Tester 041183

VOLUME 70, NUMBER 15 Celebrating 70 years of community partnership April 18, 2013

Teachingyouths to flyPage 3

Submarinersat NAVAIRPage 9

Ready toRidePage 12

By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

St. Mary’s County Public Schools Super-intendent Dr. Michael Martirano presenteda certificate of recognition to fifth-grader Si-erra Jordan at a Board of Education meetingin Leonardtown on April 10.

Sierra, who turns 11 today, was namedone of the Navy’s Top 20 finalists for thisyear’s Military Child of the Year Award,an annual award sponsored by OperationHomefront.

Sierra is the daughter of Navy Counselor1st Class Josh Jordan, Air Test and Evalua-tion Squadron (VX) 1, and his wife Nicole.

Military Child of the Year recognizesthose children who have demonstratedthemselves to be exceptional citizens whilefacing the unique challenges of militaryfamily life. Sierra, who has already attendedseven schools in her short lifetime, definite-ly fits that description.

“She has always been interested in com-munity service and helping others,” ex-plained Sierra’s mother. “Before she was 8years old, she’d visit nursing homes withher Girl Scout troop to sing, dance, hand outcards and just talk with the residents. She’svery compassionate.”

Sierra has also donated her time to theannual “Spirit of 1945” commemoration,

where she interviewed veterans from WorldWar II and logged their stories of actualevents.

When her brother Jake, now 8, was bornwith a spinal defect, Sierra immediately be-gan to question what challenges he wouldface and wondered what she could do forother kids. While living in San Diego, sheraised more than $1,500 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the San Diego Char-gers Community Foundation.

Sierra has also been a regular participantin Operation Shoebox, sending support,snacks and personal care items to troopsdeployed outside the U.S.

Moving to Southern Maryland last Oc-tober, Sierra was voted by her classmatesat Evergreen Elementary as “Student of theMonth” after only three weeks attendance.

“The moment Sierra joined our class, Iknew she was different,” wrote her teach-er Brittany Gilroy, in her recommenda-tion letter to the award selection commit-tee. “With our school being in a transientarea, new students come frequently andit’s sometimes difficult for the children tomake friends. I’ve seen other new militarystudents struggle with this. However, Sierrafit right into the Evergreen family. With her

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Navy Counselor 1st Class Josh Jordan sits with his daughter Sierra, 11,and wife Nicole outside the St. Mary's County Public School offices. TheJordan's consider Sierra, who is a student at Evergreen Elementary School,to be "an old soul in a young body."

Military Child of the Year Top 20 finalist from Pax RiverEleven-year-old Sierra Jordan honoredat county Board of Education meeting

See Child, Page 13

By Cindy MattinglyNaval Aviation Training Systemscommunications support

Aimed at reducing production costs andupgrading outdated technology, the Depart-ment of the Navy launched the Air TrafficControl Tower Simulator System, knownas ATC-TSS, with the first delivery installedMarch 22 at NAS Key West, Fla.

A total of 38 simulators are scheduled fordelivery at 34 Navy and Marine Corps instal-lations and will replace the existing TowerOperating Training System (TOTS) as well asprovide low-cost proficiency training.

“Implementing a commercial trainer so-lution and leveraging the work done by theFederal Aviation Administration, Air Forceand academia demonstrates our desire toprovide quality and affordable training solu-tions,” said Capt. John Feeney, Naval Avia-tion Training Systems (PMA-205) programmanager at NAS Patuxent River. Feeney’s of-fice oversees the ATC-TSS program. “The goalis to upgrade technology and increase dailytraining accessibility while simultaneouslyreducing operating time and life-cycle cost.”

The TOTS, originally fielded in 1991, pro-vided synthetic training to military air trafficcontrollers. Because of outdated technol-ogy, a decrease in the visual capability andissues with the speech recognition program,

the Navy decided to replace it with the com-mercial system currently used by the Army,Air Force and public sector.

The new system, developed by UFA, Inc.,of Gaithersburg, Md., supports individualor team training and has both out-of-the-window and binocular views. The productoffers 3-D graphics with simulated weatherinformation, airfield lighting and integratedradar displays, as well as simulation of otherkey tower systems. Another capability in-cludes a photo-realistic airport database foreach site and moving models that prepareair traffic controllers to choreograph real-life aircraft movement.

“The ATC-TSS is a new tool for Navy airfacilities and replaces outdated technol-ogy at various Marine Corps sites,” said Lt.Cmdr. Jeff Dugard, Naval Air Warfare CenterTraining Systems Division ATC training sys-tems lead. “The first device will be utilized atNaval Air Station Key West, Fla.”

Naval air traffic controllers, also knownas swivel heads, are responsible for safelyand effectively directing aircraft operatingfrom airfields or the flight decks of aircraftcarriers and perform duties similar to theircivilian equivalents.

“Our air traffic controllers are the mili-tary’s bird’s-eye view,” Dugard said. “Theyhone their skills through synthetic training.The ATC-TSS has built-in scenarios encom-passing emergency situations and daily

routines. Proper training ensures they aredetail-oriented, work well in stressful situ-

ations, adhere to strict standards and aredecisive.”

Scanning the horizon: Navy ATCs see new simulator

U.S. Navy photo

The Air Traffic Control Tower Simulator System, similar to the one above, isan innovative training capability used to instruct Navy and Marine Corps airtraffic controllers in a synthetic environment. The Navy has procured 38 sim-ulators and began delivery in March. The first device will be used at NavalAir Station Key West, Fla. Full operational capability is scheduled for 2017.

Sexual AssaultAwareness Month NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND

10 Thursday, April 18, 2013Tester

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Three more years for WilliamsLt. Ian Espich, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlan-tic Site Patuxent River assistant maintenance of-ficer, left, presents Aviation Structural Mechanic1st Class Michael Williams of FRCMA-Pax Riverwith his honorable discharge certificate March 28before reenlisting him for three more years.

U.S. Navy photo by Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jheyson Giraldo

Clinic announces Sailors of the QuarterAbove: From left, Hospitalman Matthew Hender-son, Hospitalman Brandon Silvia, Aviation Boat-swains Mate (Handler) 2nd Class Jack Bridgman,Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handler) 1st Class La-mondo Gardner and Hospital Corpsman 1st ClassDavid Squires are recognized as Naval HealthClinic Patuxent River’s Sailors and Bluejackets ofthe Quarter during an awards ceremony April 5.

U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW)Josh van der Smissen

Foster retires after 30Lt. Cmdr. Lance C. Foster and his wife ChristinaFoster, and daughters Riley, Kaitlyn and Brienne,after a retirement ceremony April 5 at HX-21. Fos-ter retired after 30 years as a naval Officer.


Gardner adds three moreAviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) 1st Class La-mondo Gardner, right, is reenlisted by Cmdr. Son-ny Tizon during a reenlistment ceremony at NavalHealth Clinic Patuxent River, on April 5. Gardnersigned on for three more years of Navy service.


Rodriguez reenlists for twoCulinary Specialist 3rd Class Efrain Rodriguez,right, is reenlisted by Lt. j.g. Lynette Galgano dur-ing a reenlistment ceremony at Naval Health Clin-ic Patuxent River, April 5. Rodriguez signed up fortwo more years of Navy service.

U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW)Josh van der Smissen

Cordero marks 20 yearsAviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Man-uel Cordero and his wife, Wendy Cordero, son,Tommy Cordero, and daughter, Eleny Cordero,celebrate his retirement March 28 after a cer-emony at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.Cordero’s retirement commemorates 20 years ofNavy service.

Career highlights: awards, reenlistments, retirements

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Thursday, April 18, 2013 11Tester

Courtesy photos

NAS Patuxent River Sailor of the WeekMaster-at-Arms Seaman Efrain Lopez at the basesecurity department.

NAS Patuxent River Pax Pro of the WeekJo Anne Romer with family housing.

This week's bestNominees submitted to and selected by NASCommand Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen. which reduces overhead.

That includes mechanical,electrical and welding work.

“We have the only facilitywithin the region that is fullycapable of fixing anything,”he said. “We don’t send ourboats anywhere. We havezero contracts and all opera-tional maintenance moneyis spent on maintenance. Allof our equipment is opera-tional, every single piece.”

In addition to oil spillprevention and response,Port Operations assistsSearch and Rescue helicop-ter training and the fire de-partment’s safety dive team.

“A couple years ago, twoindividuals fell out of a heli-copter,” Wick said. “One guybroke vertebrae in his neckwhen the other guy fell ontop of him. Our guys werethere to save them. We didwhat we were supposed todo.”

PORTContinued from 2

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Career Open HouseThursday, April 25, 2013

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Qualified and interested persons are invited to drop by the job fair to discussemployment opportunities with Bowhead. Please bring an updated resume.

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Gearing UpAttention Sailors, before hitting the

road, remember to follow the motorcycleoperator and passenger guidance in theOPNAVINST 5100.12 series.

Eye WearProtective eye wear designed

for motorcycle operators: im-pact or shatter resistantsafety glasses or goggles,wrap-around glasses ora face shield that is at-tached to the helmet,shall be properly worn.A windshield or standardsunglasses or standard eyewear alone are not propereye protection.

FootwearSturdy over the ankle

footwear that affords pro-tection for the feet andankles shall be worn.

ClothingRiders and passen-

gers shall wear a longsleeved shirt or jacket,long trousers and fullfingered gloves or mittens de-signed for use on a motorcycle.To enhance the ability of othervehicle operators to see and avoid mo-torcyclists, brightly colored, fluorescent

or reflective outer garments are highlyrecommended.

Motorcycle jackets constructed ofabrasion resistant materials: leather,Kevlar or cordura and containing impactabsorbing padding, are also highly rec-ommended.

HelmetsHelmets must be

worn and properlyfastened under the

chin. It must meetD e p a r t m e n t o fTransportation Fed-

eral Motor VehicleSafety Standard 218or Snell Memorial

Foundation M2005certification. Fake or

novelty helmets are pro-hibited.

Don’t risk be-ing turned away atthe gate or receiv-ing a traffic ticketfor not wearingthe proper gear.Remember, thegear is requiredbecause you are a

valuable asset andit helps to protect

you if there is a crash.For more information on

these requirements, contact Beverly Jef-fas at 301-995-4960.

By Beverly JeffasNAS Patuxent RiverMotorcycle SafetyProgram Manager

With warmer weatherfinally here, more motorcy-clists have hit the roads, andwhether it’s a thrill-seekinghobby or one to ride theworries away, motorcycleenthusiasts can agree thatnot doing it safely can makeit deadly.

Regardless of the makeor style of bike they ride, itis mandatory for active-dutymilitary motorcyclists, onand off road at any time, tocomplete the initial motor-cycle rider training courseand meet additional certaintraining requirements.

Sport BikesWithin 60 day of com-

pleting the Basic RiderCourse or following the pur-chase of a sport bike, sportbike operators must alsocomplete the Military Sport-bike Rider Course regardlessof the motorcycle used forBRC. The Military SportbikeRider Course must be com-

pleted at least every threeyears thereafter.

Standard and CruisersAll standard and cruiser

style motorcycle operatorshave to complete the BasicRider Course 2, formerlycalled the Experienced Rid-er Course, or the AdvancedRider Course within 60 daysof completing the BRC, orfollowing the purchase of astandard or cruiser style mo-torcycle. This also is regard-less of the motorcycle usedfor BRC. Standard and cruis-er operators must completeBRC2 or ARC at least everythree years thereafter.

Three-Wheeled andAttached Sidecars

Three-wheeled motor-cycles and motorcycles withattached sidecars are ex-cluded from the follow-ontraining requirement.

After successfully com-pleting the required motor-cycle safety courses, par-ticipants are issued a MSFCourse Completion card.This card must be carried asproof of successfully com-

pleting the course. Failureto produce the card whenrequested by authorizedpersonnel can leave the op-erator being denied accessto base.

The NAS Patuxent RiverSafety Department offersthese motorcycle coursesfree to active-duty military.Retired military, current andretired DOD employees andfamily members can alsotake the base course at nocharge, but must enroll as a“wait list” enrollee.

For schedule of motor-cycle safety course and toenroll, active-duty militaryshould go to their ESAMSaccount and click on “Class-room Straining Schedule;”all others can set up anESAMS account by contact-ing Anne Bailey at 301-995-4831.

For assistance with ES-AMS, active-duty membersshould contact their activitySafety Specialist.

For more information onthese requirements, contactBeverly Jeffas at 301-995-4960.


Ready to ride: Training requirements set for motorcycle operators

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warm, approachable andoptimistic personality, sheattracted friends immedi-ately.”

Sierra is already makingplans to raise money forMake-a-Wish Foundationin this area.

“I decided I want to con-tinue raising money for kidswith life-threatening medi-cal conditions because theyuse that money to granta wish of their choosing,”Sierra said. “I signed upa bunch of girls from myneighborhood and namedit ‘Operation Cupcake’.We’re going to get togetherand bake cupcakes to sellaround our community.I am planning on givingall the money to Make-a-Wish.”

When asked what adviceshe would give other kidswho move around a lot, sheanswered, “keep busy doingactivities after school, tryto make new friends right

away and focus on school.”Dad Josh is very proud of

his daughter’s accomplish-ments and both parents re-fer to her as an “old soul in ayoung body”.

“We’ve been blessed,”they agreed. “We have twoextremely great kids.”

CHILDContinued from 1

As of April 12, 2013

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Tuesday / Thursday DivisionA/O 2-0Village Idiots 2-0Salty Dogs 2-0Loaded Balls 1-0Sons of Pitches 1-0Hardwood 1-1TC-7 0-1Aviators 0-1VX-20 0-2It’s Not Cricket 0-2Scared Hitless 0-2

Scoreboardcan also assist seasoned run-ners who want to improvetheir pace or benefit otherswho’d prefer only to walk.

“It’s easily adaptable toany fitness level,” said KerryDavis, fitness instructor andAmerican College of SportsMedicine health and fitnessspecialist. “Several of theparticipants were seasonedrunners who used the ‘run’interval as a sprint and the‘walk’ interval as a recovery,but we also had moms withstrollers participating.”

The program’s 10-weekschedule was timed to pre-pare runners for participa-tion in today’s Earth Day5K run taking place at NASPatuxent River, but partici-pation in the run was notmandatory.

The class met 11:30 a.m.every Tuesday and Thursdayat the track located on For-tin Circle behind Fire Sta-tion #2. In addition to thosescheduled days, participantsreceived an initial training

plan from Davis, who alsosent out weekly run sched-ules letting everyone knowwhat to expect in the up-coming week.

“We met twice a week asa group,” Davis said, “but itwas highly recommendedthat the runners completeat least one additional runon their own and that wasincluded in the plan.”

Greenhow marked apersonal milestone by par-ticipating in her first 5K onApril 13 — Walk MS, ben-efitting multiple sclerosis, inWaldorf.

“I walked it with mybrother, Tyrone Thomas,and he had never partici-pated in an organized eventeither,” she said.

With newfound confi-dence, Greenhow and herbrother will be participatingin today’s Earth Day 5K.

“My strategy is to startoff with a slow pace run un-til I feel like I need to walkto recover, and then repeatthat cycle until I finish the5K,” she said. “I feel prettypositive I’ll be able to getthrough it.”

Check-in begins at 10

a.m. and the race begins anhour later. The course is anout and back, beginning atthe Beach House. There isalso a 3K Fun Walk, whichstarts at 11:15 a.m. The raceis in support of SAPR — Sex-ual Assault Prevention andResponse.

“I’m happy to participatein this event mainly to sup-port its cause and, secondly,to be able to say that I com-pleted another 5K,” Green-how said. “My brother andI have a very close relation-ship and I look forward to

participating in this eventwith him. It should be fun.”

While this session ofCouch to 5K has ended,anyone wanting to con-tinue meeting on Tues-days and Thursdays to runshould contact Kerry Davisat [email protected] or301-995-3869. If there areenough interested partici-pants, the program — whichis free and open to anyonewith base access — will con-tinue.

RUNNERSContinued from 4

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St Mary’s County:A Conspiracy to Steal History

Friday, 7 p.m.Sotterley PlantationJoin Mitch Yockelson of the Archival

Recovery Team and Federal Special AgentGreg Tremaglio for their first-hand accountof how Barry Landau and his co-conspiratorJason Savedoff violated the trust of the ar-chival profession by posing as professionalresearchers in order to steal more than10,000 objects of cultural heritage. Landauand Savedoff would visit the collections andsecretly put documents in custom-sewn

hidden pockets of their overcoats and jack-ets. In July 2011, the pair was finally caughtwhile on an expedition at The Maryland His-torical Society. Free event, but registrationstrongly advised. Call 301-373-2280.

Meet the Airplane:F4D Douglas Delta Wing Fighter

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Patuxent River Naval Air MuseumIn celebration of the 70th anniversary of

the NAS Patuxent River, this event is spot-lighting the museum’s oldest aircraft on theflight line: the F4D, a Douglas Delta wingfighter. The panel of F4D specialists includes

Mark Frankel, author of “KILLER RAYS,” whois available all day to sign copies of his book.Did you know that the PRNAM has severaloriginal R.G. Smith Paintings? Come and takea close look at these F4D images.

Baby ShowerSaturday, 2-4 p.m.Lexington Park libraryExpecting and new parents learn helpful tips

to raise happy and healthy babies while havingfun playing games with prizes. Free event, reg-istration is required. Call 301-863-8188.

Leonardtown Earth Day CelebrationSunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m.Leonardtown SquareLive entertainment, children’s nature

crafts, face painting, energy and water con-servation, gardening and produce, recyclinginformation, animal welfare and rescue,yoga demonstrations, seated massages,puppet show, free kayak and canoe ridesand more. For more information, call 301-475-9791 or visit www.visitstmarysmd.com/steppinout.

Calvert County:Restoring Oysters to the Chesapeake

Today, 7 p.m.Calvert Marine MuseumFree PEM Talks: Hear Dr. Ken Paynter,

director of the University of MD CollegePark’s graduate program in Marine, Estua-rine, Environmental Science program, talkabout restoring oysters to the Chesapeake.Taste an authentic Chesapeake oyster andhave a glass of wine from local wineries,cash bar, from 6:30-7 p.m.

Green Expo and Green Craft FairSaturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts CenterLearn how to go green in everyday life

and celebrate the Earth with a variety of freeand engaging activities. Learn how to lowerenergy costs, build a green home, harnesssolar power, compost waste and much moreat the fourth annual Green Expo. Visit theGreen Craft Fair.

Bring Your Parents To The Museum!Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Special activities throughout the mu-

seum designed for the younger set demon-strates how parents can use the museum asa fun, interactive learning experience fortheir toddlers and preschoolers.

Discovering Archaeology DaySaturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Jefferson Patterson Park & MuseumExperience, discover, learn and have

fun exploring the what, where and how ofarchaeology. Demonstrations, tours andactivities for budding archaeologists of anyage are available.

“Grow Up Great” Mobile LearningSaturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Calvert Marine MuseumThe Mobile Learning Adventure is a trav-

eling exhibit that includes interactive kiosksand the “When I Grow Up” station, wherekids dress up as different professionals andhave their picture superimposed on an ap-propriate background. In addition, parentscan take home activity books and learningkits that take everyday moments and turnthem into learning opportunities.


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Working at NAS Patuxent River, one of-ten hears about Air Operations — but alsoof importance is the installation’s Port Op-erations.

“Port Ops primary mission at this facil-ity is oil spill prevention and response,”explained David Wick, supervising port op-erations manager, responsible for Pax River,Webster Field and Solomons. “We’re classi-fied as a Tier 1 facility.”

At first, it may seem an oil spill here isnot a major concern until you consider thefact that a barge carrying hundreds of thou-sands of gallons of jet fuel pulls up to dock ata pier along the Patuxent River and offloadsits cargo here every two weeks.

One of three categorized levels of oilspills, Tier 1 represents operational spillscausing localized damage which can becontained and cleaned up on site by trainedstaff. At Pax River, that staff is Wick and theseven Sailors who work with him.

An oil spill is considered anything thatproduces sheen on the water — from a smallamount leaked by a boat to thousands ofgallons spilling from a barge — and in theevent of one occurring, Wick is contactedday or night.

“From the time we receive a call abouta spill, we have 30 minutes to reply and 60minutes to be on scene with 1,000 feet ofcontainment boom,” Wick said.

Wick will call together his team and sendout a boat to do a preliminary investigation.After relaying their assessment up the chainof command, they’ll begin assembling whatequipment is needed. He will also work in

tandem with other departments, such as fireand emergency services, to establish an In-cident Command Center, if needed.

“Once the initial containment is made,we’ll make another evaluation of whatwe’ve done and what we anticipate and startlaunching more equipment, if necessary,”Wick said. “We have 12,500 feet of boom atour disposal with 10 boats and divers. “

Skimmer boats are used to siphon oilfrom the water via a conveyor-like filterbelt. The oil is then transferred to a vacuumtruck or holding tank and turned over to theHazardous Material Collection Center forhandling.

Depending on the wind, tide and cur-rent, a secondary containment may beneeded around the initial containment, or

additional protective booming may be re-quired in other areas to further safeguardthe environment.

“We’ll do whatever is necessary to pro-tect the shoreline, personal interests, estu-aries, wildlife, etc.” Wick said.

For a major spill, it may be necessary tocall OSRO — the Oil Spill Response Organi-zation — and Wick said they will bring ba-sically the same equipment, but more of it,along with more people to help. Once theyarrive from Baltimore and their equipmentis in the water, they fall under Wick’s control.

“It’s a big dance,” he said, “and if youdon’t know what you’re doing, you’ll spenda lot of money in fines.”

Fortunately, Wick does know what he’sdoing. For the past three years, his teamhas been rated Best in Navy by the First Re-sponders Training instructor.

“I know the area well and I know thetides,” he said. “I know what the winds willdo to the stuff in the water and it’s all be-cause of the training we do here.”

Regulated by the Occupational Safetyand Health Administration, individuals in-volved in clean-up operations are requiredto be certified annually through classroomhours and hands-on instruction, and FRTrequires two drills per year.

Working with the military, turnover isfrequent and Wick is often instructing newSailors in navigation, small boat operation,reduced visibility and nighttime training.

“Whenever the weather is nice,” he said,“we’ll train as often as we can.”

Wick and his team save money by ser-vicing their equipment in their own shop,


In a showing of community service andcivic pride, 10 members from the Naval AirSystems Command Engineer and ScientistDevelopment Program, or ESDP, volun-teered a couple hours April 6, picking uptrash alongside Three Notch Road, in a two-mile stretch between NAS Patuxent RiverGates One and Two.

Working through the Maryland Adopt-A-Highway Program, ESDP chose that particu-lar roadside stretch in an effort to cleanupup the “face” Pax River presents each dayto passersby from the surrounding commu-nity.

“This is our work home,” said JorgeO’Neil, electronic engineer with electroniccombat stimulation branch. “If you sawtrash around your own home, you’d pick itup. We wanted to do the same here.”

Groups participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program sign an application androad maintenance agreement that requirescleanup a minimum of four times per year.Participants are also advised of potentialhazards associated with the work and agreeto follow established guidelines and safetyprocedures, such as not picking up deadanimals or syringes.

“We were supplied with vests and trashbags and notice was put out to the volun-teers to bring their own gloves,” said AdamBarrett, a physicist in the non-destructiveinspection branch of the materials division.

“Those who didn’t bring gloves were pro-vided a pair by the ESDP leadership teamcoordinating the effort.”

Two safety signs were posted at the be-ginning and end of the worksite to alert mo-torists that roadside cleanup was underway.

“An interesting development was thenumber of cars honking at us and I assumethey were showing their support for thecleanup,” said Scott Fry, a Tomahawk cruisemissile propulsion engineer. “A few honksmay have come in jest at the bright yellowvests and hats we were wearing, but I’ll stickwith the former.”

Fourteen 30-gallon bags of trash filledmostly with paper, Styrofoam cups, ciga-rette butts, plastic grocery store bags andbottles were collected by the volunteers andleft alongside the road for prearranged col-lection by the county.

The group concentrated their efforts onclearing the most obvious area of the road-side where the grass is mowed, but moretrash remains in the deep ditch that flanksRoute 235 and further cleanup is necessary.

“We plan to host these events more fre-quently and we could use more volunteersto help out,” O’Neil said. “Anyone is wel-come to join our efforts.”

Barrett believes this is the ideal volun-teer activity for those individuals not able tocommit to a traditional regularly-scheduledevent.

“Adopt A Highway gives me the flexibilityto juggle other commitments, such as workand school, while still providing an oppor-

tunity to help the community a few times ayear,” he said.

Anyone interested in assisting the groupin future cleanup activities can contactJorge O’Neil at 301-995-2408 or [email protected].

“Why not give back to the communityby spending two hours at no expense,”Fry asked. “Grab a few friends, clean up aroad, and then go out to lunch afterward.It’s a great way to spend just a few weekendmornings each year.”


Courtesy photo

Working through the Maryland Adopt-A-Highway Program, volunteers fromNaval Air Systems Command Engineer and Scientist Development Pro-gram spent a couple hours picking up trash along Three Notch Road out-side NAS Patuxent River between Gates One and Two on April 6. Volunteersfrom left, back row, are Scott Fry, Jared Meyer, Jorge O’Neil, Jeremy Popeand Jaime McQuay; front row, from left, Joe Risalek, Kevin Stewart, AdamBarrett, Yaw Owusu-Boamah and Maegan Bean.

Adopt A Highway community cleanupPax volunteers clear two-milestretch outside Gates One and Two

Courtesy photo

Every two to three weeks, a fuel barge carrying hundreds of thousandsof gallons of jet fuel docks along the shoreline of NAS Patuxent River tooffload its cargo in support of air operations. As a preventive measure, PortOperations will surround the barge with 1,000 feet of containment boom, atemporary fence-like floating barrier, used to reduce the possibility of pol-luting shorelines and other resources in the event of an oil spill.

Port Operations protects the shoreline and waterways

See Port, Page 11

From CommanderNavy InstallationsCommand PublicAffairs

For many, spring bringsa resurgence of energy andactivity with the milder tem-peratures.

It is a perfect time topractice your family emer-gency plan and to re-evalu-ate and restock your emer-gency supply kit for thechanging season. Althoughwinter storms are becom-ing a fading memory, it isimportant to remember thatweather and other hazardscan be unpredictable, sospring into action as a ReadyNavy Family and be readyfor any hazard.

Be and Stay InformedLearn about hazards

that are common in springmonths and most likely tohappen in your area. TheReady Navy website “Be andStay Informed” tabs offer

specific instructions, infor-mation, and resources youmay need to know regard-ing floods, tornadoes, man-made hazards, and emer-gency actions. Learn whatyou should know if you needto evacuate or take shelter inyour home.

Make a PlanAs a family, make and

refine your emergency planso that everyone in the fam-ily understands what todo, where to go, and what


On base:Pax Tree Removal Plan

There are 13 areas around the installation where treesare being removed for safety reasons. These trees are im-peding the line of site between the air traffic control towerand the runways. For more information on the areas af-fected, visit http://cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on the“Tree Removal Map …” link listed under Popular Links.

Mattapany Spring FestivalSaturday, 1-4 p.m.Historic Mattapany at Pax RiverBring the whole family and enjoy games, crafts, exhib-

its, activities and a chili cook off at the Spring Festival. Thisevent is free and open to anyone with base access. Enteryour best pot of chili into the cook off. Chili will be sold toguests at the festival and their votes, along with a few specialjudges, will decide the winner. No entry fee. Prizes will beawarded. For more information, contact Air Traffic Control-ler 1st Class Megan Donnell at [email protected] or301-342-3837.

Women’s Advisory Group MeetingWednesday, noon to 1 p.m.Frank Knox, Building 2189, room 120Civilian, military and contractor employees at Patuxent

River and St. Inigoes are invited to this Women’s Network-ing Forum brown bag luncheon with guest speaker, DonnaNestor, the president and CEO of Calvert Systems Engi-neering Inc. Nestor will emphasize how to lead by example,convey a sense of ownership, foster direct accessibility asa leader, invite numerous viewpoints and recognize teammembers for their contributions. Questions or comments,contact Andie VanLanen at 301-757-6031 or Mark Easterat 301-342-3984. Register at www.eventsbot.com/events/eb774607884.

AtHoc RegistrationsThe purple globe option for AtHoc registration has been

re-established and is now available for use. To access, rightclick on globe located at the bottom right portion of yourcomputer screen, select “Access Self Service,” then “De-vices.” Under the devices tab, you can add all of the devicesyou would like to receive alerts on. If you continue to haveissues with registration, contact [email protected] [email protected].

HR Offers Planning for RetirementApril 25-26 and June 12-138:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Washington Navy Yard, building 22The Human Resources Office-Washington is offering

Planning for Retirement seminars for Federal employeeswith 10 years or less to retirement eligibility. Get an over-view of federal benefits and financial goal setting for asmooth transition into retirement. To register, submit anapproved SF-182, training request document form, to JanieHarens at [email protected].

Where’s Gnorman?Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the

gnome. Be the first to call in his location and receive twofree Center Stage Theater movie tickets; good for any CenterStage movie. The same person cannot win more than once amonth. Last week’s winner was Greg Griffitt. Please do notcall after 4:30 p.m. Friday as most winners have called by4:30 p.m. Thursday. Call the Tester staff at 301-342-4163.

Leatherneck 5kMay 11, 9 a.m.Starts at the Cedar Point Golf CourseOpen to everyone. For more information, contact Marine

Capt. Daniel Hagarty at 301-342-7776.

Off base:National Parks Offer Free Entry

Active-duty military and their family can enter any na-tional park free of charge. Visit www.nps.gov for more in-formation and for a list of parks.

Blue Hue Lights Up Drum PointApril is Autism Awareness Month and the Drum Point

Lighthouse has been lit up in blue to mark the occasion.The lighthouse, located on the grounds of the Calvert Ma-rine Museum in Solomons, is one of Calvert’s most iconicsymbols. To light it up in blue, exterior light bulbs that arenormally white or clear are changed to blue bulbs. For moreinformation about the lighthouse, call the Calvert MarineMuseum at 410-326-2042 or visit www.calvertmarinemu-seum.com.

Striped Bass Season BeginsSaturdayCall them rockfish, rock, stripers or striped bass, but Mo-

rone saxatilis is back to spawn in the Chesapeake Bay. Dur-ing the trophy season, which runs through May 15, anglersmay catch one striped bass per day measuring more than 28inches in the mainstream Chesapeake Bay from BrewertonChannel to the Maryland/Virginia line and in Tangier andPocomoke sounds. After May 15, the rockfish size changesto 18 inches or more, and anglers will be allowed to keeptwo rockfish. To learn about Calvert County sport fishingopportunities, visit choosecalvert.com/charterfishing.

Countywide Pre-Kindergarten RoundupsFriday, 9:30 a.m. to noon, andMay 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.All St. Mary’s County Public SchoolsChildren must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, and

come from a family with an economically disadvantagedbackground for this pre-kindergarten eligibility screening.If vacancies remain after children from economically dis-advantaged backgrounds have been enrolled, the remainingvacancies are filled using locally determined at-risk criteria.For more information about the program or registration,contact Sharon Thorstensen at 301-475-5511, ext. 135.

Recruiting InvitationalMay 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.22290 Exploration DriveEngility is looking for talented and enthusiastic individu-

als for current and future opportunities. Engility has a spe-cific need for the following skill sets; apply online at www.engilitycorp.com/careers. Send résumé to [email protected]. Upon submission, résumés will be reviewedand applicant will be contacted for an on-site interviewshould he or she meet the qualifications.

Charity Cornhole TourneyMay 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.NRC Solomons, medium pavilionCost for this tournament and cook out is: competitors,

$10; spectators, $5. Proceeds benefit Military CommunityYouth Ministries. Competitors must register by contactingKevin or Kelley Burgess at [email protected] or 703-217-9830.

News Briefs

Courtesy photo

Last year’s Naval Sea Cadet Corp aviation ground school participant,Michael Weiss, left, talks with flight instructor Dave Clemmer after their45-minute introduction flight.

By Connie HempelNAS Patuxent RiverPublic Affairs

Youths ages 15 and olderand school teachers canlearn how to fly this sum-mer with the Naval Sea Ca-det Corp’s aviation groundschool.

From June 19 throughJuly 12 at the SouthernMaryland Higher EducationCenter, volunteer pilots will

teach participants the infor-mation they need to know topass the sport pilot writtenexam for a pilot’s license.

One of the instructors,John Attebury, who is a re-tired Air Force and FederalAviation Administration pi-lot, said along with gainingclassroom knowledge, eachstudent gets 45 minutes inthe air with a qualified pilot.

“They’ll be given full con-trol of the aircraft,” he said,and added that this hands-

on portion helps students“make the connections be-tween what they learn andbeing in the cockpit.”

At a cost of $75, theseaviation enthusiasts can ex-pect to save more than $100compared with other groundschools. This price includesthe student’s study materi-als, a uniform shirt and a hat.

Registration forms andmore information are avail-able on its website at www.aviation.cc.

Summer program teaches youths to fly

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Monique K. Hilley

An emergency kit is an effective way to preparefor unexpected events. Having the entire familyprepare the kit helps children cope with emergen-cies and ensures everyone knows the emergen-cy kit contents.

Spring into action asa Ready Navy Family

See Ready, Page 7


Ever think about running as exercise? Ever wished youcould finish an official 5K run just for the personal satisfac-tion?

Karen Greenhow answered yes to both of those questionsand found herself enrolled in Couch to 5K, a free programoffered by Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

With no previous running experience, Greenhow, whoworks in business operations for the F/A-18 radar team, triedthe program for the first time last year and decided to getback on the track again this year.

“The program was set up to ease the non runner or be-ginner runner into the routine,” explained Greenhow. “Thevery first week we ran for 30 seconds, and then walked for 1.5minutes, for a total of 20 minutes. Now, we’re up to a totalof 40 minutes with a five minute run and a one minute walk.The trainer blows her whistle at each point where we switchfrom running to walking.”

Couch to 5K is designed not only for beginner runners in-terested in training for a 5K, but with its run/walk format, it

By Lt. Jeff AugustinNAS Patuxent RiverCommand Chaplain

King Solomon — or “awise sage” — wrote thata person who gives to thepoor will never want, but hewho shuts his eyes will havemany curses, Proverbs 28:27.

As a chaplain, I havethe opportunity to catch aglimpse of people’s sufferingmultiple times a week. Al-though each expresses painwith different words, a fairsummary of what they wantto gain is: “Chaps, I want tohave a better life.”

Everyone wants a satisfy-ing life, a life characterizedas being at rest and havingpeace.

Every person also is freeto choose how they’re go-ing to reach the place wherethey’re not in want, wherethey’re free of struggles.

The sad reality is thatmost of us attempt toachieve rest by getting more

for ourselves. We’re usuallynot interested in getting forothers. We buy into the liethat getting more will some-how scratch this itch.

The common reality Isee multiple times a weekis that self-centered livingis destructive. The personwho chooses to be indiffer-ent to others, who “shuts hiseyes,” is living in a darkeningworld.

It’s admittedly an oxymo-ron, but a key part of beingat rest is to reach out to andaid others.

In a recent counselingsession, the counselee and Iwere discussing goals. Natu-rally all of the goals revolvedaround him — what canhe achieve in the next fewyears. I said to him, “Whilewe do need to set goals forourselves, we also need tomake sure we keep a bal-ance, not only thinking ofourselves, but also lookingto serve others.”

With that, he erupted intoa happy recollection about

how he used to serve andhow good it made him feel.

When we focus on our-selves, we become indiffer-ent to people and situations,even those close to us, andespecially to those sufferingaround us. This indifferenceis extremely toxic. It com-municates a lack of worthand value to other people.

The self-focused personis exclusively concernedwith conversations, people,activities and so forth thathelp him. With that, life be-comes very small, cold andeventually purposeless.

Meaningful relationshipsfall apart when value is notexpressed and felt. Whofinds pleasure spendingtime with a friend, a spouseor a boss who cares only forhimself or herself?

On the other hand, hav-ing a service-oriented mind-set helps us to be sensitiveto the unmet needs andstruggles of others. Whenwe effectually listen to andare attentive to others, we

infuse them with a sense ofsignificance.

When a wife is sure herhusband understands herneeds that he is listeningand in tune with her and notwith him exclusively, shefeels valued and loved andwill naturally want to extendthe same concern. This edi-fies the relationship.

The same principle is truein every relationship: By ef-fectually investing in others,we live a more satisfying life.

As Solomon said, a keyto feeling satisfied and con-tent with what one has is toreach out to those in need,whether that be emotionalor physical. Jesus said that

we will always have the poorand needy, and in St. Mary’sCounty there are an abun-dance of organizations andministries that need yourhelp.


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Naval Air Station Patuxent River • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiverThe name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct.,

Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, (301) 948-1520, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract withNaval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized pub-lication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tes-ter are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by theU.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Departmentof the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by the Department of Defense or Southern MarylandNewspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap,political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunitypolicy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse toprint advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Pub-lic Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to beconsidered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited foraccuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquireabout news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisherby calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Ben ShevchukCommanding Officer

Capt. Heidi FlemingExecutive Officer

Cmd. Master ChiefWilliam Lloyd-Owen

Command Master Chief

Connie HempelPublic Affairs Officer

Donna CipolloniStaff Writer

Breton Helseland

Deirdre ParryCopy/layout editors

Frederick C. FairVolunteer

St. Nicolas ChapelCatholic ServicesMass:Sundays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekdays at 11:35 a.m.Continuing Catholic Development (CCD):Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Protestant ServicesWorship: Sundays at 11 a.m.Bible studies: Men’s study, Sundays at 6 p.m.Ladies’ study, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Chapel schedule

Lt. Jeffrey Augustin

April/May ClassesAll classes held at the Fleet and Family Support Center

unless noted. Open to active-duty and retired military andReservists. Reservations are necessary and can be made atFFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.

Playgroup: Glen Forrest Community Center: Thurs-days, 10-11 a.m.

Budgeting for Baby: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon atbuilding 401

Ten Steps to a Federal Job: Wednesday, 1-4 p.m.Stress Management for Parents: April 29: 11 a.m. to

12:30 p.m.

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Couch to 5K class participants gather at thetrack located on Fortin Circle. Fitness instructorsmake the class adaptable for beginners workingtoward participating in their first 5K run andseasoned runners looking to improve their pace.

Runners ready for Earth Day 5K

See Runners, Page 13

Chaplains corner

Investing in others creates a satisfying life

For all MWR news visit, http://cnic.navy.mil/Patuxentand click on Fleet and Family Readiness.

Drill Hall Renovations BeginBeginning April 29The racquetball courts, life center and total body fitness

rooms in the Drill Hall are closed for renovations. All equip-ment located within these fitness rooms are being movedto the Varsity Basketball Court for the duration of the reno-vation, which is slated for completion in November 2013.Thank you for your patience.

Rassieur Youth CenterRassieur Youth Center office hours are 6-9:30 a.m. and

2-6 p.m. For more information, call 301-342-1694.Parent’s Night Out: Tacos and Limbo NightMay 3, 6-9 p.m.Parent’s Night Out occurs the first Friday of every month.

Parents get time to relax, participate in other leisure activi-ties or simply to run errands while the kids are at the Ras-sieur Youth Center doing fun activities. Interested parentsmust register and pay no later than close of business theWednesday prior at the Youth Center. Cost is $12 per child.

Youth Soccer, Tennis CampsRegistration: May 7There are three sessions with run 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. week-

days: June 17-21, June 24-28 and July 1-5. June sessions are$155 each and the July session is $125 with no instructionJuly 4. Soccer Camp meets at the Beach House. Tennis Campmeets at the tennis courts next to Center Stage Theater.

Teen CampRegistration: May 7-10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Registration after May 10 is offered during normal busi-

ness hours.Teen Camp for youths ages 13-17 runs Tuesday through

Thursday the following weeks: July 9-11, July 16-18, July23-25, July 30 through Aug. 1, and Aug. 6-8. Cost is $84 peryouth per week. Price does not include the cost of field trips,

which occur on Thursdays. The overnight camping trip isthe last week, Aug. 6-8, and is $140 per teen. This includesfood, activities and lodging.

Customized CreationsAll classes are held at Customized Creations, building

652 off of Millstone Road, unless otherwise noted. To reg-ister for any class and for more information, stop by or call301-342-6293.

Second Annual Arts and Crafts Spring FlingSaturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Drill HallFree admission and open to the public. Patrons without

base access can ride the shuttle from the Frank Knox park-ing lot, located south of Gate Two. The shuttle runs from 10a.m. to 3 p.m.

Advanced Bracelet MakingApril 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Learn to make an asymmetrical bracelet with single and

multiple strands. This class requires previous experiencemaking jewelry using crimps. Cost is $30 with a $20 materi-als fee; all supplies are provided. Instructor: Tammy Vitale. Atleast five participants are required for this class to proceed.

Beading Bead/Embroidery Necklace ClassMay 2 and 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m.In this two-day class, participants learn to make a bead

embroidery necklace. Class is $60 with a $25 materials fee;all supplies are provided. Instructor: Tammy Vitale. Theremust be a minimum of 5 participants for this class to pro-ceed. At least five participants are required for this class toproceed.

Cedar Point Golf CourseCall 301-342-3597 for more information.Free Active Duty Golf Clinics at Cedar Point Golf CourseToday and April 25, 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Two clinics are held each Thursday for three weeks; each

is one hour long. No registration is necessary. All equipmentis provided.

Mother’s Day Scramble at the Cedar Point Golf CourseMay 12Bring Mom out for a day of golf at the Mother’s Day

Scramble Tournament, a two-person scramble format teamconsisting of Mom and any family member. Cost is $15 perteam. Register at the Cedar Point Golf Course on May 12before teeing off. Obtain a tee-time between 7 and 11 a.m.Gross and net prizes awarded. Open to authorized patronsand their guests with a valid U.S.G.A. handicap.

River’s Edge Catering and Conference CenterTo make a reservation or for more information, stop by

or call 301-342-3656.Mother’s Day Brunch at the River’s EdgeMay 12, four seatings11:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.Mom will love this buffet of carved prime rib, poached

salmon, honey ham, potatoes, bacon, eggs, sausage, veg-etables, salads, desserts and more. Cost is $21.95 for adults,$10.95 for youths ages 6-16, and $3 for children ages 3-5.Reservations are necessary.

Midway Bar Season Opening Volleyball TournamentRegistration deadline: April 30Event: May 23The Midway Bar celebrates its 2013 season opening with

a volleyball tournament! The tournament is open to all basepersonnel. The winning team receives free Sunday BrunchTickets. Teams of six should register at the River’s Edge orby calling 301-342-3241. For more information, call 301-342-3656.

Drill HallSwim Lesson RegistrationNow openClasses are limited to 10 participants per instructor and

are available for individuals ages 6 months to 99 years. In-struction is held at the Outdoor Pool next to the RassieurYouth Center and at the Indoor Pool inside Drill Hall. Avail-able classes include group lessons with up to 10 people,private lessons with one instructor and one student, andsemi-private lessons with one instructor and two students.Group lessons are $50 for eight 45-minute classes held Mon-day through Thursday for two weeks. Private lessons are $90for six 30-minutes classes held Monday through Wednesdayfor two weeks. Semi-private lessons are $140 held Mondaythrough Wednesday for two weeks. For more information orto register, call the Fitness and Sports Office at 301-757-3943.

Free Bowling for Military KidsApril 27, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Drill Hall Bowling Center

Housing OfficeRegister today by calling 301-342-3846Free First-time Homebuyer ClassMay 13, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Frank Knox Building, building 2189 room 155Learn about the entire home-buying process in this free

class offered by the Virginia Housing Development Author-ity. Topics covered include: personal finances, credit andcredit scoring, qualifying and applying for a loan, choosingthe right home, and what happens at a loan closing.


Chatter from soon-to-be-parents is heard around theroom — nursery decor, formulas and diapers are amongthe topics being discussed — and excitement fills the air.They’re ready to bring home their new baby. Yet while theseparents are ready in some areas, are they ready financially?

By taking advantage of the monthly Budgeting for Babyclass, led by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Fleetand Family Support Center at NAS Patuxent River, they’reheaded down the right path.

Budgeting for Baby talks with parents, new and experi-enced, about financial things to consider during the baby’sfirst year and beyond.

“There’s nothing better than a group of people who arereally excited about this new little being coming into theirhousehold,” said Maureen Farrell, the Navy-Marine CorpsRelief Society director at Pax. “But they have to think aboutwhat the financial implications are when they bring anotherperson into the family.”

While the class doesn’t actually do a budget for the par-ents, it does help parents think beyond the baby’s first year,such as planning for college, and they discuss pay and al-lowances, what may change when the baby comes alongand what won’t.

“It’s a really good class for everybody to start thinkingabout the financial changes coming up with the baby,” shesaid. “The important thing is to get the parents thinkingabout the adjustments they’ll have to make.”

Along with offering sound financial advice, the NMCRSalso provides class participants with a “Baby Sea Bag”packed with baby items, a book and a crocheted afghanblanket.

“How many Navy classes can you go to where you learnsomething, feel good when you leave and get a present,”Farrell asked. “This class is one of the fun things I get to doevery month.”

Many of the baby items in the Baby Sea Bags are funded

through Navy Relief Thrift Shops at installations around theworld. Since Pax does not have a Thrift Shop, funds used topurchase the baby items here are collected during the an-nual fund drive, which is scheduled to end April 26 .

The Budgeting for Baby class also offers a sense of com-munity and is typically attended by pregnant ladies andtheir spouses, officer and enlisted, who are having their firstchild or having their second or more.

The more experienced parents in the class often offer agreat wealth of information, such as where to buy clothesand things in the area, that they’ll share with the rest of thegroup,” Farrell said.

The next Budgeting for Baby class is 10 a.m. to noon April24 in building 401 next to the St. Nicolas Chapel. For moreinformation, call 301-342-4739 or stop by the NMCRS officefrom 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday.


U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society NAS Patux-ent River office offers monthly Budgeting for Babyclasses to help parents, new or not so new, in pre-paring to bring a new baby home. Along with ad-vice on future financial changes, the classes alsooffer a connection with other parents.

Parents get ready to bring baby home with NMCRSNMCRS campaign representativesNAVAIR:AZC Anthony Allen at

[email protected] or 301-757-3021AWRCS Robert Simpson at

[email protected] or 301-757-8159

NAS Pax River:ADC Paul Lutgen at

[email protected] or 301-342-1096EN1 Walter Williams at

[email protected] or 301-342-3368

Thursday, April 186:30 p.m., 21 & Over

Straight-A college student JeffChang has always done what hewas supposed to do. But when histwo best friends take him out forhis 21st birthday on the night be-fore an important medical schoolinterview, Jeff Chang snaps anddecides to do everything he wantsto do. What was supposed to be aquick beer becomes a night of hu-miliation, over indulgence and ut-ter debauchery in this outrageouscomedy about a rite of passagegone so very wrong. Rated: R (1 hr,33 min)

Friday, April 196:30 p.m.,

The Incredible BurtWonderstone

Superstar magicians Burt Won-derstone and Anton Marveltonhave ruled the Las Vegas strip foryears, raking in millions with il-lusions as big as Burt’s growingego. But lately the duo’s greatestdeception is their public friend-ship, while secretly they’ve grownto loathe each other. Facing cut-throat competition from gue-rilla street magician Steve Gray,whose cult following surges witheach outrageous stunt, even their

show looks stale. But there’s stilla chance Burt and Anton can savethe act-both onstage and off-ifBurt can get back in touch withwhat made him love magic in thefirst place. Rated: PG-13 (1 hr, 41min)

9 p.m.,The Call

When veteran 911 operator,Jordan, takes a life-altering callfrom a teenage girl who has justbeen abducted, she realizes thatshe must confront a killer from herpast in order to save the girl’s life.Rated: R (1 hr, 34 min)

Saturday, April 204 p.m.,

The Croods (3D)The world’s first family em-

barks on a journey of a lifetimewhen the cave that has alwaysshielded them from danger is de-stroyed. Traveling across a spec-tacular landscape, the Croodsdiscover an incredible new worldfilled with fantastic creatures —and their outlook is changed for-ever. Rated: PG (1 hr, 38 min)

6:30 p.m.,The Incredible Burt

Wonderstone

9 p.m.,The Call

Free Sneak PreviewSunday, April 21

2 p.m.,Pain & Gain

Monday and TuesdayNo Movies

Wednesday, April 246:30 p.m., The Incredible Burt

Wonderstone


10389171038912


U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel

With 1-year-old Carter Belleavoine in her lap, Lynda Knisley reads a book tothe children in a pre-toddler room Monday at the Child Development Cen-ter. Both Knisley and Bree Winecke, right, are teachers for this pre-toddlerroom which was recently evaluated and accredited by the National Asso-ciation for Early Childhood Program.


Parents with children atNAS Patuxent River ChildDevelopment Center canrest assured their kids are be-ing cared for by the best. TheCDC here recently renewedits NAEYC Accreditation, ex-ceeding standards set by theNational Association for Ear-ly Childhood Program withscores in the 90s.

“This is one of the bestscores that we’ve had,” said

Phyllis Leighton, the PaxRiver Child/Youth ProgramDirector.

The last accreditationcycle in 2008, marked thecenter’s first time achievingsuch high scores. Each ac-creditation cycle is good forfive years.

“It’s the quality of ourtrainers, the teachers, myassistant director, and theparents who want to be in-volved,” Leighton said. “It’struly a team effort.”

The accreditation looksat how well the teachers and

staff in each of the classroomsinteract with the childrenand parents, their teachingand curriculum, health andthe physical environment aswell as leadership and man-agement of the center. It alsoreviews the staffs’ qualifica-tions and licensing.

“My team doesn’t standstill. If there’s somethingthat’s going to make thembetter, they’re going to bethere,” she said. “I’m soproud of the team that I haveand that I’m able to share thisachievement with them.”

CDC earns high scores again

to take in the event of anyemergency. Practice yourplan by conducting a drillwhere all family membersmust gather at your desig-nated meeting place afterexiting through differentdoors. Your emergency planshould also include howyour family will communi-cate with each other, par-ticularly if normal commu-nication methods, such asphone lines or cell towers,are out. Road conditionsand other hazards can limitease of movement. Have acontact person outside thearea who each member ofthe family can notify thatthey are safe, if separated.Place a call to your designat-ed contact person to be surehe or she is willing to servein that role. The Ready Navywebsite provides printableforms and contact cards toguide you in your planning.

Build a KitThe best way to prepare

for the unexpected is tohave on hand one or more

emergency kits that includeenough water and non-per-ishable supplies for everyfamily member to surviveat least three days. Keep akit prepared at home, andconsider having kits in yourcar, at work, and a portableversion in your home readyto take with you. These kitswill enable you and yourfamily to respond to anyemergency more effectively.Make a game of kit buildingwith your children. One ideais to have your children goon a scavenger hunt to findand gather necessary sup-plies around your house.Make note of items you aremissing and shop togetherat your local installationcommissary and NEX tocomplete your kit. Historyshows that children who areinvolved and informed withemergency planning arebetter able to react safely inan emergency.

For information aboutReady Navy and tips, forms,and guidance to be pre-pared for and stay informedabout all hazards, visit www.ready.navy.mil. Ready Navyis a CNIC-sponsored emer-gency preparedness pro-gram.

READYContinued from 3

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Earth Day continues tobe an important way to raiseawareness of local environ-mental and energy-conser-vation issues each year.

While most people thinkof planting a tree or clean-ing up litter when Earth Dayis mentioned, energy pro-grams play an importantpart in a green future.

Earth Day was foundedin 1970 by Sen. GaylordNelson of Wisconsin as agrassroots effort to increaseawareness of environmentalissues.

“Nelson’s aim for thefirst Earth Day was to lighta fire for the environmentin Washington, and Nelsonfelt satisfied it had doneso,” according to the Gay-lord Nelson and Earth Day:The Making of the ModernEnvironmental Movementwebsite. “He saw no needto replicate Earth Day. ButEarth Day, born in ruraltowns and big cities acrossthe country in 1970, has re-mained an important annu-al way to raise awareness oflocal environmental issueseach year.”

Since the 1990s, Navyand Marine Corps com-mands worldwide have cel-ebrated Earth Day on its of-ficial date of April 22. Somecontinue their celebrationsthroughout April and May,depending on the installa-tion’s climate and the na-ture of their mission.

Earth Day activities of-fer opportunities to buildrelationships across com-mand departments, withsister services and govern-ment agencies, and the lo-cal communities where theylive and work. The activitiesalso serve to increase energyawareness and participationin energy conservation.

Energy saving actions,such as swapping out oldincandescent light bulbsfor high-efficiency com-pact florescent bulbs, shut-ting off unneeded lights,turning off computers andequipment at night, report-ing leaky faucets and drafty

windows, and seeking othercreative means to conserveenergy make the Navy moresustainable, and ultimatelysupport the mission.

This year, NAS PatuxentRiver celebrates Earth Daywith a run/walk, in supportof sexual assault preventionand response, today at the

Beach House. Check in is at10 a.m. The 5K run beginsat 11 a.m., and the 3K walkbegins at 11:15 a.m.

The event is free and

open to all station employ-ees and their families. TheEnvironmental Divisionis on hand with displays,booths and equipment.

Information gathered

by Naval Air Systems Com-

mand Energy Public Affairs

Office.


Monday salutes 43rd Earth Day

Earth Day promotes environmental, energy awareness

The Navy and Marine Corpsoperate globally and our pres-ence around the world gives usthe opportunity and responsibil-ity to make a difference for theplanet. Earth day is Monday. OnEarth Day and throughout April,the Navy and Marine Corps team— as well as individual Sailors,Marines, civilian employees andfamilies — have the opportu-nity to take local action to dem-onstrate our commitment toprotecting the environment. No

matter where you serve, you cantake action by participating in lo-cal clean-ups, reducing waste, in-creasing awareness of neighbor-hood recycling programs, savingenergy, or planting indigenoustrees in your area. The optionsare limitless. Everyone can findor create a way to take local ac-tion.

Department of the Navy lead-ership is keenly aware of the en-vironmental challenges ahead.Climate change is leading to ris-

ing sea levels and less predict-able weather patterns in the ar-eas where we train and operate.The rapid melting of the arcticice cap is driving new nationalsecurity strategies and pressingglobal environmental concerns.We will continue analyzing thesetrends and working to ensureour forces are capable of meet-ing mission requirements. Onlythrough a collective effort canmilitary and our nation preparefor the changes that may come.We must recognize that our localactions can impact the severity ofthe environmental changes and

will determine our future readi-ness.

Fiscal responsibility is on ev-eryone’s mind this year. Luck-ily, the easiest and most effec-tive Earth Day programs canbe accomplished at little or noexpense. Picking up trash at a lo-cal park, clearing debris from abeach, or volunteering with a lo-cal environmental project can allbe done on a shoestring budget.Bring your coworkers, friends,shipmates and fellow Marinesand increase your impact expo-nentially at no extra cost. Make adifference this year.

Donald SchregardusDeputy Assistant

Secretary of the Navy(Environment)

Facts of LightIf 300,000 Navy personnel

turned off their office lights duringthe lunch hour — four fluorescenttubes per person for 250 hours peryear — the annual savings for theNavy would be $1.2 million. Thiswould also reduce emissions by51.6 million pounds of nitrogendioxide, 124.8 million pounds ofsulfur dioxide and 13,656 millionpounds of carbon dioxide.

Fluorescent lights convert elec-tricity to visible light up to fivetimes more efficiently than incan-descent lights and last up to 20times longer.

The incandescent light is themost common lighting source inU.S. homes. It also wastes the mostenergy. And, 90 percent of the en-ergy consumed by an incandes-cent light is given off as heat rather

than visible light.Electronic ballast manufactur-

ers suggest that new energy-ef-ficient electronic ballast and T-8lamp systems offer energy savingsof up to 41 percent over conven-tional electromagnetic ballast andlamp systems, with no loss of lightor performance.

Replacing an incandescentbulb with a compact fluorescentwill save the energy equivalent of46 gallons of oil, as well as one-half

ton of carbon dioxide emissionsover the lifetime of the bulb.

For every kilowatt-hour of elec-tricity you save, you also avoidpumping over two pounds of car-bon dioxide into the atmosphere.This helps the environment be-cause carbon dioxide is the num-ber one contributor to globalwarming.

If the energy used to power of-fice equipment were cut in halfusing available technologies, theresultant reduction in carbon di-oxide emissions would be equiva-lent to removing 6,750,000 auto-mobiles from U.S. streets.

Energy-saving tips providedby the Naval Facilities Command2012 Energy Awareness Kit.

Navy highlights Earth Day

Makinga differenceThe Atlantic Test

Ranges is holding

a volunteer beach

clean-up at

Cedar Point

Beach starting at

11 a.m. Monday.

Anyone interested

in helping is

welcome to join.

Courtesy photos

By Jim O’DonnellV-22 Joint ProgramOffice Public Affairs

U.S. Navy submarinesand their Sailor volunteershave patrolled the world’soceans for more than 113years. When the Navymarked the birthday of theSubmarine Force on April11, several employees at NA-VAIR were celebrating theircontribution to that legacy.

Veteran Tom Farrell isan earned value manage-ment analyst with the V-22Joint Program Office (PMA-275). He spent six years inthe Navy, three of those onattack submarine USS Con-necticut (SSN 22).

Farrell, who left the Navyin 2008, used the GI Bill toattend Frostburg State Uni-versity where he earned aBachelor of Science degreein mathematics, which ledhim to NAVAIR.

“I went to college aftergetting out of the Navy andfigured my military serviceand degree would allow meto perform well in the civilservice, and began search-ing for federal jobs,” Farrellsaid.

He was a nuclear-trainedelectrician’s mate, one of thethree nuclear-engineeringratings that work in the en-gine room of nuclear-pow-ered submarines. “Nukes,”as they are affectionatelycalled, are considered tohave one of the hardest jobson a submarine.

“Serving onboard sub-marines allowed me to de-velop the ability to functionon limited sleep,” Farrellsaid, “[to] work well in ateamwork environment andthe ability to trust others;also the value of standardsand procedures and main-taining a questioning atti-tude.”

Building TrustSubmarine duty paid

positive dividends for othersat NAVAIR as well.

Serving on submarinesgave me the “ability to han-dle stressful situations,” saidJason Morris, an engineerfor the Air Combat Electron-ics Program Office (PMA-209). Morris served on theBlue crew of USS Tennessee(SSBN 734).

The Tennessee is anOhio-class nuclear-poweredballistic missile subma-rine and part of the UnitedStates nuclear deterrencetriad. Ohio-class SSBNs cancarry up to 24 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.On average, these subma-

rines spend 77 days at seafollowed by 35 days in-portfor maintenance. EachSSBN has two crews, Blueand Gold, which alternatesupporting the submarines,maximizing the SSBN’s stra-tegic availability.

“When you work ona boat, your life is in thehands of the 100 to 150crew members," Morrissaid. “You must trust themwith your life as they trustyou with theirs. Stress is al-ways around you, but all thetraining in school and on thejob helped me work throughstress effectively.”

Dolphinson a Leatherneck

Surprisingly, submarineservice is not exclusive toformer servicemembers.

Marine Lt. Col. EricRopella, PMA-275’s Inser-vice Readiness Team lead, isa member of an even smallerNAVAIR minority, a Marinewith “dolphins.”

Dolphins are the warfaredesignation pins all subma-riners work toward earningfrom their first day onboardtheir submarine. It’s a crewqualification process toshow fellow shipmates theyhave an understanding of allof the systems onboard theboat, and can be relied uponto do their part in a crisis.

Ropella earned his pin in1990 on USS Cavalla (SSN-684) where he was assignedfor his Naval Academy“Youngster Cruise” duringsummer vacation between

his freshman and sopho-more years. An occurrencenot uncommon for manyAcademy underclassmen,Ropella’s name was alreadywell known on the subma-rine. His father, Senior ChiefCorpsman (retired) JohnRopella was already a mem-ber of the crew.

“After about a month anda half aboard the Cavalla[both in port and underway],”Ropella said, “I was able toearn my enlisted dolphins,which I wore with pride dur-ing my remaining time at theNaval Academy and up untilmy commissioning in theMarine Corps in 1993.” Butyou won’t find the pin on hiscurrent uniform.

“Marine Corps uniformregulations don’t allow meto wear my dolphins, but I

do have them prominentlydisplayed in my home of-fice,” Ropella said.

Ropella, a CH-46E heli-copter pilot, said he under-stands the allure and cama-raderie present on subma-rines.

“I have always been in-trigued by the submarineforce and admired thosewho have chosen that ca-reer path,” Ropella said.“Because of its small sizeand mission, they are ableto pick the best and bright-est and tend to have a tight-er bond than those in thesurface Navy... in some re-spects, this mirrors the Ma-rine Corps.”

Indelible impressionsIt has been almost 30

years since Robert Bartsch,

a team lead in PMA-275earned his dolphins on-board USS Honolulu (SSN718). Bartsch left the Navyin 1990 after 8½ years buthis journey to NAVAIR was alittle bit circuitous.

“I spent 15 years at Cal-vert Cliffs Nuclear Plant(CCNP) where I was in Oper-ations, Maintenance and fi-nally Program Management.I came to the governmentinitially in 2005,” Bartschsaid. He credits submarineduty with teaching him at-tention to detail, proceduraladherence, accountabilityand most importantly re-sponsibility, traits that haveserved him well as a civilian,especially at NAVAIR.

“When I look back onit,” Bartsch said, “I was a22-year-old qualified engi-neering watch supervisor,a watch station normallystaffed by a chief petty offi-cer, which essentially mademe responsible for the oper-ation of an engine room on amore than $1 billion nuclearsubmarine.”

Former submariner,Randy Lewis, is a sched-ule development expert atNAVAIR, and like Bartsch aCalvert Cliffs Nuclear PowerPlant alumni.

“The nuclear power train-ing pipeline led me back toCalvert County [where I amfrom] to CCNPP,” said theformer nuclear-trained ma-chinist mate, who left theNavy in 1997. He worked atCCNPP for 11 years, wherehe said he held a number

of positions and learnedscheduling and projectmanagement skills, whichled him to NAVAIR’s Re-search and Engineering CostDepartment.

“Being onboard subma-rines, along with being aNavy diver, remind me of-ten that I’ve accomplishedmuch more difficult tasksthan typically faced with ineveryday life,” said Lewis,who served on USS City ofCorpus Christi (SSN 705)from 1993 to 1997. “[Sub-marine duty] also taught methe true meaning of team-work, trust and integrity. Istill consider some of myshipmates my lifelong bestfriends.”

Although Lewis hasn’tvisited his boat since he leftthe Navy, he said his sub-marine past did “surface” ata meeting during one of hisfirst NAVAIR assignmentssupporting the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare SystemsProgram Office (PMA 264).

“I waited until the end ofthat meeting and jokinglytold them that working forthem was sort of ‘a conflictof interest.’ When I toldthem I was an ex-submari-ner, one of the leads threwhis hands in the hair andleaned back in disgust. Hewas a former P-3 Orion an-ti-submarine aircraft crewmember.


Thomas Farrell assists his fellow engineers inhooking up shore power during a port visit. Far-rell is now an earned value management analystin the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA 275). Hespent six years in the Navy, three of those onUSS Connecticut (SSN 22).

Robert Bartsch, right, and a friend from USS Ho-nolulu (SSN 718) share a moment while the sub-marine transits off the coast of St. Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands, in June 1985. Bartsch, a team leadin the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA 275), spenteight and a half years in the Navy.

Courtesy photos

Robert Bartsch, left, takes a break during a transit through the PanamaCanal in July 1986. Bartsch served on USS Honolulu (SSN 718) he is now ateam lead in the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA 275); he spent 8 1/2 yearsin the Navy.

From oceans deep to skies blue, formersubmariners contribute to NAVAIR mission

U.S. Navy Submarines 101All U.S. Navy submarines are nuclear-powered.

There are three types of submarines in the U.S. Navy:

Attack Submarines (SSN)

Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN)

Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN)

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