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Vol. 65 No. 8 Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Murray Assumes Command of HT-18
By Jay Cope, NAS Vhiting Field Public Affairs
Amidst the traditional pomp and circumstance typi-
cal during a military ceremony, Cmdr. Mark Murray relieved
Lt. Col. James Kennedy as the commanding officer of He-
licopter Training Squadron EIGHTEEN (HT-18) Thursday,
Feb. 19. With the simple act of passing the squadron flag
from one officer to another assumes the responsibility of the


highly decorated squadron.
It is ajob he relishes.
"Commitment! It is a trait you demonstrate every
day, and I am proud to now be your commanding officer," he
said to the assembled squadron members. "I look forward to
rolling up my sleeves to go to work with each and every one
of you."
For Kennedy, the 11 a.m. ceremony was a bitter-
sweet event. It marked the end of a satisfying and successful
tour, but he was able to pass the squadron to an officer with
whom he had worked side-by-side for the past year.
"Mark, I don't have the words for the deep appre-
ciation I have for your efforts. I am happy to be turning the
squadron over to you. The 'Vigilant Eagles' are lucky to
have you," said Kennedy.
"When I took command I told you all I had the


Cmdr. Mark Murray receives the Helicopter lraminng Squadron
EIGHTEEN flag from Lt. Col. James Kennedy during their change
of command ceremony Feb. 19. Murray becomes the 32nd com-
manding officer of the unit. U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
complete confidence that you would continue to meet every
challenge. You exceeded my expectations at every turn."
The change of command ceremony is a time-hon-
ored tradition that provides the assembled unit the oppor-
(Cont. on Page 7)


Digital Signatures Now Required on DoD Emails


By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd
Class(SW) Christopher Koons, Naval
Network Warfare Command Public Af-
fairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Department
of Defense has implemented a policy re-
quiring employees to digitally sign all e-
mails containing a link or an attachment
Feb. 12.
A digital signature is also re-
quired for any e-mail that provides di-
rection or tasking, requests or responds
to requests for resources, promulgates
organization position, discusses any op-
erational matter, discusses contract or
finance matters, or discusses personnel
management matters. The need exists to
ensure that the originator is the actual au-
thor and that the e-mail was not tampered
with in transit.


The policy, which was updated
for the Navy in September 2008, ap-
plies to all unclassified e-mail sent from
a DoD-owned, operated or controlled
system or account to include desktops,
laptops, and personal electronic devices
such as BlackBerrys.
"It ensures that the information
from links and attachments comes from
a trustworthy source," said Lt. Cmdr. Da-
men Hofheinz, U.S. Fleet Forces deputy
for Information Assurance. "For exam-
ple, if an e-mail contains a link, you need
to know that it leads you to a valid web
site."
A digital signature is a "stamp"
on an e-mail, which is unique to the user
and provides an accurate means of iden-
tifying the originator of a message. Its
toolbar icon is an envelope with a red


seal on top. A digital signature assures
the recipient that the original content of
the message or document is unchanged.
It also provides the sender with proof of
delivery and the recipient with proof of
the sender's identity and reassurance that
the e-mail's originator is its actual au-
thor.
Some e-mails require added pro-
tection in the form of the encryption key,
which, like the digital signature key, has
an envelope icon but has a blue lock rather
than red seal on it. Navy policy requires
encryption of all e-mails that contain Pri-
vacy Act Information (PII), Health Insur-
ance Portability and Accountability Act
Information, contract information, classi-
fied as 'for official use only' (FOUO) or
that may serve as an OPSEC indicator.
(Cont. on Page 5)







FFSC Leads the Way During Military Saves Week
By NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
The Military Saves campaign is ongo-
ing this week, and the Naval Air Station Whit-
ing Field Fleet and Family Support Center has,
and continues to host activities designed to help
service members meet their long-term savings
goals.
This is the third year of the Military Saves
campaign, and as was encouraged during the first
two, the program emphasizes that the first step to
financial fitness is making a pledge to one's self.
You can do this on the Military Saves website
where there is also a wealth of information on the
benefits of saving. Eugene Jackson, Financial Educator from Fleet and Family Support Center, talks
According to the website, "Military Saves to AC3 Ashley Coleman about the importance of saving money for her future. He is
is a social marketing campaign to persuade, mo- manning a display booth in support of Military Saves Week, a campaign designed to
tivate, and encourage military families to save inform service members on the benefits of long-term savings. The piggybank is used
money every month, and to convince leaders and to emphasize how saving now pays greatly in the future. As Eugene says "Feed the
money every month, and to convince leaders and
Pig, Feed the Future." U. S. Navy photo by 2nd Lt. Nicholas Uzelac.
organizations to be aggressive in promoting au-


tomatic savings. The campaign is a growing net-
work of organizations and individuals committed
to helping and supporting military members and
their loved ones build personal savings arsenals to
provide for their immediate and long term finan-
cial needs."
Fleet and Family supports the program
through literature, classes and first person pre-
sentations. Although midway through the week-
long campaign, it isn't too late to get involved.
There will be a Thrift Savings Plan class today
at 1 p.m., a Savings and Investing class at 1 p.m.
Thurs. and a Military Retirement Planning class
the same time on Friday. Additionally FFSC has a
roving display booth at the Wings Club Wed. from
10 a.m. to noon, at the Commissary 9:30 a.m. to
11:30 a.m. on Thurs. and in the Coffee Shop from
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday.
The campaign is actually part of two larg-
er programs, the Department of Defense Financial
Readiness Campaign and the national America
Saves campaign. Designed to be a year-round
process, Military Saves Week places special em-
phasis on educating service members about the
program from the last Sunday in Feb. to the first
Sunday in March.
"This is an excellent opportunity for you
to look at your financial readiness, and an excel-
lent opportunity for you to get the help you need
to reach your financial goals," said Eugene Jack-
son, the Financial Educator for FFSC at Whiting
Field.
For more information on the program,
contact the FFSC office at 850-623-7177.


Build Wealth, Reduce Debt
From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- "Military Saves Week" will be observed throughout
the fleet Feb. 22 to March 1. The goal of this year's campaign is to increase
awareness about the necessity to build wealth, reduce debt and to demonstrate
user-friendly methods for people to make a commitment to save.
This initiative is part of the Military Saves Campaign, a year-round
social marketing campaign to persuade, motivate and encourage Department of
Defense employees to save money and reduce consumer debt. The campaign
reaches out to service members, spouses, youth and civilian employees.
"This year's campaign is happening at a time when many seek more
certainty about their financial future and look for strategies to navigate a course
through the turbulent tides of today's financial marketplace. It is a perfect time
to set a steady course to increase personal financial readiness," said David Du-
Bois, deputy manager of Fleet and Family Support Programs with CNIC and
Navy's Program director for Military Saves Week.
"Navy families are best positioned to weather the economic squalls by
fully utilizing the benefits, services, and professional skills available to them
through their command's financial fitness team and personal financial fitness
coaching staff at Fleet and Family Support Centers worldwide. This is a time to
focus on reducing debt, building emergency savings, and developing strategies
to increase personal net worth and family readiness," DuBois said.
To meet today's financial challenges, the Navy community continues
to take an active posture regarding the financial health of its force, according
to DuBois. Command financial specialists as well as Fleet & Family Support
Centers are increasing collaborative relationships with DoD financial readiness
partners to provide the navigational aids to help chart a successful journey to
financial freedom. The Navy's program continues to receive recognition for its
proactive approach in changing the financial culture of the force.
"The Navy Reserve Force is also participating in the Military Saves
Week by encouraging all reservists to take the savers pledge and to see their
Command Financial Specialist or Financial Educator at FFSC for additional
information/resources to become more financial fit," said Chief Storekeeper
(AW/FMF) Shane Champagne, the Military Saves Campaign Reserve liaison.
"It's important that we all take measures to maintain and improve our personal
(Cont. on Page 5)







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.
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
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-
A I --


Xtciaillllllg VuI u~nt aillU lgl lircM
AC Danny Klein presents SH2 Anthony Benson with his Reenlist-
ent certificate. Benson reenlisted for three years at the Security
Bldg. U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.


Hot Stult!
The Division of Forestry and Naval Air Station Whiting Field teamed
up to carefully burn approximately 285 acres of land at Navy Outly
ing Field Harold, Feb. 16. The process reduces undergrowth and
strengthens fire protection of the area while enhancing the long term
nvironment creating favorable habitats for plant and animal life
including endangered species. Photo courtesy of the Whiting Field
Environmental Dept.
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

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 FFSC 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.
The Survivor Benefits Class Tuesday, March 3, from 1:00 3:00 pm
One of the most important aspects of financial planning is the ability to provide for a survivor or survivors in the event of a wage-earner's
death. People rely on several different types of tools to help insure continuing income for their survivors ranging from personal assets
to life insurance to social security. Some service members also think that their retirement pay will continue to be paid to their survivors,
unaware that this is true ONLY IF they have elected at retirement to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). Attend this to learn
more about the Pros and Cons of electing or denying the Survivor Benefit Plan. For more information, call 623-7177.
Raising Financially Fit Kids Tuesday, March 10, from 10 am 12 noon
Every parent desires to raise children who are healthy, happy, and capable of managing life as an adult in an increasingly complex world.
This complex world includes the world of money. Most children learn from a variety of places, but studies show that the single most
important place where children learn about money is in the home and the most important teachers are their parents. Attend this class to
learn techniques to raise Financially Fit Kids. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Time Management Wednesday, March 11, from 1:00 2:00 pm
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?" If you answered "yes" to these questions, this class is for you. The information provided in this class will provide 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 informa-
tion, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.


Selective Reenlistment Bonus Award


By Mass Communication Specialist
2nd Class (AW) La Tunya Howard,
Navy Personnel Command Public Af-
fairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The
Navy announced revised selective re-
enlistment bonus (SRB) rates Feb. 18 in
NAVADMIN 050/09.
"We adjust SRBs as a retention
incentive to provide the critical skills
needed in the fleet," said Vice Adm.
Mark Ferguson, chief of naval person-
nel. "We're experiencing great retention
in nearly all zones and NECs (Navy En-
listed Classifications) and we've adjusted
SRB levels in response to this change in
behavior.
"While not every Sailor qualifies
for a SRB, all Sailors are important to the
successful execution of Navy missions,"
added Ferguson.
The new message approves 35


increases in SRBs, many in the nuclear
field, and 412 decreases.
The increased award levels are
effective immediately and decreased lev-
els are effective March 11. Award levels
are continually reviewed and evaluated.
The SRB Program enhances the
Navy's ability to size, shape and stabilize
the force by using a monetary incentive
to encourage Sailors with critical skills to
reenlist. SRB is a market-based incentive
allowing the Navy to strategically adjust
award levels as retention needs dictate.
The Navy announced changes
to the SRB policy earlier this year which
allows Sailors to reenlist early for SRB
as long as they are within 90 days prior
to their expiration of active obligated ser-
vice (EAOS) and within the current fis-
cal year of their EAOS. A Sailor whose
SRB award level decreases or is removed
is eligible to re-enlist in the first 30 days


Levels Changed
following release of a new SRB award
plan only if their hard EAOS is within 90
days of the effective date of the message.
In the case of NAVADMIN 050/09 this
date is calculated to be May 09, 2009.
"By reducing the time frame for
SRB reenlistment, the Navy can better
project and manage end strength while
continuing to provide incentive to Sailors
with critical skills and valuable experi-
ence to stay Navy," said Jeri Busch, head,
military pay and compensation policy
branch for the chief of naval personnel.
The policy change is part of
an overall effort to stabilize the force at
about 329,000 active duty Sailors by the
end of this fiscal year.
"All rates and NECs were exten-
sively analyzed for bonus levels, and the
corresponding increases and reductions
were not taken lightly," concluded Fer-
guson.







Digital Signatures
(Cont. from page 1)
"If you send an e-mail which contains Personally Identi-
fiable Information (PII) such as your social security number or if
the message is for official use only (FOUO), you need to encrypt
as well as digitally sign it," Hofheinz said. "Encryption provides
an extra level of protection."
Encrypting e-mail is made much easier when personnel
publish their certificates to the global address list (GAL). This can
be accomplished in Outlook by opening the "Tools" menu then
selecting "Options." On the "Security" tab there is a "Publish to
GAL" button. Clicking on this button will ensure that other users
on the network can send encrypted e-mail back to the originator.
OCONUS Navy Enterprise Network (ONE-NET) has
already implemented a network policy for all e-mails to be digi-
tally signed and NMCI started implementation on 12FEB09. Us-
ers will have to deselect the digitally signed button in Outlook
to send unsigned e-mails. "It is one part of our overall Public
Key Infrastructure (PKI) implementation, which is designed to
prevent bad guys from accessing information we send over the
Internet," said Hofheinz.
For more information on the military's digital signature/
encryption policy, visit https://www.infosec.navy.mil/PKI.

Build Wealth
(Cont. from Page 2)
financial quality of life."
Child & Youth Programs are also providing workshops
and resources to promote financial responsibility and independence
among Navy youth at key developmental stages.
"Many of the nation's teenagers advance into adulthood
without learning the necessary skills that lead to financial indepen-
dence and well-being," DuBois said. "By building basic money
management skills, Navy youth will learn financial responsibility
and independence."
Through fun, interactive activities and exercises on topics
like using a checking account, learning how to budget, managing
debt, and saving for college, DuBois said that teenagers 13-18 will
learn practical ways to save, spend and invest their money.
"Through numerous program resources and partnerships,
Navy Youth professionals and School Liaison Officers will assist
teens in learning practical ways to save, spend and invest their mon-
ey, how to budget, manage debt, and save for college," he said.
"The overall goal is for everyone to make a commitment to
save, make a savings plan and start saving. Even better, we want ev-
eryone to learn new savings strategies and implement them. We want
to help those who may be afraid to seek financial help or unaware of
options available to them."
Providing financial workshops and resources is a long-term,
day-to-day commitment of Commander, Navy Installations Com-
mand. Military Saves Week provides a vehicle for key workers to
push the savings message for one week each year.
Contact the command financial specialist/financial educa-
tor at FFSC for a list of events during Military Saves Week or visit
www.ffsp.navy.mil.


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.m.







President Obama Proclaims African American History Month
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
The history of African Americans is unique and rich, and one that has helped to define what it means
to be an American. Arriving on ships on the shores of North America more than 300 years ago, recognized
more as possessions than people, African Americans have come to know the freedoms fought for in es-
tablishing the United States and gained through the use of our founding principles of freedom of speech,
freedom of the press, the right to assembly, and due process of law. The ideals of the Founders became
more real and more true for every citizen as African Americans pressed us to realize our full potential as
a Nation and to uphold those ideals for all who enter into our borders and embrace the notion that we are
all endowed with certain unalienable rights.
Since Carter G. Woodson first sought to illuminate the African American experience, each February
we pause to reflect on the contributions of this community to our national identity. The history is one of
Pr t Bak O a struggle for the recognition of each person's humanity as well as an influence on the broader American
culture. African Americans designed our beautiful Capital City, gave us the melodic rhythms of New Orleans
Jazz, issued new discoveries in science and medicine, and forced us to examine ourselves in the pages of classic literature. This legacy
has only added luster to the brand of the United States, which has drawn immigrants to our shores for centuries.
This year's theme, "The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas," is a chance to examine the evolution of our country and
how African Americans helped draw us ever closer to becoming a more perfect union.
The narrative of the African American pursuit of full citizenship with all of the rights and privileges afforded others in this
country is also the story of a maturing young Nation. The voices and examples of the African American people worked collectively to
remove the boulders of systemic racism and discrimination that pervaded our laws and our public consciousness for decades. Through
the work of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, Booker T Washington and George Washington Carver, Martin Luther King and
Thurgood Marshall, the African American community has
steadily made progress toward the dreams within its grasp
and the promise of our Nation. Meanwhile, the belief that
those dreams might one day be realized by all of our citizens
gave African American men and women the same sense of
duty and love of country that led them to shed blood in every
war we have ever fought, to invest hard-earned resources in
their communities with the hope of self empowerment, and
to pass the ideals of this great land down to their children
and grandchildren.
As we mark National African American History
Month, we should take note of this special moment in our
Nation's history and the actors who worked so diligently to
deliver us to this place. One such organization is the Na-
tional Association for the Advancement of Colored People
-- the NAACP -- which this year will witness 100 years of
service to the Nation on February 12. Because of their work,
including the contributions of those luminaries on the front
lines and great advocates behind the scenes, we as a Nation
were able to take the dramatic steps we have in recent his-
tory.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA,
President of the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of
the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2009 as
National African American History Month. I call upon pub-
lic officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the
United States to observe this month with appropriate cer-
emonies, activities, and programs that raise awareness and
appreciation of African American history.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this second day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.


BARACK OBAMA







HT-18 Change of Command
nt. omPa e I
tunity to witness the transfer of authority from one officer to another.
Passing the command from a Marine to a Navy officer is uncommon in
military commands, but is the standard for HT-18 and Murray will turn
over command to Lt. Col. Shawn Coakley following his tour as com-
manding officer of the squadron.
During Kennedy's 23-month tenure as executive officer and then
commanding officer, the "Vigilant Eagles" flew more than 47,000 flight
hours, completed in excess of 25,500 syllabus events, and designated
429 Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Allied Aviators. While
he served as commanding officer of the squadron, the unit surpassed
1,115,000 Class "A" mishap-free flight hours a milestone which
encompasses more than 37 years. Kennedy's leadership inspired the
squadron to unprecedented success, earning the 2007 Vice Admiral
Training Air Wing FIVE Commodore Col. Scott Walsh con- Robert Goldthwaite and Chief of Naval Air Training Awards for Train-
gratulates Lt. Col. James Kennedy for his successful stint as the ing Excellence, the 2007 Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and
commanding officer of Helicopter Training Squadron EIGH- the 2007 Admiral John H. Towers Flight Safety Award.
TEEN. Walsh had just granted permission for Murray to as- To recognize his achievements, Training Air Wing FIVE Commander
sumce command. U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope. Col. Scott Walsh awarded Kennedy the Meritorious Service Medal.
"The most important part of ourjob is to shape the future of Naval aviation. It's not about planes, but about people and
protecting our nation," Walsh said. "These people aren't born. They are made. The 'Vigilant Eagles' make the next generation
of American heroes."
However, throughout his comments as guest speaker for the ceremony, Walsh reminded the audience that Kennedy him-
self was a hero.
Kennedy's career covers approximately 19 years and tours of duty in Hawaii, California, and three at Whiting Field. He
has flown nearly 200 combat sorties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was recognized as the Flight Instructor of the Year
in 1997 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Aviator of the Year in 2005. Kennedy has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours in
his career and earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal with Combat "V" and Strike/
Flight numeral "9", and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
"It's what is in the cockpit that makes a difference. We put steel on target or troops on the ground. He [Kennedy] has
flown an outdated aircraft into a hot zone, picked up casualties and saved lives. Naval aviation isn't about the [aircraft], but about
the Lt. Col. Kennedys. That is what makes Naval aviation great," Walsh said.
Murray also displays an impressive list of achievements. As an 18-year aviator, he has flown more than 2,800 hours and
has received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with bronze star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (four awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
FFSC to Hold Naming Contest

Newsletter to Receive New Moniker
The Naval Air Station Whiting Field's
Fleet and Family Support Center is looking for a
few good names. The center would like to rename
their newsletter and they are asking your help.
Submit your great idea along with your
contact information to the FFSC in person; e-mail
to shelley.lutz.ctr@navy.mil; or enter by Phone at
(850) 623-7177 by March 16, 2009.
The winning submission will receive: din-
ner for two ($40 voucher) at Texas Roadhouse or
Chili's (winner's choice); plus: one free round of
golf and golf cart; three free games of bowling and
one pair rental shoes; one free lunch at Wings Club; e igter or a ...?
Members of the Whiting Field Fire Department host a young Pilot for a Day an
and one free day of pontoon boat rental courtesy of help him man the fire fighting hose as part of his visit. The Pilot for a Day pro
NASWF MWR facilities. gram brings a seriously ill youth to the base each month and helps them enjo
The winner will be announced March 20. a day of fun on the flightline, simulator, and, of course, the fire station. Photo
courtesy of the NAS Whiting Field Fire Station.








SPORTS -

Navy's Big Runs Lifts Mids to Star Game Victory


straight Star Game victory over Army. Na-
vy's record moves to 18-9. U. S. Naval Acad-
emy photo.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy men's
basketball team went on a 22-2 run over a
five-minute, 34-second span in the second
half, then held off an Army rally to grab a
59-54 decision in front of a sold-out rau-
cous crowd of 5,710 fans at Alumni Hall.
The win was Navy's seventh straight Star
Game victory and moves Navy to 18-9
overall and 7-5 in the Patriot League. Army
falls to 8-18 overall and 4-8 in the league
standings.
For the sixth straight season, the two teams
split the series with Army winning the
first contest and Navy winning the second
match-up, the Star Game.
"Obviously, the traditions and history of
this game speaks for itself. Its a great ri-
valry between institutions," said Navy head
coach Billy Lange, who improved to 5-0
in Star Games. "Its a great victory for our
program, this team and this institution. We
have to put it behind us now and get ready
for American on Wednesday night."
The Mids trailed 17-15 at halftime and 26-
20 moments into the second half, before
embarking on a 22-2 run. The run was fu-
eled by Chris Harris, who scored 10 points
in the run. During the run, Harris connected
on a pair of three-pointers and freshman
Jordan Sugars converted a four-point play
to give the Mids their largest lead of the
game at 42-28 with 10:16 to play in the
contest.
However, Army didn't fold and rallied
with a 16-6 spurt to cut the lead to 48-44
with 2:55 to play. The Black Knights cut
the lead to two on two separate occasions,
the last time coming at 53-51 on a Marcus
Nelson lay-up with 1:09 to play.


On Navy's next possession and with the of his game-high 17 points in the second
shot clock at four, Adam Teague hit his half, said Navy's offense got untracked in
only shot of the game (he finished 1-of-4), the second half.
a three-pointer from the comer, to bump the "I don't think we did anything different. As
lead back to five and Navy would hit three- a team, we ran a much better offense in the
of-four free throws in the final 25 seconds second half, and they took us out of what
to top the Black Knights, 59-54. we wanted to do in the first half," said Har-
"We practice that every day and I wasn't ris. "We just got flowing and started getting
worried about how many shots I got. I was good looks."
just worried about winning the game," said The Mids finished the game 19-of-51 (.373)
Teague. "I told O.J. (Avworo) with about from the field and was 6-of-20 (.300) from
15 minutes left that we just need to win the three-point line. Navy was 15-of-23
this game. It didn't really matter how. If (.652) from the free throw line and com-
the shot came in the flow of the game, its a mitted 18 turnovers and was outrebounded,
good shot. It just happened that it came late 39-37.
in the contest." Kaleo Kina scored 14 points with eight re-
Teague's shot was the eventual game-win- bounds, four steals and three assists. Mark
ning shot, and he has had a knack this year Veazey had eight points and six rebounds
for hitting big shots late in games. and Sugars added seven points, including
"It feels good as a senior to make that a pair of three-pointers. O.J. Avworo had a
shot, but I don't really look at it that way strong floor game with four points, six re-
(in terms of a game-winning shot)," said bounds and four assists.
Teague. "It's just as important to come "Sugars is a very confident kid and this is
down on the other end and get a stop. a great time for him to step up and come
"It does feels pretty good to get four Star on," said Lange. "It happened the last time
Game wins in four years," added Teague. we played Army (13 pts., eight rebounds)
The two teams played a defensive first half, and it gave him great confidence. He gives
with Army jumping out to a 14-4 lead with us a good scoring punch coming off the
12:06 to play. However, the Black Knights bench."
would not make a field goal for the rest of Army shot 20-of-55 (.364) from the field
the half and would have to settle for a 17- and was 8-of-23 (.348) from the free throw
15 halftime lead. The two teams combined line. The Black Knights were 6-of-9 (.667)
to shoot just 12-of-45 (.267) from the field from the free throw line and had 21 turn-
and commit 26 turnovers. overs. Navy has now forced 20 or more
Navy's 15 first-half points were the ninth turnovers in three straight games.
fewest in a game
since the 1951-52
season and the sec-
ond lowest in Alumni
Hall history.
"It was just tight play
with bad offense
and good defense in
the first half," said
Lange. "I thought
our energy in the first
half was where it
needed to be, but the
composure and poise
wasn't what it needed
to be. We made some Running Just or Kicks
adjustments and had n HT-18 defender tries to chase down a player from VT-2 before h
a pretty good second can pass the ball. This Feb. 23 Captain's Cup soccer game ended in
half." 1-1 tie and marked the last day of the regular season. The tournamen
Harris, who had 14 starts Wed., Feb. 25. U. S. Navy photo by 2nd Lt. Nicholas Uzelac.