® Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family Vol. 18, No. 13, Norfolk, VA FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM April 1, 2010 New drugs, same Navy policy – ZERO TOLERANCE PRESS RELEASE equipment and weapons systems in the world. People U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs with those responsibilities cannot abuse drugs.” “Deterring drug abuse is every Sailor’s respon- NORFOLK — With the sibility, requiring proactive leadership, continuous emerging popularity of de- “This is drug education, a rigorous detection program, and ac- signer drugs, the Navy has countability for those who choose to abuse drugs,” underscored its zero toler- abuse, just continued Harvey. ance drug abuse policy by During fiscal year (FY) 2009, the Navy separated establishing new guidelines like smoking more than 1,300 Sailors for drug abuse and more in NAVADMIN 108/10, re- marijuana or than 300 Sailors have been separated since the be- leased March 25. ginning of FY 2010. The NAVADMIN signed using cocaine, by the Chief of Naval Op- and Sailors See ZERO TOLERANCE, A11 erations, reminds service members that the Navy’s know our zero drug abuse policy is un- wavering and states any tolerance policy.” member who is found to be — Fleet Master Chief unlawfully using, possessing, promoting, manufacturing Tom Howard or distributing drugs and/ or drug abuse parapherna- lia shall be disciplined, as appropriate, and processed Spice is a brand name for for administrative separation. a mixture of herbs that is sold primarily as an incense, “Drug abuse puts lives and missions at risk and un- but often marketed as an Photo by MC1 Crystal Brooks dercuts unit readiness and morale,” said Adm. John herbal smoking blend. The To deter drug abuse, commands must eliminate any Harvey, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. manufacturer of the product perception among potential drug users that their use may go “Our Sailors are given tremendous responsibility and offi cially warns against undetected. This will require a rigorous urinalysis program operate some of the most technologically advanced human ingestion. with frequent, random, observed and unannounced urinalysis tests. Random tests are required at least four times a month. USS Independence begins maiden voyage PRESS RELEASE by the city of Mobile in help- From Surface Forces Public Affairs ing us reach this milestone,” said Cmdr. Curt Renshaw, MOBILE, Ala. — The Na- Independence Blue Crew vy’s newest littoral combat ship, commanding officer. “This USS Independence (LCS 2), transit will allow us to gain sailed away from Mobile, Ala. valuable operational expe- Photo by MC2 Nicholas Kontodiakos The Navy’s newest littoral combat ship USS for the fi rst time March 26. rience and is another large Independence (LCS 2) arrives at Mole Pier at Naval Air The milestone marks the step toward bringing our Station Key West. Independence is on the way to Norfolk, commencement of initial unique and versatile capabil- for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the testing and evaluation of the ities to the fleet.” aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San aluminum vessel. Independence’s maid- Diego. Independence is a fast, agile, mission-focused “We are excited to set sail, en voyage will include stops ship specifi cally designed to defeat “anti-access” threats and remain grateful for the in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, incredible support offered See INDEPENDENCE, A11 diesel submarines and mines. VA Secretary Shinseki cheers on disabled vets at Winter Sports Clinic STORY AND PHOTO BY DONNA MILES American Forces Press Service justing their adaptive skis and offering tips, and in some cases, reassurance. SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. — “When I walk around the first-timers, Walking among skiers preparing to hit I can tell they are as anxious as all get- the slopes here during the first day of out,” Shinseki told American Forces the National Disabled American Vet- Press Service. “They don’t say they are, erans Winter Sports Clinic, Veterans but it is in their voices. Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki no- “And I have stood in a lot of assembly ticed a long row of lonely wheelchairs areas where people are getting ready just beyond the staging area. to go on an operation,” he continued, “Look!” he told photographers captur- recalling his 38-year Army career that ing the event. “There’s your picture – all culminated with service as Army chief those abandoned wheelchairs. That’s of staff. what shows what’s taking place here is “I know what an anxious voice sounds all about.” like,” the secretary said, “so I tell them, Their owners were all out enjoying a ‘Don’t think about it. Do it. At no oth- crystal-clear Colorado morning on Snow- er time in your life are you going to fall mass Mountain, the secretary noted, … and have everybody on the slope run- with any thoughts of disability aban- ning over to help pick you up. This week doned along with their wheelchairs. is about making you feel good about Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki poses with Gene Hodge, a former Army staff sergeant Anticipation filled the air as they as- yourself, so do it all.’” participating in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic at Snowmass Village, Colo., sembled at the base of the mountain, March 29. “Thank you for all the work you are doing for veterans,” Hodge told the secretary. scores of volunteer ski instructors ad- See VETERAN AFFAIRS, A11 INSIDE: COMMISSIONING CEREMONY A5 TRAINING SUPPORT CENTER HAMPTON ROADS B5 OFF DUTY C1 Submarine New Mexico Chaplain shares his love of Up for a challenge? Register joins Fleet God, the water with Sailors for Wilderness Challenge USS New Mexico (SSN 779) Lt. Hammen provides pastoral Registration is open for the commissioned at Naval Station care and guidance in ways in 10th annual All-Military Norfolk, March 27. which junior Sailors can relate. Wilderness Challenge. Spring to mark the start of the NSPS to GS transition Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is: BY ELAINE WILSON Rear Adm. Mark S. Boensel American Forces Press Service The Flagship® is produced by Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic staff. The editorial content of this WASHINGTON — The De- newspaper and any supplement is fense Department is on track prepared, edited and provided by the public affairs offi ce of Commander Navy to transition the majority of Region Mid- Atlantic. its more than 220,000 civilian Regional program manager for Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is employees out of the Nation- al Security Personnel System Public Affairs Director by Sept. 30, more than a year Beth Baker ahead of deadline, the offi cial Editorial Staff heading up that transition said Managing Editor today. Micheal Mink The 2010 National Defense A training module called General Schedule 101 is Deputy Managing Editor Authorization Act called for the available online at www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/. MC1 (AW) Tim Comerford termination of NSPS by Janu- Editorial Assistant ary 2012, bringing an end to a controversial incorporates the best practices of NSPS and MC2 Mandy Hunsucker personnel system that’s been operational GS. Graphic Designer for less than four years. “One of the best advantages under NSPS David Todd The majority of employees will transition that we saw was the clear alignment be- Off Duty Editor / Designer -- starting this spring -- back to the decades- tween employees and the organization Tim Rafalski old General Schedule system, but with an about what their contribution means to the The Flagship® is an authorized assurance in regard to pay. priorities and the direction of the organiza- publication for members of the military services and their families. Its contents do “I am committed to ensure, as directed tion,” James said. “As we develop the new not necessarily refl ect the offi cial views of in the National Defense Authorization Act, authorities and transition employees to the the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine that employees experience no loss of, or de- GS system, in most cases, we plan to rein- Corps and do not imply endorsement crease in, pay upon conversion,” said John force that directive and that effort to ensure thereof. The appearance of advertising James, Jr., director of the Pentagon’s NSPS the employees are aligned with the organi- in this newspaper, including inserts transition offi ce. “The department believes zation.” or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of in that and believes it is the right thing to Offi cials also will examine the law’s re- Defense, the Navy or Marine Corps, do.” quirements for hiring fl exibility and a Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, Inc. of the products and services This preservation of pay encompasses all personnel performance fund that rewards advertised. employees. For instance, NSPS employees employees or teams for their performance, Everything advertised in The Flagship® shall be made available for purchase, who are paid a salary that exceeds Step 10 he said. use or patronage without regard to race, -- the highest step under the GS system -- These processes will continue to be open color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political of their pay grade will retain their pay upon and transparent, James vowed. “I envision affi liation or any other nonmerit factor of the conversion, James explained. the transition and development and use of purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by An employee’s grade upon conversion the new authorities to be a collaborative an advertiser is confi rmed, the publisher will be determined by classifi cation special- effort with supervisors, management, lead- shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.