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Vol. 65 No. 26 Wednesday, July 1, 2009

TRAWING-5 Wings 30,000th Helico ter Pilot
By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
Training Air Wing FIVE (TRAWING-5) celebrated a mile-
stone in Naval aviation when the 30,000th rotary wing student pilot
walked across the stage to receive his coveted "wings of gold," June
19.
1st Lt. Michael Brown, USMC, walked off the stage as the
Marine Corp's newest helicopter pilot. He joined 37 other students
in achieving the greatly sought after designation.
Brown learned he would be the 30,000th helicopter pilot
trained by the Navy about 1/2 hour before the ceremony. While
he recognizes that being the milestone pilot was largely a matter of
luck, it is still a hallmark he cherishes.
"It is a great honor. It is a great testament to Naval avia-
tion," Brown said. "I am really excited, and I hope I can do it jus-
tice."
After Brown was pinned by his wife Sara and congratu- Rear Adm. Garry Hall (center) and Col. John Walsh, present
1st Lt. Michael Brown with a certificate recognizing his status
lated by the guest speaker, Rear Adm. Garry Hall, the ceremony as the 30,000th winged helicopter pilot in the Navy's training
was stopped for a moment by Col. John Walsh, TRAWING-5 Com- history. The Navy has been training helo pilots since 1943.
(Cont. on Page 2) U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.

MCPON Sends Independence Day Message To The Fleet


Special from Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Navy
(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D.
West
WASHINGTON (NNS) --
Master Chief Petty Officer of
the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW)
Rick D. West released the
following Independence Day
message to the fleet June 29.
"Shipmates and Navy MC
S* MCPC
Families,
As we celebrate this
great nation's birthday I'd like you to
take a moment and consider your role
in preserving the ideals the United
States was founded upon.
No matter the platform on
which you serve, the community to
which you belong or the rating that
identifies your skill set, you are all pa-
triots in defense of liberty and protec-
tors of our independence.


Not a day goes by that
I'm not thankful for the
honor to serve among
you. It really hits home,
though, during holidays
like these when we are
reminded of what this
country stands for. Inde-
pendence Day is a time
to celebrate the freedoms
we hold dear and to honor
J Rick West
those who have protected
them for 233 years.
For your part in that, I say
thank you.
I also ask that while you cel-
ebrate our nation's birthday you keep
in mind those who are deployed pro-
tecting what we are celebrating. Ad-
ditionally I ask you keep another item
at the forefront and that is safety. Use
common sense on our nation's free-
ways and take every possible precau-


tion (including watching out for others)
whether you're driving, riding a motor-
cycle, on the water or staying at home
with fireworks and barbecue.
I expect safety to be a primary
discussion point now and every day
leading up to the holiday weekend.
Awareness and caution should be the
watchwords of every Sailor and Navy
family member.
Enjoy your holiday, shipmates.
No matter where you are, on or below
the world's seas and oceans, in the air
or boots on ground, I hope you get to
spend at least a few moments celebrat-
ing the 4th of July. Stay safe and con-
tinue to take care of one another.
Thanks for what you do in
defense of this incredible country of
ours.
Stay focused; stay alert and
stay safe,
HOOYAH!"







30,000th Winger
(Cont. from Page 1)
mander. Walsh then presented Brown with a plaque to celebrate the occasion.
Exemplifying typical aviator wit, the plaque read: "Through no great effort of your own and by no selection means other than
being near the top of the alphabet during your winging class, you are hereby selected as the 30,000th Rotary Wing Aviator. Congratula-
tions, this number should be easy to remember."
Although humorous, the plaque relates that the true achievement in reaching this milestone is the 65-plus years of Naval heli-
copter training. The last 37 years of this training has been performed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Fla., and includes
100 percent of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard helicopter pilots.
"This is not an individual accomplishment, but decades of commitment toward professionalism in training," Walsh said. "Our
nation has determined this capability is worth pursuing, and has applied significant resources toward that end."
Walsh cites the flexibility of the helicopter platform as a primary reason for its continued and increased use over the years. It



























1st Lt. Michael Brown poses with his family and Rear Adm. Garry Hall following his pin-
ning. Thirty-seven other students were winged during the June 19 ceremony. U.S. Navy
photo by Jay Cope.

is not only capable of bringing food, water, medical assistance and shelter to people in
need, but is equally able to evacuate injured troops, bring troops into a combat zone and
provide combat aerial support. The combat support is especially useful in urban zones
where its ability to hover is strategically vital.
"Our nation realizes that we need these airborne warriors. They operate our
most flexible systems that can work across a spectrum of conflicts," Walsh said.
This point is borne out by the recent increase from approximately 500 heli-
copter flight students per year to an estimated 600 per year by 2011. There are also
plans in place to increase the number of Marine helicopter squadrons by six and the
Navy by two over the next few years.
But as important as the various helicopter platforms are, they are useless with-
out the pilots who fly them, or the instructors who train the students. TRAWING-5's
core of instructors are all combat pilots who bring a wealth of experience to the task
of molding talented young men and women into warriors. Hall emphasized that point
during his remarks to the audience and families who attended the winging ceremony.
"I am amazed by the professionalism of the instructor pilots who instruct our
student pilots today. Their skill will make your eyes water...Out of all the 18 to 24 year
olds eligible to enter military service, 75 percent don't qualify," he said. "No where
else in the world will you find such an assemblage of talent."







News and Notes
Legal Service The NAS Whiting Field Legal Office will offer
additional legal assistance hours beginning Monday, July 6. A le-
gal assistance attorney will be available for walk-ins on Mondays
and appointments will be made on two additional days each week.
Call 623-7231 or 7232 for an appointment or more information.
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/
live/.
July 4th Riverfest! Come to the Riverwalk on July 4 for pi-
rates, treasure hunts, karaoke, concession and retail vendors, mu-
sic, and live entertainment throughout the day. Also be sure to see
the 8th annual firecracker bike show and the after dark fireworks.
Call the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce for details: 623-2339.
The railroad bridge will be operating under extended hours (until
10:00 p.m.). A no wake zone is in effect the entire day from the
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unwara ana upwara
Department of Defense police officers Lt. John Conner and Sgt. Jason
Palmer pin Ryan Abbott to his new rank. Abbot was promoted to
Sergeant, Thursday June 25 at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field
security building. Photo courtesy of NAS Whiting Field security.


i'il l, I, l Il VT al U a ts %A_ I, tfldll lan naL --
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
prior to coming in to ensure the system is up and running. The of-
fice hours will remain the same: Monday-Friday 0730-1500 hrs.
Navy Ball Theme Contest We are looking for ideas for
this year's NAS Whiting Field Navy Ball theme. If your idea is
selected, it will come with a free ticket to this year's ball. Please
forward your theme ideas directly to me via e-mail or at X7372.
We will close out all entries for the contest at 1600 on 13 July 09.
Good luck!
Come To the YMCA? A Town Hall Meeting to evaluate the
need for a YMCA in the Pace area will be held from 1800-1930,
Mon, 29 Jun 09, at the First United Methodist Church of Pace.
Many topics will be discussed regarding this possible construc-
tion.













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, things to do on the weekend, the FFSC and other support services
available! Children are welcome and this is a great opportunity to meet new friends! Call to sign up 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.
Anger Management Wednesday, July 8, 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.


Country Artists Rock Pensacola Area Military


Two Marines flank the stage during the Summer Slam II country con-
cert. The CatCountry sponsored event brought about 14,000 people
to NAS Pensacola. About half the tickets given away were to area
military personnel and their families. U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
Lawn chairs, blankets, and thousands of bodies car-
peted Naval Air Station Pensacola's Portside Pavilion for
CatCountry 98.7's Summer Salute II concert at Naval Air
Station Pensacola, June 18.
The free country concert featured longtime superstar
John Michael Montgomery, and relative newcomers Stephen
Cochrane and Joshua Stevens. The artists performed several
hours of country music in a tribute to the efforts of the men
and women in uniform.
"Coming down here, doing a show for the military
people out here, being able to sing "Letters from Home" and


watch some tears drop, you know," said Montgomery in a
pre-show interview about his desire to come to Pensacola
for the concert. "I grew up with lots of uncles in the military
and [they] went to Vietnam. Growing up and watching them
come home and wearing their stuff, I was like that's so cool.
I've always thought the military was just the coolest thing
ever, you know."
Gates opened at 5:30 p.m. and thousands of people
streamed through rushing to grab the spots closest to the
stage. More than 17,000 tickets were given away for the
concert with the military bases in the area receiving half and
CatCountry 98.7 issuing the rest to listeners.
This is the second time the radio station has held
Summer Slam, and it is an event they feel helps them give
something back to the military community.
"We wanted to celebrate the military men and wom-
en, who don't have to, but choose to protect our country,"
said CatCountry 98.7 morning show personality Brent Lane.
"It takes a special person to step up and say, 'I am willing to
die for my country.' They don't realize how special we think
they are."
During a career spanning more than 15 years, Mont-
gomery has accumulated more than 30 hit singles on the
country music charts. He has been nominated for a Grammy
and earned numerous country music awards and nomina-
tions.
Stevens, a former contestant and fourth place fin-
(Cont. on Page 6)







Plan Your Pack Out, PCS Moves Back On
Supplemental Request Approval Restarts Orders Writing Process


By Chief Mass Communication
Specialist (SW) Maria Yager,
Chief of Naval Personnel Public
Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) --
The Navy announced June 19 that
it will resume issuing permanent
change of station (PCS) orders fol-
lowing a three-month delay due to a
budget shortfall.
Last April, approximately
14,000 Sailors who were supposed
to transfer during the summer had
their transfer dates delayed until fis-
cal year 2010. With the passing of
a supplemental request, the Navy
received approximately $89 million
needed to fund PCS moves through
the end of this fiscal year.
"Navy leadership made PCS
funding a priority in discussions
with the Congress, and earlier this
week, Navy's supplemental funding
request passed both houses of Con-
gress. Accordingly, Navy Personnel


Command has been authorized to
resume normal order writing, en-
abling Sailors and their families to
move this summer," said Chief of
Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Mark
Ferguson.
Sailors who previously ne-
gotiated orders, but then had their
transfer date put on hold, need to
renegotiate orders via Career Man-
agement System Interactive De-
tailing (CMSID) or their detailers.
Detailers recorded what Sailors had
previously negotiated and will try
to honor those commitments, to the
maximum extent possible, but Sail-
ors still need to reapply.
During the PCS delay, the
Navy issued a limited number of
orders for Sailors completing indi-
vidual augmentees (IA) and GWOT
support assignments (GSA) as well
as new accessions, so billets that
were available before the PCS delay
may no longer be available.


TRICARE NOTE

TAKE BACK THE LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

TRICARE makes it easy to manage your health care needs. Here are four
easy ways TRICARE can help you save a little summertime for yourself by
surfing your benefits online:
1) Check TRICARE Eligibility
Simply log on to www.tricare.mil and click on "My Benefits."
2) Stop, Drop and Enroll
Stop off at www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/address/indexAction.do and drop in any
new contact or eligibility information in DEERS
3) Find or Change your Primary Care Manager or Make an Appoint-
ment to find a provider or change your PCM (primary care manager), visit
www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Regions.
4) Stay Informed
TRICARE offers support and programs to help you or a loved one to manage
a chronic illness, overcoming smoking, obesity or alcohol abuse issues. Log-on
to www.tricare.mil/healthychoices for information about health, wellness,
fitness and disease prevention.


Machinist's Mate Jason Miller, right, as-
signed to Yokosuka's Personal Property Of-
fice explains the features of the online Smart-
Web Move system to Master-at-Arms 3rd
Class Nathanial Benjamin. Miller is helping
Petty Officer Benjamin plan his next per-
manent change of station (PCS) move using
SmartWeb, which allows Sailors to schedule
their PCS move from any internet capable
computer, reducing paperwork and saving
time. U.S. Navy photo by Yohsuke Onda (RE-
LEASED)
"We want to do what is best for
the Sailor. Now that funds are avail-
able, they may want to move sooner
in order to get their children en-
rolled in school or they may want to
remain at there current duty station
until November," said Master Chief
Quarter Master (SW/AW) Andy
Millar, senior enlisted advisor for
enlisted distribution. Millar and his
detailers are committed to working
with affected Sailors to minimize
the disruption for Sailors and their
families.
The current CMSID cycle
ends June 24, and the next cycle be-
gins July 9 22. Sailors may log in
and view available assignments at
http://www.npc.navy.mil/Enlisted/
CMS/.







Country Artists Rock
(Cont. from Page 4)


SR Libraries Kick Off

Summer Youth Programs
Be creative this summer at your library and explore
the worlds of music, art, books and more. The 2009 summer
reading programs are open to pre-school and elementary
school youngsters at all Santa Rosa County libraries with
programs, prize drawings, story hours, reading club and
more. To see a full calendar and register, go to www.santa-
rosa.fl.gov/libraires
or inquire at your local library.
Program schedule: June 29 July 31, 10:30 a.m. for
3-5 year olds and 1 p.m. for K-5th graders


Mondays at Jay Library
Tuesdays at Navarre Library
Wednesdays at Gulf Breeze Library
Wednesdays at Milton Library
Fridays at Pace Library


at NAS Pensacola. The artist, while well known for his country hits,
is also a wounded veteran who enlisted shortly after 9/11. His song
"When a Hero Falls," is dedicated to one of his fellow Marines. U.S.
Navy photo by Jay Cope.
isher on Nashville Star, hit it big locally with last summer's
number one song in the area, "Rock and Roll in Pensacola."
While both of them, on stage and through their lyrics,
are obvious supporters of the military, the more compelling
story is Cochrane's. As a former Marine and injured veteran,
he lived the life of his audience.
"I slept, bled and cried in the same countries they are
in now, and I hope it helps them to know that they have one
vocal Marine at their back," he said.
Cochran was injured during his second tour in Iraq.
With his back broken in several place, he was expected to be
a paraplegic for the rest of his life. Experimental new sur-
gery put four pounds of adhesive in his back to stabilize the
bones. After months of intensive physical therapy, Cochrane
was back on stage performing.
Much like Montgomery has connected to military au-
diences with "Letters from Home," Cochran's military anthem
is "When a Hero Falls." The song details the death of one of
his fellow Marines in combat.
"Each story must be told. Ron's story is extra special
to me, but it is one of literally thousands just like it. The song
is dedicated to every man and woman who fights in Afghani-
stan. They all have a story to tell," Cochran said.
The songs and performances were popular with the
heavily military crowd who yelled approval at the stage.
"He's a fine musician," Michele Hutchins, a Training
Squadron SIX Student Control employee said about Cochran.
"He really played to the audience. The military just loved
him!"


Magician Sammy Smith will perform the week of June 22:
* Monday, June 22- 1 p.m. at the Jay Library & 6 p.m.
at the Gulf Breeze Library
* Tuesday, June 23- 1 p.m. at the Navarre Library & 6
p.m. at the Pace Library
* Wednesday, June 24- 1 p.m. at the Milton Library
The Santa Rosa County Library System is a depart-
ment of the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commis-
sioners. Libraries are located in Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton,
Navarre, and Pace. Further information is available at http://
www.santarosa.fl.gov/libraries.








Congratulations to Our Wingers and Scholars


Front Row: 1st Lt. Philong Duong, USMC; 1st Lt. Danie Saaiman, USMC; Lt. j.g. William Maston, USN; 1st Lt. Philip Bies, USMC; 1st
Lt. Tara Businski, USMC; 1st Lt. Erin Hills, USMC; Lt. j.g. Ngua Nguyen, USN; CWO2 Robert Reyes, USN; 1st Lt. Christopher Bibeau,
USMC; Lt. j.g. Joshua Pace, USN; and Rear Adm. Garry Hall, USN. Second Row: Cmdr. Mark Murray, USN; 1st Lt. Michael Brown,
USMC; 1st Lt. Michael Schmidt, USMC; Lt. j.g. Christopher Lebouvier, USN; 1st Lt. Aaron Maxwell, USMC; Lt. j.g. Ian Austin, USN;
Lt. j.g. Michael Flint, USCG; Lt. j.g. Bradley Intrater, USN; Lt. j.g. Travis Chambers, USN; 1st Lt. Jonathan Royer, USMC; and Col. John
Walsh, USMC. Third Row: Cmdr Christopher Heaney, USN; 1st Lt. Edmond Long, Jr., USMC; 1st Lt. Nathaniel Ross, USMC; 1st Lt.
Aaron Carlson, USMC; Lt. j.g. Alex Haupt, USN: Lt. j.g. Rachel Barton, USN; 1st Lt. Robert Withers, USMC; 1st Lt. Connor Zier, USMC;
Lt. j.g. Matthew Comer, USN; Ens Richard Hess, USN; and Lt. j.g. Kathleen Meldahl, USN. Fourth Row: Lt. Col. C. A. Stackhouse,
USMC; 1st Lt. Robert McManus, USMC; Lt. j.g. Daniel Simonds, USN; Lt. j.g.Daniel Robertson, UNS; Lt. j.g. Mitchell Dow, USN; Lt.
j.g. Michael Brown, USN; Lt. j.g. William Jourdan, USN; Lt. j.g. Paul Byrne III, USN; Lt. j.g. Thomas O'Brien, USN; and Lt. j.g. Donald
Peltier, USN. U.S. Navy photo by Marc Bizzell.

















Left Photo: Training Air Wing FIVE academic award recipients from June 19 are: (in no particular order) 2nd Lt. Caitlin Curran, USAF;
Ens. Adam Leizio, USN; 1st Lt. Colin Lohr, USAF; 1st Lt. Joshua Mallow, USMC; Ens Lauren Power, USCG; and Ens. Robert Tumminello;
Advanced recipients are 1st Lt. Christopher Driscoll, USMC; Lt. j.g. Brittany Manley, USN; and Lt. j.g. Chris Schneider, USN. Commodore's
list awardees are 2nd Lt. Craig McClure, USMC; 2nd Lt. Andrew Rast, USAF; and Lt. Andrew Wyrick, USN. Right Photo: Award recipients
are: (in no particular order) 2nd Lt. Catherine Donnell, USAF, Ens. Joseph Graham, USN, Ens. Nathan Jump, USN; 2nd Lt. J. Boston Little,
USAF; 2nd Lt. Jason McCulley, USAF; 1st Lt. Mark Stefanski, USMC; Lt. j.g. Brett Gillies, USN; 1st Lt. Marin Matijevic, USMC; 2nd Lt.
Christopher Mungia, USMC; 1st Lt. Jonah Warren, USMC; Lt. j.g. Patrick Lakusta, USN; Lt. j.g. David Tarr, USN; and Lt. j.g. Raymond
Jamros, USCG.