DEFY HELPING CHILDREN BUILD HEALTHY LIFESTYLES PAGE 6 VOLUME 52 NO. 31
AUGUST 8, 2013
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA
INSIDEJET
FORRESTAL TRAGEDY REMEMBERED
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HABITAT FOR HEROES HELPING VETERANS
PAGE 9 We Are Family Fest is returning to the Oceana Main Gate Park, Aug. 22, 3:30 - 8 p.m. Event features live music by the Deloreans, DJ, hayrides, photo booth, inflatables and more. Concessions available at minimal cost. Fest is free and open to military and their families. Call 4333301 for info.
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DAM NECK ANNEX
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NALF FENTRESS
70th anniversary celebrates history, heritage of Oceana BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer In 1943, Franklin Roosevelt was president, the Pentagon was completed, first class stamps were 3 cents, the U.S. was in the middle of World War II, future rock star Mick Jagger was born, and on Aug. 17 of that year, Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Oceana was commissioned to support the flight training of naval aviators heading off to war. No one could have imagined that 70 years later, local and national politicians, senior Navy leadership and others who have played an important role in the base’s history would gather at a hangar to share stories of Oceana’s past, present and future. During the anniversary celebration Aug. 2, sponsored by the Navy League of Hampton Roads, Capt. Bob Geis, the 41st Oceana commanding officer, paid special recognition to a large contingent of the Potter family whose land became part of the original base.Oceana was originally carved out from 328.95 acres known as “Potter’s Farm,” and owned by John W. and Dean S. Potter, whose family remains in Virginia Beach today. As Geis thanked the family for their sacrifice, he noted they “became the ultimate patriots when they gave up their land, their family farm for the benefit of their country.” The land was obtained for $35,000, most of which was deposited on Dec. 18,1940 with a“declaration of taking,”known today as eminent domain.With the U.S. on the edge of entering World War II and with just NAS Norfolk and two grassy airstrips for flight training,Oceana was needed to serve as an auxiliary landing field on which to train naval aviators. Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker was among several guest speakers. “It’s hard to imagine this began with 328 acres of swamp land. I can only imagine how Lt. Jesse Fairley must have felt when he became the first officer in charge of NAAS Oceana. I’m sure Lt. Fairley thought he was in charge of the mightiest naval aviation force in the world,” said Shoemaker. The admiral noted that the original number of officers and enlisted Sailors on Oceana when it was commissioned was half the number at of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 today,a squadron Shoemaker previously commanded. As Shoemaker discussed Oceana’s legacy of service, he noted that “as long as we have aircraft carriers, we will need bases like Oceana.” — See 70 years Page 8
Photo by Harry Gerwien
Seventy years of history was on display for Oceana’s history celebration, as NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Geis addresses the audience of state and local politicians, senior Navy leadership, former commanding officers and others who have played an important role in the base’s history. Among the many displays in hangar 145 was the A-6 Intruder (foreground). The 70th anniversary celebration, sponsored by the Navy League of Hampton Roads, was held Aug. 2.
Hagel announces reduction in civilian furlough days From American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON— Hundreds of thousands of Defense Department civilian employees who have had to take a weekly unpaid day off from work since July 8 are getting some relief, as the total number of furlough days has been reduced from 11 to six, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Aug. 6. Here is the complete text of the secretary’s announcement: When I announced my decision on May 14 to impose furloughs of up to 11 days on civilian employees to help close the budget gap caused by sequestration, I also said we would do everything possible to find the money to reduce furlough days for our people.With the end of the fiscal year next month, managers across the DoD are — See Furloughs Page 2