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Vol. 65 No. 7 Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Kennedy Passes Command of HT-18 to Murray


Cmdr. Mark
Murray will relieve
Lt. Col. James Kenne-
dy as the commanding
officer of Helicopter
Training Squadron
EIGHTEEN (HT-18)
Thursday, Feb. 19 at
11 a.m. in the Naval
Air Station Whiting
Field auditorium.
The change
of command ceremo-
ny is a time-honored Lt. Col. James Kennedy
tradition that provides
the assembled unit the opportunity to syllal
witness the transfer of authority from Navy
one officer to another. Passing the Allie
command from a Marine to a Navy comr
officer is uncommon in military com- the u
mands, but is the standard for HT-18 mish


and Murray will turn
over command to Lt.
Col. Shawn Coakley
following his tour as
commanding officer
of the squadron.
During Ken-
nedy's 23-month
tenure as executive
officer and then com-
manding officer, the
Vigilant Eagles flew
more than 47,000
flight hours, com- Cmdr. Mark Murray
pleted in excess of 25,500
bus events, and designated 429 Award.
r, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Ke
d Aviators. While he served as proximatel:
nanding officer of the squadron, in Hawaii.
nit surpassed 1,115,000 Class "A" Whiting Fi
ap-free flight hours a milestone


which encompasses
more than 37 years.
Kennedy's leadership
inspired the squadron
to unprecedented suc-
cess, earning the 2007
Vice Admiral Robert
Goldthwaite and Chief
of Naval Air Training
Awards for Training
Excellence, the 2007
Chief of Naval Opera-
tions Safety Award and
the 2007 Admiral John
H. Towers Flight Safety

nnedy's career covers ap-
y 19 years and tours of duty
California, and three at
eld. He has flown nearly 200
(Cont. on Page 2)


CNP Requires ESRs for Service Members

-Account Must be Established Within 60 Days of NAVADMIN
From Navy Personnel Command record information," said Vice Adm. el data entry point for service record
Public Affairs Mark Ferguson, chief of naval person- maintenance. Commands are required
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) nel in NAVADMIN 043/09. to use all available ESR functionality.
- The Chief of Navy Personnel released The requirement date for Sail- Self-service accounts can be
a NAVADMIN Feb. 5 announcing the ors serving at sea and without connec- created at https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil
requirement for all active-duty and Re- tivity to establish and ESR is 60 days (Cont. on Page 6)
serve personnel to establish and main- upon return to homeport.
tain a self-service Electronic Service The Navy first implemented
Record (ESR) account within the next ESRs in 2006. The ESR provides indi-
60 days. vidual


"Having a self-service account
is necessary for updating emergency
contact information. Self-service ac-
counts contain other important features,
such as enabling Sailors to directly sub-
mit PCS (permanent change of station)
travel claims upon PCS transfer, update
race, ethnicity, and religion informa-
tion, and view all other ESR service


Sailors, Personnel Support Activity
Detachments (PSD), personnel offices
holding service records, Navy Opera-
tional Support Centers, and customer
commands of PSDs, with secure world-
wide Internet access to personnel, train-
ing, and awards data.
The ESR replaces the paper
service record as the single field lev-







From the Deckplate:
The command will take a moment Feb.
25 to pause and reflect on the contribu-
tions African-Americans have made to
our Navy and Nation. We will have a
luncheon at Wing's Club Ballroom be-
ginning at 1100 to celebrate their impact
and to remember the strength our soci-
ety gains by the multi-cultural make-up
of our country. I hope you will attend,
because there are many stories to tell.
CMDCM Hari Singh For example, Landsman Aaron Ander-
son, a 52 year old Philadelphia cook en-
listed in the Navy in 1863. Two years later as the union Navy,
including his ship the USS Wyandank, blockaded the Potomac
River, Anderson was part of an assault force sent up one of the
tributaries. While under heavy fire from Confederate forces on
the shore, Anderson's craft was able to destroy several Confeder-
ate ships. The boat took severe damage, but was able to return
to the blockade flotilla. Anderson and one other member of the
crew were individually cited for carrying out their "duties coura-
geously while under devastating fire." This made Anderson the
first Navy African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor
Eighty-eight Medals of Honor have been awarded to
87 African-Americans, with Robert Augustus Sweeney the only
one to receive it twice and one of only 19 two-time recipients. A
Sailor, Sweeney received both awards for peace time actions in
the 1880s.
Then there is the "Centennial Seven," a group of seven
Naval Officers who were the first to command Naval subma-
rines. Three of the officers are still in service and serving as Ad-
mirals. Retired Navy Captain and one of the seven, Dr. William
F. Bundy spoke at an NAACP event last November celebrating
the "Centennial Seven." His words have a passionate connota-
tion for those who serve in the military.
"The real meaning of patriotism has two faces a view
of the past in which we cherish our heritage and love of country
and a view to the future illuminated with beams of hope and the
determination to create a world that is better than the one we
grew up in a hope for ourselves, our children after them. It is
up to us to balance these views in our lives and in the will of our
government."
The strength and commitment needed to persevere
through adversity to achieve such milestones is unimaginable,
but they have broken down barriers for others to follow. With
more than 94,000 African-Americans serving in the Navy's total
force, the achievements of Black Sailors will become greater and
the horizons wider.
Diversity of thought, culture, ideas and experiences
strengthen our Nation and the Navy who protects her. The
Chief of Naval Operations in his diversity policy says: Diversity
"keeps our Navy strong and empowers the protection of the very
freedoms and opportunities we enjoy each and every day. The
vast talent, diversity, and experience of our citizens will continue
to be our strength and will ensure our Navy's relevance and our
Nation's security and prosperity."
So I hope you will join me in celebrating our diversity
next Wednesday and learn about other inspirational aspects
of our Nation's African-American culture.


Change of Command
(Cont. from Page 1)
combat sorties in support of serving as the executive of-
Operation Iraqi Freedom ficer. He has been with the
and was recognized as the command since June 2007,
Flight Instructor of the Year and is an 18-year avia-
in 1997 and the 3rd Marine tor. During his career he
Aircraft Wing Aviator of has flown more than 2,800
the Year in 2005. Kennedy hours and has received the
has accumulated more than Defense Meritorious Ser-
5,000 flight hours in his ca- vice Medal, the Air Medal
reer and earned the Bronze with bronze star, the Navy
Star Medal, Meritorious Ser- and Marine Corps Commen-
vice Medal with Gold Star, dation Medal (four awards),
Air Medal with Combat "V" the Joint Service Achieve-
and Strike/Flight numeral ment Medal, and the Navy
"9", and the Navy and Ma- Achievement Medal.
rine Corps Commendation Col. Scott Walsh,
Medal. Commander Training Air
Murray takes com- Wing FIVE, will serve as the
mand of the squadron after guest speaker for the event.







News and Notes
Advancement Exams The Navy advancement exams for
E4, E5 and E6 candidates will occur on the following schedule:
E6 Mar. 5; E5 Mar. 12; and E4 Mar. 19. The E4 and E6 tests
will be held in the Wings Club Ballroom while the E5 exam will
happen in Sikes Hall. All participants must have the uniform of
the day on with their military ID card. No cell phones or watches
are allowed during the examination.
Disney for the Troops Disney parks celebrate the U. S. mili-
tary with free multi-day admisions to theme parks in 2009. Disney
is granting active duty, reserve members on active duty, and mili-
tary retirees a free five-day hopper pass. This includes members of
the U. S. Coast Guard and National Guard. Eligible patrons may
also purchase up to five additional five-day (non-hopper) passes
for $99 each. Tickets are valid up through June 12 for the Califor-
nia park and until Dec. 23 for the Florida parks. See www.disney-
world.com/military or your ITT office for more information.
Mardi Gras Ball The 13th Annual Arc Santa Rosa Mardi
Gras Ball will be held at NAS Whiting Field's Sikes Hall Feb. 21
at 6 p.m. The evening will begin with a social hour followed by
dinner, door prizes and a silent auction. Music will be provided by
the Main Street Band. Tickets are $50 per person or $350 per table
of eight. Please RSVP by Feb. 6. Call 623-9320 for details.
Music as a Weapon Tour The chart-topping hard rock
band Disturbed will swing into the Pensacola Civic Center April 7,
at 7 p.m., as part of their North American tour. They will be joined
at the stop by Killswitch Engage and Five Finger Death Punch.
Tickets are on sale now for $44.50 General admission floor and
$37.50 for reserved seating through the Pensacola Civic Center
box office or ticketmaster outlets.
Riverwalk Arts Festival Historic Downtown Milton will
host the 21st Annual Riverwalk Arts Festival March 14-15 from 10
a.m. 5 p.m.. The event will feature fine art, folk art, multi-cultur-
al music, and other entertainment. There will also be festival foods
and childrens games. The event is sponsored by the Santa Rosa
Arts and Culture foundation in partnership with the City of Milton.
Call 850-623-8493 or 3117 or see www.sracf.org for details.
Bonnie Raitt in Concert Tickets are on sale now for Bonnie
Raitt's concert at the Pensacola Civic Center. Originally scheduled


Kecognizing uur nest ana irigntest... 1oo
Training Air Wing FIVE Commodore Col. Scott Walsh also recog.
nizes Ens. Dustin Henze with the Commodore's List citation for his
academic success. U. S. Navy photo by Marc Bizzell.


Recognizing uur nest ana nrigniest
Col. Scott Walsh, Commander Training Air Wing FIVE, presents the
Commodore's List Certificate to Ens. Gregory Carter for his out-
standing academic achievements during primary flight training. U.
S. Navy photo by Marc Bizzell.
for performance at the Saenger Theatre, the March 11 concert was
moved in case the Theatre renovations were not completed. Tick-
ets already purchased for the Saenger Theatre may be exchanged
at the Civic Center Box Office if purchased from a Ticketmaster
outlet or at the Saenger Theatre Box Office. Tickets purchased on-
line may be exchanged by calling Ticketmaster at 800-653-8000.
March Badness Tickets are on sale for the fight card featur-
ing Roy Jones, Jr. March 21 at the Pensacola Civic Center. Jones
will square off against Light Heavyweight contender Omar Sheika.
IBF number 2 Cruiserweight B. J. Flores will be featured on the
card along with three Mixed Martial Arts contests. Tickets range
from $28 to $128 and are available at all Ticketmaster locations
and the Pensacola Civic Center Box Office.
Military Discount Recanati's Italian Restaurant's two loca-
tions, on Avalon Highway and Berryhill Road, now offers anyone
with a military ID a 10 percent discount on foods purchased. All
items delivered to the base will receive the same discount with a
$10 minimum purchase. Call 850-626-2778 for information.
Massage Therapy Studio Jennifer Merhige, L.M.T.
(MA53722), a licensed massage therapist provides Swedish, Deep
Tissue and Chair Massages in the NAS Whiting Field Fitness Cen-
ter. Call 352-678-1105 for an appt. and prices.
Fishin' With a Mission The United Way of Santa Rosa
County will host their "Fishin' With a Mission" bass tournament
and family festival April 11 at Carpenter's Park. Registration be-
gins Feb. 17 at the United Way offices at 6576 Caroline St or 6479
Highway 90 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Top prize is anticipated to be $3,000. Call 623-4507 or check out
bassfishing@unitedwaysrc.org. Rusty Whitfield will be the pre-
miere performer for the family day at the park.
Spring Classes from Troy Troy University will begin
teaching courses at Whiting Field during the Spring Term. Ameri-
can National Government, Organizational Behavior, and U. S.
History to 1877 will be offered. Classes will be taught via VTC,
however future classes may be taught live if class sizes will sup-
port. Troy University requires at least 10 students registered to
bring an instructor on-site. The Spring classes will be taught in
Bldg. 1471(old Ops bldg) but will move to the new Atrium Bldg
once it is complete. If you have never utilized Tuition Assistance
(TA), you will need to have a TA brief prior to it being approved.
Registration is in progress and classes begin March 16. Call 981-
0333 for more information.














Fleet and Family Support Center Classes

Me, Inc. Monday, February 23, from 9 am 12 noon
Learn the skills and techniques needed to establish your own business. This class will assist you in developing a business plan. Class
will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Home Buying Monday, February 23, from 9 am 12 noon
A home is one of the most complicated and costly purchases you'll ever make. Getting the best deal at the time of purchase can
reduce "life of the loan" by thousands of dollars. Let us show you how. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more
information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Money & the Move Tuesday, February 24, from 10 am 12 noon
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move can be one of the most exciting adventures of your career as well as one of the best
benefits. However, a PCS move can also become a financial disaster that can take months to recover from if not properly prepared for.
Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Thrift Savings Plan Wednesday, February 25, from 1 3 pm
Start investing in your future now. The money you save and earn through your TSP account will provide an important source of retire-
ment income. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at
623-7177.
Saving & Investing Thursday, February 26, from 1- 3 pm
Who wants to be a millionaire? Do you think you can become a millionaire on your military paycheck? This class will show you how
money can grow. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at
623-7177.
Military Retirement Friday, February 27, from 1 3 pm
Who is ready for their retirement? What do we even mean by the word "RETIREMENT"? The good news is that for a young person
the strategy to fund retirement is a simple one; start early, stick with it, and save as much as possible. Class will be held at the FFSC
conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.


NMCRS Has High Hopes for 2009 Campaign!

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) raised more than
$327,000 in donations during the 2008 annual fund drive, and coordinators
have high hopes for the 2009 campaign as it prepares to begin. Donations
were collected from service members aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola,
Naval Air Station Whiting Field and surrounding areas. Many local busi-
nesses and area residents also contributed to this worthwhile cause. Dona-
tions are used to provide financial assistance for service members, both
active and retired, and their families that are in financial need due to emer-
gency situations.
Much of the support for the 2008 campaign was generated by Capt.
P. J. Dougherty and Lt. Cmdr. Bert Rice who travelled to the area's numer-
ous commands to speak to service members about the importance of the
society. Their perseverance led to the 2008's milestone, and they will con-
tinue their support for the 2009 drive.
The annual drive kicked-off Feb. 12 with the annual breakfast at
C1 Thelma Cureon recites the reenlistmen the Naval Aviation Museum, and the fund raising will begin March 1. For
ath during her ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 10. more information, please contact Mark Harden, NMCRS Director at 850-
She reenlisted for two years. U. S. Navy photo 452-2300.
y Jay Cope.







Navy Emphasizes Fiscal Awareness

Through Military Saves Week
Washington, DC-The Navy
is taking the lead with the
Department of Defense plan-
ning efforts for Military Saves
Week, February 22 to March 1,
2009. Events are scheduled at
Navy facilities throughout the f
United States and around the
world.
One of the Navy's major goals," according to David Du-
Bois, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Depu-
ty, Navy Fleet and Family Support Programs and Military Saves
Campaign Leader, "is to encourage the Navy community as a
whole to take action for their personal financial readiness, make
a commitment to build wealth and reduce debt, create a culture
that promotes individual financial fitness, and learn more about
financial tools and resources promoted in the Military Saves
Campaign."
The Navy hopes to increase participation by at least
20% over last year. An impressive 45,000 sailors and their fam-
ily members participated in the 2008 week-long event, includ-
ing the Navy Youth Centers. CNIC continues to demonstrate its
commitment to the program and is offering Liberty Centers a
$500 grant to create a Military Saves awareness/recreation pro-
gram in partnership with Fleet and Family Support Centers.
Many Navy bases around the world will offer classes
on saving and investing, basic money management, wise use of
credit, retirement planning and many other financial topics. In-
stallations will host kick-off events, financial fairs, fun runs, fun
days, financial carnivals and scavenger hunts. Much of the Fleet
will join the fun with ship-board events, contests, and other fi-
nancial literacy activities.
Local Commanders will make proclamations supporting
the Week, defense credit unions and military banks will offer
incentives and special products to help military families boost
their savings and diminish their debt, and many military-affili-
ated organizations including the Better Business Bureau, MWR,
Children and Youth, Boys and Girls Clubs, the American Soci-
ety of Military Comptrollers, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Soci-
ety, Navy Exchange and Defense Commissary Agency will help
reinforce the message to save: Build Wealth. Not Debt.
"The Navy is taking the lead in turning the world's best
fighting force into the country's best savings team," said Sarah
Shirley, director of Military Saves. "Military banks and defense
credit unions have partnered with Navy at the global and local
level in ways that show how to promote financial stability and
asset development, and at the same time improve your business
model.
We hope that other organizations follow this lead."
For those interested in learning more about Military
Saves see www.militarysaves.org.


NAS WHITING FIELD


TAX CENTER

VITA is the ONLY FREE Tax Preparation
Service on base!


Location: Bldg. 2992 Supply Dept Rm. 21

Call: 623-7232

Hours: 8 a.m. 4p.nm






































Electronic Records


- (Cont. from Page 1)


or on the Navy Standard
Integrated Personnel
System (NSIPS) ESR
server on board ship.
Commanding
officers, executive of-
ficers and command
master chiefs can obtain
command level view
only access by com-
pleting the NSIPS/ESR
system authorization
request and contacting
their local NSIPS area
manager. This access
provides the user view
only capability for all
ESR accounts within
their UIC(s).
All commands
responsible for service
record entries are re-
quired to initiate updates


in NSIPS ESR, however
official military person-
nel file requirements re-
main unchanged.
NSIPS ESR is
the data entry point for
electronic service record
maintenance. Sailors are
responsible for the ac-
curacy of their ESR and
must contact the servic-
ing personnel office if
any information is incor-
rect.
For more infor-
mation read NAVAD-
MIN 043/09,
http://www.npc.
navy.mil/NR/rdon-
lyres/E434A6D2-
021E-4E08-89CB-
8FEA2F5408BD/0/
NAV09043.txt.








Congrats to TRAWING-5's Wingers and Scholars


First Row: CWO2 Kevin Holland, USN; Lt. j.g. Aaron Anderson, USN; Lt. j.g. John Gutierrez, USN; Ens. benjamin Mulloy, USN; 1st
Lt. Salvador Jauregui III, USMC; Ens. Adam Craig, USN; Ens. Fabio Cuccu, ITNAV; Lt. j.g. Nicholas Hazlett, USCG; Ens. Daniel Vro-
man, USN; and 1st Lt. Joseph Dalton, USMC. Second Row: Cmdr. Christopher Heaney, USn; Lt. Col. C. A. Stackhouse, USMC; 1st Lt.
Kyle Christman, USMC; 1st Lt. Hayden Stevens, USMC; Ens. Jared Schmitt, USN; Ens. Ian Trainor, USN; Ens. Scott Kellerman, USN;
Capt. Patrick Green, USMC; 1st Lt. Michael Balinsky, USMC; Ens. Andrew Howerton, USN; and Col. Scott Walsh, USMC. Third Row:
Lt. Col. J. R. Kennedy, USMC; Ens. Adam Nelson, USN; 1st Lt. Joseph Mihoces, USMC; 1st Lt. Kyle Ladwig, USMC; Lt. j.g. Larry
Santos, USCG; Ens. Sean Rice, USN; Ens. Andrew McDonald, USN; Ens. Timothy Labresh, USN; 1st Lt. Peter Marbach, USMC; Ens.
Larry Camp, JR, USN; and Lt. Col. James Adams, USMC. U. S. Navy photo by Marc Bizzell.


Left Photo: 2nd Lt. James R. Butland, USMC; 2nd Lt. Brandon D. Kelly, USMC; Ens. Daniel K Mackie, USN; 2nd Lt. Justin M.
Mensen, USAF; Lt. j.g. William H. Mohr, USN; and Ens. Andrew R. Wilsnack, USN were recognized for their outstanding scholastic
achievement during primary flight training with Academic Achievement Awards from Col. Scott Walsh, Commodore Training Air Wing
FIVE. Right Photo: Walsh similarly recognized Ens. John A. Betza, USN; Lt. j.g. Matthew C. Mangaran, USN; Ens. Michael J. Panos,
USN; 1st Lt. Kyle D. Smith, USMC; and Lt. j.g. Gordon R. McDonald, USN with Advanced Academic Achievement Awards for their
success during advanced flight training. U. S. Navy photos by Marc Bizzell.








SPORTS-

NFL's Franco Harris Visits Navy in Japan
By Dan Bowen, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- National Football League (NFL) hall-of-famer and
Super Bowl IX most valuable player Franco Harris visited Commander Fleet Activi-
ties Yokosuka (CFAY) Feb. 12 as part of a tour of Far East U.S. military installations
organized by California Sunshine and the Defense Commissary Agency.
The star running back, who won four super bowls with the Pittsburgh Steel-
ers in the 1970s, spent his day on board CFAY touring the base and the USS George
Washington (CVN 73), as well as meeting and greeting Sailors and family members at
an autograph session at the commissary.
The tour, sponsored by California Sunshine a dairy company supplier of
eggs and milk to the commissary, enabled Harris to return to the Far East after first
visiting three decades ago.
"I was here in the '70s when I was playing. [I] came over here and did a tour,
here in Japan and Korea," said Harris. "Loved it then and I love it now."
srom prevent an player ro Harris's love was reciprocated by Steeler Nation residents of CFAY. A line of
driving the lane during their 44-42 win Tuesday fans, stretching from the dairy section, down the frozen foods freezers and all the way
eb. 17th. Lt Hayes hit the buzzer beater shot. U up the bread aisle, waited happily for their chance to sit down with the NFL legend.
S. Navy photo by 2nd Lt. Nicholas Uzelac. Commissary Store Director Totolua Ripley was very pleased with the reaction
Game Scores to Harris's visit.
2009 Sor "More than 300 people showed up," said Ripley. "It was a great success; it
was a great response from the community."
ene~say 2/11/209 Spo~t cope FOOt~Ml/S(eM During the interview, Harris spoke about his career, his tour of the region, his
5:5:m 5 HTT-1
SVT., pride in being a part of the Steeler football tradition and his respect for those who serve
in the armed forces.
6:00Qn 7 a GURD "I tell people that I've been on some great teams, played against a lot of great
teams, but I know the greatest team in the world is our armed forces. I know that," said
7:00pm 9 CAST GUARD
4 Hr-28 Harris.
Game Scores


Thursday 2/5/2009 Gym Bid 3148
:0m 44 HT-18
Ton Won Li Win % rck R A G 30 COAST GUA
HT-28 5 1 .833 Lost 1 26 14 6:0pm 38 MEDICAL
COAST GUARD 5 1 .833 Won 3 28 19 59 IT-8
HT-18 2 4 .333 LOSt 1 11 25 3.0 7:pm 63 VT-2
VT-2 0 5 .000 Lost6 9 15 5.0 35 CRAS
Tuesday 2/10/2009 Gym Bldg 3148
Standings 5:00pm 52 COAST GUARD
Captian's Cup Basketball 2009 33 V-2
6: 050 VT-3
43 HT-18
Ton Won LW WIn % SIrcak RF RA GB
VF-3 6 0 1,000 Won 5 320 203 7:0pm 22 ORASH
35 HT-28
1T-28 5 1 .833 Won 4 313 246 1.0
ATC 4 2 .667 Won a 271 271 2.0 Thurdaly 2/12/2M09 Gym MBg 3148
HT-8 3 2 ,600 Won 1 245 221 2.5 5:"pm 47 ATC
iT-18 3 3 ,500 Lost 1 262 252 3.0 26 MEDICAL
VT-2 3 4 ,429 LOst 2 321 347 3.5 600pm 34 VT-2
COAST GUARD 2 4 .333 Last 1 237 254 4.0 55 VT-3
cRASH 1 4 ,200 Lst4 162 225 4.5 7:00pm 50 HT-28
MEDICAL 0 7 ,000 Lost 7 255 368 6.5 40 COASTGUARD