Vol. 65 No. 36 Wednesday, September 9, 2009

TRAWING-5 Exceeds 2,000,000 TH-57 Flight Hours

Contractors Have Been Maintaining Helos Since 1981
By Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs
Averaging 6,000 hours per month for more than 28 years,
Training Air Wing FIVE surpassed 2,000,000 flight hours under
contract maintenance Sept. 8. The milestone signifies the success
of the transition from military personnel performing maintenance
on the aircraft to contractors taking charge in 1981.
Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT performed the hall-
mark flight and the event was celebrated upon their afternoon return.
Col. Scott Walsh, commander TRAWING-5, greeted the flight crew
and praised the maintenance teams that help them get home safely
time and time again.
"Two million flight hours can be achieved because of a pro-
fessional team that asks themselves, 'If that was my son or daugh-
ter, would I let them fly that aircraft?' Those decisions are made
every day and made by true professionals," Walsh said before help- Col. Scott Walsh, commander Training Air Wing FIVE and
ing William Bailey, L-3 Communication's maintenance manager, William Bailey, maintenance manager for L-3 Communica-
cut the ceremonial cake. tions at NAS Whiting Field cut the cake to celebrate surpassing
The military contractor partnership initiated Oct. 15, 1981 two million flight hours of TH-57 Ranger operations since con-
(Cont. on Pa tractors assumed maintenance responsibilities in 1981. U.S.
Navy photo by Jay Cope.

BJ Penn Retires After More than Four Decades of Service
By Lt. j.g. Laura Stegherr, Navy Office of Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The assistant secretary of the Navy for installations and
environment (ASN I&E), retired from civilian service Sept. 3 after more than four
years as the leader of the Department of the Navy's shore establishment and three
months as acting secretary of the Navy.
BJ Penn, ASN I&E credits his previous three decades for his success.
Penn's journey began as a seaman recruit when he enlisted in the Navy in 1961.
He went on to earn his wings as a naval aviator, serve as both the executive officer
and commanding officer ofVAQ-33 and as air boss on the USS America.
"Every aviator wants to then be the commander officer of an aircraft carrier," said
Penn. "However, I didn't screen for a carrier, I got Naval Air Station North Island,
which was phenomenal, because at the time it was the Navy's largest air station.
Everything I did during my time at the air station is what prepared me so greatly for
this job."
During his tenure as ASN (I&E), Penn was responsible for the management of the
Department's shore infrastructure, which encompasses 102 installations and 72,500
facilities valued at over $215 billion. This position carried with it several new and
Sideboys salute Assistant Secretary of the
Navy for Installations and Environment BJ complex responsibilities ensuring the Department was environmentally compli-
Penn and his wife as he retires from civilian ant, energy efficient, and was supported by a force with a high quality of life.
service. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communi- (Cont. on Page 2)
cation Specialist 2nd Class Jay Chu.

FY10 SRB Rewards Critical Skills and Top Performance

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Selective Reenlistment Bonus
(SRB) award levels were announced in NAVADMIN 250/09
for active duty and Reserve full time support Sailors which
are scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.
Approximately 18,000 Sailors holding 179 criti-
cal skills will be eligible to reenlist with SRB awards up to
$90,000 next year.
"We value Sailors with certain skill sets criti-
cal skill sets and recognize that they are in high demand
throughout the workforce," said Rear Adm. Dan Holloway,
director of personnel plans and policy. "The SRB program
allows Navy to provide top performing Sailors with an ad-
ditional incentive to stay Navy and advance mission success
and their careers."
In addition to announcing SRB award levels, the
NAVADMIN introduces enhancements designed to not only
retain personnel with critical skills, but to reward top per-
formers within those critical skill sets.
For the first time, Sailors who receive an "early pro-
mote" rating on their most recent regular evaluation may re-
enlist early for SRB anytime during the fiscal year (FY) of
their end of active obligated service (EAOS).
"When a Sailor says, 'I've been recognized as a top
performer, I want to reenlist for a bonus, but I'm not eligible
until the third or fourth quarter; isn't there an option for me?'
Now our answer is, 'yes,'" said Holloway.
In addition, three tiers, have been established to for-

Penn Retires

mally prioritize and rank enlisted ratings/skills according to
replacement costs, difficulty to replace, and existing man-
ning shortfalls.
Enlisted community managers evaluated each skill
and zone on individual manning requirements; how well re-
enlistment goals were achieved in FY09; prevailing market
conditions; private sector competition and the costs of train-
ing; and replacing skilled Sailors. A comprehensive com-
parison using these criteria was balanced against the risk of
not retaining enough Sailors in each skill in order to form the
baseline of the three tier system.
Each tier contains a range of SRB award multiples
and awards early reenlistment opportunities using different
criteria. The SRB program as a whole also maintains sev-
eral previous initiatives such as authorizing Sailors serving
in combat zones to reenlist early at anytime during the FY of
their EAOS.
Officials remind Sailors that SRB is a market-based
incentive and will be monitored and strategically adjusted as
retention needs dictate.
"We are going to continue to monitor the program
closely next year to enhance our ability to size, shape and
stabilize the force and ensure taxpayer dollars go where crit-
ical skills are needed to get the most bang for our buck," said
Holloway.
To read the complete NAVADMIN, visit: www.npc.
navy.mil.

(Cont. from Page 1)
"To relocate forces to Guam,
we are doing 85 different environmen-
tal studies," said Penn. "It's going to
take us about three years at a major
cost. But we have to do the right thing
- if we don't take care of the environ-
ment, we are doing ourselves a disser-
vice as well as the rest of the world."
Penn also noted how the De-
partment's mission is expanding with
the DoN's efforts as a leader in energy
efficiency.
"We are striving to green the
Navy. All of our new construction proj-
ects are going to be green, LEED certi-
fied buildings. The result in cost sav-
ings and for the environment will be
unbelievable."
Above all, Penn emphasized
that the quality of life for Sailors and
Marines is the most important part of

his job.
"I was just in Miramar a month
or so ago looking at the new private-
public venture housing, which is fan-
tastic. With our Homeport Ashore Pro-
gram, we've opened up apartments for
Sailors in San Diego, and we're build-
ing 36 new barracks for the Marines
over the next few years. That is what
we are doing for our people, and I think
that's the right thing to do."
In an award ceremony for Penn
Aug. 31 at the Navy Memorial, Vice
Adm. Michael Loose, deputy chief of
Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness
and Logistics, praised Penn's leader-
ship and his contributions to the Navy.
"You leave a legacy of being a
phenomenal and inspirational teacher,
coach, mentor and team builder who
would selflessly do anything for a ship-
2

mate or a friend," said Loose. "You did
what you said you would do you not
only visited every single one of the Na-
vy's and Marine Corps' 102 bases, but
you made a significant impact on the
people you visited. And from every one
of those visits, you brought back the is-
sues that meant the most to our Sailors,
Marines and their families."
Looking back at his life, Penn
reflected that his time in the Navy has
truly been an incredible journey. "If
you want to make it, you certainly can
in the Navy. Every day I pinch myself.
Where else can akid from Peru, Indiana
come in as an E-1 in the Navy, fulfill a
childhood dream of flying jets, serve
with the best people in the world and
even act as the Secretary of the Navy?
It's truly the American dream."

News and Notes
Hazardous Waste Center The Santa Rosa County Envi-
ronmental Department is offering a free service to provide citizens
an environmentally safe way to dispose of hazardous household
waste. The center is located at the entrance of the Central Landfill
at 6337 Da Lisa Road in Milton. Mon. Sat. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Splash & Dash MWR is hosting a "Splash and Dash" Biath-
lon at 8:00 a.m. at the NAS Whiting Field Training Pool Saturday,
Oct. 3, 2009. The Biathlon will consist of two legs, a 500 yard
swim and a 5K run. Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and
Third Place winners in the Men and Women Divisions. This event
is free and refreshments will be provided after the event. If you
are interested, signups are being taken through the day of the event
at the following MWR facilities: The Liberty Center, Wings Club,
Fitness Center and MWR Athletics Office. For more information,
please contact Todd Mooneyham at (850) 665-6102.
Parenting Conference Dan Seaborn and Mark Harris will
be holding a parenting conference at 6 p.m., Sept. 12 at First Bap-
tist Church, 6797 Caroline Street, Milton, FL 32570. Tickets are
$15/person or $10/person for groups of 10 or more and may be
purchased from First Baptist Church (850-623-3122), Pine Ter-
race Baptist Church (850-623-3954), Lifeway Christian Store in
Pensacola, or through Wayne Forbush. Military personnel may
purchase tickets for $10.
Shave and a Hair Cut... The NEX is proud to announce
that a new Barber Shop is now open in Whiting Pines (same build-
ing as NEX Mini-Mart) every Thursday and Friday, from 9:30
a.m. 6 p.m.
Leave Donor Program Max Tinsley, Supervisory Security
Specialist at CNRSE Jacksonville office, has been approved for
the Leave Recipient Program. Tinsley will be required to be out
of work for approximately four to six weeks and will exhaust all

< t feepteber Spcial2
ctie o Tnd retired i r

For the months of September, 2009 active
and retired military personnel
receive a free admission to the show.

You must bring valid military
identification to the door to receive
your free admission.
Additional tickets can be purchased
,at your ITT office.
Of I-r vaid it O ando rLa liali oly

or reservations call
1-800-866-2469
www.piratesdinneradventure.com

Recognizing Our Best and Brightest
AC1 John Vernon receives his Navy Achievement Medal from Capt.
Enrique Sadsad, commanding officer, NAS Whiting Field. Sadsad
recognized 14 Sailors with various awards Sept. 4 before the com-
mand safety stand down. Awardees in addition to Vernon were:
ABH2 Oscar Ruelas, AC2 Chelsea Marshall, ABH3 Andrew San-
wick, ABH2 Marquis Clark, ABH2 Korinne Reese, ABH2 Jermaine
Smith, ABH2 Leonardo Treggi, ABH1 Alson Albert, ABH2 Grant
Jones, ABH3 Epiphanie Elam, ABH3 Deante Gates, AC3 Joseph
Wells, ACAN Timothy Egerdahl, and ACAN Jermaine Roby.
of his leave very soon. Anyone wishing to donate annual leave
under this program may contact Jim Harbaugh at CNRSE DSN
942-0041, or Commercial (904)542-0041. Thank you for your
participation.
Run the Bridge The 2nd Annual Mediacom Garcon Point
Bridge Run/Walk is seeking participants for the 4.8 mile trek
across the bridge Oct. 17. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and
post race activities will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks
for participants. Advance registration is encouraged. Entry fees
are $20 for children under 18 and $25 for adults. After Oct. 13th,
all registration fees are $30. The first 300 registered participants
will receive an official T-shirt. Registration is available online at
www.active.com or forms may be downloaded at www.santarosa.
kl2.fl.us/sref. For more information call 850-983-5043.
Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours Be fright-
ened again as Pensacola Historical Society hosts its annual Haunt-
ed House and Trolley Tours. Let our costumed guides scare you
with horrifying tales of Pensacola's darker history on our annual
ghost tours. Brave participants may choose between a walking or
trolley tour if you dare! Tours are Friday and Saturday evenings
Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31. Walking tours leave every 30
minutes from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Trolley Tours leave at 6:30 p.m, 7:30
p.m, and 8:30 p.m. All tours will leave from the Pensacola Histori-
cal Museum (115 E. Zaragoza St.) and will last one hour. Tours go
on rain or shine! Walking Tour tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for
children 12 and under. Trolley Tour tickets are $16 for adults and
$8 for children 12 and under. No refunds will be given. Tickets
go on sale Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Reservations and advanced pay-
ment are required. Please call the Pensacola Historical Museum
for tickets and information, 850-595-1559. Discover, Mastercard
and Visa are accepted.

Fleet and Family Support Center Classes
Parenting: 6-18 y.o. Thursday, September 10, 1800 2000
Common Sense Parenting: Unfortunately, children do not come with instruction manuals. As a result, FFSC is holding a class that will
provide you with tools that will equip you with the skills for raising responsible and well-adjusted children. This class is for any parent
who wants to "brush up" on their parenting skills or new parents that are not sure of where to begin. For more information, contact a
Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
VA Representative (Call for appointment) Friday, September 11 & 25, 0800 1200
Consumer Awareness Tuesday, September 15, 0900 1100
According to the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs, fraud cost consumers over 40 billion dollars every year. We are constantly ap-
proached by people trying to take our money. 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, call 623-7177.
Renting Tuesday, September 22, 1300 1500
The purpose of this workshop is to provide complete, objective, and unbiased information so prospective military renters will be confi-
dent in their decision whether or not to rent, and be better able to negotiate the potential financial pitfalls they may encounter during the
rental process. Class will be held in the FFSC conference room. For more information, call 623-7177.
Time Management Wednesday, September 23, 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.
New Spouse Indoctrination Monday, September 28, 0800 1200
Welcome to NW Florida, NAS Whiting Field, Training Wing Five, and the world of aviation training! Find out what challenges and re-
wards are in store for you and your flight student and how you can enjoy and thrive in the military lifestyle. Learn about the local culture,
recreational opportunities, and support services available to you. For details, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.

TRICARE Note
IDENTIFYING AND TREATING
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
As the conflicts in the Middle East continue,
the number of returning servicemen and women suf-
fering with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) is on the
rise.
According to www.traumaticbraininjury.
com, brain injuries are usually classified as mild
or severe. Symptoms associated with mild TBI in-
clude: depression, memory loss, mood disturbances,
including irritability, poor attention/concentration,
and slowed thought processes.
Symptoms associated with severe TBI include:
confusion, deficits in speed of processing information
and language processing, difficulty with attention,
concentration or memory, and emotional liability
For more information on traumatic brain in-
jury or other health-related topics, visit www.huma-
na-military.com.

Historic Pensacola Village to Host

Evening Lantern Light Tours
PENSACOLA In support of Pensacola's 450th anniversary,
Historic Pensacola Village will offer extended hours and free
"Lantern Light" tours on Sept. 18, 2009 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Historic Pensacola Village will be open for free to the
public and tours will leave from the Museum of Commerce,
201 E. Zaragoza St., throughout the night. Tour groups will en-
counter costumed guides in each of the historic homes and will
be led by candlelit lanterns through the Village as night falls.
"This is a great opportunity for those who have never
visited to experience us for the first time and for free," said
Dena Bush, museum educator. "Guests will receive a fun and
unparalleled experience by visiting Historic Pensacola Village
and what better way to commemorate the 450th anniversary
of Pensacola than to visit one of the city's premier museum
sites."
Guests will be able to self guide through the T. T. Wen-
tworth, Jr. Florida State Museum, the Pensacola Historical Mu-
seum, the Museum of Commerce, the Museum of Industry, the
Julee Panton Cottage and the Manuel Barrios Cottage. Visitors
will discover archaeology, museums, and Pensacola's rich his-
tory.

2,000,000 Flight Hours
(Cont. from Page 1)
was a radical departure from the established method of
maintaining the Bell TH-57 helicopters used for training
student pilots at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. Per-
forming scheduled maintenance, aircraft repairs, test
flights, and unscheduled maintenance due to pilot flight
discrepancy inputs, the contractors have helped keep up
the tempo for the busiest Training Wing and Naval air-
field.
"The professionalism of the mechanics on the
floor and the administrative support team are essential
in ensuring the pilots have safe aircraft to fly," Kenneth
Karr, L-3 Site Manager said. "Without them, none of this
happens. They do an outstanding job."
L-3 Communications has the current contract,
but the maintenance has been kept in good hands through
such companies as Raytheon, Burnside Ott, Dyne Corp,
and others. However, the real strength of the maintenance
process has been the continuity of exceptional employees.
As the contract for taking care of the TH-57s has changed,
many of the workers are retained to continue performing

umar.ivncnaei rlsner, uvn, commanamg omcer; Awuv v Kay Aaam
Senior Enlisted Advisor; 1st Lt. Matthew Turner USMC, student pi-
lot; and Lt. j.g. Dominic Bucciarelli USCG, observer, all from Heli-
copter Training Squadron EIGHT walk into the hangar after land-
ing the helicopter which surpassed 2 million flight hours. U. S. Navy
photo by Jay Cope.
the same jobs. In fact, 31 of the current employees for
L-3 have been working since 1981, and some of them as
Sailors even earlier.
John Jerome, a quality assurance inspector, is one
such example. He served in the Navy as a flight crewman
and mechanic with Helicopter Training Squadron 18 in
the late 1970s. When he separated from service, he was
picked up to continue working on the aircraft as a con-
tractor. After 28 years, during which he worked as part
of a test flight crew for 25 years, he wouldn't want to do
anything else.
"I never thought I would still be doing this, but I
enjoyed flying, the maintenance work, and just seeing the
pilots. I like taking an aircraft, making it right, and giving
them a safe aircraft back," he said.
Jerome expects to have more than 50 years work-
ing on aircraft when he retires.
The TH-57 may still be around when he does.
With more than 30 years on that airframe already, it is
a durable and sturdy asset to the fleet. It is also, accord-
ing to Walsh, the only aircraft in the Navy inventory that
doesn't have a specified shelf-life.
"Every component that wears out is on a planned
replacement cycle. But the airframe itself is not wearing
out," he said. "That puts even more emphasis on quality
sustained maintenance efforts. Two million flight hours is
just one milestone in the life of the Bell Ranger."
TRAWING-5 operates 124 TH-57 B and C mod-
els of the aircraft at Whiting Field. The D model of the
aircraft will begin to arrive in 2010, but will be a retrofit
of the same aircraft currently on the air station.