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Vol. 65 No. 1 Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Taking a Look Back
- 2008 Was a Year Filled with Tragic Lows and Eventful Hi hs
Editor's Note: "It was the best of trek to Pensacola for
times. It was the worst of times." financial assistance.
Dickens' quote seems an appropriate January 11, 2008 -
way to describe 2008. Bidding fare- Cmdr. Maureen Mag-
well to Maj. David Yaggy and 1st Lt. nan stepped into the
Alexander Prezioso, whose lives were top spot as the com-
tragically cut short in a T-34C aircraft manding officer of Re-
accident in March, and seeing long- serve Training Squad-
time Whiting Field community liaison ron-SIXAugmentation
Marty Martin pass away just a few Unit. She relieved Lt.
short months following his February Col. Robert Gadjo
retirement certainly qualifies as the during change of com-
worst. But it was also a year in which mand ceremonies Fri-
the base celebrated 65 years of service day Jan. 11, at the base Naval Air Station Whiting Field Commanding Officer Capt. En-
to country, continued to enhance the auditorium on Naval rique Sadsad, Santa Rosa County Commissioner John Broxson and
here, Air Station Whiting Training Air Wing-FIVE Commanding Officer Capt. David Malo-
uay training and abilities ney cut the cake celebrating Naval Air Station Whiting Field's 65th
and welcomed home safe and sound Field. Anniversary July 16, 2008. The base held the simple ceremony,
many of our Sailors serving overseas. February 23, 2008 attended by several local dignitaries, to mark the occasion, but the
As we move forward into the new year, David Archer, a PRI/ public event was Oct. 25 when the base provided musical enter-
let us take a moment to remember DJI employee at the tainment, more than 30 static displays, food and drink vendors and
displays of military equipment. More than 2,500 people attended
some of the significant events from base won the local the festivities. U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
2008. Nashville Star event. Norfolk.
January 11, 2008 The Navy and Military bases across the country held March 20, 2008 NAS Whiting Field
Marine Corps Relief Society begins talent contests to nominate talented and TRAWING-5 held a memorial ser-
providing full services to personnel Sailors, contractors, family members vice to honor the memory of Maj. David
at Whiting Field. This eliminated the or civilian employees to compete in Yaggy and 2nd Lt. Alexander Prezioso
need for service members to make the the all-military Nashville Star event at (Cont. on Page 5)
CNRSE to Change Commanding Officers
By MC2(AW/SW) Marcel A. Barbeau, Navy Region October 2007. He guided its emergency management efforts
Southeast Public Affairs to unprecedented levels of operational excellence during
Rear Adm. Townsend G. "Tim" Alexander will re- hurricanes Gustav, Hanna, and Ike, making CNRSE one of
lieve Rear Adm. Michael C. Vitale as Commander, Navy Re- the Navy's leaders in hurricane preparedness and post-disas-
gion Southeast (CNRSE), during a ceremony Jan. 9 aboard ter support.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The 1977 University of Louisville graduate spearheaded the
Alexander will take over a command that leads formation of the Commander, Navy Installations Command
shore installation management support and execution for 21 (CNIC) Air Operations Cross-Functional Team to identify
installations within the Southeastern United States and parts
of the Caribbean specifically Naval Station Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba, and Naval Activity Roosevelt Roads, Puerto
Rico with a budget of more than $850 million.
Vitale has commanded Navy Region Southeast since
major stakeholders and create a single process owner for
shore-based air operations, bringing organizational align-
ment between resource sponsors, CNIC, and all major avia-
tion stakeholders.
(Cont. on Page 4)
News and Notes
Vet Visit The Veterinarian will be at NAS Whiting Field on
Thurs, Jan. 8 Appoints need to be made through NAS Pensacola
at 452-3530. If you purchase a full-years supply of heart worm
and flea medication, you will receive a 20% discount.
Slipknot World Tour After laying waste to stages all over
the world, the Nine are coming to Pensacola for one incredible
night Feb. 19! Local fans can celebrate the grammy award win-
ning band's first headline tour since the release of the smash album
"All Hope is Gone." This tour also marks the 10-year anniversary
of Slipknot's debut album. Adding to the chaos will be Coheed
and Cambria and Trivium. Tickets go on sale Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.
for $45 general admission floor seating and $39.50 for reserved
seating. Tickets are abailable at the Pensacola Civic Center Box
Office, ticketmaster outlests or charge by phone at 850-434-7444.
Book Swap Do you have books and not sure what to do with
them when you are done reading? Balfour Beatty will hold our
first BOOK SWAP in January! January 15th Drop off your
books and receive a coupon for each book you donate. Drop off
time will begin at 1600 to 1900. January 16th Community Cen-
ter (509 B Cougar Circle) will be open at 1000 to 1200 to receive
additional books. At 1300 the doors again will open so you can ex-
change the coupons for books of your choice. This is a first come
and no books will be held. January 17th The Community Cen-
ter doors will unlock at 1000 and again you can exchange coupons
for books. The doors will be locked at 1300. Remaining books
will be donated to a local charity. Contact Teresa Morrell, Balfour
Beatty Communities at 850-456-3120 or 850-456-3111 for details.
Celtic Woman The international Irish music phenomenon,
Celtic Woman, will play at the Pensacola Civic Center April 3,
2009. Last year's hit show earned the ladies hundreds of new lo-
cal fans and this concert promises to be even better! Tickets are
on sale now for $63 and $43 at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at
434-7444 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Seedling Give-Aways Officials with the Florida Division of
Forestry, in conjunction with the USDA-Natural Resources Con-
servation Service, Three Rivers RC&D, and Blackwater Soil and
Water Conservation District, providing free tree seedlings Thurs-
I" IIIVlllE r II VVl aI nll"1 %) VVl IJJ
LT Jimmy Hiers is promoted to Lt. Cmdr. Dec. 18. Col. Scott Walsh,
Commodore Training Air Wing-FIVE and Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Barker
pin his collar devices to designate his new rank. U. S. Navy photo
courtesy of Training Air Wing-FIVE.
Iv1uvng vllwnwau allu upwalu
LCDR Shawn Dominguez received the Meritorious Service Meda
from his previous command Commander Patrol and Reconnais-
sance Force Fifth and Seventh Fleet while serving as Assistant Chie
of Staff of Operations, Bahrain Det in support of Operations Endur-
ing and Iraqi Freedom and Maritime Security Operations. Training
Air Wing-FIVE Commodore, Col. Scott Walsh presents the award to
Dominguez. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Training Air Wing-FIVE.
day, January, 15th, in celebration of Arbor Day. The event wil
be held at the Big Kmart parking lot, located at 6050 Hwy. 90,
from 9 a.m. until all seedlings are distributed. The giveaway will
be on a first come, first-served basis, and there is a limit of 4 pre-
bagged trees per person/family. Seedlings which may be given
away include: Flowering Dogwood, Southern Crabapple, Live
Oak, American Plum, and Redbud. For further information, con-
tact Wesley at 850-983-5310.
MWR Intramurals The 2009 Captain's Cup Season is about
to begin! Basketball Season will begin Jan. 13 and Soccer will
follow the week after. Anyone interested in playing one or both
sports please get with your Squad/Dept. Rep. Players who are not
sure who their representative is should call or email Todd Mooney-
ham, 623-7502 ext 23 / todd.mooneyham@navy.mil. Basketball
will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 1700, 1800,
and 1900. Soccer will be on Monday and Wednesday evenings at
1700, 1800, and 1900. Athletes interested in playing and without
a Squad/Dept team may also contact Mooneyham to be placed on
another team. The Soccer meeting will be held Wednesday Jan.
14, in the Basketball gym at 1300.
Pensacola Little Theater's Blue Plate Special "The
Pensacola Little theatre's Studio 400 production of "Della's Diner:
Blue Plate Special" will be performed 8 p.m. Jan.8-10 and 16-17;
and 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 18. The musical-comedy is an hilarious
cross between country music and a soap-opera. Tickets are $12 for
cafe seating and $8 for general admission. The theatre is located at
400 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola. Call 434-0257 for details.
Professional Bull Riding The Professional Bull Riders tour
will stop at the Pensacola Civic Center Jan. 9-10 to match the top
bull riders in the country against the best bucking bulls. Shows
begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $40, $20 and $10 in advance.
See www.pensacolaciviccenter.com for more details.
Pensacola Beach Fun Run The race will begin at the Hil-
ton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front at 8 a.m. Jan. 17. The post race
party and awards will follow at Capt'n Fun's Beach Club. Register
online through www.active.com or by calling 450-6212.
Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Credit Management Check at 623-7177 for dates and times.
The average American family has nine credit cards (1996 American Express Survey); three or four of those are used regularly; the aver-
age total balance on those cards is $3,900 at the interest rate of 18%. Attend this class to find out ways to better manage your credit.
Class will be held in the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Ten Steps to a Federal Job.
Attend this class in order to learn how to prepare the best application possible. You will learn how to read an announcement, analyze
core competencies for language, analyze vacancy listings for keywords, and how to apply forjobs. Class will be held at the FFSC con-
ference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
How to Survive the Holidays Financially
It's that time of year when stores display holiday decorations, increase their inventory, and gear up to convince you to spend money.
This training will provide the class with information, tools, and ideas necessary to develop a holiday spending plan. Class will be held
in the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Time Management
At the end of the day, do you ask yourself "where did the day go?" and feel like you have accomplished very little on your list of "things
to do?" The information provided will empower you with tools that will help you make the most of your busy and demanding days.
Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Smooth Move
The goal of this training module is to provide relocating service members and their families, due to reassignment or transition within
the Continental United States (CONUS), with a systematic and simplified process for ensuring a smooth move. By consolidating key
information and resources, an excellent forum is established that allows participants to receive professional information and receive im-
mediate responses to their specific concerns. For more information, call 623-7177.
BBB Offers Tips
Pensacola, Fla. (December 29, 2008) -
Complaints received by your Better Busi-
ness Bureau for fitness clubs increased
more than 90 percent between 2002 and
2007. The most common complaints fo-
cus on two related areas: contract disputes
and billing issues. BBB also saw a rise in
complaints about centers that collected
advance membership payments, only to
go out of business shortly thereafter.
"This time of year, many people
see and feel the after-effects of those hol-
iday parties and big meals and resolve to
join a gym and lose weight," said Nor-
man Wright, president and CEO of your
BBB serving northwest Florida.
BBB offers advice to help you
choose a fitness facility that best meets
your needs.
Start With Trust. You can start
with bbb.org to find a list of BBB Ac-
credited fitness clubs in your area and
can find out what kind of a track record
the business has for keeping customers
for Considering Fitness Options
satisfied.
Determine your fitness goals.
What are your fitness goals (build endur-
ance, increase strength, become a better
tennis player?) and how will you accom-
plish them (swimming, weight-training,
yoga?). Considering these issues in ad-
vance will help you select the best facil-
ity for your needs.
Consider your budget. Most fa-
cilities charge an up-front membership
fee and a monthly fee thereafter. What
can you comfortably afford to spend?
Check it out. Visit several clubs
at times that you plan to exercise to see
how crowded they are. Do the facilities
offer the equipment, classes, amenities
(child care, personal trainers) and hours
of operation you want?
Ask around. Check with friends
and family for recommendations. And
when visiting fitness clubs, ask current
members about their experiences?
Don't give in to pressure. Many
clubs offer "New Year's specials;" walk
away from pressure to sign a contract on
the spot. Take a contract home to read
thoroughly.
Read the entire contract. Does
it list all services and facilities and the
hours of operation? Is everything that
the salesperson promised in the contract?
What's included in the monthly fee and
what costs extra? What's the total cost
and payment schedule, including enroll-
ment fees and finance charges?
Know the membership details.
How long is the membership term? Is
there an automatic renewal? Can you go
month-to-month? What are your cancel-
lation rights if you move, are injured or
the club closes or is taken over by new
management? Will the unused portion
of your membership be refunded? If so,
how and when? These details should all
be in the contract.
For additional information and
advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.
VITA Volunteers Sought to Help with Taxes
For more than 10 years, the Vol-
unteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
program has assisted active duty, de-
pendents, and retirees in filing their
federal and state income taxes. Last
year alone, more than 73,000 income
tax returns were filed, saving individu-
als over $9,100,000 in commercial tax
preparation fees. The VITA program
also provides faster refunds than mail-
ing paper returns, with an error rate of
less than 1% paper filers have a 15%
error rate.
The success of the VITA pro-
gram is based on its name Volunteer!
Without the outstanding individuals
who have volunteered over the years,
the program could not have achieved
its great success. This year, we are
seeking not only assistance from the
active duty personnel, but also from
dependant and civilian personnel.
If you would like to assist in this
program, your volunteer time would be
greatly appreciated by all those seeking
VITA help. Tax preparation classroom
training will be conducted by an IRS
representative the week of 12 January
for 2-3 days. All volunteers must be
certified by the IRS to assist with this
program. Volunteer schedules can be
as flexible as you require a minimum
of a 2 hour block to a maximum of all
day. The tax season runs from mid-
January to mid-April.
VITA is a great program with a
proven success rate!! Volunteers earn
great appreciation from those sailors
and family members and those in the
retiree community who seek assis-
tance in filing their income taxes.
To sign up as a volunteer, or
to obtain more information regarding
the VITA program, please contact Bill
Brock at 623-7231. Working together
to assist fellow servicemembers in a
proven program makes volunteering
much more meaningful!!
CNRSE Change of Command
(Cont. from Page 1)
Vitale also execut-
ed an integrated en-
croachment plan to
serve as the bench-
mark for enterprise-
wide programs, in-
cluding installation
liaison officers and
regional encroach-
ment teams. He se-
Scured Department of
Defense encroach-
ment buffering funds
and established
strong partnerships
with local communi-
Rear Adm. Townsend Alexander ties. Vitale brought
solutions to installation challenges and stood as the model
for innovative practices, which realized significant savings,
promoted enhanced operational oversight, and supported the
fleet, fighter, and family.
Rear Adm. Vitale has been selected for promotion to
vice admiral and his next assignment will be as Commander,
Navy Installations Command in Washington D.C.
Rear Adm. Alexander comes to Navy Region South-
east from his current position as Commander, Navy Region
Hawaii, and Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pa-
cific, positions he has held since August 2006.
He graduated from the University of Colorado in
1978, and was commissioned an ensign after completion of
Aviation Officer Candidate School in March 1981. His op-
erational assignments included the Sea Snakes of Helicopter
Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 33, three tours with
the HSL-46 Grand-
masters, and the am-
phibious assault ship
USS Nassau (LHA
4). Alexander served
in a variety of billets,
including detach-
ment maintenance
officer and officer
in charge, squad-
ron Naval aviation
training and operat-
ing procedures stan-
dardization officer,
quality assurance
officer, operations
officer, maintenance Rear Adm. Michael Vitale
officer, executive officer and commanding officer. H e
served as air boss aboard Nassau during operations Noble
Anvil and Allied Force in 1999.
Shore assignments for Alexander included the Air
Wolves of HSL-40, the Naval War College, Chief of Naval
Operations staff, the Joint Staff, and Naval Base Coronado.
During these tours, he served as quality assurance officer
and instructor pilot, flag aide, aviation programs analyst, di-
vision chief, and commanding officer.
Alexander holds a Master of Arts degree from the
Naval War College and he attended the Armed Forces Staff
College in 1998. He was recognized by the Naval Helicop-
ter Association as a member of the 1993 Aircrew of the Year
(Embarked) and, in 1989, he received the Rear Adm. Allan
G. Paulson award for inspirational leadership from Com-
mander, Helicopter Sea Control Wing 3.
2008 Review
(Cont. from Page 1)
at Naval Air Station Pensacola's Naval Aviation Chapel.
The two pilots died in a T-34C aircraft accident March 14.
Prezioso's family were presented his posthumous "Wings
of Gold" and 1st Lt. bars.
April 4, 2008 1st Lt. Adrian Anthony R. Evangelista re-
ceived his aviator's "Wings of Gold" becoming the first
U.S. Marine Corps pilot in the history of the Northern Mar-
Gianas archipelago.
HOED OF TH
WHriNG PUPI May 2, 2008 A full-house greeted the reopening of Aces
Pub following a short closure for some minor renovations
and redecorating. Folks from every tenant command, as
well as the base, joined together to enjoy the good food and
drink provided for the event.
May 15, 2008 Naval Air Station Whiting Field held a Ho-
Naval Air Station Whiting Field Commanding Officer Capt. Enrique locaust Remembrance event at the base auditorium. Wanda
Sadsad authorized the conversion of one of the old softball fields on the Walensky, a Holocaust survivor, told her powerful story to
base to a dog park. Family members and retirees around the base re- a silent audience of Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast
quested the facility to provide a safe location to play with and walk their Guard en
pets. Personnel from Public Works department converted the field, se- Muardsmen.
curing and lengthening sections of the fence, installing a water station, May 30, 2008 DC2 Chad Simon, and Cmdr. Edwin Taylor
constructing dog security gates and more. The facility was completed in spoke about their tours in Iraq as part of the Santa Rosa
June and called Wiggly Field. U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope. County Chamber of Commerce monthly Horizons break-
fast and a Military Appreciation Month recognition.
June 19, 2008 Cmdr. Christopher Heaney assumed command of Helicopter Training Squadron- EIGHT from Cmdr. Kevin
Kropp during a change of command ceremony at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla.
June 2008 Crash Division develops and begins using a physical training course, modeled roughly off the concept of the
firefighter challenges held across the country. The team created a course that tests physical endurance, the ability to work
together on a task, and enhances skills the team members could likely experience in the performance of theirjobs.
July 2, 2008 Cmdr. Nathan Schneider turned over the responsibility for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training
(CNATT) Detachment Milton, Fla. to Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey Chown, during a Change of Charge ceremony at the center.
July 3, 2008 Commander, Training Wing-FIVE bid "Fair Winds and Following Seas" to their Chief of Staff Cmdr. Kevin
Hogan, who retired following a 27-year Naval career.
July 16, 2008 NASWF celebrated 65 years of naval aviation training with a simple cake cutting ceremony. Santa Rosa
County Commissioners Bob Cole and Don Salterjoined the base in recognizing the aniniversary.
July 17, 2008 Lt. Col. Clay Stackhouse relieved Cmdr. John
McLain as commanding officer of Helicopter Training Squadron-
28 during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Aviation
Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Capt. David Maloney,
Training Air Wing-5 Commodore served as the guest speaker and
presiding officer for the event. McLain supervised the establish-
ment of the fledgling squadron in May 2007, and his leadership
brought the squadron to full operational readiness, even seeing
the "Hellions" earn a grade of Outstanding during their first op-
erational readiness evaluation. The unit flew more than 15,000
mishap free hours during his year in command
August 2008 The FFSC at Naval Air Station Whiting Field dis-
covered a way to help flight students enhance their study skills
and during the course of the past year, FFSC has helped reduce Fire and security personnel from NavalAir Station Whiting Field
the attrition of flight students in the program. This success has coordinated with local police, fire and rescue personnel to host
made a believer out of Training Air Wing-FIVE (CTW-5) and the the 10th annual Fire and Crime Safety Night Out. More than
300 base personnel and family members attended the event to see
primary flight squadrons on the base. Laura McLaughlin, the Edu- police and safety demonstrations; a fire safety puppet show; a pa-
cational Training Specialist for the site, devised a program to teach rade of fire, police and emergency service vehicles; obtain safety
(Cont. on Page 6) literature and more. U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
2008 Year in Review
(Cont. from Page 5)
students stress management and study skills that help them Field (NASWF), flew more than 58,000 flight hours under
better manage the intense regimen of Primary Flight Train- Marshall's leadership. Chief of Naval Air Training recog-
ing. Using existing classes, she tailored the syllabus to refl nized the squadron with their annual Training Excellence
ect tasks the students would actually encounter during their Award, which identifies the best overall primary training
training. squadron in the Navy and the Vice Adm. Robert Goldthwaite
September 6, 2008 Elmo, Grover, Rosita, Zoe and Cook- Award for the premiere aviation training squadron.
ie Monster capered around the stage, singing and dancing October 25, 2008 Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NAS-
their way into the hearts of Naval Air Station Whiting Field WF) marked their 65th Anniversary with music, games,
children Sept. 6. The two shows presented at the base re- military displays and more. The festival gave the base an
sulted from a collaboration between Sesame Workshop and opportunity to say "thanks" to the residents of Santa Rosa
the United Service Organization County who supported the
(USO). More than 500 tickets base through its long history.
were issued for the traveling More than 2,500 people at-
show which offered an entertain- tended the event.
ing lesson on how young people November 2008 Lt. Cmdr.
can deal with the effects of mili- Rob Young surpassed 7,000
tary deployments. Many of the flight hours. Young has flown
songs by the characters dealt with the Marines, National
with parents being away and how Guard, and Coast Guard dur-
to stay in touch. ing his 27-year military ca-
September 11, 2008 Naval Air reer.
Station Whiting Field (NASWF) November 7, 2008 Com-
held a remembrance ceremony mand Master Chief Joseph
to honor the sacrifices of the vic- ne o t e true treasures o ava ir tat on ig e Vukovcan put an end to his
service members is the marina on the Blackwater River. Retirees, ear Naval i
service personnel and their families are able to rent recreational
ers on the fateful morning seven equipment to fish, swim, ski, or have other types of fun on the water. Nov. 7 during his retirement
years ago. The commemoration The facility expanded its capabilities in 2008 with new campers for ceremony at Naval Air Sta-
and the dropping of the flag to rent, two new picnic areas for families, additional boats for rent, tion Whiting Field, but his
half staff provided the base per- and even held two major parties a spring Cajun themed picnic and service to the base, Navy and
a fall southern barbecue.
sonnel an opportunity to recall a fl south b country continued with his
the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and to rededicate their promise selection as the Morale Welfare and Recreation Department
to "Never Forget!" manager.
September 19, 2008 Marine Col. John Walsh relieved November 21, 2008 Army Veteran and Medal of Honor
Capt. David Maloney, Commodore of Training Air Wing- recipient Leonard B. Keller appeared humble and almost
FIVE during a change of command ceremony at the Naval embarrassed by the accolades accorded to him as Naval Air
Air Station Whiting Field auditorium at 11 a.m. More than Station Whiting Field gathered to bid him "Fair Winds and
300 staff members, special guests, community leaders, and Following Seas." Keller split time during the past 15 years at
family crowded the auditorium to witness the event. both Naval Air Station Pensacola and Whiting Field working
October 9, 2008 Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field as a supply technician, ensuring parts, materials and equip-
along with police, fire, and emergency service elements from ment were available for the various squadrons on the bases.
the local community hosted their 1 1th annual Fire and Crime December 8, 2008 For the 17th consecutive year, Naval
Prevention Fair. The event was held in conjunction with Na- Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field has achieved designation
tional Fire Safety Week which runs Oct. 5-11. More than from the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA
350 people attended the event which featured educational for its dedication to conservation and urban renewal. The
and fun activities to teach base personnel and their families base planted a live oak tree to recognize its completion of the
about fire and crime safety. requirements and to celebrate the accomplishment.
October 9, 2008 Cmdr. Warren Lipscomb, III relieved December 19, 2008 Cmdr. John Considine turned over
Cmdr. Geoffrey Marshall as the 47th commanding officer command of Training Squadron-SIX (VT-6) to Lt. Col. Ja-
of Training Squadron-TWO (VT-2) Thursday at the Naval vier Ball Friday, Dec. 19 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The high- Ball assumes the top spot of the squadron as the 48th com-
ly-decorated squadron, based at Naval Air Station Whiting manding officer.
Campa Credits Education, Deckplate Leadership with Success
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Comerford,
Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Master Chief Petty Officer of the
Navy (MCPON) has emphasized the importance of good lead-
ership and education during his tenure and the Navy's senior
enlisted Sailor.
While reflecting on the multiple accomplishments of the
past two years strengthening deckplate te leadership, retention
and diversity in the Navy, MCPON Joe R. Campa, Jr. humbly
summed up his legacy.
"If there is anything I want to be remembered for, it is
being remembered as a good Chief." Campa said. "That is one of
the highest compliments a Chief can attain."
Campa uses his own Navy career as an example of how
education can open the path to success. He wasn't always sure he
wanted to join the Navy, but he knew he would be in the military.
"My father served in the Army during the Korean War,
and my uncle was a Marine during Vietnam. I think the seed was
planted with those two pushing me towards military service,"
said Campa, a native of Lynnwood, Calif. "I thought about both
of those branches of service until I met a Navy recruiter."
The recruiter changed Campa's perspective and his life.
"The Navy recruiter had such a passion for going to sea
and for serving our nation that it made me want to be part of this
Your Flight to Financial Freedom
For: Service Members & Spouses
When: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Where: Eglin Officer's Club
Why Attend? The Wing Commander and DoO are co-sponsorin a
daylong Financial Readiness Roadshow aimed at helping you and your
family strengthen your financial circumstances and learn important
ways to take control of your finances. Some highlights
* A presentation on the fastest growing crime in the military ent
Mtft. Learn how to safeguard your personal information and protect
your family.
* A fact-flled and entertaining presentation on maintaining a positive
gdit rport, which is so important for your military career.
* A thought-provoking speech by the Keynote, Jordan Goodani,
America's Money Answers Man and nationally reconized financial
expert. Author of 11 best-selling books on personal finance, Mr.
Goodman also appears frequently on NBCs The Today Show, PBS,
SNBC, CNN, CNBC, and Fox.
* A practical, hands-on presentation on mma in dbt and savin
SFr. private face-to-face counseling sessions with Personal
Financial Counselors and Turbo Tap Counselors on hand to develop
individualized transition plans.
ordan Goodman,
Keynote Speaker
Plan. Save.
Invest
Learn how to
protect your
family from
identity theft,
tips on how to
maintain a
positive credit
report, reduce
debt and
more!
Doors Open at 0730 and the program starts at 0800.
Retgster at: httrllrwwmi.itrvhomefront.d.mU rviclonfemnc
Questions? Eglin: 850-882-9060: Hurltrwt: 850-884-5441: Whiting: 850-623-7177
Tyndall: 850-283-4204
Master Chiet Petty Officer of the INavy (MCPUIN) Joe K. Camp Jr.
speaks with Navy Recruiters at the Navy Recruiting Station, Alame-
da. MCPON visited three recruiting stations and met with more than
fifty recruiters in the area. U. S. Navy file photo.
organization," Campa said. "I don't remember the programs he
talked about but I remember the stories he told about being
on board a ship, the places that he had visited and how much he
missed being in the fleet. The way he spoke about those things
told me that this organization was something special."
Campa, like many Sailors at the time, came into the
Navy having never finished high school.
"I don't think at first that it had that much impact on
me," Campa said. "I didn't start out as a hospital corpsman, I
started out as a deck seaman. The first six or seven months I was
in, I was learning as much as I could about the Navy and the ship.
But I knew in the back of my mind that if I wanted to do more, I
would have to take that step and finish [my degree]."
Campa then went on to get his GED and started taking
college courses.
"Throughout my career when the opportunity presented
itself, I would take a class," Campa said. "At first it was just
to improve my leadership writing classes, public speaking
- those abilities that would complement my ability as a leader
and as a corpsman. I came to a point where I had taken several of
these classes, and I thought of shaping them into a degree."
Campa received his bachelor of science degree from
Excelsior years later while attending the U.S. Army Sergeants
Major Academy. All services send senior enlisted to one another's
leadership schools.
He took his willingness to learn further, going to the
Naval War College. He graduated with a master of science and
strategic studies.
"It is a very challenging program," Campa said of the
year-long in-residence course of study.
The MCPON's first mentor is tied closely with his vi-
sion of what a leader should exemplify deckplate leadership.
"My first chief had a big impact on me. I still look at
what he did," Campa said. "When he spoke, he spoke with such
credibility because he had such a strong knowledge of his ship,
his rate and the people that he led; that inspired me to want to do
well for him. He planted some seeds but I have been fortunate
throughout my career to have good, strong, deckplate leaders
-- those who kept their focus on the people and measured their
(Cont. on Page 8)
Campa Credits Education
(Cont. from Page 7)
success through them.
"That is what I tried to bring back with deckplate leader-
ship. That kind of leadership is traditional of the chiefs' mess and
critical to our people and our Navy."
He added that he does not get excited when meeting
someone, famous or not, but there was one exception to the rule,
MCPON Delbert D. Black.
"I was getting ready to go to my first command mas-
ter chief tour, and I was stationed in Great Lakes. The region
master chief, Chief of Naval Operations-directed Master Chief
(CNOCM) Duffy Merril, invited my wife and me to have dinner
at his home. When we got there, he had a surprise for us; the first
MCPON and his wife, Ima, were both there.
"I had read stories about him throughout my career.
To listen to him talk about our Navy and the events that helped
shape it was inspiring. I realized that what he was telling me was
not just about things he saw, he was passing down a little bit of
our Navy's history from one generation of chiefs to the next.
He walked me out to my car, shook my hand and told me not to
forget who raised me in the Navy and who I worked for.
"It was one of the most memorable evenings of my
career."
Campa feels every Sailor should have a sense of the his-
tory of the Navy.
"Every Sailor should know where he comes from,"
Campa said. "They need to have a grasp of the organization they
belong to. I don't believe any leader can be effective if you don't
understand who you are, what you do and where that came from."
And while he agrees that chiefs should be knowledge-
able, the MCPON doesn't think that degrees are the answer to
whether a chief is suitable to be promoted.
"Some people felt very strongly about chiefs having
degrees in order to advance," Campa said. "In a time of war and
looking at who would be disadvantaged our seagoing rates
and those rates that we use the most on the ground it wasn't
feasible to do that."
The new chief's evaluation still measures professional
growth and education, Campa explained. The measurement is not
just college education, but different kinds of education and train-
ing which makes the determination fair.
The new evaluation is something Campa thinks was
long overdue.
"We developed the [chief petty officer] mission, vision
and guiding principles shortly after I became MCPON. It goes to
the heart of the services a chief should always provide, no matter
what job title. Guiding principles serve as the foundation to who
[the chiefs] are.
"You never stop being the chief. I felt there was a better
way to align what we are evaluating our CPOs on and what is
expected of them as chiefs."
Campa believes being the first Hispanic master chief
petty officer of the Navy is a classic example of the Navy's diver-
sity.
"No matter what your background, what you look like,
what the color of your skin is, the opportunities that you have in
the Navy and how far you can go in this organization are based
on your abilities," Campa said. "I don't think there is a person in
the Navy today that feels that they have to sacrifice their culture
or heritage to be part of this organization."
Whether a Sailor knows it or not, they are role models
for someone.
"Being a Hispanic MCPON, or even being a Hispanic
chief or first class petty officer, there are some folks that are go-
ing to share your heritage," Campa said. "Whether you realize
it or not, those that share your heritage will look to you as a role
model. With that comes the responsibility to give back to that
community. You do that by sharing the understanding of their
culture."
Throughout his 27 years of service the MCPON has
seen many changes. The largest change he thinks is the Homeport
Ashore Program.
"It's probably the biggest quality-of-life initiative since I
have been in the Navy," Campa said. "We are taking those Sailors
off the ship and giving them a room in the barracks when they are
not out at sea. It is a huge cultural shift. There were a lot of folk
in the Navy that didn't believe we should do this, they felt if liv-
ing on ship was good enough for them, it should be good enough
for new Sailors. But it was the right thing to do; it was critical.
"This has nothing to do with coddling a Sailor. If you
look at what an E-4 and below Sailor on ship receives as a living
space and the amount of privacy they have, then look at what our
counterparts in the other services have, there is a huge difference.
This just brings us back on par with the rest of the services."
While Campa sees improving the quality of life will help
retention, he believes that the best retention tools are inside of
each naval leader.
"Give your Sailors a sense of accomplishment," Campa
said. "We see it happening all over the fleet. Good leadership
sets their Sailors up for success and takes a genuine interest in
the growth and development of their Sailors. There isn't anything
that a well-led Sailor will not do for our Navy and our country."
Campa knows whoever will be taking over as MCPON
will have their own style.
"They are going to have to do it their way," Campa said.
"I think we have a lot of great candidates out there as long as they
keep the Sailors and their families as the focus, I think they will
A- C 1"
A welcome tJ1Il
Cmdr. Lynn Chapman and RP1 Andrea Tate receive a check for the Reli-
gious Offering Fund from the Whiting Field GolfAssociation. U.S. Navy
photo by Jay Cope.
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