Vol. 65 No. 19 Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Base Sailors Exchange Navy Covers for Coaching Caps
By Ens. Andrew Stephenson, NAS Whiting Field Public
Affairs
Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field
and Training Air Wing FIVE (TAW-5) are encouraged to
give back to the communities where they live. Doing so
plays a significant role in the "Good Neighbor" policy both
commands endorse. When the Sailors are able to combine
their altruism with their love of the national pastime, it is a
win-win all the way around.
At least six Sailors from the base commands serve as
volunteer coaches for little league teams in the area. Switch-
ing titles from Chief to Coach has been a big thrill for Chief
Master-at-Arms Lawrence Klein.
"I look forward every time I step on the field with
these boys," said Klein. "Knowing I have passed some Chief Master-at-Arms Lawrence Klein hits some fielding practice to
knowledge and love of game on to them, is a lot of fun." the Padres' players. Klein is one of a handful of Sailors from NAS
Whiting Field commands that coach baseball in the community. U. S.
(Cont. on Page 5) Navy photo by Ens. Andrew Stephenson.

Navy Receives Last Nimitz Carrier G. H. W. Bush
From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Cor-
porate Communications
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy took delivery of its
newest aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN
77), from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding May 11.
George H.W. Bush is the 10th and final Nimitz-class
aircraft carrier.
"George H.W. Bush has been eight years in the
making, with its keel laid in 2003, followed by christen-
ing in 2006 and today's delivery. It's a testament to the
dedication and professionalism of both the Navy and
our industry partners," said Capt. Frank Simei, Navy
program manager for in-service aircraft carriers.
George H.W. Bush is the most advanced ship of
its class. Relative to the last aircraft carrier, USS Ron-
The aircraft carrier USS George RW. Bush (CVN 77) is underway from Na- ald Reagan substantial design features were modified
val Station Norfolk conducting acceptance trials and the Board of Inspections
and Survey to test the ship's material conditions and readiness. USS George and new technologies inserted. Examples include a new
R W. Bush is the last of the Nimitz Class Carriers to be built. (U.S. Navy vacuum marine sanitation system, a new jet fuel distri-
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Demetrius L. Patton/Re- bution system and numerous other new control systems
leased) and piping materials. These new features will reduce
the lifecycle cost of the carrier.
"George H.W. Bush's delivery completes the construction of Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, but their legacy will
continue" said Simei. "This ship will be an important part of our maritime forces for the next 50 years."
George H. W. Bush was commissioned Jan. 10 at Norfolk Naval Base. Doro Bush Koch, daughter of President
George H.W. Bush, is the ship's sponsor.

Cleaning-Up for America

y Lt. Drozdzowski
Each year the Santa Rosa Clean Community System
encourages the citizens of Santa Rosa County to clean theil
neighborhoods, roads and other areas. This year's event was hel
Saturday, Apr. 18, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) once again played
an active role in helping to keep the community pristine. The
squadron is an active participant in the Adopt-a-Highway pro
gram, claiming a route extending from the traffic light at the in
tersection HWY 87 and Langley Road to Maddox Road (more
than one and one-half miles).
More than 40 squadron members, friends, and family
participated in the event and collected 33 bags of trash along
their stretch of road. The extended Doerbird family displayed
terrific community support through their participation in the an
nual Great American Clean-Up Campaign.

TRICARE Weekly Brief
WEIGHT LOSS OPTIONS
A recent change in TRICARE policy now pro-
vides coverage for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
(Lap-BandR surgery), opening new avenues of treatment
for those fighting morbid obesity. You are eligible for Lap-
BandR surgery if you meet any one of the following condi-
tions:
1) You are 100 pounds over the ideal weight for height
and bone structure and have one of these associated medical
conditions: Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Cholecystitis,
Narcolepsy, Pickwickian syndrome (or other severe respi-
ratory disease), Hypothalamic disorder, or Severe arthritis
of the weight-bearing joints.
2) You are 200 percent or more of the ideal weight for
height and bone structure.
3) You have had an intestinal bypass or other surgery
for obesity and, because of complications, require a second
surgery (a takedown).
For more information about Lap-BandR surgery,
talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of the proce-
dure.

News and Notes
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.
ITT Tickets The MWR ITT Office will be closed on Fri, 15
May 09, for the Sports Day/Command Picnic. They will have a
booth set up near the Sports Complex Pavilion to showcase what
they have to officer for Authorized patrons.
DEFY Sign Ups For everyone's convenience, Staff and Youth
applications for the 2009 DEFY Program, as well as flyers about
the Program, are now available to download from the new NAS
Whiting Field website at: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/WhitingField/
index.htm. Please contact HM1 Clara Davis at the Branch Health
Clinic at 452-8970 ext 120 or clara.davis@ med.navy.mil.
Runners' Club Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is
looking for a few good runners for a new runners' club. The club
is for people of all ability levels, and will offer incentives for cer-
tain performance achievements reached. This is a new program
and suggestions are 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
of: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Cheese Burgers, Bratwurst, Potato

vlatusl allnu i lluial a
Cmdr. Leif Bergey, Chief of Staff Training Air Wing FIVE stand!
Yvith the academic awardees May 1. In no particular order, 2nd Lt
Philip Becker, USAF; Ens. Patrick Lakusta, USN; 2nd Lt. Mallor3
Swiderski, USAF; Ens. Troy Vantrease, USN and Lt. Andrew Wyrick
LTSN; received Academic Achievement Awards and 1st Lt. Johr
Crutchfield, USMC; 1st Lt. Sean Hicks, USMC; and 1st Lt. Danie
Murphy, USMC; earned Advanced Academic Achievement Awards
Photo by 2nd Lt. Shannan Longley.

iKeaying mne Kignt message
Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) gets ready to kick off the 2009 Mil-
ton Relay for Life at Pensacola Junior College's Milton Campus,
Friday, May 1. The team ran, walked, and grilled throughout the 18-
hour event to help raise money in support of the American Cancel
Society. Photo courtesy ofVT2.
Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Chips, Cookies and beverages.
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.
Embry Riddle Registration The Pensacola Campus of
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is registering April 30-May
31 for the Spring II term. Registration times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in Bldg.
634, Suite 033, 250 Chambers Avenue, NAS Pensacola and on
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30am-4:00pm in Bldg. 1417, Room
163 on NAS Whiting Field. Add and drop and late registration will
be held June 1-5. New Student Orientation will be held Saturday,
May 30, 8:30 to noon in Bldg. 634, Suite 033. Everyone is en-
couraged to register early. Email pensacola.center @erau.edu, visit
www.embryriddle.edu/pensacola or call 458-1098 for info.
Navarre 5K Run and Walk Lace those running shoes
for the annual run on Navarre Beach May 17. Post-race activities
including awards and music will follow on the Fun Fest festival
grounds. Registration for the 5K is $20 in advance or $25 race
day. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. Participants may register on-
line at www.active.com.
Tennis Anyone? The following are the Free Annual Tennis
Clinics sponsored by the USPTA's "Tennis Across America 2009:"
Saturday, May 16, 2009 -- A. C. Read Tennis Center, NAS Pen-
sacola; Saturday, May 23, 2009 -- Pensacola Junior College, Mil-
ton Campus; Saturday, May 30, 2009 -- Pensacola Junior College,
Main Campus (Pensacola)
Children/Junior sessions are 8 10 a.m, with the Adult/
Senior session following from 10 a.m. to noon. Loaner rackets are
available and there are lots of tennis balls to hit, light refreshments
to have and fun tennis on the courts. Please contact Mario Alva-
rez, USPTA/USPTR, at 623-2911 for further information.

Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
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.
Ten Steps to a Federal Resume Monday, May 18, 0800 1000
"Is it worth your while to invest your time and effort in searching and applying for a Federal Job?" If your answer is "yes", then you
need to 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 for jobs. Class will be held at the
FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
I. D. Theft Prevention Tuesday, May 19, 0900 1100
3.25 million victims last year? Costs victims $4,800 $10,200 per crime. Loss to businesses and financial institutions is greater than
%50 billion. Attend this class to learn ways to lessen your chances of becoming a victim. Class will be held at the FFSC conference
room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Anger Management Wednesday, May 20, 1300 1400
Is anger affecting your health, your relationships or your work performance? Learn to understand the causes and effects of unhealthy
anger and how to express and release that anger in a healthy way! Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information,
contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Consumer Awareness Tuesday, May 26, 0900 1100
According to the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs, fraud cost consumers over 40 billion dollars every year. Some offers are truly
fraudulent and are illegal, most however, are simply rip-offs and misrepresentations. Don't be a victim! Class will be held in the FFSC
conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.

Retired Activities Office Helps Fellow Retirees In Need

By S. Lori Lutz Former Gosport
Staff Writer
Editor's Note: This story was original-
ly written for publication in NavalAir
Station Pensacola's base newspaper,
Gosport. It has been edited to provide
information pertinent to Naval Air
Station Whiting Field and shortened
from its original length.
The job isn't exactly pleasant,
but the work that the volunteers carry
out at the Naval Air Station Whiting
Field's Retired Activities Office (RAO)
is important to survivors of military
service members and gratifying to the
volunteers.
Volunteers dedicate their time
to the office located in the Fleet and
Family Support Center (FFSC). The
small office near the entrance is open
9 a.m-noon, Mon., Tues., and Thurs.
and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday. Gil
Chase, Chuck Meyer, Stewart Hoff-

man, and Bob Dye dedicate their time
each week to ensure the needs of the re-
tirees are met. Much of the work they
do involves assisting survivors of de-
ceased military service members. But
the office also helps retirees with other
military issues and often refers them to
the appropriate agency.
When a death occurs,
survivor(s) are immediately affected.
Retirement pay for the deceased ser-
vice member ends at midnight the day
the death is reported to the Defense Fi-
nance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
office located in Cleveland, Ohio. The
survivor's benefits can then go one of
two ways: 1) onto the survivor benefits
program (SBP) where a percentage of
the retirement pay continues to be paid;
or 2) cease all together because the
military service member didn't select
SBP. Needless to say, the latter alterna-
tive couldn't be worse news at a worse

time.
That's when RAO refers the
survivor to Navy-Marine Corps Relief
Society (NMCRS). RAO tries to have
a positive answer for everyone, even
at the worst of times. The office as-
sists people each month with complet-
ing forms in a time of stress, providing
them with a checklist of helpful ser-
vices and making the survivor prepara-
tion process a "one-stop" convenience
instead of a harrowing experience.
The checklist is comprised of
18 items that explain all services that
are available, phone numbers for mul-
titudinous agencies and how to prop-
erly carry out several tasks. These cat-
egories are: correspondence, personal
papers, action for the military retiree
when a spouse dies, action for spouse
when a military retiree dies, death gra-
tuity, space available travel, legal ser-
(Cont. on Page 6)

President Proclaims May 8 As Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Editor's Note: Thefollowing are excerpts from the President's Military
Spouse Appreciation Proclamation.
Military spouses share the sacrifices of service with our Na-
tion's men and women in uniform. As members of the Armed Forces serve
in the United States and across the world, military spouses also serve our
Nation. When a servicemember goes to war, we know their spouse also
shares in that sacrifice. I am inspired by their commitment to family and
our Nation, and on Military Spouse Day, we honor these individuals for
their contributions.
Wives and husbands of servicemembers display an uncommon
courage and strength as they steadfastly support their spouses during long
and arduous deployments. While they endure separations that are filled
with worry and anxiety, they face unique stresses. Foremost is the con-
cern about the safety and well-being of deployed loved ones, but there are
many other challenges. From managing household finances to comforting
children impacted by a military parent's absence, military spouses take on

the burdens of maintaining families largely on their own...
Despite these hardships, military spouses are an inex-
haustible source of strength for our military families and donate
their time generously to local communities. Military spouses offer
the love and encouragement that help servicemembers endure the
challenges of serving our Nation. Military spouses support one an-
other as friends and mentors...
All Americans should express appreciation for military
spouses and let them know they are not alone...
Our Nation maintains a sacred trust with every individ-
ual who serves. My Administration is committed to showing our
Nation's gratitude for them by honoring our obligations to their
families. I call upon the people of the United States to honor mili-
tary spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities today and
in the filutur

Covers for Coaching Caps

(Cont. from Page 1)
As, "Coach Danny," for the Padres little
league baseball team, he is responsible for
molding a group of individual kids into a
single unit. As the Security Department
Operations Chief at NAS Whiting Field,
Klein does much the same thing with the
team of Sailors on the security staff.
Klein coaches the Padres, an 11-
12 year old boys team, with the help of
Capt. John Gilmore, an instructor pilot at
Training Squadron SIX (VT-6). The team is
part of the Pace Area Recreation Associa-
tion (PARA) League.
Neither Gilmore nor Klein has a
child on the team, but both have previous
baseball experience. Klein began playing at
the age of five, played though high school
as well as on various traveling teams, and
has coached little league for four years.

Gilmore has also coached previously in lit-
tle league, and enjoys coaching and helping
kids to learn fundamentals that will follow
them throughout their baseball careers.
"I thoroughly enjoyed watching
the excitement that they get when they get
a hit for the first time, try pitching for the
first time and record a strikeout, and es-
pecially when they win," said Gilmore. "I
simply enjoy coaching and giving some-
thing back to the community."
Other base personnel coaching
little league include Lt. Col. Shawn Coak-
ley from Helicopter Training Squadron
EIGHTEEN, Lt. Cmdr. Leaf Ballast from
Naval Facilities Engineering Command
(NAVFAC) Southeast, Chief Air Traffic
Controller Michael Pendygraft from the
NAS Whiting Field Operations Dept., and

Lt. Cmdr. Todd Weimerskirch from Train-
ing Squadron TWO.
Ballast coaches his son's 11-12
year-old boys PARA team, the Cardinals;
Pendygraft, the under 10 year-old team, the
Marlins; Coakley, the Orioles; and Weimer-
skirch, his son's 11-12 year-old team, the
Astros. Each coach enjoys the time spent
with the kids, and relishes the opportunities
to develop skills and stress good sports-
manship.
"I've had many parents at the end
of the season thank me for just that and
tell me how much their child enjoyed their
season," said Weimerskirch. "I'm far from
perfect, but it sure makes you feel good
knowing you've done the right thing for
other people."

il avy Ucaguc VVc111tnugnica U l il
Left Photo: Santa Rosa County Council of the Navy League, NAS Whiting Field and Training Wing FIVE representatives flank AC1 Jimmie
Anderson, NAS Whiting Field Operations Dept. and AW2 Brandon Keiser, Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT. The two Sailors are the
Navy Leagues Sailor and Junior Sailor of the Quarter. Right Photo: HM3 Jeremy Moore receives the Navy Leage Bluejacket of the Quarter
award. U.S. Navy photos by Jay Cope.

RAO Helps Retirees
(Cont. from Page 4)
vice, review-replacement-correction of military records, retired pay, survivor
benefit plan (SBP), ID cards, base vehicle decal, service newsletters, medical
care, dental care, Social Security Administration benefits, Veterans Affairs ben-
efits and change of address.
RAO staff volunteers assist any service branch service member who
needs help Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine or Coast Guard. RAO offers
"one-stop" convenience for all military branches. Another way that the RAO
tries to assist is with the technology curve. Many of these retirees now find
themselves in the age of technology a new wrench in the system in which
they did not grow up.
The RAO helps buffer them from that "inconvenience" also. Much of
their information is handled technologically and can be confusing to someone
who is not used to the information age. It helps to have assistance, and RAO
tries to close that gap. The RAO staff tries to encourage military retirees to stay
on top of three key responsibilities that the Retirement Activities Office doesn't
necessarily know to initiate: DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting
System Ensure personal information is current; DFAS Keep address/ben-
eficiary information current; DD214, retirement orders, insurance documents
- Keep in a safe place known by designated beneficiary. If the retiree properly
maintains these three things, it will make survivorship much easier for family
members. RAO also provides a last will and testament
worksheet. The Navy Legal Service Office can prepare wills.
None of this planning seems to produce happy thoughts, but realisti-
cally, it is all a necessity for surviving family members. If a retiree will begin by
maintaining those three steps, that's a good start the RAO staff will help take
it from there.
To contact the Whiting Field RAO, call 623-7177. Appointments are
encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Congrats to Training Wing FIVE's

Newest Wingers and Scholars

First Row: Cmdr. Mark Murray, USN; Lt. j.g. Raymond Hill, USN; Ens. Jennifer Tortella, USN; Ens. Andres Rodriguez, USN;
Ens. Patrick Colyer, USN; and Ens. James Angel, USN. Second Row: Capt. James Vandiver, USN; Lt. j.g. Jason Gross, USCG;
1st Lt. Brian Jordan, USMC; Ens. Ryan Brack, USN; Ens Matthew Seibert, USN; Ens. Bennett Mortan, USn; and Cmdr Mat-
thew Frost, USN. Third Row: Cmdr Michael Fisher, USN; 1st Lt. Christopher Wright, USMC; 1st Lt. James Nash, USMC; 1st
Lt. Brandon Mayes, USMC; Ens. Zachariah West, USN; Ens. Jeffrey Bridge, USN; and Capt. Michael Cashman, USN.

Left Photo: Training Wing FIVE (TW-5) Deputy Commodore, Capt. James Vandiver stands with Ens. Sean Paso, USN; 2nd Lt. Andrew Rast,
USAF; Ens. Brandon Rodgers, USN; Ens. Adriano Silva, USN; Ens Reid Smith, USN; Ens. Andrew Turo, USN; and 2nd Lt. Daniel Wynn, Ur.,
USAF, after presenting the student aviators their Academic Achievement Award citations. Center Photo: Vandiver presents Ens. Johnathan
Sosch, USN; and 1st Lt. Robert Debeneadto, USMC; their Advanced Academic Achievement awards. Lt. j.g. Joseph Siemke, USCG; receives
his Commodore's List citation from Vandiver. All the awards were presented May 8. U.S. Navy photo by Marc Bizzell.