Dim lights and a near silence with the exception of automated exhibit narrators create a distinct ambience at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport. There is a feeling of being in a library or walking the empty halls of a high school while classes are in session.

Visitors roam quietly about, admiring pieces of naval history. Exhibit mannequins dressed in Navy uniforms stare back at them. The walls are decorated with Navy life, frozen by the flick of a camera’s shutter. Each exhibit has its own era. Going from one exhibit to the next is like being in a magic time machine. 

The museum features a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits ranging from a Navy salvage and diving exhibit, to the reconstructed control room of USS Greenline (SSN 614), to even an exhibit honoring women Navy divers.

Artifacts are on display as viewers admire them. An elderly man stares into the lens of a periscope in the reconstructed control room of USS Greenline. The glow of simulated sonar panel screens illuminates the exhibit. For a brief moment, observers of the submarine control room are underway.

“My favorite exhibit is the USS Greenline control room because it’s very interactive, and it’s equipped with lots of lights and sounds,” said Olivia Weatherly, the Naval Undersea Museum operations manager. “Our exhibits give people an understanding of the Navy’s role and undersea technology and its progression.”

According to Director of Navy Museum Northwest, Bill Galvani, Keyport’s Naval Undersea Museum has the largest and best collection of torpedoes in the Navy.

“We have everything from the Navy’s second oldest torpedo to the Navy’s newest,” said Galvani. “Our collection of more than 17,000 artifacts includes items ranging from as large as a deep-submergence vehicle, which weighs 95 tons, to items as small as the diving helmet, as well as the World War II sub battle flag.”

The submergence vehicle stands by looking as ready to deploy as the day of its commission. The variety of diving helmets on display range from 25 to nearly 60 pounds in weight. The polished brass on each helmet shines under the overhead display lights.

“I served two years active duty and four years reserve, but my son retired after 22 years as a submariner, so it’s very interesting for me to be able to come and learn about the undersea side of the Navy,” said Milan Chapman, a Navy veteran. “While he was in, my son worked on missiles, so it makes me very proud to be able to see some of the types of things he did.”

In addition to the museum’s many undersea artifacts, exhibits, and its research library consisting of about 6,000 books on naval undersea history, the museum also has an active education program which features various guest speakers. The museum hosts events such as retirement ceremonies, submarine change-of-command ceremonies, Navy Band concerts and visits by children’s scouting troops.

Joyce Jensen, the undersea museum educator said, in 2008, the museum hosted approximately 300 scheduled events and about 60,000 visitors.

“On the first Saturday of every month we host a family day,” said Jensen. “We invite families to come and participate in arts and crafts projects, face paintings and guided tours.”

Keyport’s undersea museum is one of the largest maritime museums on the West Coast. It has been accredited by the American Association of Museums to meet the highest standards amongst 12 other naval museums across the country. According to Galvani, only seven percent of museums in the country are selected.

“The museum is a point of pride for veterans,” said Galvani. “Every day we see the happiness they show, knowing that their service as well as their shipmates’ service is recognized and appreciated.”

“We’re able to honor the veterans and their era of service and to me that’s very rewarding,” said Weatherly.

“It’s good to know I’m helping to preserve the fabric of heritage and the three-dimensional artifacts for naval undersea history,” Galvani added.

Naval commands in the Pacific Northwest received Navy and federal-level awards for energy and water management, including the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management during awards ceremonies Oct. 27-29 in Washington, DC.

Naval Base Kitsap received the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management. The award is the highest level of federal agency recognition given in the area of energy and water conservation management.

On hand to receive the award were NBK Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Olson and members of the NBK-Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) team who represent energy conservation efforts within numerous Naval Base Kitsap tenant commands.

Over the past five years, NBK has completed more than $46 million in energy and water management projects resulting in 862,000 MBTU of energy savings and $7 million in annual savings.

Team efforts in 2008 focused on development and use of renewable energy and alternative fuel projects and resulted in saving more than 200,000 gallons of gasoline by using E85 ethanol and B20 bio-diesel fuel in government vehicles.

“We’ve been bringing energy awareness and conservation to service members and civilian employees for the past five years, and the results are more than we’d hoped for.  Receiving this award indicates that all of our hard work is being recognized, and for that we are thankful. But the real reward is watching military and civilians take ownership for the energy they use,” Olson said.

According to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest Public Affairs Officer Leslie Yuenger, every installation in the Northwest region earned either a Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award for 2008 Accomplishments or a Federal (Government-wide) Energy and Water Management Award for 2008 Accomplishments.

Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton was selected the SECNAV’s best, worldwide in class, large shore facility for their partnership project with the BPA. The Navy, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and BPA team at Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport was selected best, worldwide in class, industrial facility.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton both received the SECNAV’s platinum award. Naval Station Everett and Naval Magazine Indian Island received the gold award.

NBK Bremerton and NBK Bangor received the Federal (Government-wide) Energy and Water Management Awards for energy program management to a small group, and Chris Drury, Navy Region Northwest Energy Program manager received the Exceptional Service Award.

At the Naval Energy Forum in McLean, Va. earlier this month Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus said he was committing “the Navy and Marine Corps to meet bold ambitious goals.”

“Leading change is not new for the Department of the Navy,” said Mabus. “We are a better Navy and a better Marine Corps for innovation. We have led the world in the adoption of new energy strategies in the past. This is our legacy.”

According to Yuenger, $90,000 in total awards funding will go directly to the installation commanding officers to spend on quality of life and morale projects or for additional energy conservation measures.

The program, which began in 2003, is expected last through 2015. Many programs have been put into place to conserve energy such as reminders placed inside barracks for military.

“We still use wide-spread education awareness and conservation programs that we launched several years ago,” said Yuenger. “This is our way of educating people about energy usage and how to better conserve it or use it more efficiently.”

“We recognize that energy and clean water are not limitless.  It is up to us to teach ourselves and others to conserve our current supply, and search for future renewable sources,” said Olson.

According to Olson, the results of focusing on energy awareness and conservation for the last five years has been even more than hoped for and credits the individuals on his installations for their dedication to duty.

“We have a great, forward-thinking energy team at NBK.  Many of our members, who are from our tenant commands, provide solid support toward the base-wide energy conservation efforts. Our team is not about awards; they’re all about making a difference and contributing toward a better planet via more efficient energy programs,” said Olson.

Military rugby teams continue to flourish throughout the Armed Forces with the U.S. Armed Forces Sports Council recognizing it as a sport in 2000.  Locally, the Bangor Renegades have a stout history of talented players being selected for higher competition and that’s true in 2009 for three Navy petty officers.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Richard Hartwick, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Luca Murgia and Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Hank Woodward were selected to attend the 2009 service selection camps for Rugby in Florida taking place this month.

Woodward, stationed at the Intermediate Maintenance Facility at Bangor says he is ready for the challenge.

“It feels good to be selected so far, but I haven’t made it yet. We’ll be trying out in Jacksonville and then on to Fort Benning for a week, providing we make the first cut,” said Woodward who has been playing rugby for about five years.

“I played a little bit in high school and practiced with the Arkansas State University college team to stay in shape. I’ve been playing for about a year with this team,” he added.

Many worldwide sports, including football, derive from rugby, a sport that has been played for over 150 years.”

If they make the cut, then it’s off to Georgia where the newly formed All Navy team ratchets their play up a notch or two, playing one game each against the Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army for the Armed Forces Sports Council Military Rugby championship. 

Murgia, stationed aboard USS John C. Stennis’ V-1 Division, welcomes the competition. 

“It feels awesome to get selected and to be playing at this high level,” he said. “Guys are coming from all over the world to play. It’s a fun experience,” said Murgia.

“I started playing when I was stationed at Pensacola. A Marine buddy of mine told me I should come out and play and I did. Then I got stationed up here and got involved with the Renegades.”

This is the second time Murgia has competed in All Navy Rugby.

Richard Hartwick is stationed at Bachelor Housing at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor.

“I transferred up here to Washington and missed football tryouts, but I didn’t want to sit around and waste my off duty time while on shore duty,” Hartwick said. “So I looked online and found out about this team and it said no experience necessary, will train, and it sounded good to me.”

He added that he reviews game tapes and use the Internet to learn more and more about the sport.

Locally, the Bangor Renegades play only other military teams in the region, but members also play in the local Kitsap Rugby Football Union, a division III team also named the Renegades, who play teams in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

Coach’s assistant Jared Spurlock, a veteran rugby player, says the Renegades has always been a good starting point for Navy guys.

The Kitsap Rugby Football Union is dedicated to the promotion, encouragement and growth of Rugby Union play in the Kitsap area. KRFU currently fields four teams; a mens Division III team, a brand new women’s team, a U19 boys team, and a U19 Girls team.

Players of all skill levels, including new players, are always welcome. Visit http://www.kitsaprugby.org for details. 

With 4,155 gallons of paint covering 178,000 square feet of building surface, 27,800 window panes taped before painting, and 31,500 gallons of water saved due to recycling efforts, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility Shipfitter and Welder shop, building, 460 restoration project is complete.

The project, awarded to Cherokee General Oct. 29, 2008 with a price tag of $2,068,000, was completed ahead of schedule, taking 10,600 man hours to finish with zero safety mishaps.

“With the fantastic teamwork and our great luck with the weather and support of our outstanding subcontractors, everything went better than planned and the project completed ahead of schedule,” said Brady Farley, Cherokee project manager. “It was as if the team had been working together for 30 years.”

The project, a joint venture with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest consisted of cleaning, sealing and coating the exterior of the building surface. 

The final topcoat matches the original color of the building, preserving its World War II period character. The contract also included cleaning and painting, and in some cases the repair of existing windows, window frames and trims, doors, downspouts, gutters and various accent pieces.”Building 460 has been greeting visitors to Bremerton for over 50 years. It is our pleasure to join efforts with Congressman Norm Dicks and the Mayor in revitalizing the image of downtown Bremerton,” Capt. Pat Rios, commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest shared about the project. “Today, we are proud to present this historical restoration as our contribution to the City’s waterfront.”

This was a project with high visibility. Building 460, located near the Shipyard’s fence line with the City of Bremerton by Harborside Fountain Park, is visible not only from the city, but is one of the first things ferry riders see as the boats dock in Bremerton.

In a quote from a Nov. 21, 2008 Kitsap Sun article, Congress-man Norm Dicks had this to say about the contract award: “The mayor and I were particularly concerned about the building’s appearance because of its location nearby the new terminal, the city’s waterfront park, the Puget Sound Navy Museum and the new conference center — all part of a renewal effort that has substantially brightened downtown Bremerton.” Dicks went on to say, “I am impressed by the Navy’s responsible stewardship in awarding this contract.”

Now, as people enter the city, they are greeted with a freshly painted facade and sign that reads “Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Building on a Proud Tradition.” Proud, indeed, of the work they do.

“What a great looking building,” stated Capt. Mark Whitney, commander, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. “My thanks to Navy Region Northwest, Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest for supporting this important community relations effort.”

Building 460 has played a big role in the history of the Shipyard. During the expansion period of the Shipyard following 1939, an increase in the demand for additional shop facilities was identified as the Yard prepared for their wartime role.

Designed in 1940 and completed in 1941, the Shipfitter and Welder Shop was originally constructed as an assembly building, handling the fabrication and assembly of the structural components of a ship.

The building has a long history of supporting our nation and the Navy. You know the old saying “if walls could talk,” well, what if floors could talk? High above the fabrication and layout floor area is a large open wood floor.

Many years ago, this area was used to profile full-scale hull sections by pencil sketches on the floor. The noted dates on some of the remaining sketches say 1961, but this same technology was used during World War II ship construction.

Now, scale drawings, CAD/CAM procedures and other advanced technologies are used in its place; however, the drawings still grace the original wooden floor capturing the history of the trade, a proud tradition of the work force.

In 1943, the building was extended, to the tune of $1,929,055 (that’s about $24,012,943 in today’s value according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Inflation Calculator). The extension included an assembly bay for the Shipfitter Shop with additional alterations made in 1956 to production areas.

Today, building 460 provides seven acres of indoor fabrication facilities for the shipfitters and welders. In September 2006, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility moved its Apprentice School to the second floor of building 460, providing updated classrooms and placing apprentices in close proximity to the shops where they work.

In 1992, the Shipyard was designated a National Historic Landmark. They received this designation when it was determined certain resources had exceptional significance in the nation’s history, falling under the theme “World War II in the Pacific.” Eleven industrial buildings, five drydocks, five piers, the hammerhead crane and a variety of equipment are what make up the National Historical Landmark District in the Controlled Industrial Area.

Now, 68 years since building 460 opened its doors, a renewed face welcomes those who pass through the gates of the Shipyard and enter the city from our waterways—a building that will stand proud for many years to come. 

A couple of broken noses and bruises are a typical outcome after long days of practice for the members of Marine Security Force Battalion’s (MSFB) Silent Drill Team. The history of the team originated from the Marine’s Silent Drill Platoon, which began in 1948 when the Marines performed their very first drill team show in Washington D.C.

Since then, the MSFB has created a team to carry on the tradition. This group of elite service members represents the core values of both the Navy and Marines making this silent drill team unique from others.

Team member Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Clarence Judd said the team represents unity within their command.

“This is the first time I’ve worked side-by-side with Marines and it is a reflection of our command,” said Judd, a Jacksonville, N.C., native. “This gives our team comradeship and a sense of pride. We work together jointly each day and it really does bring us together.”

The MSFB Silent Drill Team travels around Kitsap County performing at numerous events to display their rifle and drill expertise. The team currently has 20 members and still growing. The team practices more than 100 hours a year to get their routine down to perfection.

Judd said his parents are what inspired him to join the team.

“Both of my parents served in the Marines Corps and my father was part of the drill team,” Judd said. “Once I saw the opportunity to tryout I just had to take my chances and do it.”

During a performance, Sailors and Marines execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished 10.5-pound M1 Garand rifles. The routine concludes with a unique rifle inspection involving elaborate rifle spins and tosses.

“It’s a very rewarding and challenging experience,” Judd said. “The team signifies a family, and it’s a lot of fun.”

For Marine Corps Sgt. Conrad Dowe, the purpose of the silent drill team is a way to show the community what the military is all about.

“After each performance we get positive feedback from spectators and we also get a chance to tell them about our jobs in the military,” said Dowe. “For me personally, being part of this team taught me a lot about leadership, discipline and teamwork.”

The silent drill team will next perform at the Marine Corps Ball Nov. 6, and Nov. 13 at the Bremerton Kitsap Conference Center.

“Anyone on this team commits 110 percent to practice and performances,” said Dowe. “Working with the Navy builds a better relationship within our command. We learn how to adapt and overcome challenges together.”

Sailors assigned to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) teamed up with the Bremerton Historical Ships Association to transform the USS Turner Joy (DD 951) ship museum into a haunted ship from Oct. 29-31 at the Bremerton boardwalk.

Service members volunteered to set up Halloween dÈcor including spider webs, fake blood and skeletons all over the ship. Military personnel, civilians and their children from around the waterfront were invited to the festivities, which included a tour of the haunted ship and a treat at the end of the tour.

“This is our fourth annual event, and this is the ship’s largest fundraiser of the year,” said Desiree Steffens, event coordinator. “Last year the USS John C. Stennis was out to sea, and it’s great to have their help this year because they provided so much help. The Sailors have been wonderful, and all the proceeds go back to this ship.”

Tuner Joy tries to hold the haunted ship as an annual event. The money raised from this event goes toward museum upkeep, restoration and maintenance of the historic ship for future tours.

“This ship carries so much history, and it’s great to be part of this event,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Valerie Rodriguez, Stennis Sailor. “My favorite part is dressing up for Halloween and being part of the community.”

Turner Joy was decommissioned in November 1982, but was selected as a U.S. Navy memorial in November 1988. The Sherman-class destroyer, now berthed in Bremerton, has kept the same look and feel since its launching May 5, 1958, through the work of the ship’s staff and volunteers.

The crew of Stennis not only set up the tour but also popped out in various places aboard, offering interactive entertainment for visitors looking to be frightened in the Halloween spirit.

“I’ve always loved participating in haunted house events back home, and when I saw the opportunity to volunteer I thought it would be a great idea to help out,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Daniel Osborne, a Banning, Calif., native. “This ship is a memorial for many veterans, and I enjoy volunteering when ever I have the chance.”

Hats were the buzz of attention for the 2009 fall Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society’s volunteer awards ceremony held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Naval Base Kitsap’s Bangor Plaza.

Both NMCRS offices at Bremerton and Bangor honored more than 25 volunteers for their many hours of NMCRS service within the last six months. The number of hours that volunteer had accumulated ranged from 100 to 7,000 hours.

The “Mad Hatter Tea Party” themed luncheon brought out countless designs and innovation to the required head attire by those attending.

“Volunteers are what make this organization,” said Mary Kay Gombos, NMCRS Bremerton director. There are so many people here with big hearts and the time commitments that they put in. It astonishes me every time we do one of these. One volunteer put in 1,700 hours, and one of our knitters has 6,000 hours that they have volunteered to the society.”

Gombos added there are many of the society’s public speakers that are never in the office or hardly seen because they are out spreading the word about what NMCRS does for active duty, retirees and their families. During the luncheon there were several farewells to NMCRS volunteers who were transferring.

“Many of them transfer from base to base and one of our ladies has actually volunteered at NMCRS at four different bases, so it transfers well and they continue to support the society,” Gombos said. “But, as a director, it’s sad because these people are not only your coworkers they’re your friends.”

Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Naval Exchange (NEX) Uniform Shop hosted a uniform fit clinic for Sailors to try out the Navy Working Uniform (NWU), Oct. 28.

The NBK Bangor Uniform Shop helped more than 100 Sailors throughout the work day try on the NWU as a way to find which size best suited them. The NWU, which was not scheduled to be in the NEX until January 2010 was moved up to Nov. 16 this year.

“We have the Sailors here trying out the new uniform for the purpose of determining their blouse size, the pant size,” said NEX General Manager Jay Schrier. “It’s our way of helping them make sure it’s all good to go, so that when the actual uniform is here for sale, all they have to do is bring us their paperwork which we filled out here, and we hand them their sizes; they don’t have to go through this lengthy process again.

“I am more than ready to get the new uniform,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS/SW) Nathaniel Paine, Intermediate Maintenance Facility Bangor. “I am anxious to phase out these utilities and start wearing the new uniform. I’ve seen them for quite a while now and I think they are out-dated. I love the new working uniform.”

According to Michelle Pritchard, parent advocate and group founder, the support group was created to help military family members with special needs, whether physical, mental, or educational, navigate their way through the Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Program. The program collaborates with other military and civilian agencies to provide the best medical, educational, community and personnel support available to military families.

“This support group is long overdue,” said Hospital Corpsmen 2nd Class Elias Basco, Naval Hospital Bremerton, EFM coordinator. “The process for enrolling in EFM is by far not a simple one, and I think that this support group is something that is going to help a lot of people in the long run. Too many people get lost in the process. Now they have a networking chain to help each person better understand the system.”

When enrolled in EFM, members are required to update their information every three years or sooner if there is a significant medical change.

The new support program is facilitated by the Naval Base Kitsap Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) and run by Pritchard.

“This group is something that I have been pushing for,” said Pritchard. “Having two children with autism I know the struggles that come along with EFM, I thought that if there was a way that people in the same situation with someone with special needs dependent on them to have one another to talk to and learn from it, would make life a little less of a hassle.”

“We are here mainly to support the group in any way possible,” Susan Vitale-Olson FFSC. “I think it is going to be great for everyone involved simply because a lot of times people don’t know the questions they should be asking, and this will give them connections to not only learn from other people’s experiences but learn the questions they should be asking to make the EFM experience as smooth as possible.”

For information on the Special Families Support Group contact Michelle Pritchard at militaryspecialfamiliessupport@gmail.com

Navy Region Northwest concluded a round of Installation Protection Program (IPP), Guardian exercises with the completion of a full-scale exercise on board Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oct. 27-29.

IPP Guardian is a Joint Program Exercise Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense exercise intended to test various base capabilities in response to an unknown CBRN threat that has the potential to endanger an installation’s personnel, facilities and/or assets.

“The CBRN IPP mission is to help Department of Defense installations worldwide to be able to respond to a CBRN event and sustain itself between 12 and 24 hours, because it will probably take that long for state, local, and federal assistance to arrive,” said Luis Negron, Continental United States IPP deputy.

“The program used crawl, walk and run phases of training. The tabletop is a discussion-based exercise, for functional awareness we have the leadership discuss decision-making issues they might have, and, for the full-scale, we actually run (the exercise),” added Negron.

The exercises conducted involved simulated releases of hazardous materials including chlorine gas at Naval Station Everett, Oct. 21, and a nerve agent, sarin gas, at NAS Whidbey Island.

The installations involved were afforded the opportunity to test the proficiency of their procedures and equipment in mitigating a toxic event.

“(The installations) did great considering they didn’t have any equipment 14 months ago. They got the equipment fielded and then went through a series of training events which led up to the full-scale exercise,” said Herb Gould, NRNW Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive coordinator. “We trained to ensure they had a level of confidence on the equipment for (CBRN) response.”

“It was truly a testament to the training that’s been done up to this point that I could step in, and, not really having the expertise that the operations officer has, effectively fill that role. All the players were able to teach me as we went and we were able to respond appropriately,” said Cmdr. Werner Rauchenstein, NAS Whidbey Island assistant operations officer, who performed as the acting operations officer for the exercise.

According to Gould, steps are being taken to develop an after action report which will be used to implement a training program for these installations to ensure the perishable skills acquired over the course of these exercises will be retained.

“This is not the end. This is just the beginning, and now we’ve got a baseline, but still a lot of work ahead to make sure fire, security and the medical folks are all on the same sheet of music when we have an event. That’s crucial for success in any CBRNE event. That’s the way ahead,” said Gould.

Naval Station Everett Sailors assisted the Everett Police Department Tactical Unit during a hostage scenario training on Naval Station Everett Oct. 29.

The Tactical Unit used one of NAVSTA Everett’s enlisted bachelor housing buildings for the scenario, which included suspects breaching the station’s fence and taking Sailors hostage on the second floor.

Sailors took part, observing and playing hostages and terrorists.

“It was good training to see how a team works,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Jeffery Charleston from NAVSTA Everett security. Charleston was a hostage who made it out unscathed, but he was handcuffed and questioned by the tactical team during the drill.

“They shouted directions at me, so I would know what to do,” said Charleston.

Lt. Mitchell Jones, the NAVSTA Everett security officer, said the drill was a good evolution for his Sailors.

“For the most part, MAs (masters-at-arms) want to be police officers and this gives them an idea about the high speed stuff that police officers are all about,” said Jones.

“There’s always a potential that Everett PD (Police Department) can’t show up, and if we watch them enough times, we’ll glean ideas from both aspects to be able to set up our own team if we have to,” Jones said. “The people that were involved today would make good team members. They’ve seen what’s supposed to happen.”

Dwight Snyder, the Everett Police Department Tactical Unit’s unit coordinator, said the use of the bachelor housing building provided good training for the team.

“Any chance we get to work with the military is great. This is a new, unfamiliar building. We’ve never been here before, and there were going to be people coming and going, and those were going to be situations the team was going to have to deal with,” said Snyder. “One of the toughest things is rooms across the hall. How do they take them over at the same time? The barracks was perfect for that.”

Snyder also said working with base security in a real situation is possible due to the station’s location in the city of Everett.

“If we’re going to work together, drills like this are a plus,” said Snyder. 

Grant Hatten, the personal financial manager at NAVSTA Everett FFSC, provided one-on-one financial counseling to service members and taught by example by sharing his credit report with the class.

“Building wealth is a great feeling,” said Hatten. “Having money gives the ability to control our lives.”

“The fastest way to build your credit score is to focus on positive information now versus repairing information from five years ago,” said Hatten. “You can repair your credit score by building a consistent history of on-time payments now.”

Hatten added that just because a Sailor is trying to rebuild a credit score, doesn’t mean he or she should ignore past debts.

“It is very important for people in the Navy to pay off their old debt, because even though a five-year-old debt might not affect their credit score that much, it can get them kicked out of the Navy.”

In addition to teaching about credit and credit scores, Hatten can help Sailors with buying homes, saving for retirement, investing, debt-repayment plans, budgets or dealing with a life change, such as getting married, divorced or having a child.

“I’ve helped people who are getting divorced with child support calculations and how they can set up their budget after the divorce,” said Hatten.

Another money topic that is always on Sailors’ minds is paying for college and the GI Bill.

“For some people it can be an enormous difference. Sit down with the Veteran’s Affairs representative at your school, Navy College or me and do the calculation,” said Hatten.

Operations Specialist 1st Class Anthony Battista from NAVSTA Everett took advantage of Hatten’s counseling to maximize his financial potential.

“He’s a wiz when it comes to finance,” said Battista. “I’ve put many of his suggestions into action in my own life and feel very secure financially.”

Even with all the financial counseling in the world, a Sailor must take the first step to get to financial freedom.

“Income doesn’t matter,” Hatten said. “If a family is going to save money, they’ll save money no matter how much they make.”

Hatten suggests having an allotment that comes right out of the paycheck.

“Make the allotment for far higher than you think you can afford. You’ll naturally start cutting back your spending,” said Hatten. “After a while, you really won’t even notice.”

Navy Region Northwest concluded a round of Installation Protection Program (IPP), Guardian exercises with the completion of a full-scale exercise on board Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oct. 27-29.

IPP Guardian is a Joint Program Exercise Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense exercise intended to test various base capabilities in response to an unknown CBRN threat that has the potential to endanger an installation’s personnel, facilities and/or assets.

“The CBRN IPP mission is to help Department of Defense installations worldwide to be able to respond to a CBRN event and sustain itself between 12 and 24 hours, because it will probably take that long for state, local, and federal assistance to arrive,” said Luis Negron, Continental United States IPP deputy.

“The program used crawl, walk and run phases of training. The tabletop is a discussion-based exercise, for functional awareness we have the leadership discuss decision-making issues they might have, and, for the full-scale, we actually run (the exercise),” added Negron.

The exercises conducted involved simulated releases of hazardous materials including chlorine gas at Naval Station Everett, Oct. 21, and a nerve agent, sarin gas, at NAS Whidbey Island.

The installations involved were afforded the opportunity to test the proficiency of their procedures and equipment in mitigating a toxic event.

“(The installations) did great considering they didn’t have any equipment 14 months ago. They got the equipment fielded and then went through a series of training events which led up to the full-scale exercise,” said Herb Gould, NRNW Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive coordinator. “We trained to ensure they had a level of confidence on the equipment for (CBRN) response.”

“It was truly a testament to the training that’s been done up to this point that I could step in, and, not really having the expertise that the operations officer has, effectively fill that role. All the players were able to teach me as we went and we were able to respond appropriately,” said Cmdr. Werner Rauchenstein, NAS Whidbey Island assistant operations officer, who performed as the acting operations officer for the exercise.

According to Gould, steps are being taken to develop an after action report which will be used to implement a training program for these installations to ensure the perishable skills acquired over the course of these exercises will be retained.

“This is not the end. This is just the beginning, and now we’ve got a baseline, but still a lot of work ahead to make sure fire, security and the medical folks are all on the same sheet of music when we have an event. That’s crucial for success in any CBRNE event. That’s the way ahead,” said Gould.

Questions ranged from “What altitude are the jets supposed to fly?” and “Can you get the airplanes to aim their planes in a different direction when they’re conducting high-power engine checks?” to “Do you try to equalize the number of flight operations?” and “Why do you have to fly so late and so long at night?”

In each case, David explained training requirements; reiterated factors such as weather, darkness and deployment schedules not within his control; and described the variety of actions the air station has taken to reduce the impact. 

David listened and responded to those in attendance as they expressed concerns with what they perceived as changes in the noise level, altitude and frequency of jets flying overhead.
While the Lopezians may have understood the importance of the Navy’s training and efforts to reduce impact wherever possible, there was a resounding consensus that they “didn’t like our noise.” They feel it diminishes their quality of life and lowers their property value.

Feedback is a valuable tool for measuring and understanding the impact of training operations on the local community. It can also open the door for two-way discussions about actions they can take. For example, Island County’s noise disclosure requirement for real estate transactions was raised during the Lopez meeting as a possible course of action for the future that the council may want to pursue. 

“We know the planes are loud,” said David. “We do everything we can to balance the impact on our neighbors with the vital training our pilots need to meet the Navy’s aviation missions around the world.”

Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) has chosen USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to be the test bed for brand new technologically advanced ovens that could potentially be used onboard all U. S. aircraft carriers.

Lincoln is testing three different ovens, the Boldgett Hydrovection, Rational Combi, and Alto Shaam Combi-therm. They will be tested to see which is more suitable and durable.

The ovens can be programmed to cook a certain item at specific times, and will all be programmed with the Navy standard menu. Everything on the menu has an individual menu card that instructs the culinary specialists exactly how to prepare the item. Now it will all be saved in the oven’s memory.

“Now the culinary specialist doesn’t have to read off the card and set everything accordingly. It’s as simple as pressing a few buttons,” said Culinary Specialist First Class Eric Russell, the ship’s oven expert.

For example, the menu card for beef roast rib says to roast the meat for three to four hours at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the oven knows this, the CS just has to look under the beef section for roast rib and the oven knows the exact temperature and time left to cook.

In cases like beef rib roast where the menu card instructs the CS to insert a thermometer and roast until it reaches a certain temperature in the center, the new oven has another convenient feature. There is a sensor the CS can insert in the meat so the oven can keep track of the temperature itself. It knows that according to the menu card, beef rib roast must be roasted until the center is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. So it adjusts the remaining time according to the temperature of the meat.

The ovens can also have menu items added along the way. Originally it will have the basic CNAF menu but the ship can add special menu items as needed.

The items can also be adjusted. If Lincoln Sailors don’t like the way the ovens cook the fries, the CSs can change the time and temperature to make the fries crispier.

Another feature the new ovens have is a self-cleaning application. This will save many hours of scrubbing the grime out of the ovens and keep the ovens in the best condition possible.

“Probably the best thing about these new ovens is the way it prepares food. It should increase the quality,” said Russell. “Normal ovens prepare food with only heat. These new combination ovens combine steam and heat to keep moisture in the food while it is being heated at the same time.”

These ovens are only one of the many upgrades the Lincoln is receiving during its Planned Incremental Availability to increase efficiency and morale of the Sailors onboard.

For military mail addressed to:

APO/FPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; AP zips 962-966

Express Mail: Dec. 18

First-Class Mail (letters/cards, priority mail): Dec. 11

Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 4

Space Available Mail: Nov. 27

Parcel Post: Nov. 13

APO/FPO AE ZIP 093

Express mail Military Service: N/A

First-Class Letters/Cards/Priority Mail: Dec. 4

Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 1

Space Available Mail: Nov. 20

Parcel Post: Nov. 13

Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 18

First-Class Mail (Letters/cards, priority mail): Dec. 11

Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 4

Space Available Mail: Nov. 27

Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO address, check with your local post office to determine if this service is available.

Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined.

The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service. 

Space Available Mail (SAM) refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates that are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis.

The maximum weight and size limits are 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. From overseas locations, items mailed at Parcel Post rates are sent to CONUS by air on a space available basis.

The maximum weight and size limit are 70 pounds and 130 inches in length and girth combined. 

It is also recommended that customers check with their local civilian or military post office for information on size restrictions and possible need for customs declaration forms.

Additionally, customers are advised that certain mail restrictions apply and some items can not be mailed. Examples are: switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt as to what can or cannot be sent through the mail, contact your local civilian or military post office.

As a final note, customers are cautioned that packages must not be mailed in boxes that have markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by the U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. 

Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 Detachment Sailors hosted their 9th annual haunted house for Sailors, Marines and their families. The haunted house is open through Oct. 31.

According to coordinator Builder 1st Class (SCW) Justin Fenton, the CBMU 303 First Class Petty Officers’ Association sponsored the haunted house with help from Naval Facilities, Northwest Self Help Seabee volunteers.

“The people pay to go on through and the money earned will be used to buy each volunteer who participated in the setup a ticket to the Seabee Ball,” Fenton said.

Patrons were broken up by age groups and escorted through the maze of horror.

“There are about 15 different rooms ranging from zombies to a graveyard to a mad doctor and clowns,” said Fenton. “It’s a whole lot of fun. The first hour is for the children so we tone it down quite a bit, but the second hour is where we do everything we can to scare the older ones.

Fenton added that many off hours were utilized to complete the project with the help of others not part of CBMU 303.

“We had been doing a lot of work, even after hours and on weekends trying to get everything together and ready for this,” said Fenton. “We started putting this together Oct. 13 and worked on it non-stop since. The Public Works Seabees volunteered to do one whole section by themselves and put in quite a few hours. Our wives, children, friends and other people also came in to support us.

Some themes found inside the haunted house include a meat market, an electric chair, a graveyard and a mad doctor.

One youngster, who was out of breath and ready for round two shared his excitement over the haunted house.

“It was awesome,” said Jason Kitchen, Jr., haunted house patron. “I liked how the people popped out of the side. It was scary at first, but funny… I would most definitely go next year and would recommend my friends.”

“We all look forward to this each year because of the morale boost it gives to our unit,” said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Adam Brown, CBMU 303. “Our guys have a lot of fun putting this together for the community and it gives them the opportunity to provide a really great haunted house for all the Navy families and anyone else who has access to it. That is what I like most about having a hand in this project.”

The Navy creates opportunities for Sailors, giving them chances to learn trades or get degrees, and one Sailor on board USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) has taken advantage of both.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Amanda Thompson has been the only certified dental hygienist aboard Stennis since July, earning her associates degree and certification through the Navy.

“It’s very competitive when it comes to the Navy choosing who gets to be a certified hygienist,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Maria Troz, Thompson’s leading petty officer. “To put it in perspective, there was a year-long gap between her and the last certified hygienist on Stennis.”

To be a certified dental hygienist, Thompson went from corpsman school to Pensacola Junior College to earn her associates degree in dental hygiene.

To be accepted into the school, Thompson put together a package that included recommendations from dental officers, master chiefs and chiefs.

Thompson said she works one-on-one with her Stennis patients to make treatment plans, explain disease and show them disease control therapy.

“I’m constantly busy with a heavy workload,” said Thompson. “As the only dental hygienist, I see on average five to six Stennis patients a day.”

“I have so much confidence in her because she just got out of school so everything is still fresh in her mind,” said Troz. “She’s been doing a great job with so much expected out of her.”

Thompson even took it upon herself to create the “self care contract,” an agreement between her and her patients to brush and floss daily.

“When my patients sign this contract, I actually see a lot of improvement the next time they visit, so I think it’s great,” said Thompson.

Thompson’s commitment to dental hygiene isn’t limited to Stennis crew members.

“I think brushing and flossing is so important that I do it for my Chihuahua weekly,” said Thompson.

Thompson takes her job seriously and the Sailors aboard are benefiting from her enthusiasm, experience and training.

The Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) program held a monthly session for local school students of military families, Oct. 24, at the Health and Education Center on Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.

DEFY is a Department of Defense funded program that is completely organized and run by local volunteers assigned to NHB.

It is for military family children ages 9-12, and focuses on building a educational and awareness foundation for all youths regarding drug prevention. 

“The students love it and it’s as much fun for us as it is for them,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Augustine Torrez, who teamed up with HM2 Morgan Jensen, HM2 Monique Lopez, and HM3 Antonio Rocha, to provide mentoring and supervise the session.

The morning portion of the session was dedicated to learning about Red Ribbon week (Oct. 17-25), a nationwide dedication to anti-drug education.

The morning highlight for many of the students was learning about Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a former Marine and Drug Enforcement Agency agent who was killed in 1985 while undercover in Mexico. The students all pledged to make healthy choices, be a positive role model for their friends and support the mission of Red Ribbon week.

After lunch, students were then able to showcase their creative side as they all carved pumpkins. The pumpkins were of the manufactured sort, but armed with enthusiasm and arts and craft material, the students spent the afternoon constructing their individual jack-o-lanterns.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Marina, from Central Kitsap Junior High, who along with Chelsea from Central Kitsap High School are DEFY instructors-supervisors in training, after previously being in the program.

“It’s cool to teach others and help out with drug awareness and be part of the teamwork we do when we get together,” Chelsea said. 

According to Jensen, there are two phases to the DEFY program. The first was an eight-day camp in August at NBK Bangor Theater.

During that time, the students participated in workshops and activities designed to build their personal confidence and receive background education about drugs.

There was also indoor and outdoor physical fitness activities, including sanctioned and supervised field trips for bowling, hiking, and visits to the Pacific Science Center and the Space Needle.  Phase two kicked off last month and will continue throughout the school year, with one Saturday a month set aside for a class. 

The September meeting was highlighted about learning about salmon and their life cycle, for September is traditionally the beginning of the salmon run season.  The class made and decorated their own salmon creations to take home, as well as had everyone pitch in and construct and adorn a larger one for the Clear Creek Trail Interpretive Center, a community center devoted to education/public awareness for local ecosystems.

Upcoming get-togethers will include a field trip to the Museum of Flight and holding an in-house session on cultural connections to help increase youths’ respect for and understanding of other cultures. There will also be several arts-and-crafts events with various holidays and various cultural themes. 

“This is a very special program and it is free to anyone that is eligible,” said Jensen. “Sometimes it is just nice to bring military children together. They live a life that is different from others and it can be a unique burden on our children. We want them to know that the Navy is thinking of and remembering them.”

The Personal Excellence through Cooperative Education (PECE) program focuses on strengthening education, fitness and citizenship to American youth throughout Navy Region Northwest.

“Currently we have 68 tenant commands in our region, and our goal is to match commands with local schools in our district,” said Capt. Mark Olson, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap. “We want more military involvement in our community, and through PECE we can reach our goal.”

A presentation introduced newcomers to the program and gave examples of past Sailor participation.

“It’s important for Sailors to be involved with the community, because we are part of this community,” said Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) Joey Marcello, PECE coordinator. “Volunteers get a chance to interact with students and show them a positive side of the military.”

Following the presentation, commands and school representatives discussed future plans and goals for the program.

“The kids in our community are our future, and they might relieve me from my military duties someday,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class (SS) Ricky Garcia, USS Kentucky (SSBN 737). “PECE is a great program, and it’s a way for the Navy to show our presence and support our local schools.”

PECE began in 1987 and started with seven commands. To date, it has grown to more than 19 commands sponsoring 26 different schools.

“It’s important as a school to have a connection with our military community, and service members are great role models for our students,” said Stuart Crisman, principal of Ridgetop Junior High School. “We want to continue our relationship through PECE. In the past years we’ve always had a good experience working with the volunteers.”

The Naval Hospital Bremerton leg of the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) inaugural “Guitar Hero Destruction!” tournament was presented Oct. 20 in the hospital’s galley. 

Competitors donated $5 each attempt to play any song of their choosing at their desired difficulty level in hopes of winning the overall competition and the trophy. The current front-runner is a competitor from Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor with a score of 431,000 points on extreme difficulty level. 

“All of the donations from the tournament go to an undesignated charity and is distributed proportionally amongst all the charities available,” said Robert Jennings, CFC coordinator for Keyport.

CFC is the largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign worldwide.  The CFC campaign season, from Sept. 1 to Dec. 15, collects millions of dollars in pledges from Federal civilian, postal, and military donors to support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human services throughout the world.

“Depending on the success of this tournament, we would like to expand next year to the full rock band which includes drums and vocals,” said Jennings.

The rocking and rolling and rollicking finals are scheduled for Nov 6 at a location still to be determined. For more information, please contact your local CFC representative.

Naval Station NAVSTA), Everett and the City of Everett Fire Department conducted mass casualty training as part of the Department of Defense Joint Installation Protection Program, Guardian outside the on-base Navy Exchange gas station Oct 21.

Training began at 9:30 a.m. with announcements over the base-wide announcing system, Giant Voice, of “Exercise, exercise, exercise” letting NAVSTA Everett and the surrounding area know that a training evolution was beginning. NAVSTA Everett personnel acted as mock casualties in the drill after a simulated chlorine gas leak and were decontaminated by base firefighters with assistance from the City of Everett Fire Department.

“Our Hazardous Material Response Technician Level Team was there to assist in mitigating the incident and identifying and clearing the hazardous material,” said Everett Fire Department Assistant Chief Bob Downey.

The purpose of the drill is to provide training for fire, security and medical personnel in an integrated environment when responding to a focused threat. The scenario simulated an explosion, clouds of white smoke and mock casualties.

“It was cold especially after gross decontamination,” said Engineman 3rd Class Marisa Wimbush of NAVSTA Everett’s First Lieutenant Division. Gross decontamination is a pre-decontamination wash down to remove large contaminants. “The casualties had to go through gross decontamination before we could be triaged and fully decontaminated.”

The exercise gave personnel a chance to train and test new equipment used for personnel protection, detection and decontamination. Thirteen members from the City of Everett Fire Department Hazardous Material Response Team assisted in the drill, manning the decontamination sights and providing assistance in containing the casualty.

“It gave our guys a chance to see how the Navy responds to such incidents,” said Downey. “I hope there are more joint training evolutions in the future.”

Naval Station Everett hosted an Energy Awareness Fair, Oct. 22, to show personnel how to conserve, save and recycle energy. 

“As the nation’s largest energy consumer, the federal government has a tremendous opportunity and clear responsibility to lead by example,” said Capt. Thomas Mascolo, NAVSTA Everett commanding officer. “We’re always looking for ways to become even more efficient through conservation and awareness.”

The base has a history of being energy conscious. In 2008, NAVSTA Everett received a Secretary of the Navy (Gold Level) achievement award for its energy conservation efforts, such as installing lighting controls, efficient hot water heaters and adjusting building heating systems to save energy.

The fair included booths from 20 vendors ranging from public power districts to local public transportation.

The Navy Exchange had a booth setup to show what energy-saving products they offer.

“There are people out there who want to be green, but maybe don’t know how to go about it,” said Judy Flannery, Navy Exchange sales specialist. “The booths get the word out.”

Another way to save energy is to recycle. For example, a recycled six-pack of aluminum cans could save enough energy to drive a car five miles.

“Fifty percent of what is leaving the base goes off as recycled material,” said Denise Lesniak of NAVSTA Everett Recycling. “We recycle metals, all plastics, glass, paper products, cardboard, electronics and food waste.”

Lesniak also said that recycling not only saves energy, it decreases spending as well.

“Recycling is such a cost savings to the base overall,” she said. “It saves the base money to send something off as recycled material rather than trash, and it has such a positive impact for our environment.”

A World War II veteran toured guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Naval Station Everett, Oct. 20.

For many Sailors, stepping across the brow is an everyday activity, but for Ken Fagerlie, a former Navy electrician’s mate who last served during World War II, it’s been a long time since he took that step.

“It’s great to be back on a ship,” said Fagerlie, who joined the Navy 65 years ago in March 1944.

Fagerlie was stationed on board USS Collingsworth (APA 146), a Haskell-class attack transport used during WWII to transport troops to and from combat areas. Collingsworth sailed to Okinawa in August 1945 and took troops to aide in the occupations of Inchon, Korea, and Chin Wang Tao and Tsingtao, China, also that year.

This was not the first time Fagerlie had been to the Pacific Northwest.

“The Collingsworth came up here for repairs and some supplies before we shipped out,” he said.

Fagerlie stood his share of watches in Collingsworth’s engine room and while touring Shoup’s engine room had the opportunity to see how technology has changed.

“Everything is completely different.” he said. “I think about what I had to know as an Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class and compare that to what Sailors have to know today. I’m very impressed with their level of knowledge.”

Before leaving the base, Fagerlie visited NAVSTA Everett’s newest building, the Charles Luke Milam Bachelor Housing, which can house up to 504 Sailors.

“The Navy has changed so much,” Fagerlie said. “It’s nothing like it used to be.”

October was Crime Victims’ Awareness Month and the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention program is just one form of outreach Navy Region Northwest made available to crime victims.

Sally remembers that night. She’ll remember it forever. It was a typical evening. She was with a few acquaintances: talking, watching movies, playing video games. Someone brought a case of beer. Sally had tried alcohol before, but never more than just a few sips. This night, Sally drank more than she had before, and before she realized it, she was drunk.

Then, for Sally, events became very atypical – and horrifying. Later in the evening, she recalls passing out; the room cleared and she was alone with just one male. He was someone she had known from previous duty stations, someone she thought that she could trust, until her next memory proved her wrong – he was on top of her, touching her, raping her.

She left the room the next morning and spent the day in thought, reliving the events of the previous evening. She quickly realized that what had happened was wrong and that it was not her fault. The following day at work, those close to her could tell something was different about her. Her mannerisms were unsure.

She was continually on the brink of tears. Finally, friends suggested that she talk to someone, and she disclosed all of the events of that life-changing night to her department leading petty officer (LPO).

“I knew it had to be reported, because it involved other people, and also for myself, because I knew if I didn’t [report it], it would be much harder to go on with my life,” Sally explained.

Her LPO took quick and responsible action, contacting the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) program, who immediately sent a victim advocate to assist in the case. The advocate was soon by Sally’s side, guiding her through physically and emotionally painful post-rape procedures: a sexual assault forensic exam, an Article 32 hearing and the subsequent court marshal. Through it all, Sally’s advocate provided her with options, supplied information and ensured Sally had everything she needed to take positive steps forward.

“My advocate is one of my favorite people that I’ve met here. I could call her whenever I needed her, bawling my eyes out and feel okay with it. I didn’t have to be this strong, put-together person. I didn’t have to worry about negative social repercussions,” Sally recalls.

The advocate-victim relationship is the cornerstone of the SAVI program. Because the two individuals are strangers prior to connecting through the SAVI program and have no social ties throughout the process, the advocate’s role is solely that as the victim’s guide, a mentor who provides options and emotional support.

That emotional support, from her advocate, from a counselor and from her family and friends, has made Sally’s journey back more manageable. “They were there for me. That’s the biggest thing,” Sally said. “Dealing with it on my own would have been a lot harder and taken a lot longer.”

If you are a victim of sexual assault, services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention Program. The new phone numbers at NAS Whidbey Island to confidentially report an assault are: (primary) (360) 914-7867, (secondary) (360) 914-7855 (SARC): (360) 914-7834 or (SARC office): (360) 257-8893. For Naval Station Everett, contact the sexual assault response coordinator at (425) 304-3712.

Besides his abilities as a aircrew survival equipmentman for Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, PR1 Daniel J. Willyard is also an author. He has completed writing the science fiction novel “Draknos: The Legend Returns”, which will soon be published by Eloquent Books.

Willyard began his journey to author status 12 years ago when he began writing the novel. A longtime fan of reading science fiction books, Willyard wanted to one himself.  Although lacking any writing experience, he had an active imagination and started jotting down ideas. He based the book on the cartoon “Voltron: Defender of the Universe”, a cartoon about five pilots commanding robot lions that aired on ABC from 1984-1985.

Willyard began writing in 1997 and continued through 2000. He started with ideas for the middle of the story. Little by little he crafted the back-story about how the characters got to where they were and what they were going to do next. 

When he finished writing, the process was far from over. 

“Then I had to find an agent and get it professionally edited, which took about a year,” said Willyard.

After finding an agent through the internet, he chose an editor that would look at all facets of his writing: grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and flow.  Following the edit, Willyard would get it back, make corrections, and then have it reedited.

Following the attacks Sept. 11, 2002 the agency he was using closed because most of their clientele had been in the World Trade Center. From 2002 to 2006, while stationed with VFA-192 in Atsugi, Japan, Willyard did not do any more work on the book. He picked it up again after moving to Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

“That’s when I contacted World Event Productions, who owned the copyright to Voltron, and they read the book and said it goes too far, since I based it on Voltron and they didn’t like the way that I changed the storyline,” said Willyard. “All in all they said ‘No, can’t use it.’”

Following that disappointing news, Willyard decided he would rewrite the book in order to keep the storyline.  He turned the lions into dragons and changed the names of the characters.  He found a new agent, had the book professionally edited again and found a publisher. 

Fellow Cougars Airman Kelly Sunderlin is helping Willyard by proofreading the book.  “It’s actually a really complex story and really well crafted. I really like it,” said Sunderlin.

“It kind of reminds me of the military and carrier environment,” said Cmdr. Darryl Walker, VAQ-139 commanding officer. “It’s a very detail-oriented book that is easy to read and follow. He did a great job on this book and I look forward to purchasing the hardback copy when it is released.”

Willyard is already turning Draknos into a screenplay. He is also working on a prequel and thinking of ideas for a sequel. He said he is looking forward to seeing his work on local bookshelves and hopes readers enjoy it.

Get ready to inhale or roll up your sleeves. Seasonal flu vaccinations are coming to Naval Hospital Bremerton.
In the days leading up to the annual shot exercise, NHB’s Preventive Medicine staff is conducting training for an auxiliary shot force of hospital corpsmen to augment helping with expected long lines.

After taking care of active duty personnel and health care workers, the team will be holding “shot clinics” for all others at the Naval Base Bangor Health and Education Center. Updated information can be accessed at NHB’s Flu Hot Line at (360) 315-4469.

Annual seasonal flu vaccinations are required for all active duty military personnel, Selected Reserves and healthcare workers in direct patient care. Per Navy BUMED policy, healthy personnel age 49 and younger are getting the FluMist. Those 50 and older (seasoned veterans of note) will get the injectable vaccine. Vaccinations for eligible beneficiaries are pending.

“Obviously, this year is different with not only the seasonal flu and also dealing with H1N1,” said Capt. Dan Frederick, NHB population health and forecasting coordinator. “The situation is going to be dynamic and every one of us has to be flexible.”

“This season will be unlike any before,” added Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Morgan Jensen. “We usually average about 4,500 in the area for just the regular seasonal flu vaccination. We are definitely anticipating more this year.”

The nasal spray flu vaccine, commonly called FluMist, or Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), contains live, weakened flu viruses. It can be given to healthy children over age 2, non-pregnant teens and adults under 50 years of age.
“The majority of our active duty will get the FluMist,” said Jensen,

Naval Hospital Bremerton continues to advocate and follow the Center for Disease Control recommendations of “Following the Four C’s,” considered to be great habits that slow the spread of flu; clean hands frequently (wash with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer); cover your cough (use your arm or tissue, not your hand); confine yourself (Stay at home if you are sick)’ and crowds should be avoided when flu is in the community (decrease your risk by increasing your distance by three feet or more from others). 

Vice Adm. Michael C. Vitale, commander, Naval Installations Command, visited the northwest region, Oct. 13-17.
Vitale visited military installations in the northwest region, to include Naval Magazine Indian Island, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and Naval Station Everett.
During his visit, Vitale also toured tenant commands and various installations, including galleys, housing, and child development centers.

“Having Admiral Vitale come here, to see our people doing what they do best, and to speak with them about his vision for shore installations, was great,” said Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest. “It’s an honor and privilege when a leader with his expertise takes the time to learn more about the Northwest Navy and share with us the way ahead. This visit was hugely beneficial for our Region and for those we support.”

Vitale also had the opportunity to speak with Sailors and civilian employees, hearing their feedback on ways to improve their installations.
“I was really pleased that the admiral came,” said Judy McDonald, director of Naval Station Everett Child Development Center. “He was interested in seeing the services we provide for children, and the new addition will extend our services to even more military families.”

Navy Region Northwest Sailors, along with over a thousand participants, including runners, entertainers and volunteers, assisted organizers of the first “Run of Hope Seattle” held at Seward Park in Seattle, Oct. 18. The event is a five kilometer run and 3-kilometer walk that benefits pediatric brain tumor research through donations going to the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute.
According to Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund President Erin Cordry, the event raised more than $226,000 and said the Navy played a big part.

“Without the Navy’s help with the tents, it would have cost us a lot of money,” said Codry.
“It was our first year, so we had a hard time getting corporate sponsorship. We didn’t have a lot of money. We were so worried about the weather, and if we were going to have to rent tents, we couldn’t afford it. And then you guys (the Navy) came through with tents for us and volunteers, which has kind of made the whole thing possible. So we’re really, really grateful to have the support of the Navy,” she added. 

Free pastries, fruit and beverages were also provided at the event, as well as a band providing the crowd musical entertainment. In addition, each registered participant was given a free t-shirt and free gift bags were given to all event-goers.

Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Maria Vasquez, Naval Base Kitsap Personnel Support Detachment and member of the NBK First Class Petty Officer Association.
“It’s a memorable experience. It’s always good to know we’re doing something good for the community and representing the Navy and the First Class Petty Officer Association,” said Vasquez.

An early Sunday morning start time and the possibility of rain did little to discourage participation as Sailors and civilians showed up to run, walk or volunteer in the event.
“I figured it would be a good time to come out and volunteer. You know, get to see Washington for what it is,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Anthron Shuler, NBK Trident Galley. “It’s a good opportunity for me to give back, and it’s always good to help out.”

According to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund the pediatric brain tumor research laboratory at Children’s Hospital in Seattle is one of the top facilities of its kind in the world.
Through the efforts of globally recognized scientists, new treatments are being developed, tested and brought into practice. One hundred percent of the donations go directly to the institution to develop cures for kids with cancer.
For more information on the “Run of Hope Seattle” or the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund, visit http://www.runofhopeseattle.org{{PERIOD}}

Navy Region Northwest Sailors, along with over a thousand participants, including runners, entertainers and volunteers, assisted organizers of the first “Run of Hope Seattle” held at Seward Park in Seattle, Oct. 18. The event is a five kilometer run and 3-kilometer walk that benefits pediatric brain tumor research through donations going to the Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute.
According to Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund President Erin Cordry, the event raised more than $226,000 and said the Navy played a big part.

“Without the Navy’s help with the tents, it would have cost us a lot of money,” said Codry.
“It was our first year, so we had a hard time getting corporate sponsorship. We didn’t have a lot of money. We were so worried about the weather, and if we were going to have to rent tents, we couldn’t afford it. And then you guys (the Navy) came through with tents for us and volunteers, which has kind of made the whole thing possible. So we’re really, really grateful to have the support of the Navy,” she added. 

Free pastries, fruit and beverages were also provided at the event, as well as a band providing the crowd musical entertainment. In addition, each registered participant was given a free t-shirt and free gift bags were given to all event-goers.

Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Maria Vasquez, Naval Base Kitsap Personnel Support Detachment and member of the NBK First Class Petty Officer Association.
“It’s a memorable experience. It’s always good to know we’re doing something good for the community and representing the Navy and the First Class Petty Officer Association,” said Vasquez.

An early Sunday morning start time and the possibility of rain did little to discourage participation as Sailors and civilians showed up to run, walk or volunteer in the event.
“I figured it would be a good time to come out and volunteer. You know, get to see Washington for what it is,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Anthron Shuler, NBK Trident Galley. “It’s a good opportunity for me to give back, and it’s always good to help out.”

According to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund the pediatric brain tumor research laboratory at Children’s Hospital in Seattle is one of the top facilities of its kind in the world.
Through the efforts of globally recognized scientists, new treatments are being developed, tested and brought into practice. One hundred percent of the donations go directly to the institution to develop cures for kids with cancer.
For more information on the “Run of Hope Seattle” or the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund, visit http://www.runofhopeseattle.org{{PERIOD}}

“These graduates have come a long way and it’s a tremendous step on their part,” said Gerald Hert, director of Bangor’s Navy College. “We encourage service members to get their education because education sets precedence and will help them with points towards advancement.”
Following his statement, Hert then introduced the event’s guest speaker, Cmdr. James Travers, executive officer of NBK, who spoke about the importance of education and experience.

“It is an absolute pleasure to recognize the efforts of today’s graduates,” said Travers. “Graduating from college is a significant milestone; more education means more money, job opportunities and job security. Congratulations to all of you.”

Following Travers’s speech, the ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to the honorees and the benediction by Lt. Scott Deese, Navy chaplain.
“It feels great to be recognized by the community and all the hard work put into education really does pay off,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Glendon Turner, Naval Station Everett. “My advice to junior Sailors is to visit the Navy College and just do it. My whole reason for joining the Navy was for education it just took a lot of time and dedication.”
Turner received a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University.

For one Sailor, command and family support was essential to accomplishing his educational goals.
“My command and family supported me 100 percent and that really helped me out,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Brandon Oyer, USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) (Green). “It’s nice to be recognized, and I did it for my family. Service members should take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them.”
Oyer received a bachelor’s degree nuclear engineering technology from Excelsior College and is now enrolled in the master’s program.

More than 20 colleges and universities took part in an education fair aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Oct. 15 to meet Sailors first hand with educational opportunity ideas.
The event was put together to provide Sailors the chance to sign up for classes and build degree plans while meeting one-on-one with representatives from each school.

“Most Navy students come to us closer to having an associate degree than they realize,” said Mai Miller, a representative from Vincennes University. “For some, it may be a matter of just a few courses to complete their degree.”

Stennis Sailors took part in the event, ranging from those curious in what degree plans were available, to Sailors like Airman Apprentice Matthew Archey, who signed up for four classes provided by Martinsburg Institute of Technology that are actually software programs that will work on Archey’s laptop.

“It’s usually pretty difficult to pursue your education when you’re out to sea but something like this makes it so much more convenient,” said Archey, who works in Stennis’ training department. “I’m planning to at least get my associates degree by the time I leave Stennis.”

The classes provided by the schools ranged from being given on the ship by a school’s professor to National Program for Afloat College Education (NPACE) that can be taken by Sailors online.
“I’m prior service so I can relate to today’s Sailor on how hard it is to take classes out to sea,” said Julie Buchmiller, a representative from Ashford University. “Sailors don’t have much time to sit in a classroom and take classes so by doing online specifically gives them more flexibility.”

Schools such as Vincennes University also offer on-site classes at the ship’s home port in Bremerton.
“We offer our on-site classes six times a year in eight week terms to help accommodate the Sailor’s Navy obligations,” said Miller. “Our next term starts on Oct. 26 so there’s plenty of time left to enroll.”
The education fair was part of Stennis and the Navy’s continued push for Sailors to take advantage of college opportunities and earn their degree.

Navy Region Northwest’s big band “Cascade” performed for more than 250 veterans, service members and their families at the Naval Undersea Museum Keyport’s Jack Murdock auditorium for a free fall concert, Oct. 18.
“The Navy band is a very popular venue for the military and the public community,” said Lindy Dosher, assistant director of Puget Sound Naval Museum. “We always have a great turn out of people and I love their music.”

The band performed an hour-long set of classical music as audience members clapped their hands and danced to the live music. Songs performed included “April in Paris,” “I’ve Got You under My Skin,” and “A Salute to Glenn Miller.”

Chief Musician Patrick Y. Hawes, of Asheville, N.C. introduced the band and dedicated the music to the veterans who served during the World War II era.
“This music collection is dedicated to the veterans who served before us, and it’s a way to transport back into time,” said Hawes.

Former Fire Controlman 2nd Class Scott Jamison, who served during World War II, said he supports the band each time they play.
“I really enjoy the music they play, and they are worth seeing live,” said Jamison. “The Navy’s band is wonderful, and I love listening to their music.”

Navy Band Northwest has a total of seven ensembles including ceremonial, concert, rock, jazz, brass and solo vocalists. Navy Band Northwest performs at various venues such as festivals, high schools and ceremonies throughout the region.
“Playing music for our community is a way to represent the Navy, and our biggest audience is the veterans,” said Musician 1st Class Daryl Moore. “This is always an opportunity for us to do what we love and share our talents with the public.”

The next show is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Naval Undersea Museum Keyport’s Jack Murdock Auditorium and is a free event open to the public. 

Just as water seeks its own level, so does the disposal of medical waste products and hazardous pharmaceutical waste. Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Environmental Division is making sure that water and waste don’t mix. NHB has implemented an ambitious command-wide pharmaceutical waste pilot program to effectively end the flushing, dumping, and removal of medical and pharmaceutical waste that could pollute the local environment.

“Instead of throwing pills or some liquid medicine down the nearest drain or dumping on some landfill, we’re ensuring that anything that is not going to go back to the pharmacy goes into containers specifically set up in 10 places throughout the hospital,” said Jean Hallmark, NHB environmental protection specialist and pharmaceutical waste program manager.
Hallmark said the three main concerns for the pilot program are to protect human health; protect natural resources such as water, ground and air; and to promote environmental stewardship. To that end, since February, over 1,200 pounds of pharmaceutical waste from NHB has been diverted from going into a landfill or ending up in a local water source.
Approximately every three months a load out is shipped to a site in Utah for incineration. “It’s a great start to help clean up our environment and also help to change our mindset,” said Hallmark.

Examples of hazardous pharmaceutical waste include absorbents used in the cleanup of pharmaceutical spills; powders; tablets and pills; test strips; throat and nasal sprays and syringes. There are also creams, pastes and ointments, eye drops, inhalers, IV bags and tubings, and lotions.
According to officials, nationwide there have been U.S. Geological Survey studies that have shown multiple pharmaceutical compounds and/or their metabolites in virtually every waterway tested. These compounds can enter waterways in various ways including agricultural uses, animal wastes, and wastewater treatment plant effluent. Wastewater treatment plants have multiple sources as well, including the unused pharmaceuticals dumped and flushed to the sewer. 

The business practice of flushing and dumping unused pharmaceuticals in the sewer is not only illegal but introduces unnecessary chemicals to our waters.  Diverting pharmaceutical waste from the sewer system can only help the aquatic environment. According to Robert E. Mitchell, NHB environmental program manager, this pilot program will not only comply with state and federal pharmaceutical waste handling regulations. A recent visit by the Washington State Department of Ecology drew a good review for them to consider using NHB’s program as a blueprint for others to emulate.

“The staff has been very supportive of where we have placed the pharmaceutical waste container boxes,” Hallmark added. “Every location with a container has a waste coordinator, along with periodic inspections by the Environmental Division, and on-going training for all staff members on the importance of using the program and the supplied resources.
“Environmental stewardship like this program is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Hallmark.

With the hospital Environmental Division working hard to mitigate the spread of waste today, the water of tomorrow will be able to continue to seek its own level, unfettered by harmful medicines and pharmaceuticals.

The Oliver Hazard Perry class guided-missile frigate, USS Ford (FFG 54), returned to Everett Oct. 20 after an independent six-month deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
“It was a long six months and I know that I speak for the entire crew when I say it’s just great to be home,” said Ensign Julien Geiser, Ford legal officer. 
Ford and crew first made a stop in Lima, Peru to participate in Peruvian Passex, part of the 4th Fleet’s “Partnership of the Americas”, a series of events held annually to further diplomatic and military cooperation between South American nations and their neighbors to the north.

Ford next sailed further south to participate in an event hosted each year by the Chilean Navy, “Team Work South”. Along with a dozen ships from Chile, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Ford performed combined naval operations, which included anti-submarine warfare exercises, coordinated defense against surface littoral threats, surface gunnery exercises and other training events.
The successful operational integration of five different types of helicopters from various nations was a significant accomplishment that contributed to the ongoing theater security cooperation efforts between the U.S. and coalition Navies. During the two-week exercise, Ford crew members were also involved in several community relations events in Mejillones and Iquique, Chile.

Following the completion of their commitments to multi-national exercises, the Ford changed its mission and launched itself into counter illicit trafficking operations. In addition to the assistance and resolution of numerous search and rescue cases, the crew was responsible for the interception and disruption of the trafficking of more than $425 million of cocaine. The apprehension of two self propelled semi-submersible vessels, a new tool often successfully used by drug smugglers, was one the more significant and exciting parts of her contribution to the war on drugs.

“The ship and crew have surpassed and exceeded the expectations that I had when I first met them in Panama,” said Cmdr. Cord Luby, Ford commanding officer who took command of the frigate in late August. “The crew’s commitment to their mission and the strength of character with which they approach each obstacle presented to them is inspiring.”
“This ship has completed five extremely successful deployments in the past five years and each has improved upon the last. Never before have I been prouder to count myself as a member of any crew,” Luby added. “I was exited to be on board and be welcomed back to the great Pacific Northwest.”

Naval Station Everett is observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October as an opportunity to inform Sailors and Navy spouses about domestic violence prevention efforts as well as reporting options for victims. Family Advocacy Programs (FAP) at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) worldwide are fueling support for an awareness campaign to educate service members and their families about the impact of domestic violence and to make known the resources available to them.

“We have a resource table that we are moving around base with informative pamphlets on it to get the information out to various people,” said Sarra Marie, Navy Region Northwest family victim advocate.
The FFSC and FAP are responsible for training, educating and teaching preventive measures to Sailors and are available to both victims and abusers.
“We have programs to improve life skills to help decrease domestic violence and improve skills in anger and stress management,” said Marie.

Another available resource is the Family Justice Center (FJC). The FJC offers services such as child care, court support, emergency housing, food, forensic documentation of injuries, law enforcement, legal assistance, medical and military assistance, restraining orders, support groups and transportation.
NAVSTA Everett also includes domestic violence training in the base indoctrination (INDOC) class as well as holding command-wide general military training (GMT).
“I think that the domestic violence training we give in INDOC and as GMT is a great source of information for the junior Sailors that aren’t aware of the programs available to them,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Robert Quanbeck.

Intervention and counseling programs and awareness campaigns like the one conducted this month help the Navy stem the damage from abusive relationships and allow more people to live full and healthy lives.
The FFSC offers life skills classes throughout the year, including couples conflict resolution, building effective anger management skills, building self-esteem and assertiveness, couples communication and dealing with stress. Support groups and counseling for individuals, couples and families are available as well.

Navy policy dictates that domestic violence is an all-hands issue, and if someone is in an abusive relationship as either a victim or abuser, it is their shipmates’ duty to report it to a FAP representative.
To seek confidential information on domestic violence support services, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-305-7233 and the Navy Family Advocacy Center at (425) 304-3367. 

The Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island from a five-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Oct. 20-21.
The Cougars deployed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in May and attached to Carrier Air Wing 14. While in theater, air crew members from VAQ-139 were afforded the opportunity to cross train with the expeditionary squadron VAQ-134, the Garudas.

According to Lt. William Buhl, VAQ-139, who participated in the exchange, the opportunity to fly the improved capability (ICAP) II EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-134 versus the ICAP III Prowler was good experience.
“One of the benefits of the expeditionary mission is you take off and you’re immediately there and providing support; already in the fight, so to speak,” said Buhl.

“It really benefited us because we got the chance to go see how they operate doing strictly ground operations and it gave them the opportunity to see how we operate and do business on the boat,” said Cmdr. Daryl Walker, VAQ-139 commanding officer.

VAQ-139 flew a total of 1,350 flight hours, 850 of which were flown in direct support of OEF as a result of 115 combat sorties, leading to a 100 percent combat sortie completion rate.
Over the course of the deployment Reagan conducted four port visits to Singapore, Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, Phuket, Thailand, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Upon departing Hawaii, Reagan embarked approximately 800 friends and family members, 46 of which were with VAQ-139, for a six-day cruise back to San Diego before returning to NAS Whidbey Island.
“The Reagan may have put on the best tiger cruise I’ve been on,” said Cmdr. Chris Middleton, VAQ-139 executive officer, who embarked three family members for the cruise.”

According to Walker, a deployment isn’t over until you get everyone home safe and sound.
“The troops did everything that was asked of them, we didn’t fail in any part,” said Walker. “We brought everybody back that I took out, which, to me, makes the cruise successful.”

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island recognized the contributions of its individual augmentees (IAs) and Global War on Terror Support Assignments (GSAs) at an IA/GSA appreciation event held at the Nor’Wester Activity Center, Oct. 15. The semi-annual NAS Whidbey Island Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) event is held each April and September to honor those who have gone on an IA or GSA and allowed for those preparing to depart the chance to network and receive responses to unanswered questions from the people who have experienced the deployments first-hand.

“First of all, I want to tell those of you that have been, that I’m honored to be in your company and your country is proud, so thank you. We asked you to do something harder than you signed on to do, and I’m really proud of you,” said Capt. Gerral David, NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer.

“What you’re doing cannot be over sold; it’s huge. It’s one of the biggest changes that we’ve seen in the Navy, being able to drop what you’re doing with your command, pick up with another service, go as an individual and serve with other units is a huge thing,” added Dave Thomason, education services facilitator with the FFSC.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Nelson Jeck, of Electronic Attack Squadron 130, from Columbus, Ohio, who is preparing for an IA deployment to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was thankful for the opportunity to interact with Capt. James Thralls, Naval Hospital Oak Harbor commanding officer, who recently returned from 18 months in Guantanamo.
“I like it a lot because it brings us together and gets us to realize who has been there before and any type of questions I had (Thralls) answered top-notch,” said Jeck. “If it wasn’t for this, I would not have had any of my questions answered until I got there. I feel 100 percent more prepared than I did two hours ago.”

“That’s part of what this network is; it’s not just about service members. It’s about people that are left behind. It’s not like a normal Navy deployment where you have a spouses club taking care of you, so I’m happy that you’re providing this service,” said David.

For Dawn Laumb, wife of Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Martin Laumb, of Fleet Readiness Center Northwest, who is preparing to return from a 12-month IA deployment to Iraq, her husband’s deployment would’ve have been far more difficult without the IA spouse support group and the programs offered by FFSC.
“My husband has made six other deployments on three different aircraft carriers, but this was different. This was more unnerving, but Kelly (Gilman) and the people that work here made a big difference.
“When these meetings come up once a month, I highly recommend you go. It’s going to save your soul. With all the deployments my husband’s made, I’ve never had this sense of family.”

Navy Region Northwest fire and emergency services visited Navy bases around the region to promote fire safety and awareness for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-9.

Fire stations at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor and Bremerton, Naval Station Everett, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island set up displays, where service members and DoD civilians learned tips about fire safety.

“There are brochures on fire safety, coloring books for the kids, and kitchen fire safety packets with pot holders and lid removers and cooking safely in the kitchen,” said Erlend Friderickson, the fire protection inspector for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. “There is also a burn pan where you can practice putting out a fire with a fire extinguisher. A lot of people actually don’t know how to handle a fire extinguisher.”

Sparky the Fire Dog also travelled the northwest region, visiting child development centers and youth centers to teach children the importance of fire safety. He taught children what they should do if they find flammable objects, such as lighters and matches; to stop, drop, and roll should their clothing catch fire, and to move low in a smoke filled room.

“I think it’s a lot of fun for the children and it’s a great opportunity for them to get to know the fire department and feel comfortable with them in case there’s ever an emergency in their house,” said Melissa Haley, youth activities coordinator at the NAS Whidbey Island Youth Center. “The children are much better prepared if an emergency does come up.”

Fire Prevention Week 2009 is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) activity which focused on burn awareness and prevention according to the NFPA Web site. The theme for 2009 was “Stay fire smart! Don’t get burned.”

“As soon as our ordered supplies get here, we will implement our vaccination plan,” said Lt. Cmdr. Sandra Johnson, NHB preventive medicine head. “We also want everyone to remember that there is a difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. They are not the same. We will first give vaccinations for seasonal flu, then commence with H1N1 vaccinations later on when we get that shipment.”

Annual seasonal influenza vaccinations are required for all active duty military personnel, selected Reserves and healthcare workers. Navy Medicine’s seasonal influenza vaccine immunization program is designed to protect Sailors and Marines, mission-essential healthcare personnel, and eligible beneficiaries.  As has also been the case in the past, NHB will host vaccination clinics. Exact dates and base locations will be publicized soon.

Immunization remains the primary method of reducing seasonal influenza illness and its complications. The seasonal influenza vaccine not only helps protect vaccinated individuals, but also helps protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of the disease. Navy Medicine will be closely monitoring the both influenza viruses over the coming weeks and months.

Influenza is not the common cold.  Influenza can be a severe to life-threatening disease and getting an annual influenza vaccine immunization (either the traditional shot in the arm or the newer nasal spray vaccine) protects many people from getting the disease or becoming severely ill.

What can people do to protect themselves against the flu virus? 

Naval Hospital Bremerton follows CDC recommendations to:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, when you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from also getting sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.  You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth.

Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division welcomed guest speaker honorable Claiborne D. Haughton, to Keyport, Wash., in recognition for National Disability Awareness month, Oct. 7.

This year’s theme was “Expectation plus opportunity equals full Participation.”

Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The Office of Disability Employment Policy has the lead in planning NDEAM activities and materials to increase the public’s awareness of contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities.

Haughton, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for equal opportunity, brought a sense of humor and understanding to the Naval Undersea Museum Keyport’s Jack Murdock Auditorium and gave a motivational speech.

“It is significant to recognize the 19th anniversary of one of the most significant civil rights laws of the last half century, the ‘Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),’” said Haughton. “Let us recall that in 1990, the advocates and supporters of the ADA broke into American history like beneficent burglars bringing with them the gifts of vision, passion and truth.”

Haughton shared his own stories about his personal struggles as a man with disabilities. He was born with cerebral palsy (CP) and blindness in one eye.

“The pages of history are full of stories of undaunted men and women who have triumphed over disability and adversity to demonstrate victorious spirits,” added Haugton. “When our troops fall in the battle for our country, we must not allow them to fall through the cracks when they return home wounded. We must take care of our veterans in terms of help, healing and hiring.”

One member of the audience, who was touched by Haughton message, was Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Robert Napier.

“Listening to Haughton’s speech gives me a perspective of other people’s views about diversity,” said Napier, Navy Region Northwest. “Celebrating National Disability Awareness month broadens my own view on culture weather it’s a disability or ethnicity; this brings everyone together to gain an understanding from one another.”

Personnel Specialist Seaman Jason Fernandez is the newest naturalized active duty American citizen at Naval Hospital Bremerton after being sworn in at a ceremony in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Seattle field office in August. 

“My dream is to get my master’s degree in business administration and hopefully still be in the Navy as an officer,” said Fernandez, who now calls Dallas, Texas, home and is currently assigned to Naval Hospital Bremerton Military Human Resources Department.  “I felt relieved getting sworn in knowing that I took a big step toward achieving my goal.”

As an active duty service member, the naturalization process was easy for Fernandez.  USCIS has streamlined the naturalization process specifically for military personnel serving on active duty or recently discharged by including exceptions to required residency and physical presence in the United States through special provisions outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sections 328 and 329. 

Instead of the usual 6-12 month timeline experienced by civilians for processing and a processing fee, Fernandez’s naturalization request only took three months and was free of charge. 

“I had my interview the day before the ceremony,” said Fernandez. “It happened so fast.”

Fernandez and his sister, Joanne, are originally from Madras, India which changed its name in 1996 to Chennai. It is the capital city of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu, a metropolitan city with a population of over eight million people.

His father, Elster Fernandez, was born in the U.S., raised in India, returned stateside and served in the United States Army briefly before going to work as a civilian in Dubai, the most populous state of the United Arab Emirates.

While working in Dubai in 1997, Fernandez’ father passed away.  Tragedy struck once again in July of 2000 when his mother passed in Chennai. In 2004, Fernandez and his sister moved to Dallas after being adopted by his mother’s younger sister, Dominica Odath.

There was no language hurdle for Fernandez, so he and his sister adapted quickly to life in Dallas.  “I didn’t speak Tamil (Madras Tamil, the mixed language consisting of a polyglot of English and Tamil with words borrowed from Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Urdu spoken in Chennai) since my father was American and my mom was Anglo-Indian.  I already spoke English,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez joined the Navy with a waiver at the age of 17. “I just thought that it would be a great opportunity to me, and I didn’t think I could afford to go to college,” he explained.  Fernandez entered the fleet after finding himself at the top of his class in Personnel Specialist “A” school (Navy specialized schools where Sailors learn their trade in the fleet) at Navy Technical Training Center in Meridian, Miss. As top of his class, he was recognized as the honor graduate, earning him a meritorious advancement up one rank.

“Since I’m in the Navy, I feel more patriotic and obligated after becoming naturalized,” said Fernandez. “With the opportunities that have opened up for me, I feel I need to pay it back in return.”

Fernandez is making the most of his Navy career by already being actively involved with NHB’s Color Guard, acting as public affairs officer for the recreation advisory committee for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), and a member of the Junior Enlisted Association. 

Interested in pursuing a career in business administration, Fernandez chose Personnel Specialist specifically since it was most relevant to his scholastic and professional interest. Fernandez is currently enrolled at University of Phoenix to pursuing bachelor’s degree in business.

Chasing his dreams while being a Sailor, Fernandez said, “Being in the Navy gives me a boost. It helps me strive to attain my goals.”

As such, abusers will escalate their abuse in order to maintain control and prevent the victim from leaving, usually through fear of what will happen, serious injury and or death to the victim and those close to them. 

So, when a victim does decide to leave they must carefully plan their escape to maximize their safety and minimize the risk of further abuse by their partner. 

Some key points to keep in mind when leaving an abusive relationship include:

Leave money, extra keys and clothes with someone you trust

Identify a person with whom you and your children could stay for a few days

Seek the assistance of a victim advocate in creating your safety plan.

Plan, rehearse and revise your safety plan as needed.

If you decide to stay in the relationship you still need a safety plan to be better prepared to minimize the abuse to the best of your ability.  Some things you can do during an explosive incident include;

Get to a room with an outside exit, not a bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere there are obvious weapons.

Identify a neighbor or co-worker you can tell about the violence.  Ask them to call the police if they hear or see a disturbance.

Use your instincts! If you know the situation is getting dangerous, give the abuser what he wants to calm him down. 

Always remember that SAFETY is first and foremost in any abusive relationship.

If you need further information or want to talk to a counselor or victim advocate please call the Fleet and Family support program at 1-866-854-0638.

Few of us have heard of the companies who employ them. They include the likes of Oxford Management Services, who lost a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission earlier this year and paid $1.06 million for falsely threatening to arrest consumers.

They also include LTD Financial Services, who in late 2007 agreed to pay $1.38 million for threatening and harassing consumers over the phone.

A debt collector is someone who purchased the right to collect the money you owe to a creditor, oftentimes without your knowledge, and always for pennies on the dollar.

While not every debt collector violates the law, many do. And, with a guaranteed pay check twice a month, indebted military members are a prize sought by most debt collectors.

The Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA) prohibits abusive collection practices, defined as: calling your employer, neighbors, friends, and family; calling you between the hours of 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.; using obscenities; falsely claiming to be an attorney or the police; and falsely claiming they will take you to court or have you arrested.

If a debt collector contacts you, keep a log of every phone call.  Record the date, time, and length of the call. Write notes on what the collector says, demands, or threatens. Ask them to stop calling you - by law they should stop.

If you can’t make the debt collector stop, contact someone who can.  Schedule an appointment with a military attorney at your nearest Navy Legal.

Naval Legal Service Office Northwest:

Bremerton:
(360) 476-2156

Bangor:
(360) 396-6003

Everett:
(425) 304-4551

Whidbey:
(360) 257-2126

Naval Base Kitsap active-duty, reserve and retired service members, DoD civilians, Navy League members and their guests celebrated the Navy’s 234th birthday at the NBK, Bangor Plaza Ball Room, Oct. 9.

“This year’s theme was ‘Saluting our Navy Heroes,’ and it’s a day to celebrate the Navy’s foundation and history,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Christopher A. Voge, Navy Ball coordinator assigned to NBK security. “This celebration is a way to recognize those who have gone before us and honor those who are deployed right now in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

More than 300 Sailors and their guests were in attendance. The evening featured local comedian Cris Larsen and a presentation by the Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion, Bangor, Silent Drill Team.

Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, commander, Submarine Group 9 spoke at the event and shared stories about historical military and modern day heroes.

“Throughout the 234 years of naval history, there are countless examples of Navy heroes,” said Caldwell. “The heroes that I’ve spoken about are the ones that we as a Navy, have held up and recognized because they embody the best of the Navy’s core values and character, but behind every one of the heroes that we know, there are countless everyday heroes that include people in this room.”

In keeping with tradition, the oldest and youngest Sailors in attendance came forward to cut the Navy birthday cake. Master-at-Arms Seaman Jeffery Britt, NBK security and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Green, former Shipfitter 3rd Class, who served on USS Pyro (AE 1), had the honor of cutting the birthday cake.

“It means a lot to me to be recognized at this event, and I feel honored to be here,” said Green. “Being around Sailors brings back a lot of fond memories and it was a very rewarding experience to have served in the Navy. If I could do it all over again, I would.”

Commander, Submarine Group 9 hosted a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Oct. 7. 

Guests from local commands were treated to traditional Hispanic dances, music, and guest speakers, as well as a buffet style luncheon featuring Hispanic cuisine.

Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, commander, Submarine Group 9, spoke at the event and said it was a great way to celebrate and learn about Hispanic culture in our Navy.

“The event was fantastic. It was really impressive to see how Sailors of Hispanic ethnicity showed others their proud heritage by displaying costumes and performing cultural dances,” said Caldwell. “It was equally impressive that we had a lot of folks that gathered just to see the event and be supportive.”

Sailors donated their time, money, and culinary skills for the event that showcased homemade enchiladas, salsa, rice, beans, burritos, Mexican sweet bread, and chili covered candy.

“This was definitely an all hands effort to ensure the event was successful,” said Chief Information Systems Technician Alexis Barnhart. “This celebration enables the Navy to display it’s rich cultural heritage, and continued commitment to supporting a culturally diverse workforce.”

Guest speakers spoke about the history of the Hispanic culture, and how the Navy has moved forward to promote equality throughout the ranks.

“I think it is important to teach others about the Hispanic culture because our Navy is so diverse, and it is good education and awareness for everyone,” said Yeoman Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandra Navarrete, a guest speaker who spoke about Hispanic cultural variations.

Some Sailors proudly displayed their heritage by performing traditional dances for the guests including the Guadalajara and Los Machetes dances.

Master at Arms Petty officer 2nd Class Eleazar Valdivia performed two dances for guests and said the chance to show others his heritage coincides with the Navy’s focus on diversity.

“The Navy teaches us about the importance of diversity, and as a service member I feel like I am contributing to this by performing for others so they can learn about Hispanic heritage,” said Valdivia. “I wanted to show my culture to other people and a big part of that is through traditional dances.”

Hispanic Heritage Month was officially established in 1989 to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse Hispanic culture. The month long celebration by the Department of Defense goes from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year.

Naval Base Kitsap Bangor held an initial 36-hour Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) victim advocate training from Oct. 5-9 for active duty and civilian personnel interested in becoming advocates.

Recently the Navy’s SAVI title was changed to Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) to align with the department of the Navy SAPR office and DoD policy. Key stakeholders were identified and charged in NAVADMIN 282/09 to reinforce Navy’s SAPR program, which was established in 1994 under the name SAVI.

“The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response acronym is what SAVI is becoming,” said Sharlyne Hays, instructor and sexual assault response coordinator, Naval Base Kitsap (NBK). “SAVI will still be a part of the greater program but SAVI is just the sexual assault victim intervention part of the SAPR program.”

The name change aligns with the mission of the program, underlining the importance of both prevention and response.

“We hold initial advocate training quarterly for tenant commands,” Hays said. “The purpose of the course is to educate active-duty service members on how to assist victims of sexual assault through the reporting process and procedures,”

SAPR advocates are trained personnel throughout the Navy available to educate Sailors and civilians about the crime of sexual assault, its consequences and how to prevent it.

“This training is very helpful and educational, it serves as a refresher course for representatives who have been doing this for a while,” said Gas Turbine System (Mechanical) 2nd Class Jeffery Baluyot, Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF), a Honolulu, Hawaii native. “It’s important for the Navy to have an advocate at every command so victims can get the help they need wherever they are stationed.”

The training included lectures, role play, videos and discussions. At the end of the course advocates receive a certificate of completion.

“Every deploying command needs to have an advocate because when they deploy they need to be able to help victims while they are away from port,” added Hays.

For information about upcoming SAPR training in the northwest, visit online at:  http://www.navylifepnw.com{{PERIOD}}

While in transit home from deployment in Afghanistan, the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 took time to foster foreign relations during a port call in Phuket, Thailand. Members from the Cougars gave up some of their liberty to work on various community relations projects during the five-day port visit.

When the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) pulled into Thailand, the Cougars had the opportunity to donate their time to projects ranging from chipping and painting at schools and orphanages to building a whole house. 

The island of Phuket, located in southwest Thailand, is still recovering from the tsunami that hit it in 2004. Although the beaches are still popular tourist destinations, the outlying communities show that they are home to a disadvantaged economy. Minimum wage is only five dollars per day. Much of the work done by VAQ-139 Sailors was work that the local people could not otherwise afford.

Cryptological Technician 3rd Class Nathaniel Washington worked on a project at the Home and Life Orphanage. He and other Sailors spent a lot of their time planting flowers and trees to reinforce a collapsing riverbank. They also painted rooms in the orphanage and interacted with the children, ages two to 14. To show their appreciation, Thai children performed several dances for the volunteers. 

“One of the most memorable moments was when they invited everyone to dance for the last song,” said Washington. “Most of the volunteers were hesitant so the kids came up to us and pulled us out of our chairs to join in on the dance and showed us the motions.”

The largest project was working with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity to build a house from start to finish. Volunteers carried supplies to the work site, framed the house, and used cement and cinder block to create the walls. The final result was a 500-square-foot house with four rooms.

On the final day of work, the volunteer crew and Habitat for Humanity staff handed a ceremonial key to the new tenants, an eight-year-old girl and her grandparents. They will be able to move into a house that will stand strong against the rain and storms to come.

The efforts of the VAQ-139 Sailors were testimony to the Navy’s tradition of spreading good will. 

“It brought a lot of things into perspective,” said Washington. “I really had to take a step back and realize how blessed I am, to be able to live the life that I do. Helping the children at the Home and Life Orphanage was without a doubt the perfect way to spend a day of liberty in Thailand.”

Cmdr. Courtney Smith relieved Cmdr. Richard Meadows as commanding officer of the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 Gray Wolves at a change of command ceremony at NAS Whidbey Island Oct. 8. 

Meadows spent the past 14 months as commanding officer. During his tenure, the Gray Wolves deployed twice to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq.  They also completed a German Mission Employment (ME) Phase at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, and an Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) ME Phase at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

“During my career I have had the privilege of working with a multitude of personnel in all different pay grades and from all different services,” Meadows said. “My tour as executive and commanding officer of VAQ-142 has been the most rewarding. The Sailors here have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I will miss this squadron tremendously.”

Meadows’ next tour will be with Navy Staff, Washington, D.C.

Smith, a graduate of the University of Texas, earned her NFO Wings of Gold in February 1990. She has flown numerous aircraft, accumulating over 2,700 hours and 500 carrier arrested landings.

Her tours include flying ES-3A Shadows with Tactical Air Reconnaissance Squadron Six (VQ-6), followed by her transition to the S-3B Vikings, serving with Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 and VS-24. She then transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler and has been serving as the executive officer of VAQ-142 since July 2008.

“As the first female Prowler skipper I know a lot of eyes are on me,” said Smith. “The support I have received from both my family and the Prowler community has helped equip me with the tools necessary to successfully lead the Gray Wolves.”

USS Ingraham (FFG 61), a Navy frigate homported in Everett continued aid in waters off American Samoa earlier this week providing helicopter support that helped with damage assessment and search and rescue efforts.

An 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck 120 miles south of American Samoa Sept. 29 generating 15-foot waves in some of the territories’ islands that wiped out entire villages.

Besides the helicopter support, Ingraham crew members provided medical assistance and cleared debris ashore.

“Our Sailors were extremely motivated and we assisted in number of different ways,” said Cmdr. Matt Ovios, Ingraham commanding officer. “Helicopters provided invaluable aerial reconnaissance for the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and DoD team while our corpsmen are assisted with medical treatment. We also had most of the rest of the crew involved in working parties in the village of Pago Pago clearing debris.”

U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) continued to help in coordinating humanitarian relief operations in American Samoa, Indonesia and the Philippines this week.

The command sent five C-17 Globemaster III transport jets to American Samoa, which was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami.

Officials said hundreds have died in the disaster and that thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed. The C-17s from the Hawaii Air National Guard and the Air Force deployed from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The planes carried search-and-rescue teams, mortuary affairs specialists and vehicles.

In all operations in American Samoa, the command is acting in support of FEMA said Navy Adm. Timothy Keating. 

American Samoa is the only U.S. possession in the southern hemisphere. It is slightly larger than Washington, D.C., covering 76.2 square miles, and has about 57,000 citizens.