID Corry Station oversees the tigious, well-known and highly successful corporations that The end result of the pursuit of a civilian certification is that development and administration of more than 225 courses at include Microsoft, Verizon, Best Buy, MasterCard, McDon- the Sailor’s individual professional knowledge and skill-set 17 learning sites throughout the United States and in Japan. ald’s, Delta Airlines UPS and Home Depot. usually increases due to the extra preparation time required CID Corry Station provides training for more than 16,000 “The Navy had really great training programs,” Freifeld for certification examinations and ongoing maintenance of members of the United States Armed Services and allied said. that certification. forces each year. One of those programs is Navy COOL, which stood up at “These additional skills may not necessarily be performed For more information visit the official Navy COOL Web site the Center for Information Dominance (CID) Corry Station or taught in the Navy’s formal training pipeline,” Kelley said, at https://www.cool.navy.mil. in Pensacola, Fla., in 2006 and has become a widely sought- “but are skills performed by the Sailors’ civilian counterparts. after program for both Sailors and civilians who are thinking The real benefit to the Navy is having a Sailor with increased of becoming Sailors. individual proficiency as a result of gaining and maintaining Navy COOL is a centralized, Web-based hub that consol- additional industry-recognized skills.” idates information from numerous sources at the federal, “We looked at a lot of factors both quantitatively and qual- state and local levels on certifications, licenses, apprentice- itatively,” Freifeld added. “The training the Navy conducts ships and growth opportunities that correspond with each wasn’t just for fun or because it was nice to have. The training Navy rating, job and occupation. really helps the Navy strategically and it has demonstrable Navy COOL provides funding for Navy enlisted personnel results.” to obtain civilian licenses and certifications that are closely For example, Navy COOL reports more than 2,800 Sailors aligned to Navy jobs or ratings. have reenlisted, which have been directly attributed to them “Credentialing within the Dept. of Navy is a relatively new taking advantage of Navy COOL. According to Kelley, the re- concept but is paying huge dividends for our Sailors who turn on investment or “cost avoidance,” since the Navy kept have used the program,” said Navy COOL Program Super- these Sailors instead of losing them to the civilian sector, to visor Sam Kelley. date has exceeded $280 million. “I am extremely proud of the outstanding work performed Perhaps just as impressive is the high pass rate of 96 by our Navy COOL team,” CID Corry Station Commanding to 98 percent for voluntary licenses and certifications Officer Capt. Gary Edwards said. “They have done an abso- among Sailors, compared to the national average pass BATTLE ‘E’: Truman Sailors awarded 2nd consecutive Battle Military Saves event Efficiency Award VIRGINIA BEACH — As part of Military Saves Week, the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Continued from page A1 “Anyone walking the pier – Fort Story Fleet & Family Support Center will on the way to work only has host Financial Flurry, Make it Rain liberty event. officer. “Twelve out of the 14 to look up at the island – it The event will be held at the Foc’sle on JEB Lit- departments on board Tru- is a daily reminder of what tle Creek on Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Corrine man earned their respective we are capable of.” Photo by Cherie Cullen Vaughan from the Virginia Attorney Generals departmental awards.” As Truman prepares for Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with Greta Van Office will speak about identity theft, consumer The better each individual deployment later this year, Susteren, host of the Fox News program “On the Record with scams and other computer crime related topics department scores with re- Sailors expressed their con- Greta Van Susteren,” during an interview in Rome. that affect Virginians. gards to their qualifications, fidence in their ability to The Military Saves Campaign is an ongoing the higher the marks they accomplish whatever mis- ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal campaign promoting wealth building messag- receive. The higher the de- sion Truman is assigned. demands study, Gates says es for military, DoD and family members to set partmental score, the better “It feels great to join a ship savings goals, increase debt payments and par- the overall average score for that has such a strong rep- BY DONNA MILES benefits, and regulations and ticipate in financial education programs including the ship. The ship’s score utation,” said Seaman Jason American Forces Press Service fraternization rules, and con- ID theft prevention that will enable them to be- is computed and compared S. Kowalski, who joined duct and training, and so on,” come and remain financially fit throughout their to other operational carri- Truman’s deck department WASHINGTON — The he said. lives. ers on the east coast and the in Dec. 2009. “It gives me Defense Department’s re- This way, if Congress does The event will include a free lunch, a chance vessel with the best score the motivation to keep this view of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t change the law, “we can in- to win a $25 saving account, and a visit from the wins the prestigious honor tradition going.” Tell” law, which bans gays form that process and offer Shred-It Truck. The Shred-it Truck will be avail- of calling themselves a Bat- Rear Adm. Patrick from serving openly in the some suggestions on mitiga- able to destroy documents such as old mail, tax tle ‘E’ recipient. Driscoll, commander, Carri- military, will help to ensure tion if there are going to be forms, and personal documents that should not Boatswain’s Mate 2nd er Strike Group 10, offered readiness and unit cohesion negative consequences so be thrown in the trash. Class Kevin P. Neatrour, congratulations to the crew. remain intact if Congress re- we can figure out how to mit- The chance to win $25 savings account is part aboard Truman for both “The skill and determina- peals it, Defense Secretary igate those consequences,” of a Scavenger Hunt. Forms for the scavenger 2008 and 2009 Battle ‘E’ tion of every Sailor aboard Robert M. Gates said in an he said. hunt can be picked up at the FFSC in building awards, expressed his per- Harry S. Truman has made interview aired last night. “And if the law is passed,” 3129. They will need to be returned by 3 p.m. on sonal satisfaction. a direct contribution to Gates also discussed the he added, “then we’re in a Feb. 22. The winner will be announced at noon “Having the awards the success of the Carrier close cooperation he and much better position to be during the event. placed on prominent dis- Strike Group 10 team and Secretary of State Hillary able to go forward and imple- To get started on your journey to Build Wealth, play on 0-10 level of the ensured we are ready to de- Rodham Clinton have forged ment those changes in a way Not Debt, visit www.militarysaves.org and take the aircraft’s “island” means ploy when ordered,” said between their two depart- that doesn’t undermine unit saver pledge. For more information about the event a lot to us,” said Neatrour. Driscoll. ments during an interview cohesion and readiness.” call 462-7563. with Fox News Channel’s Gates emphasized the Greta Van Susteren, conduct- need for a careful, deliberate ed last week as he visited process. Rome. “The military culture is a GI BILL: U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye says Post- Expressing his person- very strong one. It’s a very al support for a repeal of the different culture than a civil- “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law – ian culture,” he said. “These 9/11 GI Bill process can be improved support shared by Chairman people do not have choic- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff es about who they associate Continued from page A1 by the delays. The housing stipends partment was processing Navy Adm. Mike Mullen – with. They can’t just up and TCC did not receive some go directly to students. requests more quickly this Gates emphasized the need walk off the job if they don’t Officials at ODU, Tide- tuition payments until the Andrea Dance, an assis- year. “Everything was new for a full review to ensure it’s like somebody that they’re water Community College end of the fall semester, but tant registrar at ODU, said last semester,” Dance said. done right if it happens. working with. And so we and ECPI College of Tech- “we allowed them to be en- some students told her that “This semester they really “This is a force that’s been have to take all that into ac- nology, which enrolled rolled, knowing the moneys they received those before have made a lot of effort to under stress for eight years, count.” hundreds of beneficiaries, would come in eventually,” the university got the tu- try to make things better.” been at war for eight years,” Turning the discussion to said in interviews that stu- said Phyllis Milloy, the vice ition payments. The department’s Web he said. “And I don’t want to enhanced Defense-State co- dents were not penalized president for finance. Both said the VA de- site said it had processed do anything that makes the operation, Gates said the tone claims for 141,580 students situation more difficult for he and Clinton are setting at for the spring, as of Thurs- those men and women in the the top will affect both agen- day. fight.” cies so they’re better able to A department official Gates conceded that some partner to address challeng- had been scheduled to consider the review a stalling es and threats. speak, but the storm pre- tactic, but he called it critical The goal, he said, is to vented him from coming, to the process. use all elements of the inter- said Lawrence Dotolo, “The review that I am agency process to prevent president of the Virginia launching is to help inform conflicts from happening in Tidewater Consortium for the legislative process of the first place so U.S. troops Higher Education, the fo- some facts about the attitudes don’t have to take action. rum’s sponsor. A call to the of our men and women in uni- “So building the capabili- department’s media office form, what they think about a ties, both civilian and military, in Washington was not re- change in the law, [and] what of governments around the turned Friday. their families think,” he said. world who are our friends For more information, go “The truth is, we don’t have and partners, is key,” he said. to www.gibill.va.gov. any facts.” “And we’ve got to cooperate Editor’s note: This story The ramifications go be- to do that.” originally ran in The Vir- yond the level of acceptance Gates pointed to the way ginian-Pilot on Feb. 6. You within units, the secretary former U.S. Ambassador to may contact the writer, Phil- explained. “We need to un- Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and ip Walzer, at 222-3864 or by derstand all of the different Army Gen. David H. Petrae- e-mail at phil.walzer@pilo- things that have to be dealt us, when he was commander tonline.com. with in terms of housing and of Multinational Force Iraq, worked together toward shared goals in Iraq. “I think Ph.D. disser- tations should be written about the relationship be- tween Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General Da- vid Petraeus, because it is a model of a relationship between the senior civilian and the senior military offi- cer,” Gates said. SECTION B FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM February 18, 2010 The online, offl ine predators FFSC teaches Sailors how to make themselves more identity theft-proof BY MC1 (AW) TIM COMERFORD Staff writer

VIRGINIA BEACH — Fleet and Fami- ly Support Centers (FFSC) want Sailors to know the predators that can steal identities aren’t always on the internet, in fact, they can be much closer. That is why the FFSC offers Identity Theft Protection classes to Sailors and their families each quarter. Sailors should be concerned with Iden- tity Theft. A report by Javelin Strategy and Research shows that in 2009 the re- ports of identity fraud rose to more than 11 million. “Identity theft is really rampant. A lot of times people think identity theft is done by someone you don’t even know. A lot of “We teach service members to verify cases where there has been identity theft, their transactions when they receive state- it has been from people who know them,” ments. Make sure everything is okay with said Lisa Clark, Financial Educator Joint their accounts, save their receipts and keep Expeditionary Base Little Creek FFSC. “I good records,” Clark said. “We also recom- had a case one time where a service mem- mend that they get their free credit report. ber came in – they had gotten a copy of Each of the credit report agencies allow one their credit report and there was informa- free credit report. A service member can tion on there that they had no knowledge get a credit report from Equifax, then three of. They started making phone calls and months later get one from Experian and they found out that it was when they were then three month later get one from Trans going to high school. It ended up being Union so you are getting one every quarter. their mom. Mom had taken his identity be- By the time you get the third one, you are cause she didn’t have good credit and she ready to get your Equifax one again.” couldn’t get anything in her name so she Some simple things assumed to be harm- used his name to get a credit card.” less can be ways for an identity to be stolen. Protecting your identity can be as easy as keeping track. See THIEVES, B7 Wounded Warrior Patriots’ Inn dedicated at NMCP BY REBECCA A. PERRON NMCP Public Affairs soothing, restful atmosphere. This is where service members It is a place for care, comfort have access to all of their bene- After a dedication ceremony and support for Wounded War- fi ts: Administrative spaces house in Naval Medical Center Ports- riors of any branch of service. fl eet liaison offi ces, disability mouth’s Chapel and a cake and “Today we have opened the counselors, Veterans Affairs rep- ribbon cutting, the new $5.2 mil- Patriots’ Inn so our Wounded resentatives, Navy Safe Harbor lion Wounded Warrior Patriots’ Warriors have a place to stay for members, Naval Legal Service Inn offi cially opened Feb. 12. extensive outpatient care,” said Offi ce representatives, medical The inn’s proximity to the med- Deputy Surgeon General and for- board personnel and exam rooms. ical center will ease Wounded mer NMCP Commander Rear With everything centrally located Warriors’ transition to outpatient Adm. Thomas R. Cullison dur- near the living area, service mem- care following their stay in the ing the dedication ceremony. “It bers will have the support they hospital. is extremely important to take need to transition from inpatient The new facility includes a tran- care of our patients and their fam- to outpatient care as they prepare sitional living area of 13 private Photo by MC2 (SW/AW) William Heimbuch ilies. With this center, we can do to return to active service or sep- rooms with queen-sized beds de- Lance Cpl. Bronson Bell, Gunnery Sgt. Ernest Aguayo, Deputy Surgeon so much better than before.” arate from the military. signed like hotel rooms rather General and former NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas R. Cullison and The complex occupies the en- “We realized that while some of NMCP’s Deputy Commander Capt. Craig Bonnema cut the cake dedicating than hospital rooms. Each room tire 7th fl oor of Building 3. On one these service members have de- the Wounded Warrior Patriots’ Inn with a Marine Corps sword. Bell and features a wheelchair-accessible Aguayo are recovering from war injuries at the medical center and are side, the inn occupies more than bilitating, life-changing injuries, private bath, a desk with a com- members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion there. 5,200 square feet, and includes a those Marines staying at the inn puter connected to the Internet lounge, small kitchen and a laun- would best be served by Marine and a fl at-panel television. Each The inn includes sustainable made with recycled content. The dry area. The other side houses leadership as they have access to room is accessed by a plastic key furnishings and fi nishes such draperies, linens, art and wall col- administrative spaces occupying card, just like in a hotel. as bamboo fl oors and products ors are coordinated to provide a more than 13,200 square feet. See WOUNDED, B7 SOY embodies role model, mentor Admiral Harvey administers Boy Scout Oath and Law BY MC1 (SW/AW) BLEU MOORE U.S. Fleet Forces Command Troop 24 was chartered by Public Affairs Larchmont United Methodist Church in April, 1917. It is the NORFOLK — The command- oldest continuously active Scout er of U.S. Fleet Forces Command troop in the Tidewater Coun- (USFF), administered the Scout cil, which includes 200 troops in Oath and Law to assembled South Roads and parts of North Scouts and Scouters during Boy Carolina. There are more than Scout Troop 24’s celebration of 840,000 Boy Scouts in 41,600 the Centennial of Boy Scouts of Troops across America. America (BSA) at Larchmont “This is both an honor and a United Methodist Church on challenge,” said Robert Paul, Feb. 9. the Troop’s Senior Patrol Lead- Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr. was a er. “It’s great to me that people fi tting choice for the ceremo- recognize that I have the ability ny as he is an Eagle Scout. He to lead people, but there is also said he gained interest and ded- an expectation that I will always ication from his father, who was do my best to do that.” also an Eagle Scout. Harvey “To have Admiral Harvey, Photo by MC2 Mandy Hunsucker Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA), Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel emphasizes his appreciation of was a member of Troop 35 in who is an Eagle Scout and a Sailor of the Year, Yeoman 1st Class Elise Jewett’s work while she has been stationed at CNRMA Headquarters. Baltimore. high ranking Navy offi cer, come “It’s all about the team - this here tonight was pretty neat,” BY MC1 (AW) TIM COMERFORD ceptional work ethic and she is a constant state of is all about how you achieve the said Chris Melhuish, Scoutmas- Staff writer challenging herself. collective goal, not the individu- ter of Troop 24. “He followed She grew up in Massachusetts and knew what she al,” said Harvey. “Look to your in his father’s Scouting foot- Yeoman 1st Class Elise Jewett does not tower over wanted to do before graduating high school. left and your right and see how steps. To take the time out of people. She doesn’t draw every eye with her over- “I was in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) be- you can help your Scoutmasters his busy schedule to be with powering presence as she walks into the room. fore I graduated,” Jewett said with her soft Boston and your troop achieve the goals America’s future leaders has She can’t recite the Bluejacket’s Manual forward accent. “I didn’t know what I wanted top do with my they have set for themselves.” made a huge impression on and backward from memory. She sees herself as a normal Sailor except for two qualities. She has an ex- See JEWETT, B7 See SCOUTS, B7 HOMEFRONT NEWS TIP Tax tips for military members SPOUSE of the week COURTESY OF USAA Filing Remotely - Generally, joint h returns must be signed by both spous- Life in the military can demand es. However, if your duties keep you sacrifi ces – some personal, some fi - away from home, your spouse can use What mode are you in? nancial. But in many cases, Uncle Sam a power of attorney to fi le a joint re- recognizes those hardships and of- turn on your behalf. fers special privileges to compensate. Moving deductions: BY LINDA PORT what you need or telling you gible to me. I am not just sitting When it comes to paying taxes, for ex- Moving every few years gets ex- Continuum of Resource Education what they can do to help. at point ‘A’ wondering where ample, military members can claim a pensive for active duty members. But CMC Spouse Committee member My mind stashes issues I am point ‘B’ is. Now I know where host of tax advantages that aren’t avail- if your move is a required permanent Along with the unique chal- presented with into their own lit- I am going or what will happen able to civilians. Here are a few to keep change of station, the IRS allows you to lenges that military life presents tle categories, each with its own and can plan for the journey and in mind: deduct the “reasonable unreimbursed to us, we deal with many of the specifi c mode of attack for a solu- what I need to do to get there Combat pay perks: expenses” of relocating yourself and same issues that are handled by tion or plan of action. Kind of like or get through a deployment or Tax Freedom - If you serve in a your family. every other American family ex- my ‘mode of operation’. I person- transition. Lists can be made and combat zone as an enlisted person Separation assistance: cept that we face some of them ally have three different modes information can be gathered to or as a warrant offi cer for any part of If you’re transitioning back to ci- more often or unexpectedly. most things fall into; Specula- prepare my family and myself for a month, all of your income received vilian life, you may be able to deduct The word ‘issue’ has a cou- tion, Planning and Execution. the changes and events to come. during that time is exempt from fed- some costs you incur while looking for ple of meanings for those in the It seems we are always antic- It is very satisfying to get all of eral taxes. For offi cers, the monthly a new job. Expenses may include: service. Of course ‘government ipating something. Maybe it’s your ducks in a row and know exclusion is capped at the highest rate • Travel issue’ or ‘standard issue’ refers time for your Sailor to be con- that you have tied up the loose of enlisted pay, plus any hostile fi re or • Resume preparation fees to the gear that is issued, or pro- sidering a new set of orders. ends and prepared for what will imminent danger pay received. Iraq, • Outplacement agency fees vided, to our Sailors to safely and Perhaps their ship is in the work happen. Afghanistan and Kosovo all qualify as Moving expenses may be deduct- properly do their jobs. Howev- up stage before a deployment Execution of the plan is my combat zones. ible if your move is closely related to er, if you look the word up in a or the Squadron is on a detach- favorite mode. Finally, whatev- Savings Potential - Tax-free pay can the start of work at a new job location dictionary, one of its descrip- ment and you are counting down er the issue was and whatever provide a great opportunity to save ex- and if you meet certain tests. tions is listed as ‘A situation that to homecoming. More imminent challenges you had to face, you tra money or reduce debt. In fact, IRS Breaks for Guard & Reserve: presents diffi culty, uncertain- might be a PCS in the coming have now dotted the I’s, and rules allow tax-free combat pay to be Travel Deductions - If you’re called ty, or complication’. Essentially, weeks or days or a due date to crossed the T’s and checked all used for contributions to an Individ- more than 100 miles away from home an issue can sometimes be de- prepare for. the boxes. One way or another ual Retirement Account (IRA). Since to perform your reserve duties, you scribed as a problem to be faced I fi nd Speculation to be the you complete the task. Your Sail- your IRA can grow tax deferred until can deduct any unreimbursed travel or solved. How ironic that many most frustrating mode to be in. or may have returned, you have you withdraw the money, the larger expenses. of our issues are issued to us by Oh, it can be fun at fi rst. It is fi nally sold the house, or maybe contributions today can provide a real Uniform Deductions - If you are pro- the Navy. fi lled with the big picture ‘what the garage is fi nally clean. What- savings boost over the years. You can hibited from wearing certain uniforms In some ways we may be if’s and dreams of where you ever your issue was, for better make a 2009 IRA contribution and when off duty (a rule that usually ap- more fortunate than civilian fam- might go and hoping for what or worse, it is fi nally over and a spousal IRA contribution until the plies to reservists), you can deduct ilies. The nature of the military jobs or new experiences might done. April 15, 2010, tax fi ling deadline, plus the cost to buy and maintain those community as a whole has the be ahead. I tend to get a little No worries though, not all is- any applicable extensions. uniforms. But you must reduce your tendency to reach out when they carried away and sometimes sues are problems, and not all Exceptions to the rules: expenses by the amount of any uni- can to help others along their forget that I might set myself problems are bad. Diffi culty, un- Extra Time - When you’re defending form allowance or reimbursement journey with a bond of compas- up for disappointment when my certainty and complication often our country, your tax return is proba- you receive. sion and empathy. The Navy best case scenario might not are all overcome. Life is just a bly the last thing on your mind. You Waived Penalties - A call to active has programs and instructions pan out. I fi nd it tough to turn string of issues. What mode are can’t put off fi ling taxes forever, but duty sometimes creates fi nancial in place to assure that neces- off the wondering, and yes, I you in? you and your spouse may qualify for hardship for reservists whose military sary information and assistance will admit to sometimes becom- a deadline extension of up to 180 days income is much lower than their civil- is available for nearly every is- ing obsessed with my hopes and Linda Port is a Navy Wife of after you’ve returned from a combat ian pay. If a cash crunch causes you sue we face that is a result of all the little tangents that branch 23 years. She currently volun- zone, hazardous duty area or certain to take money from your IRA, 401(k) or directly caused by our Sail- out from them. Eventually I be- teers with COMPASS, C.O.R.E. other deployments. Extensions apply to or certain other retirement plans, the ors military orders or service. come exhausted by the process and her base Chapel. She was several actions, including: IRS may waive the 10% penalty tax When you fi nd yourself in un- and just wish for the orders or the 2007 Hampton Roads Heroes • Filing returns normally applied for withdrawals be- familiar territory, other military the answer to what ultimately at Home Spouse of the Year and • Paying taxes fore age 59 ½. You’ll still be subject to families skip a lot of the prelimi- will be so that I can just move on was personally awarded the Presi- • Making claims for refunds pay income tax on the distribution, but nary getting to know you stages to planning. dential Call to Service Award by • Contributing to IRA’s without the extra sting of the penalty. and often dive right into asking Planning is so much more tan- President George W. Bush.

Just when you think p you have it tough MARRIEDto the Military

BY BIANCA MARTINEZ there was a time that spouses would deploy and that the family at home would be lucky if they got A lot of times when I am a letter each month. It is definitely easy for us to out and about I get funny get spoiled with all of the modern convenienc- Why military kids rock! looks. It was no different es of E-mail and Skype and instant messaging. I when I was shopping at the guess we shouldn’t whine when we compare. As parents we are always so concerned about how our kids Naval Air Station Oceana He continued to tell me about a time when are going to react to their Mom or Dad deploying. We even get Exchange the other day. there were no child care programs, no support worried if it is a short training trip. One thing I have learned, these kids are fabulous and we need to give a lot more credit. A gentleman kept looking groups and no counselors to get you through a My son is only 4, but what an amazing little guy he is. Sure he at me and really I thought tough time. We have an amazing Fleet and Family can be a challenge when Dad leaves, but who can blame him. I I had something hanging support program. We have an Ombudsman pro- am not so pleasant for a bit either! out of my nose. It’s just gram that always keeps us in as much of the loop that sometimes, people can’t figure out why it is as possible. What would it be like without that? SO HERE ARE THE TOP 3 REASONS MILITARY KIDS ROCK: that I look so familiar to them. Who knew – in that moment – as Sophie was I kept to my shopping, pushing my Sophia in screaming her brains out and Lucas had man- ˜They are some of the most fl exible kids I know. Not many her stroller and telling my Lucas to stop touching aged to put 10 boxes of golf balls in my cart, that young bucks can go with the fl ow, handle changes to their things. After about five minutes, the gentleman there would be a reality check. A request from a schedules and their lifestyles. Military kids have no choice and approached me and said, “You’re the news lady, man who had given his time to his country and after a little time they do it with style and grace. Bianca.” I gave him a smile and told him he was now to his family, made me realize how easy I ac- —They learn the lifestyle and they learn it quickly. Now, I know my daughter is only 18 months, but her vocabulary is through right. He asked if I had a moment to talk. Lucas tually have it. What I have not told you about Bill the roof these days. I swear she said the other day, “Where was swinging a golf club at this point, but I could until now is, he knows more about sacrifice and Daddy go?” Her Dad is on a trip. I am not even kidding! Okay tell there was something he really wanted to tell commitment and love than your average veteran so maybe I am just being a crazy mom, but it’s true. Our kids me so I said, “Of course.” or spouse. He has done all this while taking care learn that with a Mom or Dad serving our country, they need to He told me that his name was Bill and that he of his special needs child. Message received! pick up the slack and take some responsibility. My son loves served 20 plus years in the Navy and now, he too When you are mad, angry, frustrated, stressed helping with the dogs and he loves to help me cook. It’s just is a spouse. – by all means – vent and let it out. Then try to simply cool. His wife is a senior chief, which I thought that think back. Could you have done what the gener- –They live this life with pride. Sure they get frustrated and was pretty neat and told him so. Then he said, “I ations before us have done? I bet you could have, sometimes angry. They feel left behind and sometimes can’t am so tired of hearing the young kids complain.” but let’s be thankful we don’t have to. More im- always understand the sacrifi ce their parent is making, but Sure it seems a common complaint by anyone portantly, let’s honor Bill’s request and take the most of the time they will tell anyone how cool their Mom or Dad is. Lucas tells everyone that his Daddy is catching bad guys. It that has lived a full life before us, but he went time to thank the ones that did with a smile. makes my heart smile. Then I giggle when he adds, “Yeah, he is on. He told me how we needed to remember that putting them on the naughty step for a long time.” Reach out to NewsChannel 3’s Bianca Martinez at [email protected]. You gotta love a military kid. No really, you gotta give them Be sure to check out “Do My Military Job” every that all important love. Wednesday at 11 p.m. on NewsChannel 3!

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. CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Local Seven Deadly Sins: Lust

BY LT. CMDR. FRIZZELL niably sins, they are never commit adultery.’ But I say evangelist, Billy Graham, to service times Reserve Chaplain given the description of ‘‘the to you that everyone who lunch, Graham declined and MCB Quantico seven deadly sins” in the looks at a woman with lust said, “I don’t eat with beau- LDS PROGRAMS Bible. The traditional list has already committed adul- tiful women alone” and met JEB Little Creek Chapel Worship Schedule: Several of the Chaplains of seven deadly sins can tery with her in his heart.” her in a hotel dining room Noon — Sun. Worship (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) aboard MCB Quantico have function as a good way to cat- The Prophet says, “Star- instead. He was primarily 8 p.m. — Wed. Bible Study collaborated to write a series egorize the many different ing is one of the arrows of concerned about his public (Chapel Annex Classroom 4) of articles on what are com- sins that exist. Nearly every Satan.” Elsewhere, he ex- image; however, he did not monly known as ‘‘The Seven kind of sin could be placed plained, “You are allowed to place himself in situations Deadly Sins.” These particu- under one of the seven cat- have the fi rst accidental look that could lead to infi delity. NAVAL STATION NORFOLK lar seven are a list originally egories. With that said, let’s (which is unintentional), but Married couples, protect ROMAN CATHOLIC PROTESTANT used in early Christian teach- begin. do not continue to stare.” the sanctity of your mar- Our Lady of Victory Chapel David Adams Memorial ings to educate and instruct These references remind riage. Sociologists study Mass Schedule: Chapel Worship Services: followers concerning fallen LUST me of my own foibles. On hooking-up and other trends 5 p.m. — Sat. 10:30 a.m.— Sun. man’s tendency to sin. one occasion, while admir- in the sexual revolution, (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) Worship The misconception about Wikipedia, the free on- ing beautiful, scantily-clad while doctors combat sexu- 10 a.m.— Sun. Wednesday Services: the list of seven ‘‘deadly” line encyclopedia, defi nes nymphs and commenting on ally transmitted diseases. 11:45 a.m.— Mon.- Fri. 8:30 - 10:15 a.m.— Bible sins is that they are sins that lust as “a craving for sexu- their virtues, a devout friend Singles, abstinence is (except holidays) Study Noon “Lunch God will not forgive. The Bi- al intercourse, sometimes recommended that I practice worth a try. All of these Confessions: with the Lord” ble is clear that the only sin to the point of assuming chastity of the eyes rather best practices help us to not 4:15 p.m. Sat. God will not forgive is that of a self-indulgent or violent than the eyeball liberty that abuse our freedom. For more information call continued unbelief, because character.” consumed me. This brings God has given us many Naval Station Norfolk Chapel 444-7361 it rejects the only means to Renowned luminaries us to best-practices that will good things that, when obtain forgiveness – Jesus throughout history have assist us in overcoming the abused, become our down- Christ and his substitution- waxed eloquently on this is- temptation to lust. fall. We are free to focus on JEWISH PROGRAMS ary death on the cross. sue. William Shakespeare Chastity of the eyes de- the created instead of the Is the idea of seven deadly says, “This is the monstros- scribes the practice of Creator. In other words, our Commodore Uraih P. Levy Chapel: Jewish services are sins found in the Bible? Yes ity in love, lady, that the diverting your attention craving for sex can become at Norfolk chapel in Building C7 on the Second Floor and no. will is infi nite and the ex- elsewhere. Stop staring. our god. That’s idolatry. Sex every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Building C7 is located at 1630 Proverbs 6:16-19 declares, ecution confi ned; that the Modesty in dress is essen- is good within appropriate Morris St. on Naval Base Norfolk. For more information ‘‘There are six things the desire is boundless, and the tial, out of concern for our limits. Desire is a necessary call 444-7361 or 7363. Lord hates, seven that are act a slave to limit.” In oth- neighbor. Ladies, low-cut part of the equation if we detestable to him: er words, we have diffi culty jeans, with a peak-a-boo tat are to continue the species. MUSLIM PROGRAMS satisfying our sexual de- and exposed thong, attracts But, a self-indulgent and/ Masjid al Da’wah 1. Haughty eyes sires. roving eyes. Men, six pack or violent craving for sex 2nd Floor (Bldg. C-7): Muslim services are 2. A lying tongue In 1976 President Jimmy abs and bulging biceps can is not what God desires for at Norfolk chapel every Friday at 1:30 p.m. 3. Hands that shed inno- Carter was ridiculed for his cause another to burn with us. Jimmy Carter said, “I’ve cent blood remarks in a Playboy inter- desire. Don’t cause others to committed adultery in my 4. A heart that devises view. He said, “I’ve looked stumble. heart many times.... This is JEB LITTLE CREEK CHAPEL wicked schemes on a lot of women with lust. TV programming and any something that God recog- 5. Feet that are quick to I’ve committed adultery in movie rated other than “G” nizes, that I will do and have ROMAN CATHOLIC Confessions: rush into evil my heart many times.” is often sexually explicit. done, and God forgives me Mass Schedule: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. — Sat. 6. A false witness who pours When it comes to rap mu- Monitor your consumption. for it.” Will we fall short? 5 p.m.— Sat. PROTESTANT out lies sic, you might agree with one Pornography, in print or I know I have. Thankfully (fulfi lls Sunday obligation) 9 a.m. — Sun. School 7. A man who stirs up dis- critic who declares, “DJ Lust online, is a minefi eld that God forgives and assists us 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. — Sun. (4 years-Adult) sension among brothers on a mixtape is like milk on destroys lives. Men and to live better lives. 11:30 a.m. — Tues. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. — Sun. cereal … it just works!” Like women will not fall victim Editor’s Note: This is the (except holidays) Divine Worship, However, this list is not these commentators, the to this multi-billion dollar second of a seven-part series Children’s Church what most people under- Jewish, Christian and Islam- industry if there are no con- on the ‘‘Seven Deadly Sins.” (Ages 4-10) stand as the seven deadly ic faiths also address lust. sumers. Avoid pornography. These particular seven are PWOC: Bible Study at the Chapel Annex Every Wed. sins. Proverbs 6:25 cautions, Boundaries are impor- a list originally used in ear- Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: 10 a.m. - noon According to Pope Greg- “Do not lust in your heart tant. Our sexuality is to be ly Christian teachings to PWOC: Evening Bible Study Every Mon.: 7 p.m. ory the Great in the 6th after her beauty or let her exercised within appropri- educate and instruct follow- Latter Day Saints Coffeehouse century, the seven deadly captivate you with her eyes.” ate limits, for the good of our ers concerning fallen man’s 11:30 a.m. — Sun. 6 p.m. — Sun. sins are: Pride, envy, glut- Matthew 5:27-28 expands neighbor. tendency to sin. Several of tony, lust, anger, greed and upon the seventh command- In 1989, when then First the Chaplains aboard MCB For more information call JEB sloth. ment: “You have heard that Lady of Arkansas Hillary Quantico have collaborated Little Creek Chapel 462-7427 Although these are unde- it was said, ‘You shall not Clinton invited the famous on this series. OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE Comfort assists UNICEF in finding hope for Haitian youth

BY MC2 CHELSEA KENNEDY USNS Comfort Public Affairs

USNS COMFORT, at Anchor — The director of the Institute of Social Welfare in Haiti visited the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Com- fort (T-AH 20) Feb. 8 to evaluate the needs of dis- placed Haitian children on board. Jeanne Bernard Pierre brought a team of repre- sentatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and social work- ers to help victims of the devastating Jan. 12 earth- quake find loved ones, or in cases where entire families were lost, a new home. “The first goal of the vis- it is to say thank you to the U.S. government who provided health care for Haitian children,” Pierre said. “We are here to pro- tect the children and to find out if they have parents so they can track down fam- ilies, and if their parents Photo by MC1 James R. Stilipec A Haitian boy plays in the water with the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) visible off the coast. are gone, find other options like foster families.” said Lt. Andrea Hernandez, who are still unidentified. government is working with facilities throughout Haiti. For more news about the Comfort is working a pediatric nurse aboard “I think that if the Com- 90 nations and numerous This, coupled with the ef- relief efforts in Haiti, visit closely with members of Comfort. “We are making fort wasn’t here those nongovernmental organi- forts to help children find www.navy.mil/haiti/index. UNICEF, Red Cross and arrangements with transfer children probably would zations to provide food and their loved ones or a new asp. the Haitian Institute of So- facilities to reunite patients have died,” Pierre said. water where needed, in ad- home, marks the grow- For more news about cial Welfare to ensure that with their families once “After a disaster like this, dition to assisting with the ing pathway toward Haiti’s USNS Comfort, visit www. the children do not get lost they have been identified.” the United States has come establishment of after care eventual recovery. navy.mil/local/tah20/. in the aftermath of this trag- Patient discharge co- and helped, but the Haitian edy. ordinator Capt. Colleen government needs others “There have been suc- Gallagher met with Pierre to help as well to rebuild cess stories through both during her visit to facilitate Haiti and create sustain- the Red Cross and UNICEF interviews with children ability.” finding patients’ families,” aboard the hospital ship For their part, the U.S. Carrier Air Wing 3 changes hands onboard Truman

BY MCC (SW/AW) Driscoll stressed the im- “I am exactly where I want ABIGAIL LEHTINE portance of the global role to be, doing exactly what I USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs the Truman Strike Group want to do, and I hope you will face in the near future all are too.” NORFOLK — Carrier and the part both Lewis Bynum is a native of Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) held and Bynum will continue to Waco, Texas, and graduat- a change of command cer- play in that mission. ed from the University of emony in the hangar bay “For this strike group, Oklahoma. He was com- aboard USS Harry S. Tru- in addition to the mission missioned in May 1985 and man (CVN 75), Feb. 5. of countering the ongoing earned his wings in 1986. Capt. James Bynum re- threat posed by Al Qaeda His personal awards in- lieved Capt. Andrew Lewis in the Middle East, there clude the Legion of Merit, as commanding officer of is the need to help protect Defense and Meritorious CVW-3. our friends in the region,” Service Medals, the Air Lewis is scheduled to explained Driscoll. “Both Medal, the Defense, Navy transfer to U.S. Naval Forc- Capt. Lewis and Capt. By- and Air Force Commen- es Central Command, U.S. num have led multiple dation Medals and various 5th Fleet in Bahrain. combat missions during other individual, campaign “This ship and air wing several deployments and and unit awards. are far and away the most they will continue to pro- CSG-10 is made up of visible sign of America’s vide leadership.” the aircraft carrier Harry might and resolve through- Bynum will now over- S. Truman, with its em- out the world and will be Photo by MC2 Kilho Park see CVW-3 in support of barked air wing, CVW-3 so far into the future,” said Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class Mark Bellon conducts a visual patrol out of an SH-60F Sea Hawk the strike group’s mission, and embarked Destroyer Lewis. helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven (HS 7), and Lewis will play an in- Squadron 26 (DESRON-26) During the ceremony, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as part of Carrier tegral role in the wing’s staff, guided missile cruis- Air Wing Three (CVW-3). Seven squadrons make up the wing that changed command, Feb. 5. guest speaker Rear Adm. operations in the 5th Fleet er USS Normandy (CG 60), Patrick Driscoll, command- region. guided missile destroyers er, Carrier Strike Group 10 serving as commander, ciency” Awards, two Safety Lewis was hand selected Lewis stated he had USS Carney (DDG 64), (CSG-10), presented Lew- CVW-3 from August 2008 “S” Awards, the Arleigh by Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, complete confidence that USS Oscar Austin (DDG is with the Legion of Merit, to February 2010. Burke Award for leadership commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, Bynum was up to the task. 79) and USS Winston S. gold star in lieu of a third Under Lewis’ leadership, and the Estocin Award for to run the Fleet Maritime Bynum, who assumed Churchill (DDG 81). award, for exceptional mer- squadrons in CVW-3 were meritorious achievement. Operations Center in the command of CVW-3 after CVW-3 consists of Strike itorious conduct while awarded three Battle “Effi- According to Driscoll, Middle East. serving as the deputy com- Fighter Squadrons VFA- mander for more than a 32, VFA-37, VFA-105 and year, thanked all the guests VMFA-312; Tactical Elec- and stated his goals for the tronics Warfare Squadron future of CVW-3. VAQ-130; Carrier Airborne “We’ll continue to put Early Warning Squadron the mission first. Together VAW-126; and Helicopter we have an opportunity as Anti-Submarine Squadron we go forward, and that’s HS-7. to raise the bar of perfor- For more news from USS mance. It won’t always be Harry S. Truman (CVN easy, but nothing worth- 75), visit www.navy.mil/lo- while ever is,” said Bynum. cal/cvn75/. WOUNDED: JEWETT: IA ‘challenging’ THIEVES: Repairing damage isn’t easy Continued from page B1 After she came back Continued from page B1 site. They have a section specifically for Facility from deployment she was identity theft. There is a form that needs life, I just knew I didn’t surprised by her com- “Junk mail – if you don’t want junk mail, to be filled out and people can do it online, want to do the small jobs mand. They had her in take yourself off the solicitation list. If your it’s real quick and easy. It will put alerts on increases that I saw other people the running for Sailor of mailbox is on your street anyone can eas- their credit report so if somebody does try doing.” the year. ily steal your mail and open up a credit to use their identity, it will alert them that Though becoming a “I just got back the card.” Clark said. someone is trying to access their credit,” morale yeoman wasn’t her first week before, and they Those in the military service may be at Clark said. “Once the alert is on their cred- Continued from page B1 choice (the corpsman rat- told me to show up in more of a disadvantage than their civilian it report it will stay indefinitely making the ing was full when she my blues when I was on counterparts. user safer.” Navy Medicine,” Cullison enlisted) she embraced it. leave,” Jewett said. “Service members are extremely sus- Identity theft can have a career impact said. “So the assistance of “I like the yeoman It was a good thing that ceptible to identity theft because their especially to those who need to maintain the Wounded Warrior Bat- rating it allows me to con- she did. She won Sailor of social security numbers are attached to a security clearance, so documentation is talion will ease the transition stantly learn,” Jewett, the the year for her command just about everything,” Clark said. “It’s critical. after inpatient and outpa- Leading Petty officer for and then on Jan. 28 at Na- on their ID cards, it’s on their medical re- “Documentation is key. Keep records. tient care is complete.” the CNRMA Administra- val Weapon Station Earle cords and it’s on their military records. If security clearance comes into jeopardy “I can’t say enough what tion Department, said. in Colts Neck she came Not only does the military service record because of identity theft, it’s important to this new facility does for And that is one of the away with the regional have their social security number but their show the work that has been done. The po- morale,” said Lance Cpl. thing she sees as a reason Sailor of the Year award. spouses also.” lice report, a consumer statement on their Joe Reiss, a member of the for becoming the Navy “I am humbled by them Credit card statements can give a thief credit report – every consumer has the Wounded Warrior Battalion Region Mid-Atlantic’s choosing me, but it has access to accounts. right to put a 100 word statement on their who recently stayed in the Sailor of the Year. some perks, it makes you “If Sailors stop receiving statements credit report – and contacting the FTC to former Patriots’ Inn, which “I am constantly chal- feel good that you are cho- they should contact their creditor to find get the alert placed on their account.” was a ward in the hospital. lenging myself to do sen,” Jewett said. out why they are not receiving them any And once an identity has been stolen, “The rooms are not just like more,” Jewett said. She Personnel Officer Chief more. Stealing mail is one of the ways fixing it can be tough. being in a hotel – they are becomes a better Sailor, Warrant Officer 5 Sam- thieves can take an identity. They will call “Unfortunately it takes a lot of time. Any- like being in a really nice professionally and per- uela McMoore Jr. is not the creditor and change the address and thing you have to dispute takes 30 days for hotel. It’s amazing to have sonally, by taking on work surprised by her accom- then they will be the one receiving the in- a response, it will take time to do the re- all of the administrative of- and college classes. plishment. formation and then they can start getting search and verify that the person truly is a fices in one place as well. One of the other rea- “She has all the abilities the money.” victim of identity theft. Running around is harder sons for her nomination of role-model and men- The educators also teach service mem- For military families the FTC has set up than your think, especially was her deployment to tor – dedication, superior bers what can be done if they find they a special part of their site with information for the injured. This way, it Iraq as an Individual Aug- performance and leader- have become a victim. www.ftc.gov . will be easier, even for those mentee. ship,” McMoore said. “First thing they should do is file a po- For information on the FFSCs of Hampton not living here. We won’t “It was one of the most Jewett keeps her goals lice report, then they should go onto FTC. Roads classes or to find a class schedule visit have to search around the challenging tours I have in mind – sometimes even gov, the Federal Trade Commissions Web www.nffsp.org or call 444-6289. hospital.” had,” Jewett said about looking over her shoul- The medical center’s her time as Non-commis- der. focus on providing the sioned officer in charge of “I have an anchor that is highest quality of care to its J1 division for combined on the wall of my office to beneficiaries is evident in Joint Special Operations remind me where I want SCOUTS: A heritage of greatness the Patriots’ Inn attention Air Component. “It was to go,” Jewett said. to detail. very different working Even though she Continued from page B1 mer President Gerald R. Ford, former “We think this was a won- with all the services and wasn’t selected as the Chiefs of Naval Operations Adm. Jay L. derful idea to have this learning all the ranks and Commander Navy Instal- these young men.” Johnson, Adm. Carlisle Trost and Adm. facility,” said Cathy Wilson, everything.” lations Command SOY Today, there are more than 40 active Elmo Zumwalt, Jr.; astronauts and naval executive director of the And she sees the reason she is content. Scouts in the Troop, and they meet in the aviators Neil Armstrong and Capt. James Virginia Wounded Warrior that she was nominated as “I never expected to get church each week. Monthly camping trips, Lovell and Secretaries of Defense Robert Program. “It goes a long something different than so far, so I’m happy with service projects, and summer camp con- Gates and Donald Rumsfeld. way to helping the men, what is on her awards what I achieved,” Jewett tinue to be important parts of the Troop’s For more news from U.S. Fleet Forc- the women and their fam- package. said. Scouting program. es Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/ ily members as they are “I look out for my Sail- And once she retires Distinguished Eagle Scouts include for- clf/. re-integrating into the com- ors,” Jewett said. “I try to she wants to do some- munity.” help out my junior Sail- thing different. The Wounded Warrior ors and guide them and “Maybe I’ll finally get to Patriots’ Inn is one of the for the senior Sailors I try work in the medical field,” last projects in Building 3’s and look out for them.” Jewett said. renovation and took about a year and a half to com- plete. Building 3 served as the primary hospital from 1959 to 1999 when the Charette Healthcare Cen- ter (Building 2) opened as the primary hospital. The Patriots’ Inn was former- ly located on the 5th floor of Building 2. That area will now resume serving as reg- ular hospital rooms. Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen push themselves to the edge for real world TRIAL BY WATER: scenarios during Para-egress Course at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek PHOTOS AND STORY BY MC2 TIM MILLER Naval Special Warfare Group 4 Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH — U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combat- ant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) from Special Boat Team (SBT) 20 tested their stamina and wa- ter proficiency after the one-week Parachute Egress (Para-Egress) course at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Feb. 5. “The evolution we did today is the water competency eval- uation; it’s a compilation of everything we’ve taught the stu- dents throughout the week,” said Senior Chief Special Warfare Boat Operator Jeff Smith, Para-Egress course instructor for SBT-20. “It’s designed to be challenging, to test guys in the worst possible controlled environment that we can replicate, testing their phys- ical and mental aptitude to be able to handle themselves in any situation that they may find them- selves in.” The beginning of the course consists of a one-mile open ocean swim along with a basic physical A Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) jumps into the water before being engulfed by parachutes during the Parachute Egress Course. The assessment. This is done to en- course teaches SWCC the procedures for getting out of a parachute harness during the worst possible scenario of being entangled in two parachutes sure the students are physically underwater. This particular course was for the newest detachment that will be trained to conduct the Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System, which ready before putting them in any involves launching an 11-meter Naval Special Warfare rigid-hulled inflatable boat from a C-17 or C-130, which the SWCC parachute after. kind of dangerous scenario. “We give these guys real world their physical and mental ability Next, they perform single dis- They repeat the exercise blind- tal challenge of exhaustion along survival skills including dis- to help them deal with challeng- entanglement exercises. They folded, simulating coming up with keeping their buddy alive. entanglement procedures in es that occur during a water drop test out two to three times, swim- under a parachute at night. The “The goal is to have these stu- parachutes, and buddy towing and how to successfully get out of ming below a single parachute next day the course gets harder, dents learn the technique for real with full gear on,” said Smith. “We those situations without anxiety and feeling their way out from un- simulating falling into one para- world scenarios. The buddy tow push them to their limits, both or panic.” derneath using a seam as a guide. chute with another falling over simulates finding another opera- them. They have to remove the tor in the water and towing him chute below them, unhitch their to safety while keeping his head gear and find their way out. above the waterline,” said Spoon. Chief Special Warfare Boat When they leave this course, Operator Benjamin Spoon, these SWCC will ultimately go Para-Egress safety instructor at to Maritime Craft Aerial Deliv- SBT-20, has seen firsthand situa- ery System (MCADS) training. tions where this type of training The system deploys an 11-me- is essential. ter Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat “The worst case scenario is be- (RIB) rigged with four large ing entangled in two parachutes parachutes from the back of a under water while trying to re- C-130 or C-17 at approximate- move your parachute harness. ly 3,500-feet, with the SWCC Our challenge as instructors is to parachuting immediately after- teach these guys to remain calm wards. The MCADS capability in these situations,” said Spoon. enables Naval Special Warfare Part of the water proficien- SWCCs to rapidly deploy any- Photo by MC2 Tim Miller cy test is the buddy tow, where where in the world in a maritime A Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) acting as a safety swimmer conducts a Parachute Egress they have to overcome the men- environment. Course.