VOL. 54 NO. 9 MARCH 5, 2015
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS
Oceana celebrates African-American History Month with two guest speakers
CHANGE OF COMMAND
JET
INSIDE
DAM NECK HOSTS REGIONAL CULINARY COMPETITION
BY AT2 JANEL PERKINS NAS Oceana Public Affairs
—Page 3 NAS Oceana celebrated African-American Heritage Month during a program Feb. 24, with guest speakers, retired Master Sgt. Curt Clarke, president of the Tidewater chapter of the Montford Point Marines Association (MPMA) and E. George Minns, president of Seatack Civic Community League. Both speakers stressed the importance of understanding and honoring not only AfricanAmerican history but also researching the history of each individual’s families. In addition to the two speakers, there was also a presentation highlighting influential African-Americans who have served in the U. S. Navy. Clarke is a descendant of a Montford Point Marine and has been the president of the Tidewater chapter of the MPMA for three years. Clarke also spent some of his Marine Corps career at the at Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Oceana. Clarke spoke about the history of the Montfort Point Marines and the climate in which they fought for their country. “They fought for their right to fight,” explained Clarke. Montford Point was a segregated boot camp for the first black Marines, located at Camp Lejeune, N.C. It was established after President Roosevelt issued a presidential directive to allow African-Americans to serve in the Marine Corps in 1942. President Harry Truman issued an executive order in 1948 to end the segregation of African-Americans. Before Montford Point was deactivated in — See Heritage month, page 7
Capt. Kit Chope
Capt. Lou Schager Jr.
OCEANA CHANGES COMMAND MARCH 6 From NAS Oceana Public Affairs Capt. Kit Chope, commanding officer of NAS Oceana, will be relieved by Capt. Lou Schager Jr., at a 10 a.m. ceremony, March 6, at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Oceana. A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Chope became the 42nd commanding officer of NAS Oceana on Aug. 16, 2013. He graduated from The Citadel in 1989, was designated a naval flight officer in 1990 and flew the A-6 Intruder and F-14 Tomcat at Oceana. Chope commanded Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, flying the Super Hornet from NAS Lemoore in California until 2009. Prior to becoming the executive officer of
NAS Oceana in March 2012, Chope served as the head of aviation junior officer assignments at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington,Tenn. Chope will also be retiring from the Navy during the ceremony Friday. Schager is from Palatine, Ill. and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1990. He earned his wings of gold in 1993 and for the first half of his naval aviation career, flew F-14 Tomcats. In 2006, following the Tomcat sunset, Schager transitioned to F/A-18 Hornets, eventually commanding the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34 just prior to becoming the executive officer of NAS Oceana in 2013. Schager will be the 43rd commanding officer of NAS Oceana.
CSCSU DAM NECK TRAINS WATCH TEAMS FOR ROMANIA —Page 6
TEEN JOB FAIR Fleet & Family Support Center Oceana and Lincoln Military Housing are co-hosting Teen Job Fair 2015, March 6, 3 - 5 p.m. at Lincoln Military Housing Community Center, 1200 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach. Workshops will include “How to Network a Job Fair” at 3 p.m. and “How to Get Money for College” at 4 p.m. For more information, contact the FFSC at Oceana at 433-2912.
2 JET OBSERVER • March 5, 2015
Serving Naval Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach, Virginia and NALF Fentress in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Commanding Officer Capt. Kit Chope Executive Officer Capt. Louis Schager Public Affairs Officer Kelley Stirling Editor Cathy Heimer Assistant Editor MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez Contact us: Jet@militarynews.com (757) 433-3360 www.oceanajetobserver.com https://cnic.navy.mil/oceana
BASE BRIEFS ENLISTED WOMEN IN SUBMARINES BRIEFS The Secretary of the Navy has approved the integration of women in submarines.To assist with the integration of female Sailors into the submarine force, a brief will be given to provide area commanders and Sailors important information on the initiative and the need to leverage conversion Sailors from other communities. Capt. Rodney Hutton of the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force will be accompanied by Enlisted Community Manager Lt. Cmdr.James Drumgole and Women in Submarines Coordinator Lt. Jennifer Carroll to brief command teams and interested Sailors regarding conversions and answer any questions. This briefing will be held at NAS Oceana March 12 in the Oceana theater. 8 a.m. — For all senior leadership, in-
cluding commanding and executive officers, command master chiefs, chiefs and above. 10 a.m. — All interested Sailors and command career counselors
OCEANA’S GOT TALENT Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Oceana CSADD is in search of talented individuals for a talent show. This event is open to all ages, military and civilian. If you believe you have a talent or a skill worthy of an audience, give it a shot and sign up.There will be first, second and third place prizes. The deadline to sign up is March 13. Event date is March 26, at the NAS Oceana base theater at 5 p.m. For more information about Oceana’s Got Talent and how to register to be a contestant contact AZ3 Tamara Turner at
tamara.t.turner@navy.mil.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME Don’t forget to reset the clock when Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m. and the clocks “spring forward” one hour. While resetting the clock, it’s also a good idea to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries.
MARCH MANIA 5K Dam Neck Fitness Center will host the March Mania 5K on March 18 at 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration deadline is March 13; same day registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Awards will be given to the top three males and females in each age group. Pizza will be provided by the Dam Neck Chief Petty Officer’s Association following the race. For more information, call 492-6317.
Annual fund drive benefits Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Southside: (757) 222-3990 Peninsula: (757) 596-0853 Fax: (757) 853-1634 Published every Thursday by Military Newspapers of Virginia, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with the Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Oceana. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services and NAS Oceana civilian employees. Contents of the paper are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Military Newspapers of Virginia of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunities by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. Deadline to submit copy is Thursday, noon, seven days prior to publication date.
The annual Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive kicked off March 1. NMCRS is a non-profit organization that is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. NMCRS provides various types of assistance to Sailors and Marines including no-interest loans, budget counseling, emergency leave assistance, and quick-assistance loans to help take care of small-scale financial needs. NMCRS also helps new parents through a two-hour “Budget for Baby” class and a visiting nurse program to answer new baby questions. The office at NAS Oceana has two full-time staff members and
over 25 office volunteers. This enabled Oceana’s NMCRS office to help 1,978 clients in 2014, giving over $1,519,290 in assistance. One out of every nine Sailors and Marines benefitted from the services provided by the Oceana NMCRS team. More than 63,000 Sailors and Marines benefited from NMCRS in 2014, all made possible from generous donations. The fund drive runs from March 1 - 31. See your departmental NMCRS representative today to donate. Donations can be made in the form of cash, check, allotment, or online at https://donate. nmcrs.org/page/contribute/do-
nate2015. NMCRS at Norfolk Admirals Join the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at a Norfolk Admirals hockey game March 28.The Admirals will be playing against the Albany Devils. Tickets are $11. Purchase tickets online at norfolkadmirals.com/groups, enter code NMCRS15. For more information contact Kathy Nelson at 322-1173 or Charlie Colon at 640-1212 ext. 23. Coupon sale benefits NMCRS Through March 29, customers at select Navy Exchanges, includ-
CHAPEL SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Oceana Protestant Bible Study - 9 a.m. Protestant Worship (main chapel) - 10:40 a.m. Children’s Bible Study - 10:40 a.m. Confession and priest’s hours – Wed. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catholic Sun. Mass - 9 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. Protestant Bible Study - Wed. 6 p.m.
ing NAS Oceana, will be able to take advantage of a sale and support NMCRS by purchasing a $5 benefit coupon that entitles customers to specific percent-off discounts applied to a one time purchase from March 27–29. The Marine Corps Exchange is participating in this annual sale event again this year. Both the NEX and MCX logos are on the front of the benefit coupon ticket along with that of the NMCRS. The above coupons will be sold to patrons at participating NEXs for $5, with proceeds from the sale donated to NMCRS. The coupon may only be used once on either of the three days.
Read the Chaplain’s Corner on page 4
Chapel by the Sea, Dam Neck - 492-6602 Contemporary Protestant Worship Sun.,9 a.m. Adult & Children’s Bible Study Sun., 10:30 a.m. Confession Sat., 4:15 - 4:45 p.m. Catholic Mass Sat., 5 p.m. Interfaith Coffee House - Wed., 6 p.m.
Naval Station Norfolk Jewish Services - Fri. - 7:30 p.m., Naval Station Norfolk - 444-7361 Islamic Services - Fri. - 1:30 p.m., Masjid al Da’waj 2nd Floor (building C-7)
Call the Chaplains NAS Oceana at 433-2871 CVW-1 at 433-3676 CVW-7 at 433-7712 CVW-8 at 433-2337 CVW-3 at 433-2096 FRC Oceana at 433-5933
March 5, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 3
Dam Neck Galley hosts regional culinary competition STORY/PHOTO BY MC3 TIMOTHY DAUGHTON NAS Oceana Public Affairs For the second consecutive year, Naval Station Norfolk is the winner of the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Galley Program Culinary Competition, held at the Dam Neck Annex Galley at the Dunes Feb 25. This was the 7th annual competition and brought galleys from the region together to compete for bragging rights, while showcasing their culinary skill sets. There were 10 teams who participated in the competition,with representatives traveling from as far away as Newport, R.I. The panel of judges consisted of five veterans of the culinary field with more than 150 years of combined culinary experience. Each team, consisting of two culinary specialists of paygrades E-1 through E-6, was asked to present one appetizer, one entrée and one salad.The teams were given the ingredients one week prior to the competition and had two hours total for preparation and cooking. Each dish was judged on a five-point scale; on table and plate presentation, taste, creativity and use of provided ingredients. “When I was fairly new to the Army,I wanted to separate, until I went to a culinary competition in Fort Lee [Virginia] and it changed my mind completely. During this competition, everyone put their best foot forward and it was great for morale,” said Army Sgt. Paris Gerald, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. During the competition, Gerald presented the judges with raspberry vinaigrette spring salad, pecan encrusted salmon, rice pilaf, roasted asparagus and a crab cake patty. Some of the requirements for the competition included displaying two different cooking methods using proper safety and sanitation procedures and having the food cooked to the correct internal temperature.This year marked the first year where the surprise secret ingredient was eliminated so the teams could focus on preparing their dishes to their full capabilities. “By just walking around and looking at the presentations on the tables, I can tell that each and every one of you [participants] take great pride in what you do,” said Capt. Robert Geis, Commander, Navy Region MidAtlantic chief of staff.Geis presented the winners of the competition with their respective trophies. As the winner of the competition, Naval Station Norfolk will travel to Great Lakes this summer and compete against the winners from the other regions.Second and third places were awarded to the Newport,R.I.and NAS Oceana galleys respectively.
CS2 Elston Rodolfo (l) and CS2 Derrick Bates from the NAS Oceana Galley wheel out their dishes for the judges during the annual culinary competition at Dam Neck Annex Feb. 25. This is the 7th Mid-Atlantic Galley Program Culinary Competition.
“It is not very often that culinary specialists get a chance to showcase their skills, so these competitions give us a great opportunity to show we can provide items that are not on the daily menu,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Brian Flournoy, from Regional Warehouse Norfolk Food Service. For the first year,the winners of the competition receive a trophy with their names engraved,which will be handed
When I was fairly new to the Army, I wanted to separate, until I went to a culinary competition in Fort Lee [Virginia] and it changed my mind completely. During this competition, everyone put their best foot forward and it was great for morale,” — Army Sgt. Paris Gerald Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
down each year to the top galley team. “This is a great honor and a way to show what our Sailors on shore can do. I think it is a great showcase and a training event for them where they can share their skillset with other people,”said Karin George, CNIC headquarters program director for all Navy shore facilities. The Mid-Atlantic Region provided gifts for all the winners and all participants, including gift baskets and trophies.
Liberty policy update expands CO’s authority From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) — Navy liberty policy revisions announced March 2, and outlined in MILPERSMAN 1050-290, provide commanding officers with greater clarification and authority to manage their people and meet mission requirements. Consistent with Chief of Naval Personnel’s goal to provide more authority back to command triads and allow for more effective management of their people, the revised policy expands descriptions of when special liberty may be appropriate, including for compassionate reasons. Those examples include granting special liberty after extended deployments or time away from homeport, to reward exceptional performance, allow for Sailors to attend a funeral of a family member or assist one dealing with serious illness or injury, or any special occasion or circumstance determined by the commanding officer. Leaders will also be able to establish their own “out of bounds” for liberty and special liberty and modify it as operational requirements dictate. What’s not changed is that special liberty may not exceed four days, or be combined with normal liberty or special holidays to allow for an absence exceeding four days. Sailors combining regular leave with special liberty still must start and finish leave at their home station or port. The revised MILPERSMAN 1050-290 can be reviewed at www.npc.navy.mil.
4 JET OBSERVER • March 5, 2015
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
CPPD top learning sites, reserve unit recognized
Habit forming BY LT. CMDR. ALAN SNYDER CVW-8 Chaplain Is there anyone among us who has not had a bad habit? I mean a really bad habit. For instance, not picking your socks up off the floor or not doing the dishes until it is a monumental task. No one in his right mind would let things slide that far. No one lets that food left in the skillet get so hard that you have to soak it to get it to come clean. Well, I have. I am a creature of habits, hopefully, not all bad. I have been known to put something off until later. Dishes, schoolwork, the laundry or changing the oil in the car are just a few of the things in this life that we can find ourselves less than diligent in. Sometimes it is a trade off. I would rather watch the baseball game than do the dishes. I would rather read a book than change the oil. Schoolwork is done better when inspiration moves me. There are many things in this life that you can put off
Make good habits. Take time to love your family, to play with your kids, to worship God.” — Lt. Cmdr. Alan Snyder CVW-8 Chaplain
and the worst that can happen to you is that the job is a little more difficult to do. The skillet might be harder to wash. The assignment might be harder to do.These things can still be done. The most frequent area
BY SUSAN D. HENSON CPPD Public Affairs Officer that I hear of people putting things off for another day is with the family and church. Most often thoughts are that these things can be taken care of later also. It has been said that we hurt the ones we love the most. That is a sad commentary on the way we conduct our lives. Make good habits. Take time to love your family, to play with your kids, to worship God. Make every day as wonderful a blessing as it can be. Kiss your wife before you go to work; tell your husband you love him when you come home. Let the special people in your life know that they are spectacular. I know that doing the dishes right after dinner is the best approach. I know that it is better to do your homework while the lecture is fresh in your mind. I also know that showing God and your family the love you have for them is the best way to go through the day. Create and feed something that will last for eternity: Love.
The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) announced its Fiscal Year 2014 top learning centers and reserve unit Feb. 23. CPPD Commanding Officer Capt. F.A. Reid announced the results of the annual competition via email to the global command, which has 15 learning sites in fleet concentration areas and three reserve unit regions. The Large Learning Site winner is San Diego; Medium Learning Site winner is Great Lakes, Ill.; Small Learning Site winner is Groton, Conn.; and Reserve Unit winner is CPPD West. “Each winner was selected based on a number of factors, and while the competition was strong, those selected truly were outstanding perform-
ers throughout the competition year,” Reid said. Each learning site and reserve unit was assessed based on criteria, such as the number of instructors with crossqualification to teach other courses, post-course survey completion by students, instructor qualification as a master training specialist, physical fitness performance, collateral duties and community service. “Our learning sites and reserve units play a vital role in executing CPPD’s strategic mission and vision,” Reid said. “These teammates work hard to deliver the best courses and training possible based on fleet requirements.They give Sailors the tools to lead with courage, respect and trust, and mentor future leaders to do the same. I’m proud of the work of these winners and the command as a whole.”
HEART HEALTH
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Photo by MC3 Timothy Daughton February was Heart Health Month and the NAS Oceana Commissary and Branch Health Clinic teamed up on Feb. 11 to provide information to military ID card holders on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Branch Medical Clinic Health Educator Justina Mosley set up a table at the front of the commissary to provide information on Heart Health Month to commissary customers such as Anthony Nelson.
March 5, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 5
FFSC
Fleet and Family Support Centers
WORKSHOPS NAVY FAMILY OMBUDSMAN BASIC TRAINING MARCH 6 - 8, 8:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. This training consists of 13 modules that help official command ombudsmen and command leadership team members work effectively with their commands. Workshops provide resource avenues for helping families through crisis and daily living. Open to ombudsmen, commanding and executive officers, chaplains, command master chiefs and their spouses.
BEAMS MARCH 9 - 25, 2 - 4 P.M. Do you find your anger racing from zero to 60 at work or at home? Building Effec-
tive Anger Management Skills or BEAMS is a skill-building program for active duty service members. The BEAMS course is designed to prevent anger from escalating to violence. Participants learn to develop new and effective coping strategies.
SPONSOR TRAINING MARCH 10, 1 - 3 P.M. This training, available for presentation at your worksite, teaches command personnel to serve as sponsors. Topics include ways to be an effective sponsor, duties and responsibilities, military and community sources of help, and FFSC relocation assistance.
Fleet and Family Support Center Oceana is located on NAS Oceana in building 531. It offers a variety of programs and workshops to assist active duty and their families. Registration is required for most programs. Call FFSC at 433-2912 for more information or registration, unless otherwise noted or register online at www.cnic.navy.mil/ navylifema.
SAPR COMMAND LIAISON TRAINING
EFFECTIVE RESUME WRITING
MARCH 11, 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
MARCH 12, 9 A.M. TO NOON
The SAPR command liaison works for the commander on behalf of a victim in a sexual assault case. Command liaisons are appointed to specific sexual assault cases and serve as the victim’s contact with command leadership.They are responsible for keeping victims apprised of developments in their cases and work closely with command leadership to ensure that victim needs are being met.The command liaison can also represent their command at the Sexual Assault Case Management Group meeting.
Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with an impressive resume. This workshop includes tips on translating military terminology.
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER REGIONAL POC TRAINING MARCH 13, 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. This training provides information that enables points of contact to assist members in their commands. Open to any newly-designated EFMP POC in Hampton Roads.
One cowhide can produce 10 footballs. Learn even more at National University. Service members are eligible for reduced tuition. Online. On base. Non-profit. Don’t think you have time to learn something new? You just did.
Keep learning at think.nu.edu © 2015 National University NU14_1705-21
6 JET OBSERVER • March 5, 2015
Aegis Ashore Team Trainer pilot class graduates BY LT. BRYAN KLINE Technical Analyst, Center for Surface Combat Systems The pilot class of the new Aegis Ashore Team Trainer (AATT) graduated after completing a thorough and rigorous eightweek training course Feb. 27.Training was conducted by Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Dam Neck in conjunction with CSCS Detachment (Det) Norfolk,Afloat Training Group (ATG) Norfolk and Tactical Training Group Atlantic (TACTRAGRULANT). The pilot class students will be the first deploying watch team to the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Deveselu, Romania. “Today’s graduation is the result of years of development efforts on behalf of all of the trainer and curriculum developers,” said Mike Kroner, deputy director for CSCS’ technical support directorate.“This pilot course has been a great opportunity to validate those efforts and ensure the watch teams have the skillsets necessary to execute their mission in Romania.” The AATT was funded by the Surface Warfare Resource Sponsor, OPNAV N96, and developed by the Surface Warfare, Naval Sea Systems Command, Surface Training Systems Program Office and Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division. The AATT facility is located on Dam Neck Annex in Gallery Hall.The trainer houses a mock-up of the shore-based Aegis combat information center and communication center, and hosts a complete replica of the tactical warfighting, communication and information technology systems resident at the host nation in Europe. The concept behind Aegis Ashore dates back to September 2009 when it was determined that more capable Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) was required to defend U.S. deployed forces, their families and allies in Europe. “President Barack Obama declared that the U.S. would pursue a phased adaptive approach to missile defense in Europe to employ technology that is proven, costeffective and adaptable,” said Brian Deters, director of technical support for CSCS. “Since shipboard Aegis Weapons Systems have defended America’s interests onboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers for decades,
Aegis Ashore became the Navy’s solution. Aegis Ashore is the land-based version of this combat system, leveraging the latest technology developed for the U.S. Navy’s most advanced warships, as well as the experience of highly-trained Sailors.” AATT is operated by CSCSU Dam Neck, under Capt. Leonard Remias and AATT director Larry Sharp. Supporting Sharp is a cadre of full time industry partner instructors and maintainers.The permanent staff is augmented by a rotating pool of instructors provided by CSCS Det Norfolk resulting in optimal manpower utilization throughout the course of instruction.
AATT allows us to train, qualify and certify our Sailors, so when they arrive in Romania, they are immediately prepared to contribute ... This represents the next evolution in combat systems training and sets a clear standard for what we should strive to achieve in our future training endeavors.” — Capt Bill McKinley CSCS commanding officer The complete AATT course of instruction is comprised of an eight-week training pipeline; a five-week basic phase conducted by CSCSU Dam Neck, a one-week qualification phase conducted by ATG Norfolk, and a two-week certification phase conducted by TACTRAGRULANT. During weeks one and two, CSCS instructed students on basic system capa-
Photo by FC2 Cory Munsterman During a team training exercise Jan. 22 at the Aegis Ashore Team Trainer, AATT pilot students work at the consoles to gain experience working with the system and to certify for operations prior to deployment.
bilities and limitations, theater operational procedures, console operator familiarization, and BMD mission planning. “Due to the diversity of rates, backgrounds and varying levels of BMD experience, our entire team was eager to begin ‘base lining’ and the CSCS cadre did not fail to deliver,” said AATT student Lt. Daniel Rayburn.“We began with the history of BMD and ended with a detailed overview of command and control infrastructure, effectively conveying all critical concepts and processes.” During weeks three through five, the watch team executed a series of increasingly complex tactical team scenarios, flexing the extensive capabilities of the new high fidelity trainer, while turning the students into a cohesive tactical team. “The quiet is occasionally broken by routine reports, casualty response procedures and engagement statuses culminating in a well-rehearsed rapid-fire report ‘off-ship,’” said Rayburn. “The seemingly relaxed demeanor gives no indication as to the intensity of the battle being waged, as wave upon wave of simulated ballistic missiles are systematically detected, assessed and engaged by the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS).” After the five-week basic phase, the crew completed their BMD Qualification (BMDQ) administered by ATG Norfolk. Following a successful BMDQ, TACTRAGRULANT supervised the execution of a BMD Exercise (BMDEX), in coordination with theater ballistic missile defense assets, as a capstone to the AATT course of instruction.
Lt. Cmdr. Matt Langley, the TACTRAGRULANT military lead for Aegis Ashore, said he enjoyed being part of the pilot course. Langley,who recently served as 6th Fleet’s BMD upper tier coordination officer, was glad to offer his recent United States European Command experience. “Aegis Ashore Romania is another step in the European Phased Adaptive Approach,which brings greater capabilities to United States European Command and North Atlantic Treaty Organization,” he added. Cmdr. Andrew Carlson, AAMDS Romania’s commanding officer, explained the importance of the delivered training. “The training provided to the inaugural watch team for Aegis Ashore Romania established a solid baseline for operation and tactical employment of this new capability and will prove to be pivotal in the development of our Sailors to deploy in the European theater,”he said. “We will be ready to execute the President’s initiative to provide BMD for our allies and partners in the region.” Capt. Bill McKinley, CSCS’ commanding officer, explained how AATT is a great example of how technology is improving the U.S. Navy’s ability to train Sailors while saving both time and money. “AATT allows us to train, qualify and certify our Sailors, so when they arrive in Romania, they are immediately prepared to contribute,” he said. “This represents the next evolution in combat systems training and sets a clear standard for what we should strive to achieve in our future training endeavors.”
March 5, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 7
SNOW DAY
Photo by Harry Gerwien E. George Minns, one of Oceana’s two guest speakers for African-American History Month observance Feb. 24, shares his experiences growing up in the Seatack community in Virginia Beach and how it has affected his life and instilled values that still guide him today.
Heritage month: Program highlighted influential African-Americans and their achievements — Continued from page 1 in 1949, approximately 20,000 men received training there. Clarke stressed the bravery of the Marines of Montford Point.“Even though they dealt with adversity and despondency, they served a great war and a nation that did not care for them … These men endured,” said Clarke. The MPMA strives to bring awareness of the Marines of Montford Point and is continually finding ways to honor their contribution to the country. The Montford Point Marines have received the Congressional Gold Medal, along with many other honors. Clarke also spoke of a movie being created in Hollywood to tell their story. Minns grew up in the Seatack community in Virginia Beach and has been the leader of the Seatack Community Civic league for four years. He was also the youngest elected president of the Virginia Beach National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as president for 10 years. Seatack was founded in the late 1700s or early 1800s by free African Caribbean men, according to Minns. The Seatack Community is the oldest African-American community in the history of the United States. He explained how growing up, Seatack
was self-sufficient.The community worked together and met the needs of the community without outside influences. They grew and hunted their own food and constructed their own buildings. Before the Coast Guard was established, Seatack was patrolling the seas with their own version of lifesavers. Seatack also housed the first Black-owned fire department in the United States. He also talked about the importance of the community working together and treating each other with respect, values he still uses today. Minns also spoke about the ideals that Seatack affected in his life.“Seatack is more than dirt and buildings… it’s in your bones … it’s in your mind, in your heart. It’s your soul,” said Minns. In closing, the commanding officer of NAS Oceana, Captain Chope, stressed the importance of celebrating each other’s differences to embrace them. “We are greater as a team, we are greater as a family than we are a sum of each individual part,” said Chope. Active duty military or honorably discharged veterans of any branch are welcomed to join the MPMA by filling out an application. For more information, visit www.montfordpointmarines.com. To learn more about the Seatack Community Civic League, visit www.seatackcivic.org.
Photos by MC3 Timothy Daughton The snow blanketing the aircraft at NAS Oceana’s Historical Aviation made for a pretty photo but after the winter storm shut down much of Hampton Roads for part of a second week, the winter wonderland wasn’t necessarily a welcome sight.
Vehicles make their way down Tomcat Boulevard on board NAS Oceana on the afternoon of Feb. 27. Another round of snow early in the morning of Feb. 26 caused Navy installations, schools, as well as many businesses in Hampton Roads to be closed for the day.
For more stories and photos, visit oceanajetobserver.com
8 JET OBSERVER • March 5, 2015
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
Visit www.oceanajetobserver.com for more events in and around NAS Oceana
HAMPTON ROADS TATTOO ARTS FESTIVAL
encouraged to apply for this jury-selected show. Full details are available at www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/Documents/ aip-artist-app.pdf.Applications received by May 4 pay only $25 for the jury fee; late fee applies beginning on May 5. Artisans in the Park is free and open to the public.Along with artisans displaying and selling their work, event also features live music, food vendors and children’s activities.
SPRING FASHION SHOW $45 weekend pass; $35 military weekend pass. Hampton Roads Convention Center is located at 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. More information is available by calling 484-1319 or visit www.hrtattoofest.com.
APRIL 18, NOON TO 2 P.M.
Tickets are available for the “I Am Every Woman” Spring Fashion Forward Fashion Show, presented by Old Dominion University in cooperation with Zonta Club of HampThe 5th annual Hampton Roads Tattoo Arts Festival is ton Roads.The show will take place at Old Dominion Unitaking place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. versity’s Webb Center, 1402 W. 49th St. Norfolk. Presented by Folk City Tattoo and Twisted Ink magazine, ‘MULAN’ the event will celebrate all aspects of the tattooing indus- MARCH 13 -15 The show supports the initiatives of Zonta of Hampton Based on the 1998 Disney film and the ancient story“Fa Roads, coupled with connecting with an organization that try and welcome talented artists from across the country. During the event, interested attendees have the option Mulan” by Robert D. San Souci, Hurrah will present the is addressing critical needs in the community in the areas of of speaking with over 260 tattoo artists and having the stage-musical adaptation of Disney’s “Mulan” at the T.C.C. eliminating domestic and sexual violence. Funds raised at the work performed on-site at the convention center. Other Roper Performing Arts Center. Performances are March show support Zonta of Hampton Roads’ programs, including educational scholarships and other community service inihighlights include Dr. Zanzibar’s Olde City Sideshow, Lit- 13, 7 p.m., March 14 and 15, 3 p.m. Mulan weaves together classic fairy tale elements with tiatives.Tickets to the event may be purchased at IAmEverytle Tikes Temporary Tattoo Contest, Inaugural Artist Flash Contest, appearances by George Bell (the tallest man in new characters, adventure and music. Defying the village WomanFashionShow.eventbrite.com. America), daily categorized tattoo contests, art vendors, matchmaker, young Mulan takes up arms and disguises tattoo supply vendors, Team TDH and more. The cost of herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having each tattoo is in addition to the entrance fee and is negoti- to serve in the army. The Huns have invaded, the ancestors are watching, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her ated between customer and artist. Hours are noon to midnight Friday; 11 a.m. to midnight mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the emperor. Hurrah Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.Admission is $25 daily, casts every show entirely with local talent and 74 adults and children from all over Hampton Roads will be performing in Mulan. Tickets are $25 for adults or $20 for children, seniors or military families. Discounts are available for large Friday, March 7 groups and Hurrah mem6 p.m. - SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of bers. The theater is located Duties include writing original stories, proofreading, editing for a print publication, and maintaining websites. Water 3D (PG, 93 min.) on 340 Granby St., Norfolk. Time will be split between the Public Affairs Office at Oceana and the Military Newspapers Office in Norfolk. 9 p.m. - Taken 3 (PG-13, 109 min.) Purchase tickets at 627-5437 The position is part time, Monday- Friday work week, but can involve some evening and weekend events. or www.hurrahplayers.com. Saturday, March 8 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Noon - Paddington (PG, 96 min.) • Production of original editorial copy, including hard news and features, and copy editing. 3 p.m. - Jupiter Ascending 3D (PG-13, ARTISANS IN THE • Rewriting press releases and wire stories to specific style guidelines. 127min.) PARK SEEKING • Communication liaison between Public Affairs Office staff and Military Newspapers team. ** Free Sneak Preview** APPLICANTS • Locate and upload credible internet stories/photos of interest to military audience for use on Military Newspapers websites. 7 p.m. - Run All Night (R, 114 min.) Virginia Beach Parks and • Assist with updating and maintaining Military Newspaper social media accounts. Recreation is looking for talSunday, March 9 ented artisans to participate QUALIFICATIONS: 1 p.m. - Sponge Bob Movie: Sponge Out in the 40th annual, Artisans • 3 - 5 years related work experience or equivalent education in journalism, communication, or similar field. of Water 3D ((PG, 93 min.) in the Park, taking place at • Able to apply Associated Press Style Guide and Navy Style Guide rules to news stories. 4 p.m. - Seventh Son (PG-13, 120 min.) Great Neck Park Sept. 12, • Proficient with PC computer and Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat, as well as MS Office (Excel, 7 p.m. - Black or White (PG-13, 121 min.) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. Word, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint). 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Artisans • Prior military background or knowledge of the military is preferred. who work in any of the fol• Experience working in a monthly, weekly or daily newsprint and/or glossy quality publication environment. 875 D Ave., building 531 | 433-2391 | Schedule is lowing mediums of clay, • Able to adjust to flexible schedule during special events. subject to change, call ahead for details. Cash or credit fiber, glass, graphics/paintaccepted for concessions and admission. Doors open ing, jewelry, leather, metal, approximately one hour before show times. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Patrons 17 years mixed media, photography of age or younger must be accompanied by a paying and wood, are needed. adult to attend all R-rated movies. EOE All qualified artisans are
MARCH 6-8
WANTED - PART TIME
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
INTERESTED APPLICANTS VISIT: MYPILOTMEDIACAREERS.SILKROAD.COM JOB CODE 264-718
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
March 5, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 9
SPORTS &
FITNESS Community sports calendar DISMAL SWAMP STOMP APRIL 11, 8 A.M. Mettle Events, in conjunction with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, has announced some additions to the 9th annual Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon, which now includes the inaugural 5K run. Event includes custom finisher medals for each event, live music by the band “Dirty Toys,” the Big Ugly Brewery and plenty of food. The hand-carved Great
Blue Heron’s age group award trophies will be given to every age. In addition to the $4,000 prize purse for the top five overall age-graded male and female finishers, there will be a $10,000 bonus if a state record is broken and a $25,000 bonus if a national record is broken. Qualifying athletes must be U.S. citizens. Course records are female: Hirut Maneefro, Silver Spring, Md. 1:14.48; male: Morku Beyi, Bronx, N.Y. 1:02.54. Each year, the event solicits stories of inspiration from the running community with regards to their reasons to participate. This year’s story winner is Ainsley Rossiter of Ainsley’s Angels fame. Read her story at www.AinsleysAngels.org. The 2015 race benefits the local chari-
PERFECT GAME
Spice up your workout Spice Up Your Workout is a free program that includes a different cardio, upper and lower body and core workout through March 31 at the Oceana Hornet’s Nest Fitness Center. Call 433-3928 for times, more information.
ties of Children’s Health Investment Program (CHIP), Chesapeake Youth Foundation and Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation. Early registration for the half marathon is $70 per person, $35 for the 5K run/ walk, and $15 for the Cub Run. For more information,call Mettle Events at 373-4174 or visit www.dismalswampstomp.com.
ODU BIG BLUE 5K AND 1K APRIL 11 J&A Racing and Old Dominion University will host the Bon Secours In Motion ODU Big Blue 5K and 1K at Foreman Field at S.B Ballard Stadium in Norfolk. The 5K will take runners and walkers through the ODU campus and finish in the home of the football Monarchs, Foreman Field at
S.B. Ballard Stadium. Day of race packet pickup will be 9 – 10 a.m.; 1K begins at 10 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10:30 a.m. Registration limited to 3.000 participants. Cost for the 5K is $40; 1K is $20. Event highlights •5K through ODU’s campus and finish on the 50 yard line of the football field. •Short sleeve technical shirts for all 5K participants and short sleeve T-shirts for 1K participants •1K for children 12 and under. •Huge tailgate party and live entertainment by Audio Sauce •Free entry into the ODU spring football game Complete information and registration is available at www.odubigblue5k.com.
One cowhide can produce 10 footballs. Learn even more at National University. Service members are eligible for reduced tuition. Online. Non-profit. Don’t think you have time to learn something new? You just did.
Photo by MC2 (SW) Alysia R. Hernandez James Rogers Jr. (l) is presented a “300 Game Award” on Feb. 5 for bowling a perfect game during the league Dec. 16, 2014, by Joey Augustine, assistant manager at Freedom Lanes, at NAS Oceana. Rogers, who has been bowling for about 25 years, said this was his second perfect game, his first being about four years ago. This was Freedom Lanes first recorded perfect game since 2012.
Online Information Center 337 Potomac Ave. in Quantico Town (703) 630-3800
Keep learning at nu.edu/quantico © 2015 National University OIC14_1878-3
10 JET OBSERVER • March 5, 2015
PRESENTED BY i’m lovin’ it
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Classifieds TO PLACE AN AD...
March 5, 2015 • JET OBSERVER 11
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12 JET OBSERVER • March 5, 2015