Vol. 65 No. 25 Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Whiting Field Officially Opens New Air Traffic Control Tower

Milton Mayor Guy Thompson, Capt. Enrique Sadsad, Air Traffic
Controller Second Class Kendra Mock and Santa Rosa County
Commissioner Don Salter cut the ribbon for the new Air Traffic
Control tower at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. The new $3.9
million facility will help the base monitor flight activity more ef-
fectively. U. S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.

By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
With a few short speeches and a ceremonial slice of the
red, white, and blue ribbon, the new Naval Air Station Whiting
Field air traffic control tower was dedicated. Following nearly
three years of planning and construction, the new tower official-
ly opened June 19 at 9 a.m.
Mayor Guy Thompson of Milton was the guest speaker
for the event, and issued a few words of support for the gathered
military persons in attendance.
"For all these years, Whiting Field has been a very im-
portant part of our community," he said. "People like you, who
keep leading efforts within the community, whose mission is so
important to the defense of our nation. You keep us all free.
Thank you for the job you are doing."
The $3.9 million air traffic control tower overlooks the
south field of the base's two airfields with a view that is 20 feet
higher than the old tower. With additional working space and

(Cont. on Page 6)

Sea Cadets Experience Excitement of Boot Camp

By: USNSCC Seamen Apprentice
Emma Holt
"Oorah Charlie Company! Oo-
rah!" Seaman Apprentice in Training In-
essa Kann shouts at the top of her voice.
"Oorah Charlie Company! Oorah," she
shouts again as she strains to get her
company recognized as the loudest. It
is a daily refrain for the recruits as they
strive to keep motivated during the hot
summer days at Naval Air Station Whit-
ing Field.
This is recruit training, the first
and hardest training U.S. Naval Sea Ca-
dets must endure. For fourteen days,
nearly 50 recruits from five states and
Puerto Rico, performed close order drills,
attended class, woke up early for physi-
cal training and endured hours of forma-
tion marching with their companies.
During this exhausting training
the recruits often thought to themselves
is "What did I do?"
When the cadets arrived, they

waited in line for their sea bag inspec-
tion and administrative check-in. They
realized the hard task ahead and all the
cadets had to comfort them is the voice
of the staff-which wasn't really very
comforting-as the staff instructed the
cadets in traditional boot camp style -
how to stand at attention and keep quiet.
One recruit's expectations didn't match
the reality. She was teased into believing
it would actually be much worse.
"Definitely the exact opposite,
it's not what I was expecting or what my
friends at my battalion said that it would
be. They said they would drop them a
lot, and drill them all the time, and wake
them up in the middle of the night and
make them run five miles," Seamen Re-
cruit Inessa Kann says, "I'm very fortu-
nate, it is a really awesome experience."
Most recruits, however, didn't
have the advance heads up. Each recruit
knew they would survive the two week
(Cont. on Page 5)

Boot Camp haircut during day two of the Sea
Cadet recruit training. Photo courtesy of U.
S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Whiting Division.

Walker Receives Prestigious Honor in D.C.

Retired Command Sergeant Major Inducted to Ordnance Hall of Fame

By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field
Public Affairs
For more than 34 years,
Tyler Walker II answered the call
to duty serving in both the Marine
Corps and the Army. When the
Army called again, it was to rec-
ognize those years of faithful ser-
vice.
Walker was inducted into
the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame
Maor Tyler sergeant May 7. He was one of ten con-
still active duty U. S. Army. temporary inductees, and four his-
File Photo. torical inductees' legacies were
honored as well. The honorees
joined a select group of individuals that includes five Medal
of Honor recipients, inventors, scientists and leaders. Indi-
viduals are chosen based on their significant contributions
to U.S. Army Ordnance. The Hall was created in 1969, and
less than 350 people have been honored with induction.
Walker currently works as a government contrac-
tor for the physical security department at Naval Air Station
Whiting Field. He certainly had many opportunities follow-
ing his retirement in 2005, but the allure of continuing ser-
vice to his country on a military base was foremost in his
plans.
"There is no doubt, that when you walk in to the
base in the mornings, it makes you feel proud. I still enjoy
stopping my car during the playing of the anthem and ren-
dering a hand salute," he said.
Spending 12 ears as a Command Sergeant Major

and working for three four-star generals, Walker had oppor-
tunities to support the Soldiers. He says that taking care of
the service members and their families were always utmost
in his mind.
"It makes you feel good," he said. "I never forgot
where I came from in the ranks."
Walker was nominated in December 2008 by a
former co-worker, Master Sergeant Brian Cole, whom he
worked with in Fort Belvoir, Va. It was a surprise to Walker
that he was nominated, let alone, that he was selected.
"I was proud, honored... but it made me reflect back
on my career and I kind of asked myself when they were
saying these things about me, "Was that me?"
(Cont. on Pan e 6)

designating his induction into the Ordnance Hall of Fame in Wash-
ington D.C. The honor recognized Walker's 34 years of service and
leadership while in the U. S. Army. Photo submitted by Ordnance
Hall of Fame Museum.

PCS Order Writing May Resume In Weeks

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st
Class(AW) LaTunya Howard, Navy Per-
sonnel Command Public Affairs
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (NNS) -- The chief
of naval personnel (CNP) said June 15 that
he is optimistic that permanent change of
station (PCS) order writing would resume
within a few weeks.
Via video stream, Vice Adm.
Mark Ferguson spoke to more than 600
Navy counselors, career counselors and
command master chiefs attending the 21st
annual Navy Counselor Association (NCA)
symposium here.
The Navy's $350 million budget
shortfall was partially responsible for the
current hold on PCS transfers this summer.
Changes with the order-writing
accounting system were another factor af-

fecting the PCS transfers hold. The Navy
now requires funding for orders when they
are written versus when the orders are ex-
ecuted. This paired with record retention
and fewer separations due to attrition has
slowed the number of Sailors leaving ac-
tive duty and required the Navy to divert
money for payroll rather than previously
budgeted programs.
"Manpower costs are one of the
fastest growing components of the budget.
It's growing at about four to six percent a
year and is much higher than inflation,"
said Ferguson.
CNP explained Navy's force sta-
bilization objectives to the audience indi-
cating where the Navy is with end strength,
how it got there and where it is headed.
"The anticipated retention rate
2

was 52 to 54 percent; we are at 60 per-
cent retention for Zone A. This behavior is
tracking with the rate of unemployment,"
said Ferguson.
Zone A Sailors have less than six
years of service, and six percent more of
these Sailors than projected are choosing to
stay Navy, contributing to the Navy's bud-
get shortfall.
The NCA symposium ran from
June 15-19. This year's theme was "Build-
ing a Top 50 Organization." Emphasis areas
included benefits, force stabilization and
Sailor performance. Other topics covered
at the symposium included career develop-
ment boards, sponsorship and command
indoctrination, Perform to Serve expansion
to Zones B & C and electronic service re-
cords.

News and Notes
Farmers' Market The Riverwalk Farmers' Market will be
held behind the Santa Rosa County Courthouse Thursdays, Sat-
urdays and Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The event is on N.
Willing St. in Milton and artists and crafters may purchase one-day
slots for $10. Call 626-6246 or visit 222.mainstreetmilton.org for
details.
Zoo Tots The Zoo Northwest Florida on Gulf Breeze Parkway
offers a train ride, story time and animal encounters for children 5
and under Tuesdays. Punch cards for eight visits are $40 for adult
with toddler, and $7 for individual sessions. Call 932-2229 for
more information.
Information Tickets and Travel New Home Just a
reminder that the MWR ITT Office has moved from the Bowl-
ing Center and is now located in Building 1417, Room 182 (same
building as the Atrium). Hours of operation are Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5
p.m.. New telephone number is 623-7032. The ITT office now is
able to help with rental cars as well. Call for details.
Sunsets at Plaza de Luna Every Thursday through Oct.
29, Plaza de Luna comes to life with music, entertainment, and
sunsets. This week featurs music from Bella Orange and an ap-
pearance by Barbie. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and is free. Call
435-1603 for information or visit www.cityofpensacola.com/cra/

al to Lt. Cmdr. Troy Sallee, CTW-5 Safety Officer, for his exceptional
performance that resulted in a reduction of Class A and B mishaps,
from 2.76 in 2006 to 0.66 in 2008. Lt. Cmdr. Sallee is transferring to
Afghanistan for a one year assignment. Photo submitted by Training
Air Wing Five.

Fishing Rodeo The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo started
39 years ago as a way to promote family fishing. This year, the
tournament will issue prizes in 12 different categories of fish in the
open division and 32 fish categories in the junior division. Prizes
will total more than $8,000. The rodeo begins June 18 with a cap-
tains' meeting at 6 p.m. Call 607-7569 for information.
Gulf Coast Bluegrass Music Join the Bluegrass Pilgrims
and The Webb Family bands for a concert at the Pensacola Junior
College Milton campus June 27, 6 p.m.. Following the concert
will be a jam session for players of all abilities; this will begin
around 8 p.m.. Cost: $2 for GCBMA members and $4 for non-
members. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Silver and Cabochon Jewelry Workshop Artist Linda
Wicker will be teaching participants how to wrap a cabochon with
sterling silver wire, with a bail for a pendant. This event is sched-
uled for 10 a.m. June 27 at the Pensacola Junior College Milton
campus. The supply kit is $15 and tuition fees are $10 for partici-
pants who are not members of the Santa Rosa Art Association.
Health Services Consumer Council There will be a
quarterly Health Services Consumer Council meeting July 23, at
2:30 in the Naval Air Station Pensacola Welcome Center in Con-
ference Room, on the 6th floor, Bldg 3910 East Ave. This event is
an open forum where we provide updates on the Military Health
System, TRICARE, and our health care delivery with issues and/or
what's going on. Please direct any questions to Ms. Tara Rettig at
(505-6048) or tara.rettig@med.navy.mil.
July 4th Riverfest! Come to the Riverwalk on July 4 for
pirates, treasure hunts, karaoke, concession and retail vendors,
music, and live entertainment throughout the day. Also be sure
to see the 8th annual firecracker bike show and the after dark fire-
works. Call the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce for details:
623-2339.
Firecracker Run, Walk, and Wheelchair 5K Race -
Register quickly to attend the 7:30 a.m. 5k race on July 4th start-
ing out at Seville Quarter. You can register online at www.active.
com or download an entry form at www.rmhpensacola.org. Race
benefits the Ronald McDonald House. The after race party will
include free refreshments, rejuvenation station, silent auction, and
race awards. For more information, contact Ronald McDonald
House at 477-2273 or events@rmhpensacola.org
Gone Fishing Base ponds located on the East of the base
(along the Golf Course Road) are now open for fishing for "Catch
and Release Only". You will be required to follow Florida state
fishing regulations, meaning a fresh water fishing license is re-
quired. Please be aware of wildlife around the area. Several poi-
sonous snakes (Water Moccasins) have been spotted around both
of the ponds and can be aggressive.
ID Card Office Has New Home The ID card office has
officially moved! They are now located in the Pass and Tag bldg
(48A) near the front gate. Please call the office at (850) 623-7159

JROTC students a tour of the TH-57. The full tour consisted of a
trip to the ATC tower, the night vision lab, the T-34 and TH-57 sims,
and static displays of both the TH-57 and T-34. The JROTC students
hail from Kentucky and spent a week with Naval Air Station Whiting
Field and Naval Air Station Pensacola. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g.
4mmons-Moreno.

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.
Interviewing Skills Monday, June 29, 0800 1000
This workshop will discuss ten ways to conduct yourself in a job interview, how to organize your self for an interview, and how to pre-
pare for expected interview questions. Participants will also be given tips on how to end an interview. For more information, contact a
Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Understanding Military Pay Issues Thursday, July 2, 1300 1500
It is important that you know about the elements of military compensation. Know what you are entitled to! Know what you may be
entitled to as your circumstances change! For more information call our Financial Educator at 623-7177.
Resume Writing Monday, July 6, 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.

Navy Suspends Bonus Program
From Chief of Naval
Personnel Public Af-
fairs
WASHINGTON(NNS)
-- Based on the number
of Sailors who have en-
listed this year under the
selective reenlistment
bonus program (SRB),
Based on the number of Sailors who have the Navy reached its
enlisted this year under the selective reen- congressional authority
listment bonus program (SRB), the Navy funding limit for this fis-
reached its congressional authority fund- cal year.
ing limit for this fiscal year. U. S. Navy
file photo. More than 10,000
Sailors reenlisted with a
reenlistment bonus. Accordingly, the Navy suspended the SRB
program for the remainder of the fiscal year.
SRB requests received by Navy Personnel Command-
811 prior to the release of NAVADMIN 176/09 through the Of-
ficer Personnel Information System will still be processed. Less
than 685 Sailors remain in the eligibility window to reenlist
with a SRB this fiscal year.
"The Navy will continue its strong commitment to the
SRB program, and it remains a critical component of our over-
all retention efforts," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of
naval personnel. "I want to assure Sailors that the SRB program
will continue to be available next fiscal year."
SRB award levels for the next fiscal year for qualify-
ing Sailors in specific ratings and NECs will be announced via
NAVADMIN later this summer.

for Remainder of Fiscal Year
SRB is a dynamic market-based incentive designed
to retain those Sailors in the Navy's most critical ratings and
NECs.
"This bonus is just one piece of Navy's world-class
pay and compensation package, and we will continue to work
to maintain and improve this package that sustains our Navy,"
said Ferguson.

Sea Cadets
(Cont. from Page 1)
training, but they didn't realize the
pressure, stress, heat and strict guide-
lines placed upon them.
The staff cadets are often just
as frazzled as the new recruits.
Sea Cadet Petty Officer Sec-
ond Class Orion Rollins said, "There is
stress present, but using the teamwork
that we promote in this training that
stress could be relieved, you have to
take things day by day because other-
wise all the stress will build up and you
will have a break down,"
The staff's goal is to teach the
recruits to be the best they can in their
companies and complete their own
goals as well.
"I am trying to train my re-
cruits to be the best Sea Cadets they
can be and further develop my leader-
ship skills," said Rollins.
The recruits were divided into
companies Alpha, Bravo and Charlie to
compete in academics, physical fitness,
military drill, and uniform and barracks
inspection. The company with the
highest score receives the title Honor
Company. These staff members are
responsible for the recruits' decisions

and ensured they not only compete but
work as one battalion.
The next thing the male recruits
will go through is a boot camp style
haircut. Their locks will be completely
removed. The boys know it will grow
back but it is the initial shock of see-
ing their pride and joy fall to the floor
while the staff sits back and observe
their shocked looks of humiliation and
embarrassment.
One routine most recruits look
forward to is physical training. Begin-
ning at 0515, it consists of push ups,
side straddle hops, flutter kicks, one
mile run and other conditioning exer-
cises. Cadets also took a physical train-
ing test later in the week which must be
passed to graduate.
Equally strenuous and nearly
as enjoyable was company command-
er time. During this time, companies
mustered to the parking lots outside the
barracks and performed military drill,
learned cadences, discussed conflicts,
or practiced the graduation routine.
Sea Cadet recruit training
is called the toughest training to go
through as a cadet. It is very easy to lose

TRICARE NOTE

AGREEMENT ALLOWS TRICARE BENEFICIARIES TO CONTINUE
PARTICIPATION IN NCI CANCER TRIALS

TRICARE beneficiaries have more options for cancer care and greater ac-
cess to advances in cancer prevention and treatment through clinical trials.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
have renewed their agreement for a continued partnership in cancer clinical
trials.

The agreement allows TRICARE-eligible cancer patients to take part in
NCI-sponsored Phase II and Phase III cancer clinical trials as well as
cancer prevention trials. Phase II trials typically study the effectiveness
of new drugs or therapies against a specific type of cancer. Phase III
trials compare new treatments to existing therapies.

In cancer prevention trials, patients take medications or supplements or
participate in certain activities that doctors believe will lower their
cancer risk. Patient safety is stressed.

motivation and determination through
the process. From all the work and
stress the recruits and staff go through
not only do they have to motivate
themselves but others as well. Before
lunch and dinner chow, the companies
line up outside and have a sounding off
competition. They call cadences that
make their rival companies look small
and unrecognized and they look good.
Their main goal is to get attention on
the officers and instructors.
"It makes me feel more chal-
lenged. When the other companies
challenge me it makes me want to be
the best and do the best I can," said
Kann.
They must try to be continual-
ly motivated to ensure success and not
give up. But most important is to work
as a single unit. It is a lesson that is as
important outside of the military as it is
inside. It is the most important lesson,
but not the only one that cadets learn.
Seamen Apprentice in Training Eric
Alvira listed a few of the lessons he
learned during recruit training.
"Teamwork. When you have
problems not to run from them. How
to behave and respect others. How you
can have a better life in the future. How
to work together with other people you
don't know, and how to obey orders
from people in charge."
At the end of the training re-
cruits know they have accomplished a
major hurdle in their lives and can be
proud of their feats. They learn a lead-
ership skills which could one day lead
them into a successful military career.
"The Sea Cadets and this re-
cruit training is teaching me to be a bet-
ter person and a better citizen because
it's teaching me to be more flexible."
said Rollins.
Learning to appreciate the de-
termination the staff cadets ingrain into
them may come later, but when you
ask any cadet what they got out of their
recruit training, most agree it not only
makes a good cadet but also a better
citizen.

New ATC Tower
(Contfrom Page 1)

an unobstructed view utilizing an extra
two feet of window all the way around,
the tower provides a more comfortable
and efficient office to monitor the more
than 160,000 flight operations at south
field annually.
Naval Air Station Whiting
Field is the Navy's busiest airfield, and
the new tower will help the controllers
work more safely and effectively.
The tower began operations
May 25 to the delight of the Air Traf-
fic Control Division, and Capt. Enrique
Sadsad, commanding officer NAS
Whiting Field, expressed the excite-
ment of the command for the new fa-
cility.
"Because of this facility, we
will be better able to provide outstand-
ing service to our tenant commands,"
Sadsad said. "It is another impressive
enhancement to exciting Whiting."
The new tower replaces one

that was not ideal for controlling the
sheer numbers of operations at the air-
field and was no longer meeting cur-
rent FAA guidelines. The new control
stations have better line of sight to air-
field operations, the tower contains im-
proved communication equipment, and
has an improved design for modern-
izing equipment in the future and for
maintenance. Additionally, the larger
space enables training to be conducted
at each workstation simultaneously,
which was not possible in the old tow-
er.
The audience members, in-
cluding Thompson, Santa Rosa County
Commissioner Don Salter, Congress-
man Jeff Miller's representative Eric
Hannel and others were offered short
tours of the tower and adjacent work
spaces to compare the two towers. The
previous tower will be renovated, re-
moving the air traffic control areas but

File photo of the new Air Traffic Control
Tower while under construction. This tower
is 20 feet taller than the old tower.

BBB Issues Consumer Warning
Pensacola, Fla. (June 18, 2009) BBB is warning consumers to be wary of
salesmen going door-to-door offering no-cost home security systems.
Consumers alerted BBB of salesmen identifying themselves as being
from Safeguard America are distributing fliers offering a free security system,
claiming they can save up to 25 percent on their homeowners' insurance.
The fliers cite a Mississippi address, but according to the U.S. Postal
Service, the address is that of an apartment complex, not a business.
The fliers and the business' Web site include BBB's old logo and
claim that Safeguard America is a BBB "Member." However, they are not a
BBB Accredited Business. Salesmen are also citing a Florida license from the
Department of Business and Professional Regulation; however that license
expired in 2004.
Another DBPR license, improperly displayed on the flier, is issued
to a David Roman for Security Systems Inc, DBA Safeguard America. David
Roman is also the president of Safe Home Security, Inc., a Connecticut-based
business with an F rating from your BBB because of the number of com-
plaints filed against the business, a failure to respond to a number of com-
plaints against the business, the number of serious complaints filed against the
business and the length of time the business has taken to resolve complaints.
The Connecticut Attorney General has filed suit against Safe Home
Security, Inc., Safe Home Monitoring, Inc., and their owner, David G. Roman,
charging them with installing and failing to fix faulty equipment, as well as
violations of the state's home improvement contractor laws.
Your BBB warns consumers to be cautious doing business with any-
one who shows up on their doorstep. Verify licensing, bonding, insurance or
any other requirements that may be necessary for that industry. And if a busi-
ness claims BBB Accreditation or "membership," verify their BBB status.

Walker HoF
(Cont. from Page 2)
A 34-year career is bound to span a lot of ter-
ritory. Walker has served in Germany (twice),
Korea (twice), Georgia, Colorado, Hawaii, Ari-
zona, Maryland and more. He and his unit de-
ployed during Desert Shield and Storm and he
molded soldiers both as a Drill Sergeant when
they joined and as the senior enlisted member
of five commands.
"All of the tours were rewarding, but
probably being a Drill Sergeant was the most
memorable. I enjoyed helping mold the Sol-
diers from civilian to military life. My mother,
Thelma B. Walker, taught us the morals and val-
ues of life, and I tried to instill a little of those
lessons to them," said Walker.
CSM Walker is married to the former
Vickie M. Lee of Pensacola and has a daughter,
Cinthia, who resides in Alexander, Virginia.
The award recognitions were printed in
the Spring 2009 edition of Ordnance Magazine.
This is the capstone award for a career that saw
Walker earn the Distinguished Service Medal
, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service
Medal (three awards), and many other unit
commendations and medals.