By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

In partnership with theOffice of Naval Research(ONR) and Navy Clothingand Textile Research Facility(NCTRF), two NAVAIR teamsat Naval Air Station PatuxentRiver have developed im-proved versions of the flightdeck gear worn by Sailorsaboard aircraft carriers, withprototypes currently beingevaluated and tested by thefleet.

ONR, which promotes thescience and technology pro-grams of the Department ofthe Navy, used advice fromsenior Navy enlisted person-nel on the Flight Deck Cloth-ing Aviation Working Groupof the Navy Uniform Boardto redesign the flight deck en-semble (FDE), explainedDanRatcliff, level 1 integratedprogram team lead for Per-sonnel Protective Equipmentin the Naval Aircrew SystemsProgram Office (PMA-202).

“The No. 1 concern wasflame resistance,” Ratcliffsaid. “You’re not fighting afire in this clothing, but if one

occurred, it buys you the fewextra seconds you need to getto safety.

“ONR requested assis-tance from our clothing teambecause we have a great dealof experience working withfire-retardant clothing foraviators,” he continued. “Wehave textile engineers work-ing in [the Human SystemsDepartment] AIR-4.6 who arevery specialized in this typeof clothing.”

About 11,000 jerseys and8,000 trousers were sent outto be testedbyfleet personnel.

Flight deck crews providethe critical support neces-sary for pilots and aircraft tocarry out their mission, saidNAS Patuxent River Com-mand Master Chief WilliamLloyd-Owen, who previouslyworked the flight decks ofUSS Theodore Roosevelt(CVN 71) and USS America(CV 66).

“With aircraft beinglaunched and recovered atthe same time various crewmembers are repositioningaircraft, loading bombs andmissiles, refueling planes,conducting maintenanceand handling liquid nitrogen,

an aircraft carrier’s ‘roof’ isa hectic, dangerous place towork,” Lloyd-Owen said.

The varied duties of theflight deck crew and the dan-gers associated with themwere contributing factors inthe redesign of the FDE, NA-VAIR officials said. Beyondthe obvious dangers, flightdecks can also be hot anddirty.

“Temperatures can eas-ily reach 125 degrees,” saidLloyd-Owen, who sharedsome of what might end upon a Sailor’s clothing by theend of the day: jet fuel, hy-draulic fluid, grease from air-craft tie-down chains, rubberfrom tires and even carbonbuildup fromengine exhaust.

Dressed in trousers,boots, float coat, head-gear, gloves and the coloredmock-turtleneck jerseys thatvisually identify their roles,working the sweltering flightdeck can make for some veryuncomfortable Sailors.

So, in addition to flame-resistant qualities, the work-ing group suggested the newFDEbe durable; comfortable;wick moisture away from thebody; dry quickly; stand up

to exposure from sun, sweatand salt air; resist staining;and keep its shape and color— no stretching, shrinking orfading.

With requirements pro-vided by the fleet, based onthe recommendations of theworking group, the textileengineers at PMA-202 and

AIR-4.6 wrote the engineer-ing specifications to achieve

By LaToya T. GraddyMaritime Patrol andReconnaissanceProgram Office(PMA-290)Public Affairs

After approximately sixminutes of flight time, oneof NAVAIR’s test aircraftsuccessfully launched a Har-poon missile during a livefire event June 24 in Califor-nia at the Navy’s Point MuguSea Test Range and scoreda direct hit on a Low CostModular Target.

Completing only onepractice dry run, a P-8APoseidon from Air Test andEvaluation Squadron (VX)20 successfully fired a Har-poon AGM-84D Block ICmissile from station 10 onthe first hot run, which waslater confirmed by onsite

explosive ordnance disposalpersonnel.

“The successful launch ofone of the U.S. Navy’s mostdependable over-the-ho-rizon all-weather anti-shipmissiles, the Harpoon BlockIC, from the P-8A is a signifi-cant milestone in naval avia-tion,” said Capt. Carl Chebi,Precision Strike Weapons(PMA-201) program man-ager.

For more than 40 years,the Harpoon weapon systemhas served the Navy well byoffering a low-level and sea-skimming cruise trajectorythat supports high surviv-ability and effectiveness.This air-launched variant ofthe Harpoon 1C is currentlyintegrated on the P-3C.

According to Maritime

CommemoratingAfrican-AmericanFreedomPage 3

Annual UASCompetitionPage 12

VOLUME 70, NUMBER 27 Celebrating 70 years of community partnership July 11, 2013

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND

U.S. Navy photos

Top photo: A Harpoon AGM-84D Block IC mis-sile, released from a P-8A Poseidon (not visible),directly hits a Low Cost Modular Target (LCMT)atthe Point Mugu Sea Test Range in California June24. Bottom photo: LCMT after the Harpoon suc-cessfully strikes it.

P-8A Poseidon fires Harpoon, hits markPMA-290, PMA-201 successfully launchmissile during testing evolution

See Harpoon, Page 13

New hoursfor Gate 3Open mornings onlystarting July 15

As a result of the furlough, begin-ning Monday, July 15, Gate 3 willonly be open weekday morningsfrom 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. forboth inbound and outbound traf-fic. Gate 3 will no longer haveany afternoon or evening hourson any day of the week and isclosed weekends and holidays.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lauren Booher

A Sailor (yellow jersey) aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower(CVN 69) wears a prototype of the improved flight deck ensemble currentlybeing tested and evaluated by members of the fleet. The new flame resistantjerseys and trousers, made of high-tech moisture wicking and quick-dryingfabric, could be worn by flight deck crews Navywide as early as 2014.

Pax River teams improving flight deck clothing

See Clothing, Page 10

NAVAIRAnnual AwardsPages 7, 8 & 9

By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

On the surface, the TC-7steam catapult facility atNaval Air Station PatuxentRiver seems rather unim-pressive— low square steamstack, steel deck plate cover-ing, a few small structures,and a track measuring only280 feet. But descend a nar-row staircase that disappearsbelow ground, and enter theunexpected.

Beneath the approachend of Runway 32 is the op-erational underbelly of theTC-7, a multistory 18,000 sq.ft. labyrinth tightly packedwith boilers, gauges, tanks,pipes and wires, a controlroom and administrative of-fices.

This underground facilityis home to Supervisor JerryGirdlestone and the 36 mili-tary and civilian personnelwho staff the catapult site,maintained and operatedby Air Test and EvaluationSquadron (VX) 23. Its pur-pose is to test all fixed-wingaircraft launched from air-craft carriers.

“What we like to say isthat we’re testing tomor-row’s aircraft today,” said

Girdlestone, a 25-year Navyveteran and former aircraftcarrier flight deck shooter.“Before a plane goes to thefleet, it’s tested here. Wedon’t want to send some-thing out there that doesn’twork. If a plane gets a newpart, any part; it’s testedhere. If there’s an upgradeto a plane, it’s tested here.One time, a pilot had a newsuit to wear and we tested ithere.”

Next year will mark thefacility’s 60th year and, whilesome mechanical upgradesoccurred in the 1990s andthe boilers were replacedin 2009, the catapult troughcomponents are original.

Since 1954 — and as ofJuly 1, 2013 — there havebeen 39,489 shots off thesteam catapult, includingthe two “no-load” shoots re-quired before each launch.

“Prior to any launch, weshoot the catapult twicewith nothing attached tocheck out clock time and

pressures,” Girdlestone ex-plained. “We need to makesure it’s safe to launch be-fore putting an airplane on itwith a pilot in it.”

Simply put, launching anaircraft requires steam be-ing drawn from one of theboilers to the catapult steamreceivers where it is stored atthe desired pressure. Fromthe receivers, it is directed tothe launching valves. Eachaircraft requires precisesettings to account for itsweight and required speed.

“When the capacity se-lector valve is set, it tellsthe launch valve how longto stay open and how muchsteam is needed to get thatplane up and at the speedwe’re looking for,” Girdle-stone said.

This surge of steam actson a set of pistons connectedto a shuttle that is attachedto the aircraft. The force ofthe released steam pushesthe pistons forward, hurlingthe shuttle and aircraft downthe track at a rapidly increas-ing speed until lift-off is ac-complished.

One of the heaviest andthe fastest aircraft cata-pulted by the TC-7 is theF/A-18E/F Super Hornet ata weight of 44,500 pounds

and, in the past, Girdlestonesaid, “we’ve catapulted thatup to 170 knots [195 mph] intwo seconds.”

The catapult facility willpurposely launch a planefaster than an aircraft carrier

will launch it.“We want to make sure

it will survive,” Girdlestonesaid. “We’re above limitshere so if a plane or a partmeets our criteria, we knownothing will happen to it out

there when they shoot it ona carrier.”

The TC-7 averagesaround 125 launches per

2 Thursday, July 11, 2013Tester

By Emily FunderburkTotal Forcecommunications support

Naval Air Systems Command’s(NAVAIR) newest group of lead-ership development participantsgathered at Naval Air StationPatuxent River for its nationalkickoff of the 2013 NAVAIR Lead-ership Development Program onJune 13.

“Part of NAVAIR’s culture isbuilding and grooming our lead-ers,” Todd Balazs, NAVAIR deputyassistant commander for logisticsand industrial operations, toldemployees. “This program helpsyou build up your technical excel-lence, be good at what you do, em-brace wellness — both mental andphysical — and help bring the nextgeneration of leaders up to speedthrough mentorship.”

NLDP, the command’s flagshipleadership program, is designedfor high performing NAVAIR em-ployees with demonstrated lead-ership potential. The three- tofive-year program focuses onman-agement and continuous processimprovement training.

In each of the program’s twolearning tracks, the 93 new NLDPparticipants will partake in job ro-tational assignments, take leader-ship training classes, findmentors,create individual developmentplans, shadow senior leaders, at-tend leadership and diversityevents, and build a professionalnetwork, among other develop-mental activities. These activitiesexpose them to leadership theoryand application, expand their or-

ganizational knowledge and pro-vide insight into NAVAIR’s role inthe legislative and global arenas,according to NLDP Program Man-ager Stephanie Gleason.

Specifically, the program helpsemployees develop three key ar-eas, said NAVAIR Deputy Com-mander Garry Newton:

Technical depth to demon-strate and sharpen their ability tosolve problems

Business skills to become aninfluential adviser

Leadership skills to motivateand inspire others

“The skills you learnnowcanplayout later in your careers,” he said.

Developing future leaders is akey part of NAVAIR’s Command-er’s Guidance for 2013-2018. Lead-ership at all levels and a skilled, di-verse workforce are two of the keyenablers to achieving NAVAIR’sgoals and preparing for the future.

“Leadership is an acquired skill,not just a position, and we need tocultivate and develop it in everymember of our workforce,” NA-VAIR Commander Vice Adm. Da-vid Dunaway has said.

New participants Cam Dono-hue and Lt. Cmdr. Matt Farr saidthey are eager to develop their in-dividual leadership styles.

“I hope to gain the exposureof different leadership styles andtechniques and hope to gain theopportunity to perfect a style thatworks for me and my work envi-ronment,” Donohue said.

“I believe stepping away fromyour desk to focus on leadership isvaluable, and I expect the classeswill give me the necessary structureto focus on that, while the mentor-

ship and shadowing will provideexposure to leadership styles thatwill enhance my own experience,”Farr agreed. “I’m proud to be partof an organization that emphasizesthe development of its future lead-ers. If it’s important to NAVAIR, it’simportant to me.”

The orientation also included aspeed mentoring session and on-line technology demonstrations:

NAVAIR’s mentoring tool,iMentor, to match potential men-tors and mentees

The new NLDP virtual officethat houses all program resources,a tool developed in part by NLDPparticipant Marie Marrero as partof a rotational assignment

3-D virtual spaces for learningand collaboration

Program participantspay it forward

Guest speakers reiterated thatNLDP has opened doors in theirNAVAIR careers and gave adviceto the new participants.

“You will get as much out of theprogram as you are willing to putinto it,” said Larry Davis, part ofa panel of current NLDP partici-pants who spoke at the orienta-tion, encouraging mentoring andjob shadowing.

The panelists also echoed earli-er advice from Leslie Taylor, cham-pion of the AIRSpeed Program and

director of NAVAIR’s Flight TestEngineering Integrated SystemsEvaluation, Experimentation andTest Department, to network, em-brace diversity and have fun.

Learn more about NLDP and theothertraininganddevelopmentalpro-gramsavailable toNAVAIRemployeesat www.navair.navy.mil/jobs/— clickonbenefits, then training.

U.S. Navy photo by Kelly Schindler

Todd Balazs speaks to new NAVAIR Leadership DevelopmentProgram participants at the national program orientationJune 13 at the River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center.

NAVAIR Leadership Development Program welcomes 93 future leaders

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Jerry Girdlestone, facility supervisor for the TC-7 steam catapult at NavalAir Station Patuxent River, sits at the main control console. Considered thebrains of the catapult launch, the console will be manned by an E-5 or E-6senior enlisted service member, and controls every phase of the opera-tion. If the malfunction panel displays a red light in any category during anyphase of the process, the launch will be stopped.

Pax River’s steam catapult: More than meets the eye

See Catapult, Page 14

What lies beneath?Read next week’s “Echoesfrom the Past” column for ahistory of Pax River’s now-abandoned catapult facilities.

“You never want to be just

a rank; what youwant is a

position that allows you to

make a contribution and

grow professionally.”

-Todd BalazsNAVAIR deputy assistantcommander for logisticsand industrial operations

Thursday, July 11, 2013 3Tester

By Andrea HeinNaval Air Warfare Center Aircraft DivisionCommunications Support

The former director of Naval Air Systems Command’s(NAVAIR) Propulsion and Power Department recently tran-sitioned to a more senior role within the command as hebecame deputy assistant commander for research and en-gineering.

New York-native Tony Cifone succeeded Jesse McCurdyas NAVAIR’s deputy assistant commander for research andengineering, and we recently had an opportunity to discusshis vision for the 4.0 competency.

What are your thoughts about stepping into the role ofNAVAIR’s deputy assistant commander for research andengineering?

I spent most of my life in propulsion and power, so I amfamiliar with the organization. However, it is quite a chal-lenge because we are involved in so many different effortshere at NAVAIR and in engineering. There is so much goingon in such broad and diverse engineering areas, which iswhy we depend on the outstanding people we have here.This is quite a challenge, but I’m energized. I am really look-ing forward to leading this organization with Rear Adm.Mark Darrah and enabling the commander’s guidance: in-tegration and interoperability, speed to the fleet and afford-ability. We have to embody those attributes in engineering;we have to be more integrated than we are today, as well asmore affordable and more agile. I am really looking forwardto that challenge. There are some things that I have donein the past that I think are going to be beneficial to expand,and we have great leadership in the engineering depart-ments. I am sure we will be successful — I have no doubt.

From an analysis and affordability point of view, do youprefer organic (in-house) engine support or commercial?

I believe in organic support. I think we have to own thoseprocesses and products, and we can’t concede that owner-ship and accountability. We can contract certain efforts, butthe support has to be such that we are still in control. Thatis a fine line, and we have to be very mindful of owning theorganic intellectual capabilities. That is our technical au-thority, and we can’t give it up. It is critical that we manageand lead.

Which products will theResearch and EngineeringDepartment provide?

We provide hundreds ofproducts and services, likestress analyses, aerodynam-ic assessments, catapults,human factors, weaponsviability and warfare analy-sis, and we have standardwork packages that definewhat those products are andhow to deliver them. Eachdepartment has their set ofproducts, and they all flowto support the programs.We use effects-based staff-ing, which is a methodicalway to have people under-stand what they are deliver-ing and why our products are needed. To manage the largeamount of activities and breadth of expertise, we must havestandard work packages that define our products in order tomeet program requirements.

How can we communicate better with one another?Despite the fact that we work on sophisticated machines,

we’re still people at the end of the day. I think we need thecontact, and we need to look people in the eye and talk tothem about what’s important. For instance, I think one ofthe things that is really important is our values. Our valuesas an organization — being mission-focused, treating peo-ple with respect, diversity, professionalism, ethical behavior— those are critically important values. We need to havediscussions with people, and we have to lead by example.In engineering, we sometimes get so focused on expertisethat we overlook the values part. So one of my goals is tomake sure we reemphasize that the values of this organiza-tion have made NAVAIR the outstanding organization thatit is today. We have many new people that are just comingin from colleges or industry, and we can’t take it for grantedthat they understand our values, so reinforcing our values isone of my priorities. We also need to communicate with ourprogram managers, to inform them of the outstanding ca-pabilities that we have in Research and Engineering. We’rehere to ensure the success of our programs.

U.S. Navy photo

Tony Cifone, Naval AirSystems Commanddeputy assistant com-mander for researchand engineering.

New leadership for NAVAIR’s research and engineering

On base:Services Change in Hours during Furlough

The following services are altered beginning July 8 andrunning through Sept. 30, unless otherwise noted.

Commissary: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.Drill Hall Indoor Pool: Closed when Outdoor Pool is

open. Indoor Pool reopens Sept. 3.Gate 1 Pass Office: Closed until further notice.HAZMAT: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays.Personal Property, building 588 1st floor: 8 a.m. to 3

p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Wednesdays; closed on Fridays.

Personnel Support Activity services: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.weekdays; CAC/ID card service hours will not change.

Supply Warehouse shipping and receiving, building 665:7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays

Building 2272 Furlough Friday AccessDuring the upcoming furlough Fridays, building 2272

will operate on a modified access plan. The front entrancewill only be accessible to those individuals with the properswipe card validation. The basement level entrance fromthe parking garage will operate under a normal schedule,5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Additionally, the side lot will be closed tocentralize parking in the garage and reduce the number ofindividuals attempting to access the front door that do nothave swipe access.

Lovell Cove Community Yard SaleJuly 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Lovell Cove, off of Tate Road on base

Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 15-19, 5:30-8 p.m.St. Nicholas ChapelThis year’s Vacation Bible School is presented by Wood-

stock Baptist Church at St. Nicholas Chapel and is themed,

“Kingdom Chronicles: Stand Strong in the Battle for theTruth,” which is based on Ephesians 6:10-17. Youths whohave completed kindergarten through fifth grade are wel-come to attend. A kick-off night with games, music andfood is July 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the chapel. Register bycalling the office at 301-342-3811, attending the kick-offevent, or by signing up on the morning of the 15th.

Health Care Consumers’ Council MeetingJuly 16, 10-11 a.m.Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River’s Command Confer-

ence Room.All TRICARE beneficiaries are encouraged to attend. In

addition to receiving information, this open forum is forquestions and answers regarding health care. View previ-ous meeting minutes online at www.med.navy.mil/sites/paxriver/Pages/index.html. Contact the Customer Rela-tions Officer, Nicole Quinn, at 301-995-4980.

Nighttime Noise AdvisoryNoise-generating night time testing events are scheduled

during the afternoon and evening hours through Aug. 11 aspilots train for realistic night flight scenarios with the F-35Joint Strike Fighter, including Field Carrier Landing Prac-tice. Test events are scheduled to conclude by 10:30 p.m.

Drill Hall Renovation UpdateDrill Hall is undergoing renovations through the remain-

der of the year. In addition to the ladies’ shower and fitnessroom renovations currently under way, the Drill Hall will re-ceive new lighting, insulation and wireless fans, which willimpact the following areas:

• Until July 12: Varsity Basketball and Racquetball Courtswill be closed, cardio equipment will be in Fitness Rooms.

• July 15 to Aug. 2: Basketball Courts 1-3 will be closed fortwo to three days, beginning with court 3.

• July 22 to Jan. 31, 2014: Fitness Rooms and RacquetballCourts closed. Fitness equipment will be available for use

on Varsity Court.• Aug. 5 to Sept. 27: Basketball Courts 1-3 and Volleyball

Courts will be closed for two weeks, one court at a time.

Shelter-in-PlaceTaking temporary shelter is the preferred protective ac-

tion to avoid casualties and fatalities during emergenciesthat have limited or no warning. The goal of Shelter-in-Placed (SIP) procedures are to protect personnel within15 minutes through mass warning and notification, andprompt safeguarding action at each shelter location. SIPalso allows on-scene responders to focus on lifesaving ac-tions for people who are outside when the hazard or threatstrikes. It’s important to keep in mind that base officialsmay not be able to immediately provide information onwhat is happening and what you should do. In general, em-ployees cannot be forced to shelter, though an order for allhands to stay put may be issued. Speak with your facilitycoordinator, supervisor and coworkers in advance aboutsheltering procedures to avoid confusion and allow for co-operation in the event you need to shelter-in-place. Remaincalm and stay safe until you here the “all clear” message.

Call For Diversity Advisory Team MembersMilitary and DOD civilians can now apply to become

a member of Naval Air Systems Command’s Hispanic En-gagement Action Team, African-American Pipelines Advi-sory Team or the Individuals with Disabilities Action Team.Contact Shaniqua Cousins at shaniqua.cousins@navy.milby July 12.

Pax River Quality of Drinking Water ReportThe annual Consumer Confidence Report on the Qual-

ity of Drinking Water for Naval Air Station Patuxent Riverresidents and employees is now available. This annual

News Briefs

See News Briefs, Page 14

By Emily FunderburkTotal ForceCommunicationsSupport

During a Juneteenth cel-ebration at Naval Air StationPatuxent River, keynote speak-er Air Control Master ChiefLeon Thompson Jr. challengedemployees to pursue profes-sional success and pull othersup along the way.

“I owe a tremendous debtof gratitude to every slave andSailor that has gone beforeme,” he said at the June 24event, “and that debt cannotbe repaid.”

Thompson, the Naval AirStation Patuxent River Op-erations Department leadingchief petty officer, began hisremarks with a brief historylesson on Juneteenth, the old-est nationally celebrated com-memoration of the ending ofslavery in the U.S.

Although President Lincolnissued the Emancipation Proc-lamation in 1863, Juneteenthoriginated on June 19, 1865, inGalveston, Texas, when Unionsoldiers landed with news thatthe war had ended and theenslaved were now free. To-day, Juneteenth is celebratedacross the U.S. and beyond.This year also marks the 150thanniversary of the Emancipa-tion Proclamation.

Slavery was “the most dev-astating conversation that everblighted U.S. history,” Thomp-son said, reminding employ-

ees that freedom did not comesuddenly for slaves, but inwaves — and often brought joyas well as hardship as African-Americans settled into theirnew lives.

“Each of us are standing onthe shoulders and sacrifices ofall those who have gone beforeus,” he said, urging employeesto honor slaves and African-American history.

The event, with the theme“Celebration of Juneteenth:Reflecting on the Past, Rejoic-ing in the Present, Preparing

U.S. Navy photo by Adam Skoczylas

Air Control Master ChiefLeon Thompson Jr. en-couraged employeesat NAVAIR’s Juneteenthcelebration to honor theSailors and slaves whohave gone before. “Thehonor is long past due,”he said. Thompson wasthe keynote speaker atthe event held in Patux-ent River, Md., June 24.

NAVAIR commemoratesAfrican-American freedom

See Freedom, Page 10

All classes held at the Fleet and Family Support Center un-less otherwise noted. Open to active duty, retired and reservemilitary. Reservations are necessary and can bemade by call-ing 301-342-4911.

Financial Counseling ServicesThe Personal Financial Educator at the Fleet and Family

Support Center (FFSC) can help Sailors and their family worktowards managing their finances, resolve financial problemsand reach long-term goals. With the help of the FFSC FinancialEducator,militarymembers and their familymembers can takecontrol of their finances, reducemoney-related stress and over-come the financial challenges ofmilitary life. These services areavailable to active duty, retirees and family members. Make anappointmentwith a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.

ClassesPlaygroup @ Glenn Forest Community Center

July 11, 18 and 25, and Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10-11 a.m.

Anger Management (three, two-hour sessions)July 17, 24 and 31, 2-4 p.m.Anger is a basic emotion. Join this three-sessionworkshop to

get a better understanding of anger andhow to skillfully expressandmanage anger in an effectiveway.

Personal CommunicationJuly 18, 1-2:30 p.m.This class provides informationondifferent communication

styles andways todevelopmore effective speaking and listeningskills. Participants practiceways to interact with people.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) SeparateeJuly 22-25, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.TAP is for separating and retiring military members. It is

a joint venture by the FFSC and the Departments of Defense,Labor, and Veterans Affairs. Topics include skill assessment, ré-sumé writing, job search methods, interview techniques and areview of veterans’ benefits. Seating is limited. Register througha Career Counselor.

Stress ManagementJuly 25, 2-2:30 p.m.Stress is apart of life and this class offers anunderstandingof

howone’s thoughtprocesshasan impactonhowheor shedealswith stress. Participantswalk awaywith specific actions toman-age stress that they can incorporate into their life immediately.

Ten Steps to a Federal JobJuly 31, 1-4 p.m.Learn how to navigate the federal job system. A 137-page

training guide is provided.

Budgeting for Baby at Building 401July 31, 10 a.m. to noonThe Navy Marine Corps Relief Society illustrates the hidden

costs associatedwith a growing family during this class. AllNavyand Marine Corps service members who attend receive a newlayette valued atmore than $100.

4 Thursday, July 11, 2013Tester

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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

Annalise KenneyPublic Affairs Intern

Frederick C. FairVolunteer

COMFRC, AIR 6.0 awards innovative logistics excellence

Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, commander of Fleet Readi-ness Centers (COMFRC) and Naval Air SystemsCommand assistant commander for Logisticsand Industrial Operations, left, and Dennis West,COMFRC deputy commander and director ofindustrial operations, right, congratulate Capt.(select) Tim Jett for receiving an Innovative Lo-gistics Excellence Award on June 25. Jett is theCOMFRC supply officer.

Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, , commander of FleetReadiness Centers and Naval Air Systems Com-mand assistant commander for Logistics andIndustrial Operations (AIR 6.0), left, and ToddBalazs, AIR 6.0 deputy assistant commander forLogistics and Industrial Operations, right, con-gratulate Roy Fisher for receiving an InnovativeLogistics Excellence Award on June 25. Fisher isthe Acquisition Assistant Program Manager forLogistics for Aircrew Systems (PMA-202).

Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, commander of Fleet Readi-ness Centers and Naval Air Systems Commandassistant commander for Logistics and IndustrialOperations (AIR 6.0), left, and Todd Balazs, AIR6.0 deputy assistant commander for Logisticsand Industrial Operations, right, congratulateAviation Electronics Senior Chief Stuart Didsburyfor receiving an Innovative Logistics ExcellenceAward on June 25. Didsbury is assigned to theAviation Special Skills Training Branch, AIR-6.7.5.2.

Capt. Dana Dewey, programmanager, E-6B Airborne Strategic

Command, Control andCommunications (PMA-271) pins

the new rank on AviationElectrician Senior Chief

John Gleghorn, July 2.

AECS Gleghorn frocked

Courtesy photo by Roger Vanderwest

U.S. Navy photos by Gary Younger

Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, commander of Fleet Readi-ness Centers (COMFRC) and Naval Air SystemsCommand assistant commander for Logisticsand Industrial Operations, left, and Dennis West,COMFRC deputy commander and director ofindustrial operations, right, congratulate KenPettersen for receiving an Innovative LogisticsExcellence Award on June 25. Pettersen is theCOMFRC director of compliance.

By Father Mike DolanNaval Air Station Patuxent RiverChaplain’s Office

There seems to be a growing lexicon of American spiri-tuality. In the 1950s around 3 percent of Americans wereidentified as “Nones,” people who, when asked for reli-gious affiliation, check the “none” box.

In the last decade, that number has grown to 20 percentof the population, according to Dr. R.R. Reno, editor of the“First Things.”

As Reno points out, this “none” group is heavily repre-sented in academia, cultural institutions, the media andHollywood. Let me offer three issues for a “none” to con-sider.

First, Dr. Francis Collins, one of the world’s foremostmedical geneticists, recently wrote a book called the “Lan-guage of God,” subtitled, “A Scientist Presents Evidencefor Belief.” In it, Collins discusses how he started out as anagnostic and then became an atheist believing if there is aGod, then that God is unknowable.

But Collins’s search for scientific truth and his exposureto the practice of medicine caused him to ask, “Why do Ifeel empathy for those who are less fortunate? Why shouldI feel those deep-seated impulses if there is no higher au-thority? Why do I love?”

Collins eventually accepted that there is a moral law,and if there is a moral law, then there is a God which ledhim to Christ to whom he is now firmly committed.

Secondly, do “nones” ever wonder about a reason fortheir existence? A religious person might answer that the

reason for our existence is to know, love and serve God inthis world and be happy with him forever in heaven. It’strue that God is loving and merciful, but also just.

Finally, if God exists and has been made known to us —which I believe and “nones” deny - then in the end, some-one wins and someone loses.

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

Food and Beverage Notice:Beginning the week of July 8 and running through the

furlough period, the following Eddies locations will beclosed on Fridays:

Eddies III in building 2805 and Eddies ATR in the Atlan-tic Test Range building.

The following facilities will remain open and sales willbe monitored to determine the viability of keeping themopen on Fridays during the furlough period:

Eddies I in building 2185, Eddies II in building 2187 andthe lunch program at the River’s Edge Catering and Con-ference Center.

Eddies IV in Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23will remain open throughout the furlough period.

Morale Welfare and Recreation:Customized Creations - 301-342-6293NRC Solomons Recreation - 410-286-8047Energy Zone - 301-995-3869Rassieur Youth Center - 301-342-1694

Ballroom Dance ClassJuly 15, 22 and 29, and Aug. 5 and 12, 6-8 p.m.Get some exercise or just enjoy an evening out at the

Energy Zone during this dancing class. Recommended at-tire is leather-soled shoes. Couples preferred, but interest-ed singles will be put on a list to be paired up. Cost is $48per person for a six-week session. Register at the fitnessand sports office.

Card and Scrapbook ClassJuly 24 and 31, 5-7:30 p.m.Students create three cards and a scrapbook page each

week. Cost is $10 for one class plus a $5 materials fee. Par-ticipants are encouraged to bring one to two photos eachweek for their scrapbook page. Participants must be age 13or older. July 24: Best of Butterflies & Lacy & Lovely Cards;and July 31: Sponging Technique class and Easy EventsCards. There must be a minimum of four participants forclass to proceed. Call Customized Creations to register.

Basket Weaving ClassJuly 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Students create a sweet-round basket with a woven bot-

tom. They also learn a new technique of twinning the bot-tom. Basket can be embellished with painting if desired.The five-hour class is $40 plus a $10 material fee.

Les Mills Body Step and Body PumpJuly 13 at the Energy ZoneNew routine launch Body Step is at 8 a.m., and Body

Pump is at 9 a.m. Regular group rates apply. Class passesmay be purchased at the Drill Hall Fitness and Sports Of-fice.

Dive-in Theater at NRC SolomonsJuly 14: Shark Tales, Aug. 11: Dolphin TaleTake a dip in the pool from 7:30-9 p.m. and enjoy a

movie starting at 9 p.m. “Floating only” throughout theduration of the film. Call 410-286-8047.

All-American Pie Eating ContestJuly 17, 5:30-8 p.m.Families are welcome to sign up and compete in the

pie-eating contest at the Rassieur Youth Center. Call 301-342-1694.

School-age Care Registration for Bus ServicesJuly 18-19, Rassieur Youth CenterPatrons who are already utilize the Youth Center bus

service must confirm usage for the 2013-2014 School Year.Registration must be done at the Rassieur Youth Center.

Registration schedule: July 29, current SAC patrons; Aug.2 and 5, new military; and Aug. 8, new DOD civilians. Call301-342-4498.

Missoula Theater AuditionsJuly 22, 7:45-9:45 a.m.Center Stage TheaterThis year’s production is “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Au-

ditions for students in grades 1-12. Youths should arriveby 7:30 a.m. and must stay for the entire audition. Firstrehearsal begins 15-30 minutes after auditions. There are50-60 parts in this production, however, not all childrenwho audition are guaranteed a role. Call 301-342-4498 orvisit the Rassieur Youth Center web page at www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent website.

Supported by Exelis.NAS Patuxent River sincerely thanks and appreciates the

sponsors of this event. However, neither the Navy nor anyother part of the federal government officially endorses anycompany, sponsor or their products or services.

Thursday, July 11, 2013 5Tester

Father Mike Dolan

St. Nicolas ChapelSchedule

Office hours:Weekdays, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Main Office phone: 301-342-3811

Daily Mass:Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to noon

Sunday Services:Morning Catholic service: 9-10 a.m.Evening Catholic service: 5-6 p.m.Protestant service: 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

Chaplain’s corner:

‘None’ population, consider this

Dim or turn off lights andsignage during the day.

Energy Saving Tip:Let the

Sunshine In

1009178

Wednesday - July 106:30 p.m. - After EarthA crash landing leaves

teenager Kitai Raige andhis legendary father Cypherstranded on Earth, 1,000years after cataclysmic eventsforced humanity’s escape.With Cypher critically in-jured, Kitai must embark ona perilous journey to signalfor help, facing unchartedterrain, evolved animal spe-cies that now rule the planet,and an unstoppable aliencreature that escaped dur-ing the crash. Father and sonmust learn to work togetherand trust one another if theywant any chance of returninghome. PG-13, 100 min.

Thursday - July 116:30 p.m. - Now You See Me

During their performanc-es, the world’s greatest illu-sionists known as “The FourHorsemen” pull off a seriesof daring heists against cor-rupt business leaders. Thesuper-team of illusionists

shower the stolen profits ontheir audiences while stay-ing one step ahead of an eliteFBI squad in a game of catand mouse. PG-13, 116 min.

Friday - July 126:30 p.m. - The InternshipBilly and Nick are sales-

men whose careers havebeen torpedoed by the digi-tal world. Trying to provethey are not obsolete, they

defy the odds by talkingtheir way into a coveted in-ternship at Google, alongwith a battalion of brilliantcollege students. But, gain-ing entrance to this utopiais only half the battle. Nowthey must compete with agroup of the nation’s mostelite, tech-savvy geniuses toprove that necessity really isthe mother of re-invention.PG-13, 119 min.

9:00 p.m. - The PurgeIn a futuristic America

plagued by crime, the gov-ernment sanctions a 12-hourperiod once a year in whichall criminal activity is legal.An intruder breaks into thehome of James Sandin, theymust try to survive the nightwithout compromising theirmoral code. R, 85 min.

Saturday - July 134:00 p.m. - After Earth

6:30 p.m.The Internship

9:00 p.m. - The Purge

Sunday - July 142:00 p.m. - (3D) Man of Steel

A boy learns that he hasextraordinary powers. As ayoung man, he journeys todiscover what he was senthere to do. But the hero inhim must emerge if he is tosave the world from annihi-

lation and become the sym-bol of hope for all mankind.PG-13, 143 min.

Wednesday - July 174:00 p.m. - Monsters Inc.Inside the largest scare

factory in the monsterworld, the top kid Scareris James “Sully” Sullivan, ahuge monster with blue fur,purple spots and horns. HisScare Assistant, best friendand roommate is Mike Wa-zowski, a green, opinion-ated, one-eyed monster.Scaring children isn’t suchan easy job — monstersbelieve children are toxicand that direct contact withthem would be catastroph-ic. Visiting from the humanworld is Boo, a tiny girl turnsthe monster world upside-down. (NDVD - Free Admis-sion), G, 92 min.

6:30 p.m.The Internship

6 Thursday, July 11, 2013Tester

01040135

By Julie CopseyAircraft Launch andRecovery Equipment(PMA-251)Communications

The Navy team respon-sible for developing theCompact Swaging Machine(CSM), which automatesa current hazardous fleetprocess, was honored witha Naval Air Systems Com-mand award June 27.

The Aircraft Launch andRecovery Equipment (ALRE)Program Office (PMA-251)CSM team, located at JointBase McGuire-Dix-Lake-hurst, received the NAVAIRCommander’s award for Sci-ence and Technology duringa ceremony here.

“I am extremely proud ofthe CSM team,” said Capt.James Donnelly, ALRE pro-gram manager. “This grouphas done extraordinary workdeveloping a machine thatwill enhance the fleet’s fu-ture warfighting capabilityand effectiveness.”

The current time-inten-sive process requires four tosix Sailors and can take up to12 hours to complete. Dur-ing this process, 1,000-de-grees Fahrenheit moltenzinc is poured into a socketon the moving ship, expos-

ing Sailors to toxic materialsand noxious gases. The CSMrequires only one Sailorand forms the replacementterminal in approximatelyone hour, keeping arrestingengines ready to recover air-craft.

“Endorsed as the num-ber one priority by the ALREfleet community at the lastthree annual Aviation Boat-swain’s Mates Associationconferences, this machinewill reduce workload anddramatically increase thequality of life for the Sailor,”said Andrew Sussman, ALRErecovery integrated productteam lead.

PMA-251 and industrypartner, Creare EngineeringResearch & Development,while under NAVAIR SmallBusiness Innovation Re-search (SBIR) contract, de-signed an advanced hydrau-lic system that uses up to 800tons of pressure to swage aterminal onto an aircraft car-rier purchase cable. This ter-minal connects to the crossdeck pendant that stretchesacross the flight deck whichengages the arresting hookof a landing aircraft allow-ing for a smooth, controlledarrestment.

“In light of the fiscal en-vironment, the team, led

by Jim Raevis, developed awork-around that allowedthe program to proceed withtesting and progress towardfleet delivery,” Sussmansaid.

According to the awardnomination submission, thecriticality of cost constraintswithin this program result-ed in novel approaches toachieve all program require-ments within a limited bud-get. The team also utilizedan Abbreviated AcquisitionProgram (AAP) approach,while in essence meldingtwo programs into one: de-velopment of the CSM aswell as development of anew swaged terminal.

“The CSM and newlyswaged terminals each suc-cessfully endured numerousqualification tests to ensurethey could withstand therigors of an aircraft carrierenvironment,” said Jim Rae-vis, CSM team lead. “Laterthis summer, the CSM willcomplete its final test, andwe will prepare for onboardswaging.”

The first onboard swag-ing will take place duringfiscal year 2014 in Norfolk,Va., on a yet-to-be-deter-mined carrier. The machinewill be housed in an inter-modal freight container and

then hoisted on deck. Sailorswill have the opportunity toswage terminals that will beused for flight operationsduring the carrier’s next de-ployment.

In 2011, the CSM teamreceived the NAWCADCom-

mander’s Innovation Awardfor the successful technicalefforts during the system’sdevelopment.

“The CSM will replace aprocess that has been prac-ticed by the fleet since theNavy started using aircraft

carrier arresting gear,” Rae-vis said. “I’m grateful to haveseen the system from its ini-tial development to fruitionand fleet integration. I’m an-ticipating positive feedbackas Sailors incorporate theCSM into daily operations.”

Thursday, July 11, 2013 7Tester

U.S. Navy photo

From left, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program’s CompactSwaging Machine Team Lead, Jim Raevis; Recovery Deputy Assistant Pro-gram Manager for Logistics, Paula Parsons and Recovery Team Lead, An-drew Sussman; join NAVAIR Commander, Vice Adm. David Dunaway, to ac-cept the 2012 Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Commander’s awardfor Science and Technology on June 27 during a ceremony held at NAVAIRheadquarters at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Aircraft recovery team earns NAVAIR Commander’s award

By Emily FunderburkNaval Air Systems CommandTotal Force CommunicationsSupport

Hundreds of Naval Air Systems Com-mand (NAVAIR) employees were recog-nized for their technical, business andleadership excellence at the 13th annualNAVAIR Commander’s National Awardsceremony June 27.

“This is an opportunity for us to cel-ebrate the great things we are doing in ourorganization,” said NAVAIR CommanderVice Adm. David Dunaway. “These are thethings that are going to get us through thenear-term future.”

The seven honorary NAVAIR Command-er’s awards recognize team excellence insupport of NAVAIR’s three focus areas - in-crease speed to the fleet, consistently deliv-er integrated and interoperable warfightingcapabilities, and improve affordability - andin support of NAVAIR’s key enablers - lead-ership at all levels, a skilled and diverseworkforce, and the technology and infra-structure needed to execute the mission.

Dunaway was joined by Fleet ReadinessCenters Commander Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes,Command Master Chief Bret Joel, NAVAIRDeputy Commander Garry Newton, DeputyAssistant Commander for Test and Evalu-ation Gary Kessler and Deputy AssistantCommander for Research and EngineeringAnthony Cifone.

The winners are, by category:Business Operations

NAVAIR’s Service Requirements ReviewBoard Data Fusion Team, led by Capt. MarkGoodrich, improved integration and in-teroperability by linking data from multipleacquisition information systems, increasedaffordability by realizing significant con-tracted service cost reductions and contrib-uted to speed to the fleet by automating andstreamlining the team’s processes and busi-ness rules.

Quality of Service and Customer ServiceThe In-Service H-53 Heavy Lift Helicop-

ters Avionics Engineering Team, led by Lt.Cmdr. Kimberly Riggle, demonstrated out-standing performance in support of the CH-53E and MH-53E. The team’s impact in theareas of cost, schedule, aircrew survivabil-ity/safety, and operational suitability andreadiness ensured the in-service H-53 fleetremains relevant during expeditionary, jointand combined operations.

Logistics and Industrial OperationsThe Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) South-

east F414 Engine and Module Team, led byDonald A. Dunlap, exceeded all expecta-tions in meeting an aggressive productionschedule, providing engine modules tosupport fleet units. By implementing con-tinuous process improvements and takinga proactive approach, their efforts becamebest practices and were shared throughoutFRC Southeast.

Program ManagementThe PMA-209 Air Combat Electronics

Team, led by Capt. Tracy Barkhimer, initi-ated innovative methods to meet customerrequirements, enable interoperability andmaximize affordability. Their innovativeefforts resulted in tens of millions of dol-lars’ worth of savings to platform customersthrough various avionics equipment reuseprograms, such as the AYK-14 Standard Air-borne Computer and the Aircraft MissionComputer and Display Reuse Programs.

Research, Development, Testand Evaluation

The T-45 Engine Safety Risk RecoveryTeam, led by Robert Blodnikar, deliveredincreased speed to the fleet and improved

affordability by developing, qualifying andfielding a solution to catastrophic low pres-sure turbine blade failures in fewer than sixmonths. Their efforts kept fleet assets avail-able, which prevented a potential shortfallof 20 aviators in the training pipeline andsaved more than $5 million by implement-ing innovative testing capabilities and pro-cesses.

Science and TechnologyThe Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equip-

ment Compact Swaging Machine (CSM)Team, led by Jim Raevis, worked tirelesslyto provide a product to the fleet that affordsa dramatic increase in quality of life forSailors. The team worked successfully withlimited budgets without sacrificing fleet

safety or supportability, allowing the CSMprogram to progress from its concept andfeasibility testing in fiscal year 2007 to thelevel of maturity that prepares it for proto-type demonstration in fiscal year 2014.

EnergyThe Aviation Energy Conservation Team,

led by Richard Kamin, made tremendouscontributions to Navy energy goals to en-hance warfighter capability and improveaffordability through programs designed toincrease aircraft fuel efficiency and reducefuel consumption without adversely im-pacting the mission. The team’s successesin 2012 included demonstrated operation-al efficiencies that will save the fleet morethan 10 million gallons of fuel annually.

During the ceremony, Dunaway alsopresented the NAVAIR Small Business Ad-vocacy awards, the Edward H. HeinemannAward — sponsored by the Association ofNaval Aviation — and the T. Michael FishQuality of Worklife Award.

Small Business Advocacy AwardTeam Category

The Naval Air Warfare Center TrainingSystems Division Training Systems Con-tract (TSC) III Acquisition Team, led by GregDougherty, successfully awarded the TSCIII with a maximum ceiling amount of $2billion. By incorporating the requirementsof the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, theteam increased opportunities for smallbusiness. The team also collaboratively ap-

plied lessons learned and demonstrated ini-tiative, resourcefulness and innovation.

Small Business Advocacy AwardTeam Category

The Air Combat Electronics ProgramTeam (PMA-209) has created a business cul-ture that considers small business concernsand supports early integration of small busi-ness professionals in NAVAIR acquisitions.PMA-209 supports 25 small business inno-vation, research and small business technol-ogy transfer initiatives and recently initiatedan effort that allows small businesses to de-velop software for Department of Defenseaircraft. The team’s approach has resultedin $72 million going to small businesses.

Edward H. Heinemann Awardfor Outstanding Achievement

The Unmanned Combat Air SystemDem-onstrator (UCAS-D) Integrated Test Team,led by Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hall, Matthew Funkand Daryl Martis, significantly advancedUAS integration with naval aircraft carrieroperations by executing the first successfulshore-based arrested landing and shipboardtaxi testing of the X-47B aboard USS HarryS. Truman (CVN 75). This testing resultedin the full qualification of all shipboard-in-stalled systems for the command and con-trol of UAS in the carrier environment - alsoa first in naval aviation history.

T. Michael Fish Quality of Worklife AwardCapt. John P. Feeney, Naval Aviation Train-

ing Systems program manager, makes hisemployees’ quality of worklife a top priorityin his leadership decisions. He has positivelychanged the naval aviation training systemsculture through inspired leadership, commu-nication and organizational improvements.

In his concluding remarks, Dunawaysaid, “I cannot think of a team I’d rather beworking with than the team here. These areextraordinary teams doing extraordinarywork in an extraordinary time.”

8 Thursday, July 11, 2013Tester 9TesterThursday, July 11, 2013

By Cindy MattinglyNaval Aviation TrainingSystems Program OfficeCommunications Support

Few were surprised when Capt. JohnFeeney won the Naval Air Systems Com-mand (NAVAIR) 2012 T. Michael FishQuality of Worklife Award.

Distributed during the 13th annualNAVAIR Commander’s National Awardsceremony June 27 at Naval Air StationPatuxent River, the achievement recog-nizes excellence in a leader who chang-es the workplace to enhance efficiencywhile significantly improving the qualityof worklife for NAVAIR civilian and mili-tary employees.

The former program manager for Na-val Aviation Training Systems (PMA-205),Feeney managed more than 800 military,civilian and contract personnel and wasresponsible for the procurement and life-cycle support of 14 General Training pro-grams from June 2010 to June 2013.

In addition to developing and testingmore than 800 simulators for the Navyand Marine Corps, Feeney supported thecost, schedule and performance account-ability for 27 type/model aircraft train-ing platforms. His daily workload alsoencompassed the acquisition supportand life-cycle management of 32 pro-gram management offices, curriculumand simulator-based training conductedin naval school houses and training airwings.

Despite the breadth and scope of hisprogram’s mission, Feeney made balanc-ing a heavy workload as important as thewelfare of his employees - a task he foundboth rewarding and challenging, he said.

“Taking care of our people, givingthem room to grow and to strive andexcel at their jobs, is very important,”Feeney said. “At PMA-205, there is a tre-mendous team of professionals makingthat happen every day. Although this isan individual award, there are 778 peoplebehind me making this happen.”

As cited in the award, “Feeney devel-oped a program metrics visual, created aprogram mission and vision, establishedprocesses and training, and improvedoverall program morale through teamevents. He positively changed the cul-ture through inspired leadership, com-munication and organizational improve-ments.”

Fish, the award’s namesake, was thehead of NAVAIR’s Research and Engineer-ing Staff Office and served as a mentor forthe command’s Engineer and ScientistDevelopment Program, which nurtures

the corps of entry-level professionals in-terested in becoming civilian employeesin the Navy’s acquisition workforce.

Keith Sanders, assistant commanderfor Acquisition (AIR 1.0), which overseesPMA-205, worked with Fish. He said thereare clear similarities between the twoleaders.

“Mike was an inspiring leader,” Sand-ers said. “He laid the groundwork for in-novative enhancements for the quality ofworklife of NAVAIR’s employees. He wasknown for his commitment and sensitiv-ity when it came to work-life balance forhis subordinates and teammates. Capt.Feeney embodies that same leadershipstyle, creating a work atmosphere wherepeople are enthusiastic and dedicated totheir craft. He has built a problem-solv-ing culture among the ranks.”

Feeney ended his tenure as the PMA-205 program manager during a changeof command ceremony June 27. He nowserves as the military director for NA-VAIR’s Airworthiness Office (AIR-4.0P).

Former PMA-205 programmanager wins worklife award

U.S. Navy photo by Julie Copsey

Former Naval Aviation TrainingSystems Program Manager Capt.John Feeney addresses the crowdat the 13th annual NAVAIR Com-mander’s National Awards cere-mony June 27 at Naval Air StationPatuxent River, Md. Feeney wonthe 2012 T. Michael Fish Quality ofWorklife Award, which recognizesexcellence in a leader who chang-es the workplace to enhanceefficiency while significantly im-proving the quality of worklife forNAVAIR civilian and military em-ployees. The award’s namesakeFish, standing at left, was the headof NAVAIR’s Research and Engi-neering Staff Office.

U.S. Navy photos by Mikel Lauren Proulx

Team lead Jim Raevis, left, and theAircraft Launch and Recovery Equip-ment Compact Swaging MachineTeam, winners of the Commander’sAward for Science and Technology.

Lt. Cmdr. Greg Linsky, left, and theServices Requirements ReviewBoard Data Fusion Team, winnersof the Commander’s Award for Busi-ness Operations.

Team lead Richard Kamin, left, andthe Aviation Energy ConservationTeam, winners of the Commander’sAward for Energy.

Team lead Capt. Tracy Barkhimer,second from left, and the Air Com-bat Electronics Program (PMA-209)Team, winners of a Small BusinessAdvocacy Award.

Team lead Capt. Tracy Barkhimer,left, and the PMA-209 Air CombatElectronics Program Team, winnersof the Commander’s Award for Pro-gram Management.

Team lead Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Riggle,left, and the In-Service H-53 HeavyLift Helicopters Avionics EngineeringTeam, winners of the Commander’sAward for Quality of Service/Cus-tomer Service.

Team lead Robert Blodnikar, left, andthe T-45 Engine Safety Risk RecoveryTeam, winners of the Commander’sAward for Research, Development,Test and Evaluation.

Edward Heinemann, far left, withteam leads Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hall, Mat-thew Funk and Daryl Martis of the Un-manned Combat Air System-Demon-strator Integrated Test Team, winnersof the Edward H. Heinemann Awardfor Outstanding Achievement.

T. Michael Fish Quality of WorklifeAward winner Capt. John Feeney,center, with T. Michael Fish, left, andNAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. Da-vid Dunaway.

Annual NAVAIR Commander’s National Awardscelebrate employee excellence

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10 Thursday, July 11, 2013Tester

for the Future,” was hostedby Naval Air Systems Com-mand’s (NAVAIR) African-American Pipelines AdvisoryTeam and Equal Employ-ment Opportunity Office. Theteam, established in February2013, falls under the purviewof NAVAIR’s Executive Di-versity Council and focuseson recruiting, retaining anddeveloping African-American

employees.“Diversity of thought is the

only thing that’s going to getus to the next level,” said Den-nis West, deputy commander,Fleet Readiness Centers andNAVAIR director of IndustrialOperations, one of the team’sexeuctive champions.

Employees also enjoyedstrawberry soda, a traditionalfavorite at Juneteenthcelebra-tions. Similar eventswereheldacross other NAVAIR sites na-tionwide.

FREEDOMContinued from 3

the desired results and putout a request to the industryto provide material samples.

“Manufacturers testedtheir materials based on thecriteria provided in the re-quest,” Ratcliff said, “andthen AIR-4.6 engineers con-tracted with the Navy Cloth-ing and Textile ResearchFacility in Natick, Mass., toconduct additional testing todetermine which materialsmet the desired specifica-tions.”

The testing narrowed themanufacturers’ submissionsto five materials that bestmet the requirements, andprototypes were manufac-tured from those materialsfor selected members of thefleet to wear and evaluate.

The entire process in-volves many people workingtogether fromdifferent areas.

“We had NAVAIR mili-tary personnel fly out and goaboard the ships to do train-ing, distribute the clothingand provide guidance onmonitoring the clothing as-sessment,” said Sheila Mil-

burn, PMA-202’s level 2 in-tegrated product team leadfor Aviation Clothing andSurvival Items. “There wasNavywide involvement, in-cluding Pentagon personnel.Once the fleet assessment iscomplete, randomprototypesamples will be returned toPMA-202 for further testingto see if they are still fire re-sistant and if they’re doingwhat they’re designed to do.

Aviation Electrician’sMate 3rd Class Devin Wal-ters, serving aboard carrierUSS John C. Stennis (CVN74), is participating in theevaluation.

“The breathability isoutstanding on these jer-seys,” he said in an articlepublished March 25 in NavyTimes. “It’s pretty great forworking up on the flightdeck [when] you’re sweatinga little, or [when] you’re do-ing a wash job on an aircraft.They dry much quicker andit’s just more comfortable.”

When final results are in,PMA-202will provide recom-mendations on the qualifiedmaterials to the Defense Lo-gistics Agency, the organiza-tion responsible for obtain-ing vendor bids and placingthe order for the new FDE.

By Annalise KenneyNaval Air Station Patuxent RiverPublic Affairs Intern

According to a 2012 Enterprise Safety Applications Man-agement System (ESAMS) report, nearly 400 military andDOD civilians operate motorcycles on Naval Air StationPatuxent River.

Although only active-duty military are required to taketraining courses in order to operate motorcycles or sportbikes on the installation, all motorcycle riders are expectedto follow certain rules when riding here.

In accordance with the OPNAVINST 5100.12J, Navy Traf-fic Safety Program, motorcycle riders on the installationmust wear a Department of Transportation-certified hel-met, eye protection, sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear, a longsleeve shirt or jacket, long pants, and full fingered gloves ormittens designed for use on a motorcycle.

Training courses are free of charge at the air station andare available to all military, DOD civilians and military de-pendents. Beverly Jeffas, who is with the Safety Departmentand has been running the Motorcycle Safety Program formore than 20 years, advises all eligible motorcycle operatorson base to take the training.

“Although it’s not required for nonactive-duty riders, thetraining courses are a great way to keep skills sharp,” Jeffassaid.

According to Environmental and Safety ApplicationManagement System Tracking, 10 motorcycle accidentsinvolving Pax River military or on-duty DOD civilians haveoccurred since 2011.

More than 77 percent of motorcycle accidents are causedby oncoming traffic turning in front of motorcycle drivers.Motorcycle-only accidents often occur when motorcycleoperators drive too widely around curves in the road. Expe-rience and practice are the keys to safe motorcycle opera-tion, explained Jeffas.

“If you know how to ride and what you’re doing, operat-ing a motorcycle becomes much safer,” Jeffas said. “That’swhere the training courses come in.”

A variety of free training courses are available to bothnew riders and veteran riders who want to touch up theirriding skill. Level one training courses are aimed at new rid-ers and are a prerequisite for taking higher level courses.The Basic RiderCourse (BRC) is a three-day course whichbegins with motorcycle familiarization and goes on to de-velop skills required to pass state licensing tests. Passingthis class does not waive the DMV licensing test, however,the base does recognize the Maryland state program as asubstitute for this BRC class.

A limited number of training bikes are provided for usein the BRC.

Level two training includes Basic RiderCourse 2 (BRC2),which refines basic riding skills, Military Sportsbike Rider-Course (MSRC), required for all military personnel whoride a sports bike, and Advanced RiderCourse (ARC), whichrefines situational riding skills for both sports bike andnonsports bike riders.

The Motorcycle Safety Program offers each type of train-ing course at least once a month. The courses are instructedby a team of contracted instructors who teach throughoutthe region. Small class sizes allow for plenty of individualattention.

A motorcycle mentorship program is also available tomotorcycle and sports bike riders.

“Life is too short to make all the mistakes yourself; it’simportant to learn from someone else’s mistakes,” said Jef-fas of the program.

The mentorship program, set up within each command,matches new riders with experienced riders, allowing ex-perienced riders to guide newer riders in being successfulmotorcycle operators.

Register for any motorcycle training courses online atwww.navymotorcyclerider.com. Call the NAS Patuxent Riv-er Safety Office at 301-995-4960 for more information.

Motorcycle safety programprepares riders for the road

CLOTHINGContinued from 1

Courtesy photo

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Quality Transfer & Storage is a family-ownedand -operated company that has beenproviding full-service household and officerelocations, transportation logistics, andregional distribution services since 1977.Located in Lexington Park, Maryland, we arestrategically positioned to service theMaryland, Virginia, DC and greater Mid-Atlantic areas at a competitive rate.

22390 Three Notch Rd,Lexington Park, MD 20653

Local, Interstate, and International RelocationsRelocation Services: Local

Our specialty! Local moves are designated as those which originate and terminate inMaryland. Price is usually based on an hourly rate determined by the number of crew

necessary to complete the work. Binding rates may be available but are basedon strict conditions.

Long DistanceFor moves originating and terminating in two different states. Price is based on a

computerized tariff system, per federal regulations. Price is generally determined byshipment weight, travel distance, and any additional services provided.

InternationalFor moves to or from locations outside the continental US, including Hawaii and Alaska.

With over 35 years experience moving US military members and families, as well asmany government agencies, we have the expertise to get the job done right! We can

choose from a variety of carriers to find the best rate for your specific needs. We provideall packing/unpacking services and take care of customs and clearing paperwork

for most ports of entry.Office/Corporate Relocations

Moves involving office furniture and equipment and personnel household goods. Hints forpreparing your office can significantly alleviate down time at destination and get you up

and running faster.

PackingFull or Partial-Pack Service: Tired of packing? Can’t bear the thought of all that work? Weoffer full packing and unpacking services by professionally trained, full-time, uniformedcrews. We can pack everything or just the certain items you want to be professionallypacked. We can also unpack and remove the debris. Ask your Moving Consultant for

pricing details.

Self -Service: Looking to save money? Want to pack some or all of your goods byyourself? If you are interested in doing your own packing, check out our packing tips.We have free used packing materials available to our customers that choose to pack

themselves.

Packing Supplies Sales and Delivery: We sell new packing materials which can bedelivered to your home or office or can be purchased at our office.

Secure StorageContainerized: With over 50,000 square feet of containerized storage space, we can

provide very competitive rates for short- or long-term storage of your goods.

301.863.5050

wwwwww.move.movewithqualitywithquality.com.comwww.movewithquality.comFFoorr EsEstimates atimates and Mnd Movioving Ting TipspsFor Estimates and Moving Tips

5% OFF Local MovesValid through 12/31/13 (Must present coupon to receive discount)

$15000 OFF Interstate MovesValid through 12/31/13 (Must present coupon to receive discount)

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By Annalise KenneyNaval Air Station Patuxent RiverPublic Affairs Intern

Birds — unmanned aircraft, that is — were testing theirwings on June 21 and 22, when 32 college undergraduate andtalented high school organizationswere challenged to design,integrate, build, and demonstrate an airborne surveillancesystem that would navigate a specified course to locate andidentify hidden visible and radio signal targets on the groundat Webster Field in St. Inigoes, Md.The 11th fly-off of the annual Student Unmanned Air

Systems Competition challenged competitors to constructa radio-controlled model aircraft and outfit it for an autono-mous airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissancemission. Competitors face three challenges: they must pres-ent their aircraft in a journal paper, an oral presentation anda flight demonstration.“This year’s competition was quite a challenge,” said Tim

Piester, president of the SEAFARER Chapter, Association forUnmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the or-ganization which holds the competition every year. “Thanksto the dedication and hard work of supporters, sponsors andvolunteers, this year’s competition was the largest yet. I haveseen a lot of the teams over the years and to have many ofthe newcomers achieve success the first time out is quitean achievement. I congratulate these young folks and see abright future for our unmanned systems community.”AUVSI is the world’s largest nonprofit organization de-

voted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems com-munity. The annual Student UAV Competition began in 2003with Cornell University and North Carolina State University.These two teams continue to lead the competition today, withNorth Carolina State placing second behind Cornell this year.International participation has been a constant since 2004,

with a total of 14 different teams participating to date. Thisyear, teams from Canada, India, Spain, and Turkey addedtheir talents to the mix.Local high school GreatMills also competed in the event, a

tradition since 2009, alongwith four other high school groups.The competition is a three-part challenge. Competitors

must first submit a 20-page journal describing their system’sdesign and the reason behind their design choices. Secondly,a presentation similar to a Flight Readiness Review, includinga system safety overview, developmental test results, evidenceof likely mission accomplishment and a pre-mission brief isfollowed by a short Q&A session with judges.The third and final test is the flight demonstration: stu-

dents must complete a mission route within 30 minutes, fol-lowing stringent altitude requirements, no-fly zones andway-points in their attempt to locate hidden objects. Each targetobject has different characteristics thatmust be captured andidentified, The aircraft has to relay visual information backto the team’s ground control station in order to collect therequired information and provide proof of ability.

“It is amazing to see how the teams interact with eachother from the veterans to the first timers as they discuss thegood, the bad and the ugly that occurred during the events ofcompetition,” Piester said. “The UAS competition forces stu-dents to apply lessons they learn to life’s challenges.”Competition sponsors, led by premier sponsors Northrop

Grumman Corp. and the AUVSI Foundation, awarded a to-tal of $51,600 in prize money. The winners were: (1) CornellUniversity; (2) North Carolina State University; (3) KansasState University - Manhattan; (4) Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity, Daytona Beach, FL; (5) Embry-Riddle Aeronauti-cal University, Prescott, AZ; and (6) Delhi Technological Uni-versity.

11th annual UAS competition challenges students

Courtesy Photo

Participants in the 11th Annual Student Unmanned Air Systems Competition held June 21 and 22 atWebster Outlying Field in St. Inigoes, Md., gather around their radio-controlled designs prior to theflight demonstration portion of the three-part competition. The competition was once again spon-sored by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

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By Patrick GordonNaval District WashingtonWaterline writer

Fun in the sun usually means coolingdown by the water. Whether visiting theocean, a lake, or even a pool, knowing theins and outs of water safety can mean thedifference between a refreshing swim andpotential danger.

“The time period between Memorial Dayand Labor Day has long been called ‘TheCritical Days of Summer’ by the Navy andMarine Corps because during that time pe-riod we see a sharp increase in the numberof off duty deaths and injuries,” said Barba-ra VanDenBerg, regional safety program di-rector. “Sailors and Marines take vacationsand engage in more high risk recreationalactivities than during other periods duringthe year. Water safety is particularly impor-tant — last year half of the non-motor ve-hicle off-duty fatalities were in the water.”

Common sense precautions can of-ten prevent hazards while near the water.George Revoir Jr., Naval Support Activ-ity Washington (NSAW) safety installationprogram director, explained that one of thebasics of water safety is swimming. Know-ing not only how to swim, but you’re physi-cal limits and the conditions of the wateryou’re swimming in can prevent injury ordeath.

“Never swim alone — especially if you’renot familiar with the swimming location,”said Revoir. “This means water depth, typeof currents involved, possibly submergedwater hazards and rip tides. Regarding freshwater swimming locations, personnel arewise to question the water quality before,and make positive it is safe for swimming.Furthermore, unless you’re a fully compe-tent ‘open water’ swimmer you should notswim anywhere where life guards are notposted to help you if you go into distress.”

Revoir added that anyone not sure oftheir swimming abilities should utilizeCoast Guard-approved life jackets, regard-less of age and especially when boating.According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s “2012Recreational Boating Statistics,” in 459 in-stances of drowning as a result of boatingaccidents last year, 379 were cases wherethe victim was not wearing a life jacket.

Revoir said that precaution and pre-paredness are what will keep recreationalswimmers and boaters safe during thesummer months. He recommends settingguidelines for friends and family on whereto swim and when, never allowing childrento swim unattended, and taking CPR certi-fication classes prior to vacation. An impor-tant but often overlooked skill is being ableto identify a drowning victim in the water.

“A lot of people think that a person whois drowning will splash around and yell forhelp. More often than not, this isn’t thecase,” said Edward Lewis, NSAW safety andoccupational health specialist. “Chancesare they’re going to be very quiet, and strug-gling to breathe with their head low in thewater. They may have their eyes closed, ortheir hair blocking their eyes. They typicallywon’t be thrashing, but appear to be climb-ing a ladder or trying to get on their back,often without kicking their legs. If you seethis happening, call for help and render as-sistance immediately.”

By knowing how to stay safe, said Lewis,half the work is done by the time you get tothe water.

“Being prepared is often the best preven-tion, and I think it will keep a lot of peoplesafe this summer,” he said.

For more information on summer safety,visit http://safetycenter.navy.mil.

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U.S. Navy photo by Doug Miller

Remember the dangers of water andpractice good safety sense in andaround water.

Water safety keepsfun afloat for all

Patrol and Reconnaissance Program Of-fice (PMA-290) Program Manager Capt.Scott Dillon, the significance of this pro-gram milestone is that the P-8A was able tolaunch the Harpoon at a target and achievea direct hit.

“As the Navy’s replacement for the P-3Orion, the P-8A Poseidon will be performingmaritime surveillance missions as neededby the operations tempo and the successof this testing evolution brings us one stepcloser to Initial Operational Capability thisfall,” Dillon said. “The test was very suc-cessful and the Harpoon directly hitting thetarget proves the system’s capability andlethality.”

The purpose of this test was to validatethe weapons hardware and software inte-gration. The weapons integration testingthat was achieved last week at Point Mugu

was a culmination for all of the lab devel-opment and integration as well as develop-mental testing over the past year to get onestep closer to fielding an anti-surface war-fare weapon for fleet IOC, said Paul Sheri-dan, the P-8A assistant program managerfor system engineering assigned to PMA-290’s Weapons Systems Integration team.

At the completion of this developmentaltesting, the P-8A will be ready for Harpoonoperational testing to support fleet IOC.

“This live-fire event was made possiblethrough the efforts of teams across NAVAIRincluding PMA-290 and PMA-201 here, inChina Lake and Corona, Calif.,” said Chebi.“The teams continuously meet the chal-lenges placed before them from test-assetpreparations, ground testing, separationtests and the end-to-end live-fire evalu-ation. PMA-201 will continue to supportthe P-8A program and provide solutions tomeet current requirements as well as theintegration of future requirements that willadvance the Navy’s long-range maritimepatrol capability.”

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H H H HTHE RÉSUMÉ EXPERT

n Federal/Civilian/Military Transition Résumés n

n Database Input n Résumé Writing Training n

n KSA’s n Job Search Assistance n

“Mobile Service”

NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATED SVCSH H H Hnn Situation Specific Writing Projects n

Please call Phyllis Houston at 301-574-3956

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As of July 3

Intramural Softball LeagueMonday/Wednesday A DivisionRiver Dawgs 4-0Boozin’ Ballers 3-1Dirty Dogs 2-2Moe’s Tavern 1-2Chiefs 1-2Drunken Clams 0-4

Monday/Wednesday B DivisionPPE 3-0Warlocks 3-1Softballs of Steel 3-1VQ-4 1-2Liberty 1-3VX-1 0-4

Tuesday/Thursday A DivisionTC-7 1-0Hardwood 1-0

A/O 0-0Salty Dogs 1-1Loaded Balls 0-1VX-20 0-1

Tuesday/Thursday B DivisionAviators 2-0It’s Not Cricket 1-0Sons of Pitches 1-0Scared Hitless 0-2Village Idiots 0-2

Intramural Golf LeagueFinal StandingsGoat Locker 8-2NAVAIR 6.8 8-2SADD 6-3-1VX-1 B 6-4PMA-274 4-5-1VX-1 A 3-7FRC 3-7VX-23 1-9

Scoreboard

St Mary’sCounty events:Science of Flight

Friday, 10-11:30 a.m.Leonardtown libraryKids ages 7-12 can learn about the sci-

ence of flight with hands-on activities fo-cusing on the properties and principles ofair, airplane design and weather effects onflight. Free, but registration required at 301-475-2846 or www.stmalib.org.

Beatlemania AgainSaturday, 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.St. Mary’s Ryken Theater, 22600 Camp

Calvert Road, LeonardtownSt. Mary’s Ryken Community Concert

Series presents the National Touring BeatlesStage Show. All seating is general admission;tickets $39. For information or to order tick-ets, call 301-373-4182.

Science of ArchaeologyMonday, 2-3:30 p.m.,Charlotte Hall LibraryWednesday, 2-3:30 p.m.,Lexington Park libraryKids ages 10+ will identify, interpret and

preserve artifacts including excavation of17th-century homestead, seed identifica-tion, and using chemistry to clean artifacts.Free, but registration required at 301-884-2211 or www.stmalib.org.

Genealogy Open LabTuesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Lexington Park libraryAdults will receive help conducting their

genealogical searches particularly using An-cestry.com, Heritage Quest and other freewebsites. Free, but register at 301-863-8188or www.stmalib.org.

Calvert County events:Bay Breeze Concert Series:The Dixie Ramblers

Thursday, concert begins at 7:30 p.m.Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum,4155 Mears Ave., Chesapeake BeachJoinuson the frontporchof theChesapeake

Beach RailwayMuseum for a free concert!

Flag Ponds Kayak TripSaturday, 8 a.m.-noonFlag Ponds Nature Park,1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, LusbyModerately strenuous journey; paddling

experience required. For ages 12 and older.

See Live Sharks at SHARKFEST 2013Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Calvert Marine MuseumSharks are one of the world’smost fascinat-

ing creatures. Live sharks and sturgeon will befeatured in the Corbin Pavilion. The museumwill be full ofhands-onopportunities toexplorethediversityof sharks and their remarkablehis-tory on planet Earth. Regular museum admis-sions applies, CMMmembers are free.

Prince George’s County:Life of the Civil War Soldier

Saturday, noon-4 p.m.Surratt House Museum,9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MDVisitors can meet encampment re-enac-

tors from the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry andparticipate in camp life activities reflectingthe Civil War. This is an outdoor event withfree admission. Also Saturday and Sunday,from noon to 4 p.m., there will be free guid-ed tours of the historic home where guestscan learn of Mary Surratt and her involve-ment in the assassination of President Lin-coln.

Around Town

report is mandated by the Safe DrinkingWater Act and is intended to raise consumerawareness about where their drinking watercomes from, and to help them understandthe process by which safe drinking water isdelivered to their homes and workspaceson the air station. This report is available aton the CAC-enabled My NAVAIR website.Those without a CAC card can request acopy of the report by contacting Lance Mc-Daniel at 301-757-2903 or lance.mcdaniel@navy.mil, or Denise Reichard at 301-757-4953 or denise.reichard@navy.mil

Journey Leadership DevelopmentProgram

Deadline: July 19Naval Air Systems Command military

and DOD civilians can now apply for JLDP,part of NAVAIR’s ongoing commitmentto leadership development. JLDP enablesparticipants to enhance their productivityskills, develop a more robust personal net-work, increase organizational knowledgeand gain opportunities for professionalgrowth and advancement. JLDP is opento DOD civilians GS 9-13 and WG 9-13 —salary equivalent to GS-09/4 for other paybands— andmilitary E-4 to E-6 and O1-O3.Visit the CAC-enabled My NAVAIR websiteunder Career Development.

DAV Assistance on BaseThursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Fleet and Family Support CenterEach Thursday, members of the Disabled

American Veterans St. Mary’s Chapter #26are at the Fleet and Family Support Centerto assist active-duty military and veterans incompleting Veterans Administration formsfor obtain VA benefits. Call the FFSC at 301-342-4911 to schedule an appointment.

Navy 311 At Your ServiceGot a question? Get an answer. NAVY 311

is a single point of entry to access help desksupport across the Navy — and no topicis off limits. Ask NAVY 311 about systems,equipment, training, facilities, career, in-formation technology, medical, logisticsandmore. Whether you’re at sea, in port, onduty or liberty, NAVY 311 is available 24/7.Call 855-NAVY-311 (1-855-628-9311), visitwww.Navy311.navy.mil or email Navy311@navy.mil.

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

Gnorman the gnome. Be the first to call in hislocation and receive one Center Stage The-ater movie ticket; good for any Center Stagemovie. The same person cannot win morethan once a month. Calls are only acceptedbetween 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fridays. Call theTester staff at 301-342-4163. No one phonedin Gnorman’s location last Friday.

Off base:Free Summer Food Program

St. Mary’s County participates in SummerFood Program. Free lunch is available to allchildren up to age 18 regardless of race, color,national origin, sex, or disability. Meals areprovided from 11 a.m. to noon, until Aug. 1,at Lexington Park Elementary and GeorgeW.Carver Elementary. Contact L. Michael Jonesat 301-475-4256, extension 5.

Down and Dirty Mud RunJuly 21Bowie, Md.Down and Dirty is an obstacle-climbing,

trail-blasting race that pushes contestantsto their limits. There are two courses withmore than 20 obstacles, along with a post-race meal and expo for family and friends.Visit www.downanddirtymudrun and enterdiscount code 10MILDD2013.

St. Mary’s County Summer CampsSpace remains available for the 2013

Summer Camps. St. Mary’s County Recre-ation and Parks offers a variety of full andhalf-day summer camps for children andyouths ages 3½-12 at locations around thecounty. Parents can register their childrenonline at www.stmarysmd.com and clickRecreate, in person at the Recreation andParks office in Leonardtown or by mail toP.O. Box 653 Leonardtown, MD 20650. Call301-475-4200 extension 1800 or 1801.

Volunteer opportunities:Pax Natural Resources Division

Volunteers are needed to assist withDiamondback Terrapin nesting surveys onbase. Volunteers receive training on howto conduct nest surveys, collect morpho-metric data from nesting females and eggs,mark adult turtles and protect nests frompredators. The project runs through earlyfall. For more information and to sign up,contact Sarah Funck at 301-757-0001 or atsarah.funck@navy.mil.

NEWS BRIEFSContinued from 3

year, but that can increase if there’s a newproject ornewaircraft to test, saidGirdlestone.

The catapult operation is crucial to PaxRiver’s mission of flight test and evaluation.

“The TC-7 provides a ship representativecatapult launch environment to evaluateaircraft modifications, avionics upgradesand ordnance prior to their operational em-ployment,” explained Andy Krohn, branch

head with Fixed Wing Ship Suitability. “TheTC-7 helps to identify test item deficienciesearly, ensuring the warfighter gets a solidproduct.”

To date, steam has been the standard forpowering catapults on aircraft carriers formore than 50 years and the Pax River facil-ity has launched every carrier-based, fixed-wing aircraft developed since the 1950s,thereby earning the catapult site eligibilityfor the National Register of Historic Placesin recognition of its nationally significantrole in naval aircraft testing.

CATAPULTContinued from 2

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