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Vol. 65 No. 16 Wednesday, April 24, 2009

AFCM Hayes Retires NAS Whiting Field Re-


iviaster uniei retty unicer Konert nayes salutes tne slaeDoys at tne
end of his retirement ceremony April 17. The ceremony, held in the
Wings Club ballroom, concluded a 30-year career in Naval aviation.
U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
Naval Air Station Whiting Field witnessed the final
step of a long and distinguished career as Master Chief Petty
Officer Robert Hayes walked through the sideboys, across the
red carpet and was rung out of the active duty ranks. His retire-
ment ceremony April 17 culminated 30 years of service to the
Navy and the nation.
Attached to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical
Training Detachment (CNATT) at Whiting Field since July
(Cont. on Page 5)


opens Historic Building
By Jay Cope, NAS "This is an important part
Whiting Field Public
Affairs of the history of the base,

With a single snip of a and gives us a beautifulfa-
large ceremonial pair cility that we can share with
of scissors, a four and our tenant commands and
one-half year long wait the local community."
was finally over. Na-
val Air Station (NAS) Capt. Enrique Sadsad
Whiting Field officially NASWF Commanding Officer
re-opened the Atrium
building Wed, Apr. 22.
The building had been closed since Hurricane Ivan came
ashore in September 2004.
The storm's destruction was highlighted by several
displayed photos showing wind damage to the roof, water
damage to interior spaces and other problems that needed to
be corrected before the facility could be used.
Building 1417, commonly called the Atrium, is one
of the original buildings constructed on Whiting Field, and is
on the register of historic buildings.
Throughout its history, the 39,000 square foot build-
ing has been used as a gymnasium, a Navy Exchange retail
store, and mini-museum. Now the site will be used as a cer-
emonial and banquet facility capable of accommodating up to
(Cont. on Page 5)


Some PCS Moves Delayed Until October
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Sailors and their families, but this was clearly the best option in
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced plans these extraordinary times."
April 14 to place a temporary hold on selected permanent Exceptions to the PCS hold include orders for Sailors
change of station (PCS) moves in order to remain within bud- separating from the service, individual augmentees and Global
get. War On Terrorism Support Assignments (GSA), new acces-
The decision means that as many as 14,000 Sailors sions, organization moves as well as selected Joint Professional
who have not already received orders may not be able to trans- Military Education (JPME), graduate education moves and
fer until after Oct. 1 when the new fiscal year begins, readiness moves.
Individuals currently under orders will be allowed to Navy leaders will continue to work this issue and should
rotate as planned. additional funds become available, Navy will act promptly to
"Delaying these moves will help us live within the restore these delayed PCS moves.
manpower resources we have been allocated," said Rear Adm. "We are working very hard to focus the remaining PCS
Don Quinn, commander, Navy Personnel Command. "We have funds on critical moves that are directly tied to fleet readiness,"
chosen this path instead of other more painful options, such as said Quinn.


involuntary separations. We fully understand the impact on our







Santa Rosa County Residents Are Urged


to Confirm Home Phones for Reverse 911


Santa Rosa County Division of
Emergency Management is encourag-
ing residents to confirm that their emer-
gency calls, including Reverse 911 and
9-1-1 calls, are received and routed to
the correct emergency response per-
sonnel.
Some county residents who switched
to cell or intemet phone home service
did not receive a Reverse 911 call
warning of flooding hazards when we
experienced flooding three weeks ago.
Santa Rosa County residents only can
test their home or business phone by
calling the non-emergency number
(850) 983-5372 and stating that you
are calling to test your 9-1-1 when the
dispatcher answers. Additionally, Santa
Rosa County citizens can register one
cell phone or intemet phone number if
they no longer utilize traditional land-
line phone service in their home or
business by calling (850) 983-5350.
Reverse 911 is a high-speed
telephone notification system used to
call homes and businesses to alert them
during a variety of emergencies. Using
a mapping system, Reverse 911 can
call a section of the county that may


be affected by an incident occurring in
their area. A recorded message provides
the listener with information about the
emergency and recommended steps to
protect their family from harm. The
system does recognize answering ma-
chines and will leave a message. This
system works with landlines, VOIP and
cellular phones if the numbers are reg-
istered with the county.
Sheryl Bracewell, Director of
Santa Rosa County Emergency Man-
agement explains, "We hope our citi-
zens will take a moment to confirm this
valuable service. Everyone needs to be
aware of how new technology may af-
fect their emergency services. By test-
ing your number, we hope to find any
problems before you have an emergen-
cy, when every second counts."
To ensure the fastest response
to an emergency, please follow these
simple steps: Before switching any
type of phone carrier including land-
line, cellular or VOIP. Ask your new
service provider how long the process
will take to switch and how it will af-
fect emergency services. If moving
and keeping your old number, be sure


to call your provider and change your
billing address as soon as you move.
Do not have your phone bill forwarded
from your old address by the post of-
fice. When signing up for a Voice-over
IP phone service, 9-1-1 service may
not be set up by default. Be sure to ask
how to register your street address, and
complete all steps necessary. Shop for
a Voice-over IP phone service that of-
fers enhanced 9-1-1 service.
A landline with a different bill-
ing address than the physical location
can also cause emergency response
delays. For example if you pay the bill
for a dependent in another location, the
billing address will pop up on the dis-
patcher's screen. Be sure to specifically
advise your service provider of which
address will be the "9-1-1 address."
The provider may not do this automati-
cally.
Be aware that if you forward
your home or work phone to your cell
phone, the phone number and address
of the forward phone will appear on the
dispatcher's screen, not your cell num-
ber or current location.


Summer Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Free to All Escambia County Four Year Olds


Registration for the Early Learning Coalition (ELC)
of Escambia County's free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten
(VPK) is now open.
Daylong summer classes are offered June 8 through
August 17, and classroom space is offered on a first come,
first served basis. Hours and dates may vary by school.
VPK is free to all children in Escambia County
who will be four years old on or before September 1, 2009,
particularly those who are not already enrolled in a School
Readiness program.
All summer VPK classes are taught by teachers who
possess at least a four-year college degree, and class size is
limited to 12 children. Lunch and snacks are provided at no
cost at most summer locations.
"Summer VPK is a great way to introduce your child
to the school environment prior to kindergarten," said ELC
director Diane Hutcherson. "VPK focuses on socialization


through hands-on academic activities and has been shown to
better prepare children for the rigors of the modem kinder-
garten classroom."
VPK was created for the state of Florida in 2005 by
then Governor Jeb Bush in order to ensure all children in the
state are prepared to enter kindergarten. VPK is designed to
serve ALL families regardless of income.
2009 Summer VPK may be offered in up to 10 sum-
mer locations if justified by the summer child enrollment;
school year (August May) VPK is currently offered at
more than 90 child care and pre-school facilities in Escam-
bia County including military child care centers, which may
be open to civilians when space allows.
For more information on how to enroll you child
in VPK, contact Kitty McKenzie at 850-595-5439 or visit
www.elcescambia.org .







News and Notes
Animal Adopt-A-Thon Santa Rosa County Animal Ser-
vices with sponsors Mediacom, Soft Rock 94.1 and WXBM 102.7
will hold its 5th annual adopt-a-thon on Saturday, April 18 from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter located at 4451 Pine Forest Road
in Milton. For this special event, the adoption fee is $15 for cats
and $20 for dogs with a spay/neuter voucher provided at no cost
for any unaltered animal. Pets on leashes are welcome to attend.
Free food, local rescue organizations, vendors, children's activi-
ties, contests and drawings will be offered during the adopt-a-thon.
For more information call (850) 983-4680.
Sunset Stampede The Zoo at Northwest Florida's 1st An-
nual Sunset Stampede 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sat, May 21
at Navarre Beach. The race begins at 6 p.m. with a Kids Fun Run
beginning at 5 p.m. The first 500 people to sign up get a t-shirt.
Cost: $20.00 thru 4 Apr, $25.00 after. See www.zoosunsetstam-
pede.org online for more information.
Country Fest WXBM's Country Fest will serve as the Na-
tional Military Appreciation Month kick off event! for the Pensac-
ola Area. Come spend the day with Your Country 102.7 WXBM
as we bring Country Fest to life in Pensacola at Five Flags Speed-
way. This all day family fun music festival features great music,
vendors, activities, attractions and so much more! Gates open at 9
a.m. show starts at 10 a.m.. Tickets are only $25.00 for adults,
children 12 are admitted free. Featuring Artisits Craig Morgan,
James Otto and Whitney Duncan. For details call studios: 850-
994-5357.
ITT Tickets Your ITT office has discounted CountryFest tick-
ets available now for $23 for active military only. Wild adventure
in Valdosta, Ga. has provided discount tickets to the ITT office
for $35 a $14 reduction on normal costs. Free 5 day hero salute
for Disney world and free day two-park unlimited Universal hero
salute tickets are also in stock. Finally, just in are discounted Bama
Jam tickets. The three-day concert event in Enterprise, Ala. has a
normal cost of $178, but ITT has them for $99. Stop by the bowl-
ing alley or call 623-7032 for more information.
Runners' Club Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is
looking for a few good runners for their running club. The club
is for runners of all ability levels, and the program will offer in-
centives for certain performance achievements reached. This is a
new program and suggestions are also greatly appreciated. Sign
up at the Fitness Center or contact Todd Mooneyham at (850)665-
6102.
Also, the NAS Whiting Field Running Club will hold its Inau-
gural Memorial Day 5-K FUN RUN Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. For more information and to reg-
ister please contact Todd Mooneyham at 850-665-6102, Fitness
Center at 623-7412, or the Liberty Center at 623-7472.
Command Picnic NAS Whiting Field will hold their all
hands picnic, May 15. Military, dependents, retirees, reservists,
DOD, contractors, and friends are all invited to join us in this fam-
ily oriented event starting atlO a.m. at the Sports Complex adjacent
the ball fields. There will be plenty of food and fun, with a menu
that includes: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, Bratwurst,
Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Chips, Cookies and a vari-
ety of beverages.
Covenant Hospice Seminar on Aging Covenant Hos-
pice is presenting a program to help Veterans deal with end of


Cmdr. Warren Lipscomb, commanding officer Training Squadron
TWO and Kelly McCoy, American Systems program manager con-
gratulate Erin Williams, a schedule writer and assistant flight duty
officer for the squadron, on her selection as the American Systems
Employee of the Quarter. Williams managed the daily flight sched-
ule for more than 65 instructor pilots and 158 student pilots during
the January through March selection period. Here efforts directly
contributed to the squadron surpassing 5,800 flight hours during the
first quarter of 2009. Photo courtesy of American Systems.
ife issues and the medical commumty serving those issues. The
forum features Nurse Practitioner Deborah Grassman who has
served with the Veteran's Administration for 25 years and has
been Director of the Hospice program for the VA for the last 14
years. She will present two modules: Wounded Warrior and He-
roes Among Us. The forum is free and open to the public. There
will be two opportunities to attend the two modules 9 a.m. to
noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 27 at Olive Baptist Church.
Light refreshments will be offered. Call Jackie Harrison at 202-
0914 to RSVP.
Taxi Rule Change The Escambia County Board of County
Commissioners unanimously passed the County Taxicab ordi-
nance. It mirrors the City's ordinance on licensure, fares and insur-
ance. It is being sent to the Florida Secretary of State for ratifica-
tion and will be enacted in 30 days. From that point on flat rate
fares will be banned and the meter will rule -If the meter reads zero
the fare is zero. For shared cabs, the fare will be the meter plus
$0.50 per additional passenger.
Holocaust Remembrance NAS Whiting Field will hold a
Holocaust Days of Remembrance, Remembering Kristallnacht
10 a.m. to noon, Monday, May 4 in the Base Auditorium. Guest
speakers will be Dr. Gail Wallen, Program Director of the Jewish
Family and Children's Service, Tuscon, AZ, and Holocaust Survi-
vors Ms. Wanda Wolosky and Ms. Rosa Freund, who are both the
last living generation of holocaust survivors. For additional infor-
mation, please contact the NAS Whiting Field's Chaplain's Office
at 623-7211.
BIG Sale The Eglin AFB Commissary will have a 2 day case
lot sale May 2 and 3. The sale will be held at Duke Field, Fla.
Duke is located about seven miles south of Crestview, Fla. The
sale is expected to have more than 100 different items for sale in
case quantities and special prices. If you should have any ques-
tions, please feel free to contact the Store Director, Ms. Harris at
(850) 882-5620.













Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Home Buying Tuesday, April 28, from 1:00 3:00 pm
A home is one of the most complicated and costly purchases you'll ever make. Getting the best purchase deal can reduce "life of the
loan" by thousands of dollars. Let us show you how. Classes are held in the FFSC conference room. For details call 623-7177.
Welcome to Whiting! Every Thursday 1000 1200
If you are new to NAS Whiting Field or just want to learn more about the Milton Pensacola area, this class is for you! Come find
out about MWR and other recreational facilities, hurricane preparedness, the FFSC and other support services available! Children are
welcome and this is a great opportunity to meet new friends! Join us at the Whiting Pines Community Center any Thursday or call the
FFSC at 623-7177 for more information.
VA Appointments (Call to schedule) Friday, May 8, 0800 1200 Friday, May 22, 0800 1200
Resume Writing Monday, May 4, 0800 1000
This class will assist you in efficiently creating an effective resume. Learn how to handle sticky resume situations like military-to-civil-
ian transition, age, employment gaps, layoffs, and career change. Learn to use your resume as a marketing tool. Class will be held at
the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Car Buying Strategies Tuesday, May 5, 0900 1100
Many people begin the car buying process by visiting a dealership, which should be one of the last things you do. Come find out how to
research and compare for the best prices, when and how to negotiate your trade-in, how insurance fits in, and your best option for financ-
ing. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Time Management Wednesday, May 6, 1300 1400
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.
Money & the Move Tuesday, May 12, 0900 1100
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. Santa Rosa


NAVFAC Southeast to Oversee
Jacksonville, Fla. Naval Facilities Engineering Command
(NAVFAC) Southeast will be executing a portion of the recent-
ly signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA),
which includes 34 projects at Navy and Marine Corps bases
throughout the Southeastern United States, specifically in
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and
Texas.
"NAVFAC is proud to support the President's initiative
to put people back to work and help jumpstart the economy,"
said Capt. Doug Morton, NAVFAC Southeast Commanding
Officer. "These projects will improve the quality of life for ser-
vice members and our move towards energy independence."
The projects are intended to modernize Navy and Ma-
rine Corps shore infrastructure, enhance America's energy in-
dependence, and sustain a robust Maritime Force for decades.
Projects include much-needed improvements to Navy
and Marine Corps installations, hospitals, child development
centers, and other facilities for Sailors, Marines and their fami-
lies. ARRA also funds needed infrastructure repairs including
water projects, electrical grids, steam lines and sewers.


$248 Million in ARRA Projects
Energy independence projects include Photovoltaic
(solar power) and Advanced Meter Reading, an automatic col-
lection of data from electric, water or natural gas metering de-
vices that is transferred to a central database for billing and/
or analyzing. Both techniques will provide tools necessary to
comply with regulatory mandates put in place to meet annual
energy saving goals and improve energy performance.
ARRA projects, or presolicitation notices, will be an-
nounced online at the Federal Business Opportunities website,
www.fbo.gov. Each announcement will include the word RE-
COVERY as the first word in the title field prior to the actual
title of the notice to identify its association with the act.
Contract vehicles for these projects will include stand
alone competitive contracts, competitive Multiple Award Con-
tracts (MACCs), competitive 8(a) and non-competitive 8(a)
procurements as authorized under the Small Business Act.
Contractors interested in participating in this work should close-
ly monitor the Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO)
website at www.neco.navy.mil, which automatically posts on
the FedBizOpps website at www.fbo.gov.







Atrium Reopening
(Cont. from Page 1)
300 people. The building also will house the Whiting Field branch
office for Pen Air Federal Credit Union; the religious programs
offices; the base Morale Welfare and Recreation department; and
classrooms for the Troy State, Embry Riddle and other educational
programs.
"We are excited to have this building back in operation,"
said Capt. Enrique Sadsad, commanding officer Naval Air Station
Whiting Field. "This is an important part of the history of the base,
and gives us a beautiful facility that we can share with our tenant
commands and the local community."
The $5.1 million renovation included major structural re-
pairs to damage from the 2004 storms; cosmetic repairs such as
painting, carpeting, and siding; as well as refurbishing the facility to
incorporate food service capabilities.
Guest speakers for the event were Santa Rosa County Board Santa osa County Commissioner on a ter, apt. nnque
Sadsad and Col. Scott Walsh cut the ribbon for the grand re-
of Commission Chairman Don Salter and Pen Air Federal Credit opening of the Naval Air Station Whiting Field Atrium. U. S.
opening of the Naval Air Station Whiting Field Atrium. U. S.
Union CEO Ron Fields. Navy photo by Laura Davis.

Hayes Retirement
(Cont. from Page 1)


IVlUIIIU UI~l UI LIIU I. alal al O1LaLUll V 111g v ?lll ug IIU tIIIUI -ULL, JIIILUI
Mess present Master Chief Robert Hayes with his retirement shadow
box. The shadowbox was one of many mementos Hayes received dur-
ing his retirement ceremony. U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
2005, Hayes was repeatedly commended for his ability to
instruct the students attending the school.
"Master Chief definitely lived up to every aspect of
a Chief Petty Office," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Chown, officer in
charge CNATT Det. Milton, "but in training junior officers
- that is where he truly excelled."
More than 100 friends and family were present to
wish Hayes the traditional "fair winds and following seas,"
and a former commanding officer, retired Navy Capt. Craig
Weidemand travelled from Virginia Beach, Va. to tell a few
tales of the times when Hayes had saved his "skin." Wei-
demand, who commanded the Argonauts of Strike Fighter
Squadron 147, returned the favor by presenting him with a


piece of the "Golden Fleece" which was given to him upon
his departure from the squadron.
The Navy also presented Hayes with a "memento,"
awarding him the Meritorious Service Medal for his contri-
butions to the command.
Master Chief Hayes "demonstrated unparalleled
leadership and superb organizational skills while leading
and mentoring ajoint and diverse training team consisting of
15 Navy and Marine Corps senior enlisted instructors, sup-
port personnel and 10 staff officers responsible for 5 avia-
tion maintenance and three aviation ordnance management
courses with an annual throughput of 1,046 students," the
citation reads in part. "His inspirational leadership led to the
highest quality training at the navy and Marine Corps' single
site for aviation maintenance officer training..."
Hayes has travelled across the globe with various
aviation detachments. Since completing Recruit Training
Command in 1979, he has served with VF-211, VF-124, VF-
191, VA/VFA-147 (twice), as well as tours with Strike Fight-
er Wing Pacific, Naval Research Laboratory Flight Support
Detachment and the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron
- the Blue Angels. It is a career that Hayes looks back upon
and only remembers the good.
"There have been some ups and downs. Standing
here now, though, I can't remember the hard times," he said.
I have been exceptionally blessed to be surrounded by the
best people in the world."
As it came time for him to depart, Hayes asked the
Chiefs to look after the enlisted Sailors.
"I would be remiss if I didn't give one more active duty or-
der...Take care of my boys in blue."








Congrats to CTW-5 Wingers and Scholars


First Row: Cmdr. Mark Murray, USN; 1st Lt. Zachary Wasmer, USMC; 1st Lt. Stacey Haworth, USMC; Lt. j.g. Kelly Koch, USCG;
Ens. Julia Klopmeier, USN; 1st Lt. Jonathan Mayhew, USMC; and Col. Scott Walsh, USMC. Second Row: Lt. Col. C. A. Stackhouse,
USMC; 1st Lt. Trevor Monfette, USMC; Ens. Brian Carnes, USN; Ens. Gregory Lewis, USN; 1st Lt. Lewis Maxwell, USMC; Lt. j.g.
Norman Severance, USN. Third Row: Cmdr. Michael Fisher, USN; 1st Lt. Matthew Collier, USMC; Lt. j.g. Gordon McDonald, USN;
Ens. John Betza, USN; 1st Lt. Liam Flemming, USMC; Ens. Mason Fox, USN; and RearAdm. Mark Fox, USN.


Left Photo: Academic Achievement awards were presented to 2nd Lt. Chad D. Allen, USMC; Lt. j.g. Hunter T. Atherton, USCG; Lt. j.g.
Howard B. Baker, Jr., USCG; Ens. Luigi Griffoni, ITN; 2nd. Lt. Nathan C. McPherson, USMC; and 2nd Lt. Travis K Pugh, USMC at
Training Air Wing FIVE headquarters April 17. Ens. Travis L. Chambers, USN received the Advanced Academic Achievement award
and 2nd Lt. Matthew C. Burton, USAF achieved the Commodore's List recognition the same day.
Right Photo: Lt. j.g. John HI Walters, USCG and Lt. j.g. Raymond M. Jamros, USCG stand with their Academic Achievement awards
while 2nd Lt. Michael Schmmidt, USMC and Ens. Jeremy Severson, USN hold their Advanced Academic Achievement award certificates.
Photos courtesy of Training Air Wing FIVE.