congratulations to the naval academy prep school … newport... · naval academy directly from high...
TRANSCRIPT
1
May 10, 2018 Edition
INSIDE THIS EDITION
NAPS Year In Review
Blessing of the Hands
Fleet Forces Changes Command
Retired MA Master Chief to be awarded Medal of Honor
Inside this issue:
NAPS Class of 2018 2-5
Around the Station 6-7
Fleet & Family Support /
Chapel of Hope
8
Military One Source 9
Meat & Potatoes of Life 10
At the Clinic 11
Morale, Welfare & Rec. 12
Now Hear This 13
Traffic & Commuting 14
Hot Jobs 15
Around the Fleet 16-17
Veteran News 18
Congratulations to the Naval Academy Prep School Class of 2018!
The Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) Class of 2018 graduate tomorrow at 1 p.m. in a ceremony being held on Nimitz Field. The class of 224 includes 14 U.S. Coast Guard cadet candidates who will head off to the Coast Guard Acad-emy in New London as the rest of their classmates pack their sea bags for a move to Annapolis later this month. A photographic year in review follows on page 2-5—all photos courtesy of NAPS
NAPS Class of 2018 to Graduate on May 11
By Mark Donahue, Naval Academy Preparatory School PAO
At 10:00 am on Friday, May 11th on Nimitz Field 224 midshipman and cadet candidates from the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) will walk across the field and receive their certificates of graduation. This event will be the culmi-nation of 10 months of intellectual, physical and professional growth which has prepared the midshipman candidates for success when they become midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy Classes of 2022.
NAPS provides a 10 month program of academic, athletic and character de-velopment which began on July 25, 2017 when 272 young men and women re-ported to Newport to begin their journey. On that day a diverse group, coming from as far away as Japan and including 47 Fleet Sailors and Marines, was sworn in as midshipman and cadet candidates and embarked on a 3 week Indoctrination period – or as it is commonly known, INDOC. The typical day during INDOC ran from 4:30 am – 9:00 pm and included military training, physical fitness, academic placement testing, admin processing and team building. Upon the conclusion of
2
NAPS CLASS OF 2018...
INDOC the 272 individuals who entered NAPS less than a month earlier were transformed into a co-hesive team ready for the rigors of the academic year.
With the beginning of classes on August 16, the daily routine for the midshipman candidates, or as they are commonly known; NAP-Sters, shifted significantly from a
military oriented focus to a distinct academic focus. English, chemistry, math and physics became central to every NAPSters’ routine. Daily classroom instruction was reinforced during mandatory study periods and faculty led extra-instruction, all with a clear focus on preparation for suc-cess in the Naval Academy and Coast Guard Academy’s rigorous
academic environments. While academics were the pri-
mary focus throughout the year, the NAPSters physical development and moral development were not ne-glected. Competitive varsity pro-grams in seven sports, daily athletic periods and a graded physical readi-ness test each trimester ensured eve-ry midshipman candidate improved their physical fitness. Moral devel-opment was addressed through the NAPSters assumption of leadership responsibilities within the NAPS Battalion and involvement in an in-fluential honor program. Addition-ally, regular visits and addresses from senior military role models, and a leadership and ethics program emphasized key character aspects necessary in effective Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers.
Other highlights of the year at NAPS included a Battalion trip to the Naval Academy where the NAP-Sters got a firsthand experience of life as a midshipman, a trip to Phila-delphia for a snowy Army-Navy football game and a battalion trip to Boston to visit the USS Constitution and watch Navy defeat Army in baseball.
Naval Academy Preparatory School 2018 Battalion Photo
252 midshipman candidates for the U.S. Naval Academy and 20 cadet candidates for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are sworn in by Vice Chief of Naval Operations ADM Bill Moran in a ceremony in Kay Hall on July 25, 2017.
3
NAPS wrestler puts his Army Prep oppo-nent on his back while the NAPS Battalion shouts encouragement (right); - NAPS Men's Basketball team in action against archrival Army Prep in November. NAPS came out on top (below).
NAPS CLASS OF 2018... The NAPS Class of 2018 has come a
long way since their formation in July. They will celebrate their accomplishments today with a formal Pass-In-Review on Nimitz Field at 1 p.m. presided over by re-viewing officer Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, NAPS class of 1979/USNA class of 1983 and a Graduation Ball at Rosecliff Mansion tonight. The year will culminate at the Graduation Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday (May 11) on Nimitz Field during which Vice Admiral Ted Carter, USN, Superin-tendant of the U.S. Naval Academy, will present certificates to the graduating mid-shipman candidates.
The NAPS Class of 2018 has succeed-ed in meeting the many challenges present-ed at NAPS and is ready for success at the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. We wish them fair winds and following seas as they move on to their next step on the road to becoming Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers.
NAPSters in Boston at the USS Constitution - Old Ironsides!!
The NAPS Battalion proudly parades onto Nimitz Field during
Open House weekend in October.
4
NAPS CLASS OF 2018...
NAPS Women's Basketball completed their most suc-cessful season to date. Here they are in action against Community College of R.I. in November.
The NAPS Battalion got a taste of Navy tradition at a Dining-In Ceremony held at the Atlantic Resort in January.
What is NAPS? Academics with Purpose By NAPS Public Affairs
The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) is a one year post-high school program for United States Naval Academy (USNA) the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) applicants who are selected by USNA or USCGA to receive additional academic preparation. The NAPS program formally began in 1920. Since that time, the program has grown and changed to best serve those students who attend. Students apply for admission to USNA or USCGA from active duty military service or shortly after graduating from high school. The USNA Ad-missions’ staff receives over 15,000 applications per year. Of those, approximately 250 are selected to attend NAPS to receive additional academic preparation. USCGA admissions selects 20 to attend NAPS. The NAPS academic program focuses on four subjects: English, math, chemistry, and physics. Students at NAPS are called midshipmen candidates (USNA) or cadet candidates (USCGA), since they will be Midshipmen/Cadets when they successfully complete the one year NAPS program and officially enter USNA/USCGA.
NAPS begins with a three week Indoctrination period culminating in “NITRO”, during which midshipmen candidates participate in one day of intense physical and mental activities. Each academic division attends “NITRO” and creates a physical task related to their particular subject matter, encouraging students to think outside of the box and to in-spire curiosity regarding their upcoming aca-demic courses. The English division, for ex-ample, has created “NITRO Boggle”, a game which requires students to run with heavy wooden blocks and to then create words in teams. Academics at NAPS are taught by an experienced faculty of civilian instructors, many of whom have advanced degrees in their areas of expertise. The English program at NAPS is centered on independent critical thinking and composition. Midshipmen candi-dates exercise critical skills of analysis as they read and discuss both fiction and non-fiction, and then draft, refine, conference, and prepare final drafts of their writing. Students compose a variety of essays throughout the year, and the English program culminates with a writing portfolio which challenges students to effec-
NAPSters in the snow at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia for the Army-Navy football classic.
5
NAPS CLASS OF 2018...
tively revise and reflect on the writing that they have produced during the course. Chemistry provides a solid background in high school level chemistry with several laboratory experiences to develop familiarity with the equipment, terminology, processes, and formal reporting. The math program works to strengthen the midshipman candidates’ flu-ency in fundamental ideas and calculations to support a rigorous study of calculus. Midshipman candidates who already have a strong background have the op-portunity to validate a semester of university level cal-culus by taking a USNA validation exam. This year, the NAPS Math team brought home third place in the Calculus Bowl competition which was held at the University of Rhode Island. The Physics program builds a conceptual foundation and demands computational skills essential for suc-cessful study at the university level. Again, midship-
man candidates possessing a strong background in physics have the opportunity for validation. The academic skills which are honed during the year at NAPS pay great dividends as the midshipman
candidates/cadet candidates move on to the Naval Academy/Coast Guard Academy and become full-fledged midshipmen/cadets. The academic success rate for at USNA for NAPSters is on par with those who enter the Naval Academy directly from high school, which indicates the successful accomplishment of the NAPS mission “to enhance midshipman candidates’ moral, mental and physical foundations to prepare them for success at the United States Naval Academy.”
The NAPS Battalion participates in the Naval Station Run to Remember on 9-11.
A squad of new midshipman candidates go
through the stations on Induction Day - July 25.
The NAPS football team fac-es off against Nassau Com-munity College on Nimitz Field. (above) Two NAPSters battle with Pugil Sticks during NITRO; the culminating event of NAPS Indoctrination. (left)
6
AROUND THE STATION...
Second-Tour Division Officers Complete SWOS Training By LT. Megan Chester, SWOS Public Affairs Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) graduated Advanced Division Officer Class (ADOC) 031, May 4, in a ceremony held in the Admiral Michael G. Mullen Memorial Auditori-um. The class, consisting of 96 surface warfare officers divided between four wardrooms, completed the 5-week course designed to prepare officers for success-ful tours as second-tour division officers on all classes of ships. Capt. Scott Robertson, SWOS commanding officer, congratulated the graduates for reaching this pivotal personal and professional milestone and thanked the family and friends of the graduates for supporting their loved ones. ADOC is designed to reinforce and build on the core concepts introduced in the Basic Division Officer Course by pairing those concepts with fleet experience
through practical application, simulation and dis-cussion. This course advances the knowledge of the student through 160 hours of intensive profes-sional military training including leadership, navi-gation, shiphandling, maritime warfare, and mate-
rial readiness. Top graduates were recognized as the top shiphandlers amongst the four wardrooms. Distin-guished graduates scored a 94 percent or better on Rules of the Road, 90 percent or higher on all other exams, passed all shiphandling assessments on their first attempts, completed all assignments on time, and scored an overall average of 95 percent or better. Headquartered in Newport, R.I. and overseeing nine learning sites worldwide, SWOS readies sea-bound warriors to serve on surface combatants as officers, enlisted engineers, and enlisted navigation profession-als to fulfill the Navy's mission to maintain global maritime superiority.
The Navy Exchange has opened the new section of the store and begun the second phase of construction. Subway and the dining area are also open. The middle entrance is tempo-rarily closed so please use right entrance or the new entrance on the far left as you face the building. The second phase involves remodeling the front checkout area of the store. The NEX asks for your patience as they relocate some departments
to accommodate the changing areas of construction. Also, please visit the clearance area located on the second floor of the store.
Uniform Center Update.
The Uniform center has recently completed a refresh of a portion
of the store complete with new graphics to welcome our newest
students. Stop by to check out the new look!
The Navy Exchange will have Mother’s Day flowers available
now through Mother’s day.Stop by to pick up everything you
need from gifts to cards and flowers to make her day special.
7
AROUND THE STATION...
Second-Tour Division Officers Complete SWOS Training By LT. Megan Chester, SWOS Public Affairs Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) graduated Advanced Division Officer Class (ADOC) 031, May 4, in a ceremony held in the Admiral Michael G. Mullen Memorial Auditori-um. The class, consisting of 96 surface warfare officers divided between four wardrooms, completed the 5-week course designed to prepare officers for success-ful tours as second-tour division officers on all classes of ships. Capt. Scott Robertson, SWOS commanding officer, congratulated the graduates for reaching this pivotal personal and professional milestone and thanked the family and friends of the graduates for supporting their loved ones. ADOC is designed to reinforce and build on the core concepts introduced in the Basic Division Officer Course by pairing those concepts with fleet experience
through practical application, simulation and dis-cussion. This course advances the knowledge of the student through 160 hours of intensive profes-sional military training including leadership, navi-gation, shiphandling, maritime warfare, and mate-
rial readiness. Top graduates were recognized as the top shiphandlers amongst the four wardrooms. Distin-guished graduates scored a 94 percent or better on Rules of the Road, 90 percent or higher on all other exams, passed all shiphandling assessments on their first attempts, completed all assignments on time, and scored an overall average of 95 percent or better. Headquartered in Newport, R.I. and overseeing nine learning sites worldwide, SWOS readies sea-bound warriors to serve on surface combatants as officers, enlisted engineers, and enlisted navigation profession-als to fulfill the Navy's mission to maintain global maritime superiority.
The Navy Exchange has opened the new section of the store and begun the second phase of construction. Subway and the dining area are also open. The middle entrance is tempo-rarily closed so please use right entrance or the new entrance on the far left as you face the building. The second phase involves remodeling the front checkout area of the store. The NEX asks for your patience as they relocate some departments
to accommodate the changing areas of construction. Also, please visit the clearance area located on the second floor of the store.
Uniform Center Update.
The Uniform center has recently completed a refresh of a por-
tion of the store complete with new graphics to welcome our
newest students. Stop by to check out the new look!
The Navy Exchange will have Mother’s Day flowers avail-
able starting Tuesday, May 8 through Mother’s day.
8
FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER
CHAPEL OF HOPE WORSHIP SERVICES AND SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIES Sundays: 7:45 a.m. Protestant Liturgical Service - (weekly Communion) 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 9 a.m. Bible Study, Chapel Fellowship room 10:30 a.m. Protestant Contemporary Service 1:00 p.m. Catholic Study Group Tuesdays: 6:30 p.m. Protestant Woman of the Chapel (PWOC) - all women are welcome Wednesdays: 12 p.m. (noon) Roman Catholic Mass Fridays: 12 p.m. (noon) to 3 p.m. Muslim prayer room is available
Workshops: For information on any of these programs or to register , please call (401) 841-2283. Active duty, family members, Reservists, National Guard, retirees, and DoD employees are all welcome. May 14: Saving and Investing, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Explore how to use saving and investing to achieve finan-cial security. May 15 : Anger Management, 2:30 to 4 p.m., Learn some ways to manage your anger , and change your life for the better May 16: Homebuyers Seminar, 6 to 8 p.m., Hear fir st-hand about qualifications for mortgages and other fi-nancial options May 16-17 May: Entrepreneurship: Boots to Business, Newport Chamber of Commerce, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Create a feasibility analysis that may serve as the basis for future business planning efforts and develop an ac-tion plan to launch a new venture. May 23: Communication for Life, 1 to 2:30 p.m. , Learn how impor tant discussions can go awry, and steps that can be taken to keep these discussions on-track and constructive. May 24: EFMP POC Training, 10 to 11:30 a.m., This training will highlight the EFMP history, program purpose and enrollment requirements, categories, procedures and the role of the command EFMP POC in this process.
May 11 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day Military spouses play a significant role in maintaining the morale of the military and in supporting their signifi-cant others while they serve the country. President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members and declared May 23, 1984 the first Military Spouse Day with Proclamation 5184, dated April 17, 1984. The US Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger, standardized the date by declaring the Friday proceeding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day. It is a holiday set aside to tell military spouses why they matter and why they are needed. You don't need a specif-ic Military Spouse Appreciation Day to make sure you acknowledge the military spouse in your life. Service members know that their spouses are the ones who keep the home fires burning. And military spouses know
that those around them also walking through military life are more than just friends and neighbors: They are family.
Family members eagerly await the arrival of the am-
phibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD
6) for a homecoming celebration in San Diego, Calif.
Tuesday. Bonhomme Richard, which had been for-
ward-deployed since 2012 as the Amphibious Force
7th Fleet flagship, has completed a homeport shift
and arrived to San Diego where it is scheduled to un-
dergo upgrades to operate the F-35B Lightning II.
(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Nancy C. diBenedetto/
Released)
9
MILITARY ONE SOURCE
10 Great Resources for Military Spouse Jobs There are two things military spouses should know: 1) change happens and 2) your mili-tary community has support to help you make the most of it. That's especially true when it comes to job-finding and advancing your career. Here are ten top tips for tapping into services that can help you find a great job:
Speak with a career coach: Military OneSource has career coaches who can help you prepare for a job search. Call 800-342-9647 and speak with a career coach from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., EDT, Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT on Saturday.
Build your individual career plan: Kick off your job search by using the MyICP, an interactive career planning tool, and create a roadmap to achieve your career goals.
Resume Toolkit: Use this resource to develop a resume that will land you the job. Create your resume today using the MySECO Resume Builder.
MySECO’s Research Occupations tool: Powered by CareerOneStop, this tool helps you find government sta-tistics on wages and employment trends nationwide.
MSEP Career Portal: The Military Spouse Employment Partnership Career Portal. Your next job could be a click away! Register today and begin searching for military-friendly employers.
Apply for an MyCAA Scholarship: The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship is a work-force development program that provides up to $4,000 of assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or associate degree in a portable career field and occupation.
USAJOBS Employment Portal: Gain insight on the federal application process and apply for federal jobs. MilitaryINSTALLATIONS: If you recently had a permanent change of station, contact your new installation’s
employment assistance program. MilSpouse eMentor Leadership Program: Get career guidance, advice and support from experience military
spouses, career mentors and military-friendly employers. Complete a profile on the MilSpouse eMentor Program site to get started.
Hiring Our Heroes: This program helps veterans, transitioning military and military spouses connect with job opportunities. Visit the Hiring Our Heroes website to access resources that can boost your online job search.
While you’re searching for a job, be sure to take advantage of MySECO’s interactive employment readiness and career connection tools.
This amazingly mobile culinary experience is on the move! Look for it parked around the base and swing on in for some great food fast! Menu selection varies but includes breakfast sandwiches & burritos; Mexican theme lunch-es; salads; pork mini sandwiches and much more! Having a command function and don’t feel like cooking on the grills—call up the Stoveway and let them doing the cooking for you! Monday, May 14 - Breakfast & Lunch CLOSED Tuesday, May 15 - 7-8:30 a.m. - BREAKFAST: NAVSTA HQ, Building 690 parking lot LUNCH (Mexican): NSCS (SUPPLY) Building 1378 parking Lot Wednesday, May 16: 7-8:30 a.m. - BREAFAST: John H. Chafee Fitness Center, front side of building 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - LUNCH (Philly): NSCS (SUPPLY) Building 1378 parking Lot Thursday, May 17: 7-8:30 a.m. - BREAKFAST: John H. Chafee Fitness Center, backside of Building 1109 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - LUNCH (Mexican): NSCS (SUPPLY) Building 1378 parking Lot Friday, May 18: 7-8:30 a.m. - BREAKFAST: John H. Chafee Fitness Center, backside of Building 1109 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. LUNCH (Asian): NAVSTA HQ, Building 690 parking lot
THE STOVEAWAY IS BACK ON THE ROAD!
10
THE MEAT & POTATOES OF LIFE Lisa Smith Molinari
Lisa’s syndicated column appears in military and civilian newspapers
including Stars and Stripes, and on her blog at
www.themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and can be contacted at
[email protected] or on Twitter: @MolinariWrites or
‘like’ her on Facebook at: https://facebook.com/
TheMeatandPotatoesofLife
Every time I hear the gut-wrenching statistic that twenty mili-tary veterans commit suicide every day, my throat catches. The shock-ing reality that more lives have been lost to veteran suicide in the past 15 years than in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan is an obvious tragedy that finally has the attention of the Pentagon, lawmakers, health profes-sionals, and the public at large. Pre-vention of veteran suicide is a hot-button issue. But sadly, it’s the surviving spouses who are ignored now. A significant number of vet-eran suicides involve victims who are married. In fact, as reported ear-lier this year, married veterans are at a higher risk of suicide than single veterans, likely due to the increased responsibilities they face upon re-turning home from service. When married veterans take their own lives, spouses are left to handle those responsibilities alone, while struggling to process grief. When this process becomes complicated with guilt and post trau-matic stress, spouses often become “stuck” in grief, unable to move for-ward from the tragedy. Relation-ships soon fall apart, substances are sometimes abused, and day-to-day tasks become overwhelming. These military spouses are the forgotten victims of veteran suicides. However, Boston’s Home Base Veteran and Family Care cen-ter has partnered with Tragedy As-sistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to offer surviving spouses from all over the United States in-tensive suicide “postvention” treat-ment that seems to be working. The “Intensive Outpatient Program for Survivors” (IOPS) offers transporta-tion, lodging, meals, childcare sti-pends, and treatment at no cost to participants. The two-week pilot took place last July, and the second group of surviving spouses graduated from
IOPS on April 13. Although in the future, IOPS will be open to all sur-viving family members who have experienced the traumatic loss of a military veteran family member, the initial groups consisted of widowed spouses of military veterans who committed suicide. Their ages ranged from late 20s to early 50s, and they were seeking treatment from 11 months to 11 years after the suicides. The majority had children. Tragically, all of the widows in IOPS were present when their spouses committed suicide, or were the first to find them after their deaths.
IOPS is the first program to combine treatment for PTSD and complicated grief for family survi-vors of military suicide in the U.S., and offers participants daily therapy for complicated grief, coping skills training, peer support and post-therapy follow up. “The most common thing we see is spouses with questions like, ‘What could I have done? What should I have done? What did I not pick up on? Could I have prevented this?’” said Dr. Louis Chow, Home Base Director of Education. “The amount of guilt and unresolved questions can be quite profound.” Dr. Chow and Dr. Lauren Richards, both Home Base psy-chologists, teach spouses to process grief by identifying and regulating their emotions, rationally examining their feelings of guilt, and learning
to ask for help. The primary goal of the IOCP Skills Group is not to alle-viate grief, but rather lift the obsta-cles to processing it. “The focus of the group is not to right wrongs or make what is unfair fair,” said Dr. Chow, “the re-ality is that these things are un-changeable, so we focus on what is effective.” Dr. Bonnie Ohye, clinical psychologist and Home Base Direc-tor of Family Programs, said follow up data from the IOCP pilot showed significant reduction in symptoms, with positive feedback from all par-ticipants. “There is tremendous hope. Participants have returned to school, reconnected with friends, families and faith communities, and returned to the workforce,” said Dr. Ohye. “They are building a life of mean-ing, purpose and fulfillment.” However, the future of the program remains uncertain because Home Base covers the costs of the IOCPs internally. “This is not a sus-tainable business model,” Dr. Ohye said. On Saturday, July 28 at Fen-way Park, Home Base will host a charity run and a Red Sox vs. Min-nesota Twins pregame ceremony to honor the sacrifices of surviving military families. Home Base hopes that the event will not only raise money for its programs, but will also increase awareness of the need to offer treatment to the families of fallen veterans.
Surviving military spouses get the suicide ‘postvention’ they need
11
AT THE CLINIC… National Nurses Week continues
Lt. John Baird, NC, USN, (left) has his hands blessed by NS Newport Chap-lain Jose Jimenez at the Naval Health Clinic New England (NHCNE) Nurse's Week Blessing of the Hands ceremony. A dozen NHCNE nurses participated in
the noontime event which is conducted annually as one of the activities of the week-long celebration associat-ed with Nurse's Week. Following the blessing, Chaplain Jose Jimenez led the NHCNE nurses in prayer. Each nurse had their hands blessed/anointed with oil while Chaplain Jimenez said a personalized prayer for the power of healing associated by touch. (photos courtesy of NHCNE Public Affairs)
Situational Awareness Information from Naval Health Clinic New England (NHCNE):
Memorial Day Weekend – NHCNE will be closed for all services Saturday, May 26 through
Monday, May 28.
Change of Command on June 1 – The clinic will remain open for
acute needs and appointments will be available through the call center
(1-888-628-9633), Relay Health and Tricare Online.
NHCNE chiropractic services has relocated to the 2nd deck of the Dewert clinic next to the optometry department.
12
MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION
13
NOW HEAR THIS EARTH WEEK CLEAN-UP TOTALS ARE IN! 1) Over 1,018 people participated. 2) A total of 3,522 lbs. was collected and out of the that total 2,160 lbs. was recycled. Breakdown be-low: a) trash=1,362 lbs. b) wood=1,319 lbs. c) metal=610 lbs. d) bottles/cans=231 lbs. 3) BZ to Scott Mello and ENS Shannon Brown for executing this effort. BLOOD DRIVES Blood drives planned for May include: May 17, Naval Health Clinic New Eng-land, 2nd floor command conference room from noon to 4 p.m. May 29, Navy Supply Corps School Multi-purpose room 1/2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remember, you do NOT have to be assigned to the command that is hosting the drive to donate, just show up and drop off a pint. Any questions about donating, please call (401) 453-8307 and remem-ber, each donation helps save three lives. HURRICANE EXERCISE UNDERWAY! Where would you go if directed to evacuate be-cause of a Hurricane? What routes should you take to head off island or out of your waterfront com-munity? How would you let your family know where you are? What about your command? What would you take with you? Have a plan beforehand and don't suffer through additional stress during a stressful situation! There are helpful checklists at: www.ready.navy.mil; Residents who live off base should go to their re-spective town websites to learn about where storm shelters are located and verify evacuation routes. Rhode Islander's also have a great resource with the R.I. Emergency Management Agency. Be pre-pared! UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS: May 11: NAPS Graduation May 28: Memorial Day (Federal Holiday) May 28: Bristol Memorial Day ceremony & parade, 9:30 a.m. , North Burial Ground May 28: State of RI Memorial Day Ceremony, 1 p.m., Veteran’s Cemetery, Exeter Jun 9/10: RI National Guard Open House & Air Show featuring the Navy’s Blue Angels, Quonset Point 15 Jun: NWC Graduation
USCG Barque Eagle is currently berthed across from the Volvo Cup rac-
ing ships at Ft. Adams and is open for tours this weekend. The 295ft sail-
ing ship has a crew of 8 officers, 15 crew members and 15 temporary ac-
tive duty crew onboard with 140 cadets on average when they get under-
way on their missions of training US Coast Guard Academy cadets and
officer candidates. The Barque Eagle also represents the U.S. Coast Guard
and our nation all over the world. Head on down and say hello to our col-
leagues in the Coast Guard. Entry into the Volvo Cup village is free.
14
TRAFFIC & COMMUTING ON BASE UPDATES: Gate Hours: Following are routine gate hours: Gate 1: open 7 days a week/24 hours a day for routine traffic. Gate 2: Open for a.m. commute Mon-Fri from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. to alleviate Gate 1 backups. Gate 17: Open Mon-Fri from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.—commercial vehicles should use Gate 17. Gate 7: NHCNE Gate, open Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gate 23: NUWC Gate open 24/7 for commuters. Gate 32: Open Mon-Fri 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for commuters. GATE 1 CLOSURE—May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon for maintenance, all traffic will be rerouted over to Gate 17. MEYERKORD DETOUR: Traffic will be routed around Marine Corps Detachment New-port (MARDET) from April 23 to July 21 for steam line repairs PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY IN THAT AREA AND WHENEVER YOU ARE NEAR FORMATIONS. CODDINGTON COVE: Road repair work is underway in var ious locations down in the in-dustrial and warehousing area of the base—please drive slowly and be looking out for lane closures, detours and flaggers. SPRING & SUMMER INSTALLATION ROAD REPAIRS: NS Newport Public Works contracting and engineering are hard at work negotiating projects to mill and repave Perry Rd by the new Navy Gateway Inns and Suites building; #1: (right) The start date is scheduled to begin after the NWC graduation on June 15. Stay tuned for details—red lines indicate road work & orange dashes indicate proposed detour. #2: (below) Mill and repave Perry St. between Elliot Ave to Meyerkord (below) should begin sometime in mid-June. Additional projects are in the works for later this summer near Gate 17 and for repaving sections of Defense Highway—more details will follow as dates/details are worked out.
INCREASED POLICE PTROLS—please note that there have been reports of speeding in the housing areas. Moving vans and children outside playing in the warmer temperatures are a recipe for disaster if you are driving too fast. Additionally, Security is reminding everyone to use designated drivers. Memo-rial Day weekend is later this month and it signifies the start of the deadliest days of summer—let’s watch out for each other! Stay safe.
#1
#2
15
HOT JOBS...
HOT JOBS AS OF TODAY THERE ARE 131 RHODE ISLAND BASED FEDERAL JOBS LISTED ON USAJOBS.GOV—THE MA-JORITY OF THEM ARE POSITIONS LISTED RIGHT HERE ON THE
INSTALLATION—SEE BELOW OVERVIEW AND GO TO: WWW.USAJOBS.GOV
Come work for the fun team: MWR Motor Vehicle Operator—CDL-P MWR Recreation Specialist—CFL MWR Sales Clerk— MWR Sales Assistant and Sailing Instructors at the Marina Cooks & Food Service Workers Groundskeepers Recreation Assistants and Lifeguards Child & Youth Programs Assistants Bartenders & Barristers Navy Gateway Inns & Suites is looking for: Naval Health Clinic New England is seeking Family Practice & Pediatrics Doctors Naval Facilities Engineering Command Newport is seeking: The Commissary has openings...Naval Undersea Warfare Center has openings...Officer Training Command Newport is looking for an IT specialist OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED: Director –
NMCRS Newport: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Soci-
ety (NMCRS) seeks a part-time (20 hrs/wk) experienced
Director to manage operations at their Naval Station
Newport office. Prior association with NMCRS, as an
employee or a volunteer, will be a significant factor in
evaluating a candidate’s qualifications for this position
(but is not necessary). To be considered, candidates must
possess the following: Minimum of an AA degree or two
years successful completion of college-level coursework
equivalent to an AA degree. The minimum education
requirement may be satisfied with four years related
work experience or equivalent combination of education
and experience; Experience in recruiting, retaining, moti-
vating, and working with Volunteer staff in an organiza-
tion similar to NMCRS; Experience in public speaking
or as a training facilitator; Two (2) or more years super-
visory experience; Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
software; and Superior leadership, interpersonal and
communication skills. In-depth knowledge of military
command structure, pay and allowance systems, and ex-
perience providing financial management/counseling to
others are highly desirable. Starting salary for this posi-
tion is $19.60 per hour plus benefits. Interested parties
please visit: Director – Newport to access the online ap-
plication for this posting. The closing date for this opportunity is Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Although we
acknowledge receipt of all applications, only those selected for interviews will receive further notification. Visit
NMCRS on the web at www.nmcrs.org. E.O.E.
16
AROUND THE FLEET
Retired Master Chief Britt Slabinski to Receive Medal of Honor
From Navy Special Warfare Com-mand WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The White House announced Monday, May 7, that President Donald J. Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL), Retired, Britt Slabinski for his heroic actions in March 2002 during the Battle of Takur Ghar while serving in Afghanistan. Master Chief Slabinski will be awarded the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony on May 24, 2018 for his actions while lead-ing a team under heavy effective enemy fire in an attempt to rescue teammate Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts during Operation AN-ACONDA in 2002. Master Chief Slabinski's selfless actions through-out the 14-hour battle constituted gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In the early morning of 4 March 2002, then-Senior Chief Slabinski led a reconnaissance team to its as-signed area atop Takur Ghar, a 10,000-foot snow-covered mountain in Afghanistan. An enemy rocket-propelled grenade attack on the in-sertion helicopter caused Petty Of-ficer Neil Roberts to fall onto the enemy-infested mountaintop below, and forced the damaged helicopter to crash land in the valley below. Fully aware of the risks, a numeri-cally superior and well-entrenched enemy force, and approaching day-light, without hesitation Senior Chief Slabinski made the selfless and heroic decision to lead the re-mainder of his element on an imme-diate and daring rescue back to the mountaintop. Senior Chief Slabin-ski's team, despite heavy incoming enemy fire, was subsequently suc-cessfully inserted on top of Takur Ghar. Senior Chief Slabinski, with-out regard for his own life, charged directly toward the enemy strong-point. He and a teammate fearlessly
assaulted and cleared one enemy bunker at close range. The enemy then unleashed a murderous hail of machine gun fire from a second hardened position twenty meters away. Senior Chief Slabinski ex-posed himself to enemy fire on three sides, then moved forward to silence the second position. With bullets piercing his clothing, he repeatedly charged into deadly fire to personal-ly engage the enemy bunker with direct rifle fire, hand grenades and a grenade launcher on the surrounding enemy positions. Facing mounting casualties and low on ammunition, the situation became untenable. Sen-ior Chief Slabinski skillfully maneu-vered his team across open terrain, directing them out of effective ene-my fire over the mountainside. Senior Chief Slabinski maneu-vered his team to a more defensible position, directed danger-close air support on the enemy, requested re-inforcements, and directed the medi-cal care of his rapidly deteriorating wounded teammates, all while con-tinuing to defend his position. When approaching daylight and accurate enemy mortar fire forced the team to maneuver further down the sheer mountainside, Senior Chief Slabin-ski carried a seriously wounded teammate through waist-deep snow, and led an arduous trek across pre-cipitous terrain while calling in fires on enemies engaging the team from the surrounding ridges. Throughout the next 14 hours, he stabilized the casualties and continued the fight against the enemy until the mountain top could be secured and his team was extracted. His dedication, disre-gard for his own personal safety and tactical leadership make Master Chief Slabinski unquestionably de-serving of this honor. He is only the 12th living service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery displayed in Af-ghanistan. The Medal of Honor is an upgrade of the Navy Cross he was
previously awarded for these actions. Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter directed the military depart-ments to review all Service Cross and Silver Star recom-mendations for actions since Sep-tember 11, 2001, to ensure Service members who performed valorously were appropriately recognized. Master Chief Slabinski, a native of Northampton, MA, joined the Na-vy in September 1988. After gradu-ating from Radioman Class "A" School in San Diego, CA, he com-pleted the Basic Underwater Demo-lition/SEAL course in January 1990. He retired in June 2014 as the Direc-tor of Naval Special Warfare Safety Assurance and Analysis Program after more than 25 years of service. Throughout his career, Master Chief Slabinski was assigned to both West and East Coast SEAL teams and completed nine overseas de-ployments and 15 combat tours. Master Chief Slabinski has previ-ously been awarded the Navy Cross; the Navy and Marine Corps Medal; five Bronze Star Medals with Com-bat "V" device; two Combat Action Ribbons; two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; the De-fense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Joint Service Achievement Med-al; and eight Good Conduct Medals. Additional information about Mas-ter Chief Slabinski is available at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/medalofhonor.
17
AROUND THE FLEET
USFF Holds Change of Command Ceremony By USFF Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Adm. Chris Grady relieved Adm. Phil Da-vidson as commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and U.S. Naval Forc-es Northern Command, in a ceremo-ny aboard aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) in port Naval Station Norfolk, Virgin-ia, May 4. Nearly 500 civilian and military guests gathered to welcome Grady and bid fair winds and following seas to Davidson as he departs after more than three years in command. Distinguished guests included Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson and Com-mander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. North-ern Command (USNORTHCOM) Gen. Lori Robinson. Richardson, the guest speaker, summarized "There's no doubt that our Navy is more agile and lethal by virtue of our ability to connect, com-bine and adapt in rapidly adaptable ways - a direct result of [Adm. Da-vidson's] keen creativity and intel-lect." Davidson, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, is a surface warfare officer and a 1982 graduate of the U.S. Na-val Academy, assumed command of USFF in December 2014. He led the command with a strategic focus sup-porting the nation's maritime strate-gy through operational readiness, training effectiveness, and profes-sional and personal development. Davidson expressed his apprecia-tion to the Fleet Forces staff for the accomplishments obtained under his charge. "To make it (the fleet) ready takes an enormous amount of effort and teamwork. It has been my distinct pleasure to have worked alongside the many proud professionals who make up U.S. Fleet Forces and the Fleet enterprise across the East Coast of the United States," said Da-vidson. "I'm often asked how I de-
fine, or measure, readiness. Well, I can tell you over the last three years or so, it's simply been a unit's perfor-mance in combat." Davidson emphasized as he departs that he is confi-dent that he is leaving the command in the best hands, "Your experience as a strike group commander, the sur-face type commander here in the Atlantic and as the 6th Fleet commander and commander, NATO Strik-ing and Support Forces, will pay great dividends here at U.S. Fleet Forces." Grady, a native of New-port, Rhode Island, and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, stated his enthusiasm on assuming command and readiness to lead the team with a mission-focused mindset. "We shall succeed by expanding our competitive space with contin-ued investments and developments in every domain, from the seabed to space and cyber, under the sea, on the sea, and in the air. As we fight as a fleet, we will harness the power of the digital age to be faster, more net-worked, more agile and more lethal. Similarly, we will harness the power of the digital age to generate readi-ness by being more predictive, more efficient and more innovative," said Grady. Grady joins the USFF team after wrapping up his tour as the com-mander of U.S. 6th Fleet, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S Naval Forc-es Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and Joint Force Maritime Component Commander Europe. USFF supports both the CNO and combatant commanders worldwide by providing responsive, relevant and sustainable naval forces ready-for-tasking. The command provides operational and planning support to combatant commanders and inte-
grated warfighter capability require-ments to the CNO. USFF is a subor-dinate command of USNORTH-COM. USFF organizes, mans, trains, maintains and equips more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active duty service members and government employees, develops and submits budgets, and executes readiness and personnel accounts to develop both required and sustaina-ble levels of fleet readiness. Addi-tionally, the command serves as the unified voice for fleet training re-quirements and policies to generate combat-ready Navy forces. Grady is the 42nd commander of USFF, originally established as Commander-In-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet by President Theodore Roose-velt. Rear Adm. Robley D. Evans, served as the first commander, as-suming command Jan. 1, 1906, aboard his flagship, the battleship USS Maine (BB 10). In October 2006, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Fleet Forces Command became U.S. Fleet Forces Command in a ceremony held aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John
Richardson, center, returns a salute to Adm.
Chris Grady, during the U.S. Fleet Forces
(USFF) change of command ceremony
aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W.
Bush (CVN 77). Grady relieved Adm. Phil
Davidson as commander of USFF during the
ceremony. (photo by MC2 Michael Fiorillo)
18
VETERAN NEWS
Annual VA2K - Helping Homeless Veterans & Promoting Health PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence VA Medical Center's 8th annual VA2K Walk & Roll event will start at 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Homeless Clinic, Trailer 37, on the Providence VAMC campus, 830 Chalkstone Ave. "The VA2K is about promoting healthy lifestyle choices while helping our homeless Veterans, as well," said Dr. Susan MacKenzie, director of the Providence VAMC. The event includes a short 2-kilometer walk -- approximate-ly 1.2 miles -- and the community is invited to participate. The VA2K is free and participants should plan to meet at the Homeless Clinic fifteen minutes prior to the start at noon. Participants are encouraged to bring a voluntary donation such as clothing, toiletries, packaged food or bottled water. Donations will be collected and distributed to local homeless Veterans. Donations are not required in order to participate. Nationally, since 2011, donations valued at approximately $2 million dollars have been raised for homeless Veterans. Community groups interested in participating in the event should contact the Providence VA2K coordinator, Laurie Die-fenbach at 401-273-7100, extension 2202, or via email at [email protected].
19
VETERAN NEWS VETERANS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: May 17: 1 to 3 p.m.— “InnoVAtion to Implementation”, a Research Day event in conjunction with National VA Research Week, May 14 thru 18. This event will take place at the Providence VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Avenue, 5th Floor Audi-torium. To confirm your attendance, your designee, or to obtain additional infor-mation, please contact Candace Shuman, Grants Manager, at 401.273.7199 X3872, or via email at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . May 18; 2:30 to 3 p.m.— “Soul Injury Ceremonial Workshop: An Opening for Peace ….. at Last”, Community Task Force, Providence VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Avenue. Point of contact is John DaSilva, Bereavement Coordinator, Beacon Hospice, at 401.438.0008. May 19: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Yellow Ribbon Event”, 1/126th Aviation, Dare to Dream Ranch, 12 Snagwood Road, Foster, RI. Point of contact is Sergeant First Class Paul Panaikas at 401.275.1252, or via email at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . May 21, 8:30 a.m.— “Prostate Cancer Support Group”, Providence VA Medical Center, 5th Floor, Classroom #2, 830 Chalkstone Avenue. Point of contact is Chaplain Cottrell at 401.273.7100, Extension 2865. See attached fly-er. May 25-28: “Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial,” Roger Williams Park, Providence, near the Temple to Music. Join Operation Stand Down for RI as it honors the service & sacrifice of all the US Service Members killed in action post 911 during the Global War on Terror. Approximately 7K boots with flags & name placards will be placed to mark the sacrifice of our brave men & women who gave their lives in service to this nation. Contact Dee DeQuattro at 401.383.4730 for more information and/or sponsorship questions. May 26, noon to 2 p.m.— Congressman David Cicilline’s Veterans’ Barbeque, Slater Memorial Park Pavilion, 825 Armistice Boulevard, Pawtucket. Point of contact is Marie Magee at 401.729.5600, or via email at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . May 27, 6 p.m.— “Patriotic Concert by The Governor’s Rhode Island National Guard 88th Army Band”, Roger Williams Park, Providence, near the Temple to Music. Contact Dee DeQuattro at 401.383.4730 for more infor-mation and/or sponsorship questions. May 28, Memorial Day May 28, 9:30 a.m.—Bristol Veterans Council ceremony and parade, North Burial Ground Bristol May 28, 1:30 p.m.—State of R.I. Memorial Day Ceremony, Veteran’s Cemetery, Exeter JUNE Events: June 6, 74th Anniversary D-Day (1944) June 9, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.—“VET SURF”, Surf Clinic presented by AmpSurf New England, Narragansett Town Beach. Sign up to participate or volunteer at ampsurf.org. All equipment (surfboards & wetsuits), surf instruction & lunch to be provided. For questions and/or more information email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . June 9 & 10: Rhode Island National Guard Open House & Air Show, Quonset State Airpor t, North Kings-town. For more information please visit www.rhodeisalndairshow.com, facebook.com/riairshow, and twit-ter.com/riairshow. June 14, US Army Bir thday & Flag Day