Volume 56, Number 16 https://www.cnic.navy.mil/meridian ~ www.facebook.com/NASMeridian ~ Twitter: @nasmeridianms August 2, 2018 Base Brothers earn their ‘Wings of Gold’ Events From Staff Reports become an aviator.” But it wasn’t until about age 16 Twin brothers completed almost when the brothers visited a recruit- ]Operation Get Fit two years of training in the T-45C ing center that the two seriously Aug. 1-Oct.1 at the “Goshawk” with Training Squadron started thinking of a career in the Seven on board Naval Air Station military. gym; meal plans Meridian, July 27. “We wanted to serve something included. U.S. Marine aviators, 1st Lt. bigger than ourselves,” Matteo Andrea “Andy” Occhipinti and his said. “The Marine Corps demanded Call 679-2379. brother, Capt. Matteo Occhipinti something from us while the other were joined by four other aviators branches offered us something.” during the ceremony when they all Though both commissioned at ]Commissary earned their “Wings of Gold” ap- different times, with Matteo go- Side Walk Sale plauded by family, friends and staff. ing through the Platoon Leaders Capt. Nick Mungas, commodore Course at the University of Illinois Aug. 23-25 of Training Air Wing One, was the at and Andy going through during normal guest speaker. ROTC at the Illinois Institute of “You will be ready, you will suc- Technology, both earned their wings business hours. ceed and you will perform – This is at the same time. Call 679-2326. your day,” Mungas said. In addition, both received de- Born in Italy, the Occhipinti Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat grees from their respective schools brothers moved to the United Capt. Matteo Occhipinti, left, Training Squadron Seven Commanding in mechanical engineering. Andy ]Liberty Bowl and States when they were six years Officer Cmdr. Steven Vitrella, 1st Lt. Andrea Occhipinti and Training said the two have different ways of Putt-Putt old. Air Wing ONE Commodore Capt. Nicholas Mungas pose for a group approaching similar problems. “When I got off the plane in the photo before the twin brothers receive their gold aviator wings “He likes to talk to other people Aug. 12 from 6:30- U.S., I remember I had a model simultaneously during a winging ceremony at the chapel onboard and get a couple of opinions,” Andy 8:30 p.m. at the airplane in my hand,” Matteo said. Naval Air Station Meridian, July 27. The brothers completed Advanced said. “That may have been a sign I would Jet Flight Training with Training Squadron Seven. =Twins, page 8 bowling alley. Call 679-5252.

]Family Movie Night ‘Sherlock Gnomes’ Aug. 10 at 7:30 50 Years of Service p.m. at Ponta Creek Rec Center. Capt. Brian S. Horstman, Call 679-2526. commanding officer of NAS Meridian, left, congratulates Theodore Cole for 50 years of service at the NEX, July 25. Cole began his career with the Navy Exchange in May 1968 Follow us on as a 19-year-old custodian. www.facebook. During his career he has com/NASMeridian endured many challenges and seen the beginning and and Twitter: end of an era of Navy @NASMeridianMS Exchange officers changing to general managers. Cole and his wife, Ida, have been married for 49 years. They have two children, Tonya and What’s Theodore Jr, both of Alpharetta, Ga.; and two Inside grandchildren. Photo by Adam Prince

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Changes to SWO qualifications OPSEC: Everyone’s

page 6: responsobility

Within the Navy, the odds of making it through boot camp Marine sets records without hearing ‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’ are improbable. Though at Warrior Games the slogan is old, it still embodies the basic principle of Opera- tional Security, or OPSEC. OPSEC is a multi-faceted concept that strives to prevent the inadvertent compromise of sensitive or classified activities, page 7: capabilities or intentions. OPSEC involves a relatively simple five-step process that anyone can use.

What’s for sale Five steps to remember, include: aIdentify critical information. The information you have that could assist an adversary in any way. aAnalyze the threat to that information. Does an adversary have the capability to collect or use the information, and if so, page 9: how? aAnalyze the vulnerabilities. How is the critical information relayed in the course of your daily duties and how is it protected? Welcome aboard at aAssess the risk. How likely is it that the information could be FFSC, Aug. 7. compromised? aDevelop countermeasures. What can you do to protect the in- formation from being disclosed? OPSEC requires the active participation of everyone, regard- less of his or her rank or job. The best defense is educating peo- ple through annual required training on how to protect critical information. “It’s a combination of people knowing what information is considered sensitive and then knowing when to shut their mouth,” said Gunnery Sgt. Fred Wilson, assistant OPSEC of- ficer and OPSEC program manager at Navy Europe Headquar- ters. To put OPSEC in perspective, Wilson said he has seen Sail- ors and Marines go to extreme lengths to protect information about things such as surprise birthday parties and promotion lists, yet discuss details of their work freely and openly. ~ page 4 ~ “We need to take that same mindset and apply it to our ev- eryday job,” said Wilson. The path of least resistance, while the easiest to travel, usu- U.S. receives remains ally offers the least amount of protection. from North Korea “The combination of secure communications and physical secu- rity, if used consistently and properly, greatly reduce the risk of disclosure,” said Wilson. 2 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 Photo of Week A Day in Naval History

~ Aug. 2, 1943 ~

(PT 109), commanded by Lt. j.g. John F. Kennedy, is rammed by the Japanese destroyer, Amagiri, which cuts through the vessel at Blackett Strait near Kolombangara Island. Abandoning ship, Kennedy leads his men to swim to an island some miles away. With the aid of a Coastwatcher and local residents, they return to Rendova PT base on Aug. 8. Photo by Staff Sgt. John A. Martinez Jr. Marines march in formation during the Sunset Parade at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. ~ Aug. 3, 2016 ~

Captain Joe Turk, commanding officer of USS Michigan (SSGN 727)(Blue), presents Chief Area Happenings Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra with her submarine qualification certificate during a August ceremony at Puget Sound 4: Investigative Theatre–A Devised Theatre Workshop from Naval Shipyard. U.S. Navy 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Meridian Arts and Entertainment Experience. By Chief Dominique Saavedra the end of this collaborative workshop for actors of all abilities, you becomes the first woman to earn the silver submarine pin will have explored human stories, created characters from people we that represents a fully trained meet, written a play and performed it. Lunch is included. Registration submariner. required. Class is limited to 25 students. Registration $30 and $35. Call 601-581-1550. 11: 3rd Annual High Tea and Silent Auction from 2-4 p.m. at Northcrest Baptist Church. Event sponsored by Lauderdale County Navy News Briefs Habitat for Humanity. Tickets on sale Aug. 8; call 601-485-4992. 13: Auditions for “Singin’ in the Rain” at 6:30 p.m. at the Meridian CNSF announces changes to SWO qualification Little Theatre. Dancers, singers and actors needed; parts for men, Commander, Naval Surface Forces/ team and I remain committed to ensuring women and boys from ages 10-14 available. Production runs from Commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. the future leaders of our community are Oct. 11-16. Call 601-682-6371. Pacific Fleet announced a revision to the properly trained and qualified.” requirements for qualification and desig- Officers pursuing SWO qualification 16-17: Care Lodge 24th Annual Conference from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at nation as a surface warfare officer (SWO), must be a commissioned officer perma- the MSU Riley Center. The two-day conference will cover: July 23. nently assigned to either a commissioned quantifying the problem of sex trafficking locally; defining the high Effective immediately, designators or pre-commissioning U.S. Navy surface 116X and lateral transfers into the SWO ship. risk victim; and effective victim interview techniques pre-registration community are the only designators eli- Non-116X officers, who are currently is required. For information, visit http://www.carelodge.com/about-us/ gible to pursue SWO qualification. This pursuing a SWO qualification, are autho- upcoming-events/care-lodge-24th-annual-conference/. change aligns with new career path revi- rized to continue until Oct. 1, 2018. sions, which focuses on increased experi- Additionally, only commanding offi- 18: KC and the Sunshine Band at 7:30 p.m. at the MSU Riley ence on ships, including increased bridge cers of commissioned surface ships may Center. Harry Wayne Casey, better known as KC, got millions of watchstanding opportunities for SWOs. qualify officers who are permanently people to lace up their boogie shoes for soundtrack-of-the-’70s hits “The surface warfare officer qualifica- assigned to their ship as SWOs. Once tion is the path to 1110 and is the crucible SWO qualification is achieved, transfer as “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “(Shake, Shake, of a junior professional surface warfare of- from one ship to another will not require Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “I’m Your Boogie Man,” and “Keep It ficer to develop and master the core com- requalification as a SWO or revalidation Comin’ Love.” Tickets are $64 and $58; Call 601-696-2200. petencies necessary to excel as a future of the entire SWO PQS package. Howev- commanding officer of a warship,” said er, requalification in all applicable watch- 23: Power of the Purse at 6 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center. An Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander, stations is required. evening of d’oeuvres, wine, purses, and fun. Live and silent Naval Surface Forces/commander of Na- --From Commander, Naval Surface Force Public Affairs auction. Proceeds to benefit United Way of East Mississippi val Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “My Imagination Library Program. Tickets are $30. Call 601-693-2732. 25: SummerFest from noon to 8 p.m. at City Hall. Great day of free family fun featuring: pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy house, face USS Carl Vinson rescues mariners off Hawaiian coast painting, art display, carnival games, chili cook off, live entertainment, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl was flown to a local medical facility for and a beer tent. For more info or applications, call 601-479-6841. Vinson (CVN 70) rescued five mariners in evaluation. distress July 27 near Hawaii’s western- “We were ready,” said Capt. Matt Ongoing most inhabited island. Paradise, Carl Vinson’s commanding of- from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Singing Brakeman Park. Event The mariners issued a distress call ficer. “When nearby mariners needed as- Earth’s Bounty after their 36-foot vessel ran aground in sistance, we stepped up immediately and is the first Saturday of the month from April to November. Call shallow water near the island of Niihau. helped. That is what we are trained to do, 601-485-1944. Two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters and I’m proud of our team.” from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1901 Front Street. Event is assigned to the “Black Knights” of He- “This case illustrates the partnerships Meridian Art Walk licopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4 we enjoy in Hawaii as the Navy was the first Saturday of the month from April to November. Email airlifted the mariners from their vessel quick to respond and get this mariner to a [email protected]. to shore at approximately 8:30 a.m. local higher level of medical care,” said Ensign from 9-10 a.m. at the Mississippi Arts + time. Seth Gross, command duty officer with Mini Maestros Carl Vinson was operating seven miles Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “The Coast Entertainment Experience. A program for toddlers and their from the vessel when bridge watchstand- Guard’s role now is to assess the vessel caregivers, Mini Maestros will explore various art forms through ers heard the distress call and offered as- and work with the owner as available to crafts, stories, music and dramatic play. Every Monday through Aug. sistance. HSC-4 transported four of the mitigate any impact to the environment mariners to a U.S. Coast Guard facility from the fuel and batteries aboard.” 27. Free and open to the public. Registration required. on the island of Kauai. The fifth mariner --From USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs Call 601-581-1550. Pat Gray Academy DANCE, GYMNASTICS & CHEER 5014 Poplar Springs Drive • Meridian, MS 39305 10% OFF SIBLING NAS Meridian NMCRS 601-485-4776 DISCOUNT Richelle.gray @comcastnet Office is open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m.- CLASSES OFFERED IN NEW 2 FULL SIZE DANCE ROOMS… Ballet * Tap * Jazz * Lyrical * Hip Hop * noon & Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pointe * Comptemporary & Modern * ADULT Dance Classes FULL SIZE GYM W/ IN GROUND FOAM PIT… Tumbling * Uneven Bars * Call 601-679-2504. FALL Balance Beam * Vault * Tumble Track * Boys gym * Cheerleading Registration Fee $65 REGISTRATION Tuition $50 for 1st class $25 for 2nd class $ Administration Building 255, AGES 18 months & up 5.00 OFF 2018 Student Registration August 2nd & 3rd Pat Gray Academy Suite 283 601-485-4776 4:00-7:00 pm Bring original newspaper AD in to receive $5.00 off Registration FeeNO COPIES ACCEPTED

Our STAFF is Nationally Safety Certified and Certified by TEST to Teach! 117760-1

This DoD newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Hotlines & Helpful Numbers Contents of The Skyline are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss. SAPR Victim Assistance: 601-604-3037 The Skyline ~ government, the Department of Defense, or NAS Meridian, Mississippi. The Skyline is pub- SAPR Civilian Victim Assistance: 601-486-3122 lished every other Thursday by The Meridian Star, a private firm in no way connected with the SARC: 601-481-4274 U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with the commanding officer of Naval Air Station, Command Staff Editorial Staff SAFE Helpline: 877-995-5247 Meridian, Mississippi. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Commanding Officer ~ Public Affairs Officer ~ Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 Meridian Public Affairs Office. The Skyline solicits news contributions from military and civilian Military OneSource: 800-342-9647 sources. It reserves the right to edit material selected for publication. The deadline for material Capt. Brian S. Horstman Penny Randall is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Send submissions to: The Skyline, 255 Rosen- CEAP (DoN Civilian): 844-366-2327 baum Ave., Suite 163, Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station, Meridian, MS 39309-5003 or Executive Officer ~ Public Affairs Specialist~ EAP (NAF Civilian): 800-932-0034 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information, call (601) 679- FFSC Meridian: 601-679-2360 2318 or (601) 679-2809. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or Cmdr. J.P. Falardeau Adam Prince Chaplain: 601-604-2015 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Command Master Chief ~ Staff Writer/Photographer ~ NMCRS Duty Cell: 601-604-2206 The Meridian Star of products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this EEO (NAF): 866-295-0328 publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without re- CMDCM Maurice Sutherland MC1 Chris Liaghat gard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handi- EEO (GS): 904-542-2802 cap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user orpatron. The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 3 Six aviators earn ‘Wings of Gold’ in July pinning ceremony

There was a naval aviator designation ceremony July 27 onboard Naval Air Sta- tion Meridian. Six aviators received their “Wings of Gold” during the ceremony. The naval avia- tor designation ceremony is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy regulations, but has emerged as an honored product of the rich heritage of naval tradition. It marks the culmination of nearly two years of specialized training, which has pre- pared these officers for the rigorous demands of aerial combat and carrier opera- tions -- earning each the title of “Naval Aviator” and the right to wear the coveted “Wings of Gold.” =Winging, page 8 Cechner Kleven A. Occhipinti Golden Stick

M. Occhipinti Starkey Willis

F-35 Simulator

Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat Mississippi Council of the Navy League member Arjen Lagendijk, left, presents the Golden Stick award to U.S. Naval Aviator 1st Lt. Andrea Occhipinti during a winging ceremony at the chapel onboard Naval Air Station Meridian, July 27.

MC1 Chris Liaghat A Lockheed Martin team member shows Training Squadron Nine student aviator, 1st Lt. Chris Streicher, the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning using a simulator cockpit at the Simulator Building onboard Naval Air Station Meridian, July 26.

Welcome Home

Photo by MCC Elliott Fabrizio Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson engages with Chilean navy leadership aboard the Chilean navy flag ship CNS Williams (FF 19) to strengthen the US-Chile naval partnership and recognize their contributions as a leader in Pacific maritime security. During the visit, Richardson toured Chilean navy facilities, presented awards to Chilean naval officers, and met with his Chilean counterpart, Adm. Julio Leiva Molina. CNO is on a multi-day trip to South America to strengthen partnerships and seek more opportunities for combined operations.

CNO strengthens Naval

partnerships in Chile Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat NAS Meridian Sailors and civilians joined together to welcome back individual augmentee (IA) Sailors, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Ginley and Master- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. class capabilities.” at-Arms 2nd Class Ethan Yocum, at a ceremony in the Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat John Richardson visited Chile, July 28, to During his visit, CNO presented the Memorial Galley onboard NAS Meridian, July 24. meet with Chilean navy leadership, rec- legion of merit to two Chilean naval atta- ognize the country’s contribution to Pa- che officers aboard the Chilean navy flag cific maritime security and discuss ways ship CNS Williams (FF 19) in recognition in which the U.S. and Chilean navies can of their work to expand the partnership continue to grow their partnership. between the U.S. and Chile. Command Quarters During the visit, Richardson toured “These types of relationships are very Chile’s National Tsunami Early Warn- important and allow us to combine our ing Center, presented awards to Chilean forces, not only to maximize our naval naval officers and met with his Chilean power, but also to bring our countries counterpart, Adm. Julio Leiva Molina. closer together,” said Richardson. “The The visit is part of a series of engage- work of our two awardees is a fantastic ments in South America, beginning with example of the power of diplomacy to en- the Inter-American Naval Conference hance naval and national relationships.” (IANC) in Colombia, where 18 heads of CNO’s visit coincided with the 200- navies met to discuss strengthening part- year anniversary of the Chilean navy, nerships and increasing maritime coop- and Richardson congratulated Armada de eration. Chile on their historic milestone. At IANC, Richardson praised Chile’s “Two hundred years is a remarkable leadership in the multinational Rim of anniversary,” said Richardson. “There’s the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. not many navies in the world that can “Chile is participating for the 12th mark 200 years of service to their coun- time, but in a historic first, the Chilean try. To all of the sailors in the Chilean Commodore Pablo Niemann serves as navy, my very best wishes-I hope you are the combined forces maritime compo- very proud of what you do to secure the nent commander, in effect, commanding freedom of seas that is the engine which all maneuvering afloat forces in a series fuels the Chilean economy and secures of high-end warfare missions,” said Rich- Chile from attack from anybody who dare Photo by MC1 Chris Liaghat ardson. “This role is a worthy opportunity to take her on,” Richardson added. NAS Meridian Sailors received awards during the monthly command to showcase the Armada de Chile’s first- --From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs quarters at the Air Operations building onboard NAS Meridian, July 23. 4 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 U.S. receives fallen service members’ remains from North Korea

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

The United Nations Command with sup- port from U.S. Forces Korea today repatri- ated 55 cases of remains of fallen U.S. ser- vice members returned by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, also known as North Korea, according to a news release. A U.S. cargo aircraft flew to Wonson, North Korea, to receive the remains and returned promptly to Osan Air Base, South Korea, the release said. “It was a successful mission following ex- tensive coordination,” United Nations Com- mand, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea commander Army Gen. Vin- cent K. Brooks said in the release. “Now, we will prepare to honor our fallen before they continue on their journey home,” Brooks added. Brooks will host a full honors ceremony for the fallen service members August 1. Immediately following that ceremony, the remains will be flown to Hawaii for further processing under the Defense POW/MIA Ac- counting Agency. The UNC in Korea remains committed to enforcing the 1953 U.N. Armistice Agree- ment to return fallen service members, the release said. “The owes a profound debt State Department photo of gratitude to those American service mem- United Nations Command Chaplain Army Col. Sam Lee performs a blessing of sacrifice and remembrance on the 55 cases bers who gave their lives in service to their of remains returned by North Korea at Osan Air Base, South Korea, July 27. country and we are working diligently to bring them home,” according to a statement released by the White House. “It is a solemn dignity and properly accounted for so their “Today’s actions represent a significant field operations in North Korea to search for obligation of the United States government families receive them in an honorable first step to recommence the repatriation of the estimated 5,300 Americans who have not to ensure that the remains are handled with manner. remains from North Korea and to resume yet returned home,” the statement added.

What I learned about military life For Sale By Owner/Military 555 Nature’s Way, Meridian 2058 sq. ft. from watching soaps Northeast Sch. Dist.

3BR/2BA. Beautiful, brick home “In our last two when Bo married Fancy Face back in on large fenced corner lot in quiet episode, publish- COLUMN 1996. subdivision -The Meadows. Separate ing mogul Preston I tried watching talk shows while nurs- dinette, 10 ft. ceilings, triple crown molding throughout. Stained glass Thornton III was ing for a while, but Sallie Jesse Raphael, accents, Open concept floor plan. still in a coma Maury Povich and Jenny Jones just didn’t Central vac syst. Master bath has oversized Jacuzzi tub, sep. shower as a result of the provide the escapism I was seeking dur- & sep. water closet for toilet. Energy mysterious chande- ing my homebound years as a young Navy efficient w/central gas heat & electric lier accident at his mom. Except for that riveting episode heat pump, two (50) gal. hot water heaters. Stainless steel appliance Bay City Man- when Maury interviewed people who and washer and dryer stay. Large walk- sion. His evil twin claimed to have been abducted by aliens. in pantry located off kitchen. Sec. syst, sister Iris hatched Now that my kids have all graduated and underground sprinkler system. a deal with Metro- from high school, I don’t have an excuse $229,500 politan Hospital’s to sit on the couch in the middle of the (601) 679-5055 Dr. Lucas Moore day and watch soaps anymore. But as I Please note, that in MS there is to keep Preston enter a new empty nest phase of my life, no property tax levied if buyer Lisa Smith Molinari is 100% VA service connected unconscious until I realize that those soap operas actually disabled and over 65 qualifies for they had time to taught me an important life lesson. LARGE tax deduction! 48702-1 fraudulently em- No, not to hatch a plot to steal the bezzle his fortune. Quartermaine family fortune, or to create Meanwhile, Preston’s wife, Felicity, the an evil clone of Reva Lewis, or to confront genuine heir, fell in love with Dr. Moore devil-possessed Dr. Marlena Evans-Black while spending long hours in the hospital at Brady’s Pub, or to fake my death while at her husband’s bedside. In a dramatic in a voodoo trance. cliffhanger, Dr. Moore, Iris and Felicity Sure, the dramatic twists and turns can MCRAE REALTY COMPANY found themselves in Preston’s hospital be hokey and unrealistic in the context of room, just as he opened his eyes and said “General Hospital,” but the concept that ROLLING HILLS SUBDIVISION to Felicity, ‘Who are you?’ “just about anything is possible” can be Does Preston have amnesia? Will Dr. motivating to a young military spouse Moore continue to plot with Iris, or will facing the tedious challenges of running APARTMENTS FOR RENT: he follow his heart and pursue Felicity? a household alone. In a roundabout way, Will Preston cut his cheating wife out of soap operas send the message, Forget his will? Who will get the riches? And who your reality for a moment and realize that 2 Bd/1 bath with W/D hookups will find love? you can do whatever you set your mind to. Yep, I’ll admit it. There was a period in It is possible for me to shower in the my life when I watched the soaps. Off and morning. It IS possible for me to exercise Location in Marion Ms. on between 1995 and 2000, I spent a lot three days a week. It IS possible for me of time sitting on the couch watching TV to save more money. It IS possible for me Off Hwy 45 N/Confederate Drive in the middle of the day. No, I wasn’t eat- to cook something other than chicken ing bonbons. I was a young Navy wife at nuggets for dinner. It IS possible to send home nursing our babies, and what could my spouse a care package once a month Reasonably priced. be a more fitting way to pass the time during deployments. It IS possible for me than watching a bit of “boob tube?” to reach out to the new military spouse I found the soaps to be totally ludi- next door. It IS possible for our family to Call McRae Realty @ 601 693-2067 for info or crous, but surprisingly entertaining. go to church on Sunday. Every soap opera character had been in It is possible, because just about any- a coma, was kidnapped, had amnesia, thing is possible. Visit www.mcraerentalproperties.com was switched with another baby at birth, Lisa Smith Molinari’s self syndicated columns appear came back from the dead, time traveled, on her blog, www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and and was cloned. I never took any of it she recently co-authored Stories Around the Table: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE seriously, although I am embarrassed to Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life Follow 110010-1 admit that I might have shed a tear or Lisa@MolinariWrites.

U.S., Egypt commence exercise eagle response 18

American and Egyptian naval forces Unit 6, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit began Exercise Eagle Response 18 at the 2, Company 25 and the Naval Oceanogra- Red Sea Naval Base here, July 24. phy Mine Warfare Center. Eagle Response 18 is an explosive The exercise began with a welcoming ordnance disposal and diving exercise brief, classroom trainings and decompres- conducted by the U.S., Egypt and other sion chamber familiarization. participating nations to enhance interop- “It was great seeing a variety of na- erability and warfighting readiness, -for tions compare their personal experiences tify military-to-military relationships and with decompression training from a medi- advance operational capabilities of all cal perspective,” said Navy Chief Petty Of- participating units. ficer Eli Hernandez, a hospital corpsman “We are fortunate to have this oppor- who heads the decompression training. tunity to build strong relationships to “Diving is one of the most hazardous evo- strengthen our maritime security capabil- lutions a human can do, and it’s important ities,” said Navy Lt. John James, the ex- we share our experiences and learn from ercise’s commander. “Training opportuni- each other to improve safety across the ties like these give our sailors the unique board.” chance to learn from different nations and Eagle Response 18 is part of Eagle Sa- show them what we can do.” lute 18, a surface exercise that provides The U.S. sailors represent Task Force opportunities for participating nations to 52, the U.S. 5th Fleet’s mine warfare task collaborate across a wider range of mari- U.S. Navy photo force. The U.S. delegation is part of Task time security operations. An American sailor deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Group 52.3, left, and Group 52.3, and includes deployed sailors --From Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Egyptian sailors conduct a familiarization dive during Exercise Eagle Response from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Public Affairs 18 at Red Sea Naval Base, Egypt, July 25. The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 5 Pvt. Valerie Roblesmoreno Pvt. Gage Stoler

MATSS-1 Student MATSS-1 Student Hometown: Stamford Conn. OOORAH! Hometown: Toledo, Pvt. Roblesmoreno joined the Marine Pvt. Stoler joined the Marine Corps Corps March 19, looking for opportuni- March 19, seeking a fresh start after high ties to better herself. “I wanted a chal- school, and making the most of his oppor- lenge and to be the first in my family to tunities. serve in the military,” she said. Stoler admires his fiance for always Roblesmoreno enjoys volleyball and being able to handle things at home. “I spending time outdoors with friends. admire how she’s able to handle things Her most memorable experience from while I’m gone,” he said. boot camp was hiking back from cru- He’s most looking forward to gaining ex- cible and the EGA ceremony. perience, visiting new places and meeting She’s most looking forward to earn- new people. ing higher rank; becoming a leader and Stoler loves sports and spending time gaining new friends and experiences. with family. He hopes to be stationed on Roblesmoreno hopes to receive orders the East Coast -- to be close enough to to anywhere on the West Coast. “I’ve home. never been to and it’s a place Stoler’s most memorable experience I’ve always wanted to see,” she said. from boot camp was the day he received his EGA.

Marine sets records during DoD Warrior Games By Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya the 50-meter backstroke, she qualified for the games, dedicated her free time to im- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar first place in the 50-meter which led to another level of prove her swimming. With a breaststroke, first place in athleticism because she was steadfast focus, determina- Cpl. Kira R. Lavine, an the 200-meter freestyle, fifth competing against women tion and incomparable spirit air-support operations op- place in an indoor four-min- who were really good swim- that has benefitted not only erator with Marine Air Sup- ute endurance rowing race mers. her personal life, but her mil- port Squadron 3, Marine Air and seventh place during the “It’s more fulfilling when itary career as well. Control Group 38, 3rd Ma- one-minute rowing sprint you succeed with talented As an air-support opera- rine Aircraft Wing, sets two race. opponents,” said Lavine, tions operator with an avia- swimming records during the “I was mostly just im- who recalled first learning tion command and control 2018 Department of Defense pressed with my time,” said to swim in her grandpar- unit, Lavine provides direct Warrior Games, a multi-day Lavine. “Thinking about the ents’ pool at the age of four. air support for I Marine Ex- competition at the U.S. Air record wasn’t really a big Lavine’s mother, who was peditionary Force and its ma- Force Academy in Colorado, deal, I was trying to beat my both a competitive diver and jor subordinate commands. June 1 – 10. personal best. swimmer at Valhalla High While preparing for the Both active duty and vet- “After going through an School and State Warrior Games, her unit re- erans, competed in a vari- intensive outpatient pro- University, continues to be leased her early for practice ety of categories including gram at Lake O’Neill, Camp her role-model. during lunch breaks as part archery, cycling, wheelchair Pendleton, California, I was “My biggest role model for of her every day routine in basketball, track and field, swimming every single day… being competitive would be an effort to improve on her sitting volleyball, shooting, the coach asked me if I want- my mom,” said Lavine. “To swimming. swimming, indoor rowing, ed to enroll in the Warrior sort of continue that legacy, “Two of my biggest sup- time trail cycling and power Athlete Rehabilitation Pro- even though I didn’t go to col- porters have been my pla- lifting. gram,” added Lavine. “While lege right away, she’s who I toon sergeant and corporal,” Photo by Lance Cpl. Juan Anaya During the games, Lavine enrolled in WARP, they were draw a lot of inspiration from said Lavine. “Both of them Cpl. Kira R. Lavine with Marine Air Support Squad- set two swimming event re- able to take me to the Marine because I didn’t think after allowed me to take the time ron 3, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine cords in both the 50-meter Corps trials and then the high school I’d be competing to hone my abilities. Without Aircraft Wing, breaks two Warrior Games’ records and 100-meter freestyle. DoD Warrior Games.” again.” them, I wouldn’t have had including both the 50-meter and 100-meter free- She also placed second in Because Lavine did well, Over the years Lavine has time to train properly.” style swim events.

BOSTON MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Damon Mclean Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard carry the Marine Corps Battle Photo by Cpl. Erick ClarosVillalta Colors and the National ensign during the opening of a Red Sox game at Fenway A recruit from Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, climbs Basilone’s Park, Boston, Mass., July 28. challenge during a Crucible event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Safety & Energy Efficiency is Our Duty 6 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018

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

Facility Phone Numbers

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

Coming Coming Attractions Friday Family Movie Night Attractions McCain Rec August 10 • 1930 • Ponta Creek Community Rec Complex McCain Rec Center Center Thursday, August 2 Friday, August 10 5 p.m., Breaking In, PG13 5 p.m., Finding Dory, PG 7 p.m., Platoon, R 7 p.m., Addams Family Values, PG13 Friday, August 3 Saturday, August 11 5 p.m., Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, PG13 1 p.m., E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, PG 7 p.m., Tully, R 5 p.m., A Quiet Place, PG13 7 p.m., Addams Family Values, PG13 Saturday, August 4 1 p.m., Ice Age, PG Sunday, August 12 5 p.m., There’s Something About Mary, PG13 1 p.m., Aladdin, G 7 p.m., Tully, R 5 p.m., Adrift, PG13 7 p.m., A Quiet Place, PG13 Sunday, August 5 Chairs and popcorn will be provided. 1 p.m., Breaking In, PG13 Monday, August 13 5 p.m., Platoon, R 5 p.m., Cars 3, G 7 p.m., There’s Something About Mary, PG13 Personal blankets and chairs are welcome. 7 p.m., Life of the Party, PG13 Monday, August 6 Tuesday, August 14 5 p.m., Aladdin, G 5 p.m., Captain Underpants, PG 7 p.m., Adrift, PG13 7 p.m., Book Club, PG13 Tuesday, August 7 Wednesday, August 15 5 p.m., Finding Dory, PG 5 p.m., Pan, PG 7 p.m., Addams Family Values, PG13 7 p.m., Deadpool 2, R Wednesday, August 8 Thursday, August 16 5 p.m., E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, PG 5 p.m., Cars 3, G 7 p.m., A Quiet Place, PG13 7 p.m., Life of the Party, PG13 Thursday, August 9 Friday, August 17 5 p.m., Aladdin, G 5 p.m., Captain Underpants, PG 7 p.m., Adrift, PG13 navymwrmeridian.com 7 p.m., Book Club, PG13 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 7

Navy’s first female admiral, Alene Duerk, passes away

Retired Rear Adm. Alene B. Duerk, the Navy’s first fe- brary of Congress’ Veteran’s History Project, Duerk said, male admiral, passed away July 21, 2018. She was 98 years “The time I was aboard the hospital ship and we took the old. prisoners of war, that was something I will never forget . . . “It took 197 years and a forward-looking Chief of Naval that was the most exciting experience of my whole career.” Operations, Elmo Zumwalt, to break with tradition before Thereafter, Duerk was assigned to Naval Hospital Great Alene Duerk became the first woman admiral in the U.S. Lakes until being released from active service in 1946. Navy,” said Naval History and Heritage Command director In 1951, Duerk returned to active duty serving as a Sam Cox. “But the credit goes to Duerk. From the crucible nursing instructor at the Naval Hospital Corps School in of caring for wounded Sailors, Marines and prisoners of Portsmouth, Va. and later as inter-service education coor- war during World War II in the Pacific, she blazed a trail of dinator at the Naval Hospital , Penn. stellar performance in tough jobs, serving as an inspiration Her skills in ward management, surgical nursing and men- for an ever increasing number of women officers who have toring would be put to use over the next two decades while followed her path.” serving at hospitals in San Diego; and Yokosuka, ; at Born in Defiance, Ohio, on March 29, 1920, she received the Recruiting Station in Chicago; and in Wash., D.C. nursing training at the Toledo [Ohio] Hospital School of In May 1970, following assignments as assistant for Nursing, from which she earned her diploma in 1941. From Nurse Recruitment in the Office of the Deputy Assistant there, Duerk entered the U.S. Naval Reserve and was ap- Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) and assistant head pointed an ensign in the Nurse Corps. of Medical Placement Liaison (Nurse Corps) at the Bureau “Alene Duerk was a strong and dedicated trail blazer of Naval Personnel, Duerk was appointed director of the who embodied the very principles that continue to guide Navy Nurse Corps. Navy Medicine today,” commented Vice Adm. Forrest Fai- Over the next five years, Duerk provided direction for son, Navy surgeon general, upon learning of her passing. U.S. Navy photo the Nurse Corps, updating policies affecting Navy Medi- “She will forever be remembered as a servant leader who An undated official portrait of Rear Adm. Alene B. Duerk. cine and expanding the sphere of nursing into ambulatory provided the best care to those who defended our nation, Duerk entered the Navy in January 1943 and initially served care, anesthesia, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology. honoring the uniform we wear and the privilege of leader- as a ward nurse at the Portsmouth and Bethesda naval Her selection to the rank of rear admiral was approved ship.” hospitals. by President Richard Nixon on April 26, 1972. The first Her first tours of duty included ward nurse at Naval back from the Third Fleet’s operations against Japan. woman to be selected for flag rank, she was advanced on Hospital Portsmouth in Virginia, Naval Hospital Bethes- Upon cessation of hostilities on Sept. 2, 1945, Duerk and June 1, 1972. da in Maryland, and sea service aboard the Navy hospital the Benevolence crew took on the task of repatriating liber- Rear Adm. Duerk retired in 1975, but remained a strong ship, USS Benevolence (AH 13), in 1945. While anchored ated Allied prisoners of war, an endeavor that solidified her advocate for Navy nursing through the remainder of her off the coast of Eniwetok, Duerk and the crew of the Benev- commitment to nursing and patient care. life. olence would attend to the sick and wounded being brought Years later, when asked about her service for the Li- --From Naval History and Heritage Command

Sale... Or

BOATS/CAMPERS/TRAILERS Excellent condition. Asking F dirt bike $2,200. All in good pliances. Call 601-686-0277. 5969 or 601-282-5261. Briarwood area cul-de-sac $10,500. Call 601-527-4981. shape ready to go. Overseas For Rent: 3 BD/2 BA home For Sale: 4 BD/3.5 BA, FSBO: well-maintained brick, New! 2017 Keystone Av- 2010 Polaris Ranger move forcing sale. Make of- 15 minutes from NAS; pets Spacious lake front home smoke-free,pet-free,one alanche 365MB (5th wheel) 800XP Browning Edition, fer ready to deal! Call Ben at allowed with deposit. $1,200 with bonus room over the level sunny open floor plan. motor home. Sleeps eight; camo color. roof, windshield, 843-597-4221. per month; $1,000 deposit garage. Clarkdale school Asking $269,900. Call 904- great living quarters; includes winch, extra set of wheels/ AUTOMOBILES, ETC. with option for 3-year lease at district (ranked #1 within lo- 254-5345. cables, hoses and septic tires, and dual gun scabbard. $1,100 per month. Available cal area). Amenities include MISCELLANEOUS lines. Asking $49k. Call 586- Asking $7,800. Call Pete at 2010 Buick Lucerne, Aug. 1. Call 334-654-0571. wood floors, granite counter- 899-6429. 601-678-3458. Asking $8,500; 121,000 For Sale: 3 BD/ 2 BA tops, custom crown molding, Riding Lawnmower used 2018 Mallard M185 Trav- 2013 Harley Davidson miles, loaded, excellent con- Ranch style home in North- plantation shutters, lots of less than one summer. Ask- el Trailer. Sleeps 4 with 1 Switchback, Asking $8,000; dition; garage kept with new east School district; less closet/storage space, archi- ing $850. 42” cut blade. Call queen bed/2 bunks. Easy to only one owner; still under tires. Call 601-739-3264. than 10 minutes from NAS. tectural brick accents, gas 601-482-2276. tow at 3,575 lbs; only selling warranty; all maintenance 2017 Camaro Gen6, 4k Hardwood floors, new metal lanterns, and more. Asking Woman’s Converse because military member is done by Harley Davidson. miles, 50th anniversary lim- roof in quiet neighborhood. $374,000. Call 601-723-0741 Composite Toe Trainer moving overseas. Great liv- Call 505-658-1675. ited addition; like-new condi- Asking $160k. Call 601-454- for a private showing. Safety Shoe Size 10, brand ing quarters with lake view. 1982 Harley Davidson tion. $38,500. Call 601-686- 4990. For Sale: 4 BD/2 BA, 2490 new in box, $65. White with Hooked up and ready to live FLHS, 80 C.I. Shovelhead 1027. For Sale: 4BD/ 3.5BA square ft. home in Southern gray & teal trim. Call Teresa in, including cables, hoses, Engine w/4-Speed Transmis- 2012 Honda Civic, 47k Lakefront home in Scham- Oaks Subdivision, Northeast 601-616-9251 (Please no septic lines, plus the $500 sion. Nice Antique Bike -- miles, $9,200. Call 601-490- berville Estates. Lots of ame- Lauderdale School District, calls after 8 p.m.) towing kit. Asking $17,000. just can’t ride anymore. Call 3835. nities, including upstairs 4th 12 ft ceilings, heartland pine 601-527-9756/601-986-8378 BD w/ full BA that could be floors, large brick patio, walk- Call 360-434-3035 HOMES/APARTMENTS 2004 Honda TRX450R bonus room and three-acre in closets, walk-in pantry, four wheeler $2,600; 2005 New! For Rent: 3BD/3BA peninsula lot boasts appx granite countertops, alarm To submit an item to the MOTORCYCLES/GEAR/ATV Honda TRX250EX four at 424 Windover Circle. Only 1,000 ft. of shoreline & fea- system, quiet and safe neigh- “Sale...Or” column, e-mail wheeler $1,600; 2002 Ya- 10 minutes for NAS. Pets al- tures an expansive sprinkler borhood. Asking $310,000. [email protected]. 2010 Ultra Classic Harley Deadline is the dirt bike lowed. $1900 monthly with system using lake water. Call Call number 601-917-0379. Davidson 29K miles 96cc maha TTR-125L Thursday prior to Screaming Eagle Engine. $800; and 2006 KTM 250SX- $1000 deposit. Includes ap- Jenny Ziemba at 601-480- For Sale: 4 BD/2.5 BA publication.

Listings in the “Sale...Or” column are free for anyone who works at NAS Meridian. You can purchase an ad for a business or organization in “The Skyline,” by calling The Meridian Star at 601-693-1551 -- ask for Advertising or email: [email protected] 8 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 Navy Releases 2018 Personal and Professional Choices Survey Results

The 2018 Personal and Professional aApproximately nine percent of women in Choices Survey results were released by the the Navy are pregnant at any point in time, Chief of Naval Personnel’s office of inclusion and 17 percent of women had a pregnancy and diversity, July 25. in the past year. Approximately 76 percent The biennial Personal and Professional of female officer and 47 percent of female Choices Survey, formerly named the Preg- enlisted pregnancies are planned. nancy and Parenthood Survey, provides aAlthough 25 percent of women were at- leadership with information from Sailors tached to a deployable unit when they found on retention, work/life balance, family plan- out they were pregnant, only 15 percent of ning, childcare, pregnancy and other related these women were actually deployed at the issues. time. The data gathered from the survey helps aFifty-one percent of women who were Navy track the trends and impact of person- transferred to a new command due to preg- nel policies, not only on individual Sailors nancy felt valued by their new command, and their families, but also on Navy readi- but only 34 percent were transferred to a ness. career-enhancing position. Both men and women were surveyed to aThe percentage of single parents in the DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando gather their opinions and concerns on Navy Navy is increasing (10 percent of women Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Karil Courtenay, an aviation structural mechanic life and family issues. Survey results show and one percent of men), indicating that assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., reasons for staying or leaving the Navy the Navy is becoming more single-parent discusses a hydraulic system part with Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. were similar for both women and men. friendly. Shanahan, right, and Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer, during their visit to the The 2018 survey was sent to a randomly aWomen are more likely than men to em- center, July 26. selected group of 29,103 women and 49,800 bark on the adoption process without a part- men on active duty, representing 48 percent ner and more likely to not complete the pro- and 19 percent of the active duty force, re- cess due to work-related factors. spectively. The survey produced 12,682 use- aWomen are significantly less likely than able responses, with a 16 percent response their male peers to have children. The per- Shanahan discusses F/A-18s, Naval rate and a margin of error of plus or minus 1 centage of men and women in the Navy who percentage point. are parents is relatively similar through age Aviation Readiness at Oceana 28 (32 percent), at which time the percent- Some of the key takeaways from partici- age of female parents begins to significantly pants of the 2018 survey include: lag behind the percentage of male parents. By Lisa Ferdinando Women’s parenthood rates later increase DoD News, Defense Media Activity a Men and women have similar influencers between the ages of 33 to 35 to 68 percent, to stay Navy, including job security/stabil- compared to 75 percent for men of the same Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan and Navy Secretary Richard V. ity, pay/benefits, retirement and service to age. Spencer toured the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic facilities here July 26 to dis- nation. aWhile most Sailors think Navy provides cuss enhancing naval aviation readiness. aMen and women find it difficult to balance adequate information on how to access “What we were trying to get out is what are the major process changes we would a Navy career with a personal life, and poli- birth control, only 44 percent think there is make to get a step function improvement in performance,” Shanahan said in an inter- cies intended to improve life/work balance enough information on birth control side ef- view after the tour and a closed-door session with the leadership team. need to be directed to all Sailors. Forty-five fects and 36 percent think there is enough The deputy secretary said he wants to explore ways of taking a departmental ap- percent of unmarried men and 52 percent of information on how to access emergency proach to some of the issues and challenges in the maintenance and repair of F/A-18 unmarried women report being in the Navy contraception. Super Hornet jet aircraft. has reduced the likelihood that they will get aOf women who use birth control, 89 per- “For the people who are responsible for those facilities, we wanted to get a sense of married, while 41 percent of men without cent received enough to last the entire what are those big constraints where either you need help or a decision,” he said. children and 49 percent of women without length of their most recent deployment, a The most important part of his visit, he said, was the discussion with the leadership children report that being in the Navy has slight increase from the 2016 survey. team on ways to drive a higher mission capability. This, he pointed out, supports the reduced the likelihood that they will have or aAlthough most women (54 percent) are National Defense Strategies priorities of creating a more lethal force. adopt children. satisfied with the quality of military OB/ Topics included modernization, service life extensions, managing the supply chain, aExperiences and perceptions vary widely GYN care, only 48 percent report having and working on the DoD-level to better engage the supplier, he said. between men and women, and parents and easy access to OB/GYN care regardless of “We also talked quite a bit about how to set the priorities for improving the reli- non-parents. 55 percent of women think duty station, and only 22 percent have easy ability of the airplane,” he said. “We talked quite a bit about how do we want to get the having children negatively impacts the ca- access while on shore duty. right pool of spare parts [and] how should we rotate spare parts to different depots and reers of women, compared to only 26 percent aWhile 61 percent of Sailors report hearing different bases where the F/A-18s are based.” of men. their command’s leaders talk about work/ Sailors and civilians assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic perform aWomen in the Navy are less likely than life balance, only 47 percent see their com- maintenance and repair, inspections and structural and electronic system modifi- men to be married or have children. Of Sail- mand’s leaders demonstrate work/life bal- cations on numerous carrier-based aircraft, as well as aircraft launch and recovery ors who are married, women are more likely ance. equipment on aviation-capable ships. to be in a dual-military relationship. --From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

=Winging the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Those earning their wings include: June 26. Occhipinti completed Advanced a 1st Lt. Jonathan Matthew Cechner, Jet Flight Training with Training Squad- USMC, carrier qualified in the T-45C ron Seven. aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN a Lt. j.g. Austen Edward Starkey, USN, 77) June 26. Cechner completed Ad- carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard the vanced Jet Flight Training with Training USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) June Squadron Seven. 26. Starkey completed Advanced Jet aLt. Mackenzie Alexander Kleven, Flight Training with Training Squadron USN, earned one Navy “E” for bombing Nine. accuracy during Advanced Jet Flight a 1st Lt. Christopher Dale Willis, Training. He carrier qualified in the T- USMC, enlisted in the Marine Corps 45C aboard the USS George H.W. Bush June 30, 2002, and attended Recruit (CVN 77) June 27. Kleven completed Ad- Training at MCRD Paris Island. While vanced Jet Flight Training with Training enlisted Willis served as a CH-46E crew Squadron Nine. chief on three deployments with the 31st a 1st Lt. Andrea Occhipinto, USMC, and 13th Marine Expeditionary Units earned two Navy “E’s” for bombing accu- in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. racy during Advanced Jet Flight Train- After serving as a crew chief, Willis was ing. He carrier qualified in the T-45C assigned to MCRD San Diego as a drill aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN instructor where he was accepted to the 77) June 26. Occhipinti completed Ad- Marine Enlisted Commissioning Educa- vanced Jet Flight Training with Training tion Program completing his degree and Squadron Seven. becoming an officer. He carrier qualified a Capt. Matteo Occhipinto, USMC, in the T-45C aboard the USS George earned one Navy “E” for bombing accura- H.W. Bush (CVN 77) June 26. Willis cy during Advanced Jet Flight Training. completed Advanced Jet Flight Training He carrier qualified in the T-45C aboard with Training Squadron Nine.

=Twins “I just look at a problem and think about and work through it before I make a decision.” Their brotherly bond helped them when it came to studying, which the brothers said they did together throughout their training. “We did struggle some,” Matteo said. “This program is very difficult, but with the help of VT-7 and its leadership we improved and are excited to see where the future will take us.” Now, it’s time for the brothers to separate as Andy will be stationed at Miramar, Cali- fornia, where he will fly the F-18 Hornet and Matteo goes to Beaufort, South Carolina, to fly the F-35. “We’ve always relied on each other as study partners,” Matteo said. “I think it’s going to be great even though we’re doing different things.” Both expressed excitement about their futures. “Today’s the start of my eight-year contract,” Andy said. “I cannot wait to do the rest of it.” Matteo added, “We’ve completed a milestone and now it’s time to see the world.”

117869-1 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 9

This week we asked: “What is your favorite Navy or Marine Corps tradition and why?” IT’S YOUR TURN... By Adam Prince

PSSA Seth Donecker Pvt. Jonathan Moses PSSA Nate Campbell Pfc. Tyler Wilson LSSR Robert Roza NTTC Student MATSS-1 Student NTTC Student MATSS-1 Student NTTC Student “In boot camp, our division “Field Day! It helps build “Evening colors. I love “Marine Corps Ball. Helps “My father told me about had to come to attention unit cohension and lets us how everyone stops what us remember our history the Shellback ceremony; I while in our racks.” unwind after a long week they’re doing to salute the and heritage.” want to experience that.” of training.” flag at the end of the day.” Fleet & Family Support Center NAS Meridian self-care policy FFSC Briefs While parents have the ultimate responsibility to use to determine when children are ready for greater To register for any of the following workshops, provide proper and adequate care and supervision for independence. please call the FFSC at 601-679-2360. The class the well-being of their children, children reach certain Parents should assess these factors and, if appro- may not be presented if no one registers, so make levels of maturity and experience that allow them to be priate, raise the minimum age limits contained within sure you call if you’re interested! Can’t make the able to accomplish some activities with little or no su- these guidelines. scheduled time? Call anyway - the workshop facili- pervision. Exceptions for MWR facilities: Ages 12 and up may tator may be able to work with you one-on-one, give The chart below outlines the policy guidelines for be unaccompanied at MWR facilities that do not have you materials, or let you know when the class will leaving children unattended on board NAS Meridian. additional restrictions, e.g. CYP, Liberty, Rudders, be offered again. All classes held at FFSC (Build- Maturity levels along with personality, environment Fitness. ing 405) unless otherwise noted and developmental progress are factors parents must --From FFSC Transition GPS Capstone Aug. 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Age Outside Left Left in Left Alone Child Child Unattended Unattended Without Car Overnight Sitting Sitting at Facilities Ninety days before their separation from child Sitter in Unattended Siblings Others Quarters military service, service members will 0 - NO No No No No No No participate in a CAPSTONE event, which 9 will verify that transitioning service 10 YES, for YES, for up YES, with No No No No up to 6 to 8 hours 11 keys members completed the Transition GPS hours with with removed periodic periodic from curriculum and achieved Career checks checks from vehicle. from supervisor, Readiness Standards. Service members supervisor but no who require additional assistance will be (not cooking is after dark allowed referred to supplemental training and no (except opportunities. In addition, through the later than for 2000 microwave CAPSTONE event, all service members

curfew) oven) . will be offered a ‘warm handover’ to ap- (see exceptions propriate government agencies and orga- for ages 10-11) nizations that will be able to provide them Yes, until YES, up to YES, No YES, YES, however , YES continued benefits, services, and support 12 15 2200 12 hours with however, American Red with keys American Red Cross as veterans. See your command career

periodic removed Cross Baby— Baby— counselor for more information. checks from from Sitting Sitting supervisor vehicle. Training is Training strongly required. IA Spouse Discussion Group recommended. Aug. 7 from 11 a.m.-noon YES, until YES YES No, unless YES, YES, however YES 16- American FFSC hosts this IA Spouse Discussion 2200 on an adult is however, 17 within 50 American Red Red Cross nights Group over coffee (or tea). Join other preceding miles of Cross Baby— Baby— Sitting NASMER w/ Sitting Training is military spouses to talk about the a school day, Power of Training is required. Attorney and strongly challenges of IA deployment, share otherwise 2400. Installation recommended. survival tips, discuss the impact of Security is notified by deployment on children, remind one the another about the benefits of deployment, parent(s). or just kick back & chat!

Welcome Aboard Aug. 7 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. FFSC welcomes you to Meridian by providing current information and policies regarding NAS. Topics covered will include: Navy career choices, FFSC services, Suicide Prevention, Medical, Dental, Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Program, TRICARE, vehicle registration, on- & off-base driving regulations, legal services, community services, Chapel & other religious services, MWR, things to do at NAS & in Meridian, and more!

Stress Management Aug. 8 from 9-10 a.m. or Aug. 29 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Everyone experiences stress in normal day-to-day life, and your reactions to stress can be difficult to control. Some stress can be helpful because it spurs you to meet life’s challenges, but too much stress (or poor stress management skills) can affect your mental & physical health and damage your relationships. If you feel that you’re just not handling stress well, come to this workshop to learn about your stress triggers and what you can do to manage your stress better.

121147-1 10 The Skyline ~ August 2, 2018 NATO stepping forward on training mission to Iraq By Jim Garamone Iraq and Syria taking over much ordnance disposal training. “This DoD News, Defense Media Activity of the country in 2014. Iraqi secu- is significant because the amount rity forces had let their training of unexploded ordnance there, NATO’s Allied Joint Force lapse and ISIS was able to cap- particularly in Mosul, is huge,” Command in Naples is stepping ture the western part of the na- Foggo said. out smartly to establish the al- tion and much of the north. The The NATO trainers also helped liance training mission in Iraq, crown jewel in the ISIS effort was train Iraqis in repair of old Rus- said Navy Adm. James Foggo, the capture of Mosul, the second- sian equipment like T-72 tanks the commander of the Joint Force largest city in the country. and BMPs -- amphibious tracked Command, in a recent interview. “Thankfully, we formed a co- infantry fighting vehicles. “We did Iraqi leaders asked the alli- alition that went in and did some all that with a very small number ance to stand up the mission, and significant training and work of about seven people in Bagh- NATO heads of state approved with Iraqi forces who pushed dad,” Foggo said. “They served as the request during the Brussels them back,” Foggo said. facilitators to bring in the train- Summit July 12. This was an incredible effort ing teams, the medical teams The NATO effort will build on on part of the Iraqis and coali- [and] the mechanics operating past NATO involvement in the tion personnel, the admiral said. out of a couple forward operating Photo by John F. Williams country. In the past, seven per- Iraqi security forces were holding areas in country.” Navy Adm. James Foggo, the commander of NATO’s Allied Joint sonnel acted as facilitators for off ISIS, while rebuilding for the The new NATO mission for- Force Command, visits the Iraqi Bomb Disposal School at the NATO efforts. The training mis- long-term fight against the terror- malizes the effort and commit- Besimayah Range Complex, Iraq. sion will have about 500 person- ist organization. ment of the alliance. The mission nel in the nation to push forward. NATO was a part of that effort. will also facilitate a bigger mis- Foggo said a meeting he had in the city. “These guys went in A Canadian major general will At the time, NATO teams con- sion set. The Iraqis have asked recently in Iraq illustrates the and they got everything they be the commander in Iraq, Foggo centrated on triage and medical for more technical training, more need. He was visiting Besimayah could above ground, to pave the said. training for Iraqi forces heading advanced training and “they Range in Iraq earlier this year way for people to return their The Iraqi government does not to the field, showing them how would also like to become much and met with the Iraqi team homes and they get back to re- want to make the same mistakes to counter improvised explosive more proficient in the area explo- tasked with going into Mosul to building and reconstruction,” the that led to the Islamic State of devices and conducting explosive sive ordnance disposal,” he said. disarm the unexploded ordnance admiral said.

Taking Take Charge! New Patients! Phone: 601-781-8677 Get Fax: 601.676.0550 [email protected] Photo by MC2 Curtis Spencer www.intouchpsych.com With Your Life! Royal Australian navy sailors act as safety observers as a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force sailor jumps from an MH-53E Sea Dragon, attached to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, as part of aerial mine disposal training during the Southern California portion of the Rim of the Pacific 2018 Exercise. 3 Locations To Better Serve You... 2502 9th Street • Meridian, MS 39305 Naval, maritime experts train 6905 Hwy 145 S • Meridian, MS 39301 together during RIMPAC 1120 E. Main St., Suite 24 • Phil, MS 39350

By MC2 Curtis D. Spencer 114154-1 Combined Task Force (CTF) 177

Naval and merchant maritime experts partnered together to deliver enhanced maritime domain awareness (MDA) for the first time in a Rim of the Pacific (RIM- PAC) exercise in 2018. MDA is the ability to maintain situational awareness of sea-going vessel move- ments, and is used to assess the normal patterns of life on major trade routes. Their interaction provided an adaptive capability that is an important part of maritime security operations. This capability is a critical supporting element in the effort to maintain freedom of navigation, which requires highly-trained, competent, and confident personnel that are developed through exercises like RIMPAC. During the exercise, the U.S. Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) partnered with Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) rep- resentatives to enhance the maritime battle space picture and enhance leadership decision making options in the Southern California (SOCAL) areas of operation. NCAGS and OCIMF advises senior leaders on the potential impact of maritime security events on the global economy. “This is the fourth consecutive RIMPAC I’ve participated in, and I’ve watched the continued development of NGAGS’ interaction with warfare commander staffs,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Elliott Donald, training officer for Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) Mine Warfare Division. “The capabil- ity and expertise they bring isn’t an intuitive skill, and their continued participation in RIMPAC and other exercises is valuable training for all participants.” NCAGS representatives served as staff advisers to both Combined Forces Mari- time Component Commander (CFMCC) Armada de Chile Commodore Pablo Nie- mann and Combined Task Force (CTF) 177 Commander Rear Adm. Dave Welch during RIMPAC. “For the first time in a RIMPAC exercise we had representatives of the interna- tional merchant shipping community join the operations planning staff,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Montano, NCAGS training officer and member of CTF 177 during the exercise. OCIMF representatives were situated with CTF 177 in the Southern California (SOCAL) operating area as part of mine warfare operations, helping the interna- tional combined task force maintain sea control, and open sea lines of communica- tion for all mariners. “This was a great opportunity for us to work on building our mutually beneficial relationships,” said Russell Pegg, OCIMF representative. “The capability we build through training together will help support our mission to keep sea lanes open and assist in ensuring the safety of all mariners - naval and merchant.” Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world’s largest international mari- time exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

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