VOL. 53 NO. 23 JUNE 12, 2014
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS
Styx spends day with VFA-211
JET
INSIDE
BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer Two members of the classic rock band “Styx” took a day off from their busy concert schedule to spend time with the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211. Following their June 1 concert at the Farm Bureau Live amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Lawrence Gowan and Tommy Shaw, along with band support staff, spent much of June 2 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana. First stop for the band was Oceana’s F/A-18 simulator, where the musicians were given the chance to “fly” the Navy’s fighter jets. Describing the simulator visit as awesome, Shaw, guitarist and vocalist for the band, tested his skills on a night landing on a carrier. “I have bragging rights over our assistant tour manager, who was betting on me to crash and it didn’t work out that way,” he laughed. For Gowan, lead vocalist and keyboardist for Styx, the flight simulator ranked as one of his favorite parts of the tour. “Sitting in a flight simulator — who gets to do that on a day off?” he asked with a smile. Band members were provided a briefing in the Checkmates Ready Room by Lt. Carl Federoff and Lt. Brian Hudson. While officers and enlisted Sailors from the squadron were eager to meet Gowan
— See Styx, Page 9
CDSA SAILORS, ENGINEERS EARN AWARDS FROM PARENT COMMAND —Page 5
Photo by MCSN Kayla King Sailors render honors during a wreath ceremony at the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony at the Naval Aviation Monument on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The Battle of Midway took place June 4 - 7, 1942, and was a pivotal point in World War II.
NAS Oceana and JEB Little Creek-Fort Story observe Battle of Midway anniversary BY MC3 TIMOTHY DAUGHTON NAS Oceana Public Affairs Active duty Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, retired military and civilians marked the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a ceremony at the Naval Aviation Monument at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront June 4. The Battle of Midway took place June 4 - 7,1942,where U.S.Navy carrier strike forces prevented the Japanese from capturing control of Midway Island in the Pacific. The victory proved to be a pivotal point of World War II and is an important marker in naval heritage.
“The Battle of Midway was not only a turning point at the beginning of World War II, it also revolutionized the face of naval warfare forever and was the real birth place of today’s aircraft carrier strike groups, which is the cornerstone of our nation’s naval power,” said Capt. Kit Chope, commanding officer of NAS Oceana. “I am excited about the future of the Navy as we continue to grow leaders who carry the legacy of American ingenuity, valor and dedication that the heroes of the Battle of Midway possessed. We honor those that served during that battle, along with the heroes making
— See Midway, Page 9
For a historical perspective on the Battle of Midway, see story on page 8.
CLASS OF 2014 HAS BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD —Page 6
FLEA MARKET The semi-annual flea market at NAS Oceana is June 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Gate Park, across from the Oceana Navy Exchange. Spaces can be reserved by calling 433-2193 and leaving a message, or at 567-2020, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. only. This event is sponsored by the Navy Wives Club of America, Princess Anne 143 and proceeds benefit military and community charities.