Vol. 65 No. 30 Wednesday, July 29,
Divisional Spotlight:

Whiting Air Traffic Controllers Keep Runways Running Smooth

By Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-Moreno, NAS Whiting Field
Public Affairs
"Roger, two able outbounds, NY," said Air Traffic
Controller Second Class Edmund Granton while responding
to a call to the Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF)
Air Traffic Control Tower. Granton, a controller at NASWF
for almost four years, received the call while manning the ra-
dar supervisor position at the South field Air Traffic Control
(ATC) tower.
As radar supervisor, Granton oversees all radar ap-
proaches and radar related radio traffic at the base's South
field. He also oversees two other radar operators and passes
inbound aircraft making radar approaches to them.
Handling multiple functions while on watch is a way
of life for the controllers. The operational tempo of the base
demands it.
"It just comes naturally to us," responded Granton
when asked about ATCs and multitasking.
Air traffic controllers onboard NAS Whiting Field
operate 14 positions that each require a unique set of qualifi-
(tnMt nn Prino, \

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Capt. Enrique Sadsad, Commanding Officer NAS Whiting
Field, receives an award from the Santa Rosa County Com-
missioners recognizing his selection as 2009 ADC Military
Leader of the Year. "It is an honor to receive this award,"
said Sadsad, "but the honor goes to the NAS Whiting Field
staff, the board of county commissioners, TEAM Santa Rosa,
and the community at large for their great working relations
we have enjoyed through the years." U.S. Navy file photo.

Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class (AC2) Chelsea Marshall
(right) trains AC2 Jessica Owens (left) on the clearance deliv-
ery watch position in the South field air traffic control (ATC)
tower. This is one of four watch positions in the South field
tower. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-Moreno.

Sailors Explore Transferability as
Post 9/11 GI Bill Date Approaches
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Maria
Yager, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy released
guidance and transferability policy July 13 for Sailors who
wish to use Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to pay for their family
member's college education.
Transferability under the Post 9/11 GI Bill is a recruit-
ing and retention tool. While a Sailor may be eligible for edu-
cation benefits provided by the Post 9/11 GI Bill, generally the
option to transfer a Sailor's unused benefits to a family mem-
ber requires an additional service commitment in the armed
forces, according to NAVADMIN 203/09.
"I think a lot of people are excited to have the op-
portunity to transfer benefits. The NAVADMIN lists a lot of
information addressing eligibility and service obligation re-
quirements so if you are interested in transferring your ben-
efits, start there first," said Kathy Wardlaw, the Navy's GI Bill
program manager.
(Cont. on Page 4)

2009

\I7
.

Seeing Progress In and
By: Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-Moreno, NAS Whiting Field
Public Affiars
Commissary Renovations:
The NASWF commissary is in the final stages of a
three million dollar renovation process. These renovations
include new flooring and shelving, new refrigerated cases, as
well as more efficient heating, ventilation, and air condition-
ing (HVAC).
The goal of the Defense Commissary Agency's reno-
vations is two-fold energy efficiency and creating more space
for products. The new HVAC system promises to be a reduc-
tion in energy costs, as well as the new automated lighting
system. Furthermore, many of the refrigeration cases were
over 17 years old. Replacing these cases not only saves en-
ergy costs, but allows more room for new products.
"The renovations have allowed us to add over 600
new items," said Jack Spence, NASWF Commissary Store
Director. "This gives customers a better selection while main-
taining our 30 percent lower overall prices in comparison to
local food costs."
These new products include Alli weight loss products,
Fuze vitamin supplemented drinks, Hartz pet supplies, and an
expanded line of fresh fruits and vegetables. These renova-
tions are expected to be completed on July 31st.

Irene Grantham and her children, Clark and Lily, spend the
morning shopping at the NAS Whiting Field Commissary.
The recent renovations expanded the refridgerated produce
section by 20 percent. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Am-
mons-Moreno.
Ethanol 10:
"On June 11th the Navy Exchange at Whiting Field
completed the upgrade and installation project of our new fuel
dispensers. The new gas pumps provide many new features,
including ATM style customer interface with 5.7" easy to read
graphic screens, patented no drift meters, ensuring that the
correct amount of fuel gets dispensed, and silk screened NEX
graphics. The new dispensers will also accept military Gift
Cards as an added payment tender," stated Linda Larrabee,
NEX manager.
Along with the completion of the new fuel pumps,
came the introduction of Ethanol 10 fuel tp the Whiting Field

Around Whiting Field
0 10121

Ethan and Salla Stagmaier enjoy a morning at the new play-
ground at NAS Whiting Field. "My kids were thrilled when
they took the tape of the new playground. It has only been
here a couple of weeks and we've visited it four times," said
Leah Stagmaier. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-
Moreno.
NEX Autoport. This was done to reduce the U.S. dependence
on foreign oil and due to a state ban on Methyl tert-butyl ether
(MTBE). MTBE additives have been banned in most U.S.
jurisdictions for their environmental and health implications.
Ethanol 10 is compatible with car manufacturer's ve-
hicle standards and its pricing will remain consistent with the
current market prices. The change to Ethanol 10 was accom-
plished during the new fuel pump installation in order to avoid
additional down time due to cleaning tanks.
Health Clinic Renovations:
Just last week the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Sur-
gery reserved 2.7 million dollars for renovations here at the
NASWF Health Clinic. One of the primary goals of these
renovations is to provide more modem HVAC systems and to
install fire suppression sprinklers.
The clinic will be moving into modular structures
across the parking lot in front of the NEX for approximately
one year. The modular facility will have the same operational
capabilities as the current clinic. The renovations are expected
to begin in January of 2010.
"Despite the smaller size of the modular facility, all
current capabilities and services will be available in the tem-
porary clinic" said Cmdr. Jeff Plummer, Officer in Charge of
the Branch Clinic. "We have a great relationship with our
Whiting Field patients, and I'm sure they will understand the
challenges that come with renovation. When we move back
into the renovated facility, the efficiencies and surroundings
of the new spaces will make the Whiting Field Branch Health
Clinic an even better place to enroll your family for receiving
out military's world class health care benefit."
The overall renovations process is still in its early
stages and more information will be released as the process
unfolds.

News and Notes
Legal Service The NAS Whiting Field Legal Office now of-
fers additional legal assistance hours. A legal 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.
UFO Tours! Ride the red trolley and see the sights that made
Gulf Breeze the UFO capital of the world! Tours are at 8 p.m. on
Saturdays through Sept. 5. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and
$5 for children. Reservations required; call Denise Daughtry at
435-0917 or visit www.fiveflagstrolley.com.
Sunsets at Plaza de Luna Every Thursday through Oct.
29, Plaza de Luna comes to life with music, entertainment, and
sunsets. This week features 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/.
Babysitting Class The American Red Cross will be provid-
ing FREE Babysitter's Training courses for military family mem-
bers, ages 11-15: Jul 25 Eglin AFB 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.;
Aug 3 NAS Whiting Field, Fleet and Family Support Center -
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Aug 8 Eglin AFB 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. Participants will receive: Babysitter's Training Certificate,
Babysitter's Training Handbook with CD-ROM, and Babysitter's
Training Portfolio. Pre-registration is required by calling 800-
773-7620, ext. 0.
Price of Peace Family Fun Day Free family fun day
for all military members and families who have been impacted
by deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Activities include rock
wall, carnival games, face painting, and door prizes. Please RSVP
with Shana Hamilton at rsvp2009@ymail.com. Please provide
active duty military member's name, military branch, tour date,
unit number, number of family attending with ages, and a family
contact number.
Wildlife Expo 2009 Hunting seminars and a Kids Zone will
be available from 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at the
UF/PJC Campus. Featured topics include Quality Deer Manage-
ment, Food Plot Preparation, Wild Hog & Turkey Hunting Tips,
and Fishing and Pond Management. The Kids Zone will include a
Youth Archery Contest, Shooting Sports, and a Sports Fishing and
Casting contest. Food will be available. Admission is $5 and kids
are free. Guest Speakers include Zac Cooper and Joe Hamilton.
For more information contact Ms. Robin Vickers 983-5216 ext.
113 or visit the website miltongators.com.
NHP Accepting New Enrollees Naval Hospital Pensaco-
la's Primary Care Clinics (Family Medicine and Internal Medicine)
are now accepting new enrollees. This enrollment opportunity is
open to all Retirees and Retiree Family Members. Please note:
Medicare and TRICARE for Life beneficiaries are not included.
However, these programs will remain unchanged.
To enroll, please stop by Naval Hospital Pensacola's TRICARE
Service Center (TSC) located on the first floor of the hospital in
Room D-1051, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also call Naval Hospital Pensacola's
Health Benefits Office at (850) 505-6709 for questions or any fur-
ther assistance.
Military Wives Host Art Show Clara's Angels, anAmer-
ican Red Cross volunteer group made up of local military wives,

A tara Days work
Aircraft Mechanic, Mech 1, Henry Austin performs a fuel cell instal
lation in conjunction with a hard point replacement on the undersid
of a TH-57. U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Austin Nasca.
will host an Art Show and Wine Tasting event at the Pensacola
Naval Air Station Officers' Club on August 15, 2009.
"We are excited to be partnering with the local Red Cross for this
year's event," said Karin Feagles, the event coordinator. "The Red
Cross provides a valuable service to the military families in North-
west Florida and to the entire community when disaster strikes,"
continued Feagles.
Artwork including photography, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, paint-
ings and unique crafts from local artisans will be displayed and
available for purchase.
A local beverage distributor, Southern Wine & Spirits, will have a
variety of wines available for tasting and appetizers will be served
during the evening.
The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to the
public. Tickets can be purchased at www.YourRedCross.org or at
the door.
Marriage Enrichment Retreats The Chaplain's Reli-
gious Development Operation (CREDO) will host two Marriage
Enrichment retreats within the next two months. The first will
be at the Renaissance Hotel in Mobile, Ala., Aug. 28-30 and the
second will be at Perdido Bay Resort, Sept. 11-13. Both retreats
are free and open to active duty, reserve, and retired personnel.
The Marriage Enrichment sessions are designed to help couples
understand expectations, explore personality differences, improve
communication skills and provide quality fun time together to help
strengthen relationships. For more information or to sign up, call
the spiritual fitness division southeast at (904) 542-3923. Interest-
ed personnel may also call Chaplain Ray Summerlin at 623-7211.
Not Quite Fab Listen to the tunes from Not Quite Fab at the
free outdoor concert coordinated by the Santa Rosa Island Author-
ity. The band will perform from 7 -9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion
Aug. 4. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blan-
kets. Pets and glass are prohibited. Call 932-2257 for details.
Free Beach Concert Quietwater Shell on Pensacola Beach
is sponsoring a free, outdoor concert featuring the fast-paced rock
and blues sounds of Dunnottar. The two-hour concert begins at 6
p.m. July 31. Guests may bring chairs or lawn blankets, but should
not bring pets or glass containers. For more information, call 932-
2257 or visit www.visitpensacolabeach.com.

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.
VA Representative (Call for appointment) Friday, July 31, 0800 1200
Time Management Wednesday, August 5, 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.
Financial Planning for Deployment Friday, August 7, 1300 1500
The purpose of this program is to raise or refresh our financial awareness in order to decrease the financial stress of deployment. For
more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.

GI Bill Transferability
(Cont. from Page 1)

Seaman Erin Koecke, from Tacoma,
Wash., takes notes during an interme-
diate college algebra course aboard the
Nimitz-class aircraft carried USS John
C. Stennis (CVN 74). U.S. Navy file
photo.
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which goes
into effect August 1, qualifying Sailors
may elect to transfer all or a portion of
their benefits to a spouse or child en-
rolled in Defense Eligibility Enrollment
System and eligible for benefits. For
transferability, Sailors must have served
at least six years in the armed forces and
agree to serve an additional four years,
in most cases.

The NAVADMIN outlines ex-
ceptions to the additional four-year ser-
vice obligation, which includes Sailors
currently eligible for retirement within
four years of the Post 9/11 GI Bill start
date.
"It's a huge step in the right di-
rection for Sailors to be able to transfer
their GI Bill benefits. Upon my retire-
ment, my son will be quickly approach-
ing college years. Being able to transfer
my GI Bill to him will take a load off
of our wallet," said Yeoman 1st Class
(SW) Shontay Bond, assigned to Navy
Recruiting Command.
The basic steps for transferring
benefits are:
Talk with the chain of com-
mand or career counselor to determine
service obligation.
Ensure the required service
obligation is reflected in the Electronic
Service Record at https://nsips.nmci.
navy.mil/.
Request to transfer benefits
at the Defense Manpower Data Center
(DMDC) Web site www.dmdc.osd.mil/
TEB/. This step may only be completed
while in the armed forces (active duty or
selected Reserves).

Check the DMDC Web site
application status. Once approved, visit
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Web site to the Veterans Online Ap-
plication http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/
vonapp/. Follow the instructions to cre-
ate user name and password. After ac-
count is created, select "Create New
Form" from drop-down and choose VA
Form 22-1990e.
VA will verify eligibility and
provide a certificate of eligibility to the
family member designated to receive the
benefits.
Family members will take the
certificate of eligibility to the college
and complete appropriate documenta-
tion to receive Post 9/11 benefits.
"The number one reason for
rejected applications is the lack of suf-
ficient obligated service or Page 13 not
reflecting in a Sailor's electronic ser-
vice record. Sailors should verify the
information is there before applying for
transferability," said Wardlaw.
Additional information includ-
ing a checklist and frequently asked
questions (FAQ) sheet is available at the
Navy Personnel Command Web site at
www.npc.navy.mil.

Spotlight
(Cont. from Page 1)
cations. These positions are split between four main loca-
tions: North tower, South tower, radar, Choctaw, and base
operations.
"This is a very unique station for ATCs," said AC3
Bradley Shane, "not many stations have two separate tow-
ers and fly as many ops as we do."
In fact, no other Naval base in the country flies
as many. More than 160,000 hours are flown annually
accounting for 11% of all Navy and Marine Corps flight
hours and 41% of all of naval air training's flight hours.
These figures translate into a busy operational tempo for
ATCs at NAS Whiting Field.
From airmen right out of Naval Air Station Pen-
sacola's A school, to 1st Class Petty Officer's serving as
crew section leaders, air traffic controllers at NAS Whit-
ing Field have a wide variety of backgrounds. For many,
this is their first tour. As a result, on the job training is
an integral part of ATC operations. At the very same air-
field that teaches student pilots how to fly, new ATCs are
trained by their peers during everyday operations.
This daily training regime is what made the new
ATC tower at South field such a dramatic improvement.
"Whiting is very busy," said AC2 Kendra Mock,
"...the old tower was just too small for training and op-
erations." Mock explained that the minimum manning in
"The Sailors ofATC Di- the tower is four, and
that typically two ad-
vision do a tremendous ditional ATCs would
job day in and day out. I be in the tower train-
have nothing but the ut- ing.
"It get's cramped
most confidence in their and noisy-not a
ability to carry out the good thing for ATCs
mission." during flight ops,"
commented AC2
Evan McGroarty.
Capt. Enrique Sadsad Another unique
Commanding Officer aspect of the ATC
NAS Whiting Field division at NASWF
is the integration of
positional authority,
rank, and training. It is not unusual to see an airman or
3rd class training someone senior to themself.
Also, out of the 16 different ATC positions at NAS
Whiting Field, five of them are supervisor positions. The
supervisor positions are filled by anyone who is qualified,
and that can mean that a junior Sailor could be supervising
a senior Sailor. As a true testament to the professionalism
of the ATC division, the ATCs report that no difficulties
have ever arisen from this structure.

Air traffic controller (ATC) Airman Jermaine Roby responds
to a radio call from an inbound pilot. Roby guides the pilot
in using precision approach radar. ATCs executing precision
approaches ensure pilots are on the proper glide path and
heading while landing. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel
Ammons-Moreno.
"Positional authority and experience are the most
important thing," said McGroarty.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this divi-
sion is the level of ownership these Petty Officer's have.
From the beginning of flight operations until the last he-
licopter lands in South field as late as 1 a.m., these ATCs
lead and train each other--all while conducting flight op-
erations.
"These guys run the show, and it makes my job
very smooth," said Chief Michael Pendygraft, the Chief
in charge of the radar operations.
Finally, the capstone achievement for the ATCs
while stationed at NAS Whiting Field is the Facility
Watch Supervisor (FWS) position. This supervisor posi-
tion is only manned by ATCs who have qualified on ev-
ery other position at NAS Whiting Field and successfully
completed a board conducted by the ATC Chiefs and the
other FWS qualified ATCs. The Commanding Officer of
NAS Whiting Field, Capt. Enrique Sadsad, gives the final
approval for each FWS.
"The Facility Watch Supervisor is my direct rep-
resentative for all air traffic control operations at Whiting
Field," stated Capt. Sadsad. "The Sailors of ATC Divi-
sion do a tremendous job day in and day out. I have noth-
ing but the utmost confidence in their ability to carry out
the mission."

cfileatoneb and CAemotile cftom dhtound tAe. Bae

Upper Left: Akiko "Suzie" Daniels cuts her celebratory cake com-
memorating 40 years of work with the Naval Exchange and 36 years
at NAS Whiting Field. Daniels specfically emphasized that she is,
"NOT retiring." Thank you for all you have done Suzie! U.S. Navy
photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-Moreno.
Above: On 20 July, the NASWF CO, XO, and Staff Association par-
ticipated in the 25 Annual Blackwater River Clean-up. Twenty vol-
unteers picked up more than 600 pounds of trash between Bryant
Bridge and the Blackwater River State Park. In addition to plastic
bottles and aluminum cans, the volunteers hauled away broken out-
door chairs, dilapidated grills, noodles, shoes, and nets.
Left: Lt. Paul Russo, USCG receives a Navy and Marine Corps Com-
mendation Medal for his outstanding efforts during his tour at Train-
ing Air Wing FIVE. Col. Scott Walsh presents the award. Photo
courtesy of TRAWING-5.
Below Left: Employees of PRI/DJI present Capt. Enrique Sadsad,
Commanding Officer of NAS Whiting Field, with a photograph of the
repainted CH-46 helicopter located on the base behind the atrium.
The CH-46 had sentimental value to Sadsad, who flew this aircraft
in the fleet. PRI/DJI restored the aircraft and presented it to Sadsad
last year. The photograph commemorating the restoration was pre-
sented to Sadsad at the 66th anniversary of NAS Whiting Field. U.S.
Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-Moreno.
Capt. Enrique Sadsad, Commanding Officer of NAS Whiting Field,
discusses the value of simulator training for student pilots with Bruce
Cwalina, Navy Region Southeast Executive Director, and his staff.
Cwalina spent the day touring the base facilities with Sadsad. U.S.
Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Daniel Ammons-Moreno.