Vol. 65 No. 45

Hall Assumes

Capt. Pete Hall and Capt. Enrique Sadsad,
the current and former commanding officers
for NAS Whiting Field, cut the cake with a
ceremonial sword to celebrate the change of
command for the base. U.S. Navy photo by
Jay Cope

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ommand of Whiting Field
Jay Cope, NAS Whiting Field gives us a chance o celebrate the past
)lic Affairs accomplishments of one while wel-
The world's busiest Naval Air coming the changes that come from an-
:ion observed a change at the helm other," Alexander said. "This is always
rsday, Nov. 5 when Capt. Pete Hall done in this manner so there is never
eved Capt. Enrique Sadsad as com- any question about who is in charge.
ending officer. More than 700 com- And for the last 25 months at NAS
lity leaders, military personnel, Whiting Field, there has been no doubt
nds and family filled Naval Air Sta- that Rick Sadsad has been in charge."
Whiting Field's Atrium to watch During Sadsad's tour of duty,
time-honored Navy tradition. Whiting Field worked with Training
Rear Adm. Townsend Alexan- Air Wing FIVE to surpass more than
Commander Navy Region South- 420,000 aircraft flight hours and great-
served as the guest speaker for the er than 4 million flight evolutions. But
nt and referred to the importance of his greatest contributions were the part-
ceremony. nerships he formed with the communi-
"The formal change of com- ties, making the Whiting Field Santa
nd is a cornerstone in our Navy. It (Cont. on Page 5)

Naval Safety Center Launches Holiday Safety Campaign
By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- With the holidays fast approaching, the Naval Safety Cen-
ter has launched a comprehensive web-based campaign designed to give Sailors and
their families all the resources they need to manage risk through the end of 2009 and
into the early months of 2010.
"Many of us are excited about spending time with family and friends during
the holidays, but it's important to take a few minutes to plan your activities. The Naval
Safety Center's Web site is one-stop shopping for fall and winter risk management,"
said Rear Adm. Arthur J. Johnson, commander, Naval Safety Center. "I encourage
everyone to use all available resources to ensure a safe and happy holiday season."
The fall and winter safety campaign includes presentations that can be down-
loaded and personalized for command safety standdowns. There are also plenty vid-
eos and articles for newsletters in addition to links to other resources.
For the first time, the fall and winter safety campaign includes information
on suicide prevention and awareness. Although suicide has traditionally been viewed
as a medical issue, Johnson said safety professionals have a role to play in ending
these tragedies.
"While many of us are excited about the upcoming holidays, it's important to
look out for others who might be stressed or feel hopeless," said Johnson. "The Naval
Safety Center is committed to the DON (Department of the Navy) suicide prevention
efforts, and our holiday campaign includes links to resources that provide information
for anyone who thinks a shipmate might be contemplating hurting him or herself."
The campaign can be found at http://safetycenter.navy.mil/seasonal/Fall- A Sailor i
A Sailor introduces his daughter to Santa
Winter09/index.asp. Claus. U.S. Navy file photo.

Navy Retains 97% in First Continuation Board

More than 5,500 Senior Enlisted Kept After First Look

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Maria Yager,
Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- More than 97 percent of candi-
dates reviewed by the Navy's Senior Enlisted Continuation Board
were selected to continue naval service according to a Navy mes-
sage released Oct. 30.
"The overwhelming continuance of our senior enlisted
demonstrates the extraordinary quality of the chief petty officer
mess. The records of eligible master chiefs, senior chiefs and chiefs
were reviewed and given full consideration," said Vice Adm. Mark
Ferguson, chief of naval personnel.
After complete review of 5,686 eligible active duty and
full-time-support candidates, the board selected 5,528 members
for continuation.
According to the precept, which outlines what informa-
tion board members may or may not consider from a record, docu-
mented misconduct and substandard performance were the prima-
ry reasons a Sailor would not be selected for continued service.
Some examples include "significant problems" or "pro-
gressing" promotion recommendations, declining performance
from the same reporting senior, failure to maintain physical fitness
assessment standards, military or civilian convictions, and non-

Clinic Looking for a Few Fans
Communication tools are changing rapidly, and old
standbys like telephones, letters, and newspapers are fast be-
coming obsolete as Social Media sites "franchise" the internet.
Twitter, texting, IM and other social networking media provide
the near-immediate contact that people today desire.
To encourage readily accessible and fast information
flow, the Naval Air Station Whiting Field Branch Health Clinic
launched a Facebook page in late October. The page will pro-
vide important news on programs at the clinic such as health
alerts, facility closings, special services, new doctors, and
more.
The Whiting Field Facebook presence is the first one
started for patients by any medical facility in the Navy.
"We truly feel that Social Media like Facebook are how
people today stay connected and communicate; we want to be
right there with them," Capt. Jeff Plummer, Branch Medical
Clinic Officer in Charge said.
Plummer added that the clinic will use the site to post
messages of interest to active duty service members, military
retirees, and their families. Clinic beneficiaries are encour-
aged to visit www.facebook.com, search for the Branch Health
Clinic Whiting Field and "Become a Fan."
"We strive every day to deliver the best health care ser-
vice possible to our nation's most deserving patriots and their
families. Facebook is just one more way to get connected to
and better serve America's best."

judicial punishment.
Members not selected for continuation will retire no later
than June 30.
"There were chiefs with adverse information in their re-
cords, and many of them are staying. That, in itself, should tell any
doubters that there was no quota, and that we are not a zero defect
Navy. People make mistakes. Often times, it's how we respond
after those mistakes that defines us as chiefs, as Sailors and as
leaders in our Navy," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
(SS/SW) Rick West.
The board concluded deliberations at Navy Personnel
Command Oct. 1 and the results were forwarded to CNP for ap-
proval. Sailors not selected for continuation were personally noti-
fied prior to the results posting in BUPERS Online. Candidates
can check their status at https://www.bol.navy.mil.
"The purpose of this board was to continue to improve
the effectiveness of the force by identifying and continuing our
most fully qualified enlisted leaders. I appreciate the leadership of
the CPO mess in this process," Ferguson commented.
The Senior Enlisted Continuation Board is a performance-
driven review of master chiefs, senior chiefs and chiefs with more
than 20 years of service and three years time-in-grade.

TRICARE Notes

TRICARE PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION
PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPORT

When a patient needs additional be-
havioral health care support and assistance,
a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is
one of the available options. A PHP is rec-
ommended when your physician believes it
is necessary to stabilize a critical behavioral
health disorder or to transform from an in-
patient program to an outpatient program.

Because there are no "emergency"
admissions to a PHP, prior authorization is
required for all PHP admissions.

Please be aware that the number of
TRICARE-authorized PHPs is limited. For a
current listing of TRICARE network PHP's,
refer to the TRICARE provider directory
at www.humana-military.com or call 1-800-
444-5445.

News and Notes
Free Recycling Naval Air Station Whiting Field's Environ-
mental Division is sponsoring a free recycling event for electron-
ics. The event is open to all NAS Whiting Field personnel and will
take TVs, computers, computer hardware, VCRs, DVD players,
stereos and other household electronics. No business or govern-
ment electronics may be accepted. The collection will take place
in the Whiting Field NEX parking lot Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6:30
to 8:30 a.m. Call 623-7268 ext. 3014 for details.
Job Fair Workforce EscaRosa Employ Florida, Hire Vets First,
and Jobs Plus are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Northwest Florida
Veterans & Military Hiring Fair. The event specifically targets
Veterans, Active Duty Military and their family members and
more than 40 employers will attend. The fair will take place Nov.
13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Days Inn conference center at 8700
Navarre Parkway in Navarre, Fla. Check out www.employflorida.
com for more information.
Applebees Veterans Day Event In recognition of service
to our country, all veterans and active duty military personnel are
invited to eat free at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restau-
rants this Veterans Day. All U.S. veterans and active duty military
with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all
Applebee's nationwide on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Proof of service
includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform
Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings
Statement, Veterans Organization Card, or photograph in uniform
or wearing uniform. For additional details, visit: www.applebees.
com/vetsday
Fall Festival at Historic P-Cola Historic Pensacola Vil-
lage will host a Fall Festival Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
village will be open free to the public. The Fall Festival will focus
on Pensacola's Spanish history with living history interpretation
and continuous tours of the 1805 Lavalle House, a Spanish colo-
nial period home. Scavenger Hunts will be available for children
and local archaeologists will conduct tours at the T. T. Wentworth.

Recognizing the Best
Fhe Santa Rosa County Council of the Navy League recognized tht
:op Sailors of the Quarter from commands located at Naval Air Sta-
:ion Whiting Field. ABH3 Jerry Owens from Whiting Fields Crash
Division, HM2 Melissa Baez from the Branch Medical Clinic, anc
4WR2 Kristopher Sellmeyer from Helicopter Training Squadror
EIGHTEEN were recognized as the Bluejacket, Sailor and Junioi
Sailors of the Quarter. U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.

Hold the Line
A line of T-34 Turbo Mentor aircraft wait for their turn to be parked
in Naval Air Station Whiting Field's North Field hangar. The Train
ing Air Wing FIVE planes are being parked in the hangar in advance
of the arrival of Hurricane Ida. U.S. Navy photo by Ens. Joanna
Clark.
Jr. Flonda State Museum. Also, the Museum of Commerce, Mu-
seum of Industry, Julee Cottage, Manuel Barrios Cottage, T T.
Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum and the Pensacola Historical
Museum will be open for self-guided tours and visitation. Historic
Pensacola Village is a house museum and museum complex in the
heart of Downtown Pensacola.
Military Discount Arby's, the fast food giant famous for
classic roast beef sandwiches, is offering a discount on all menu
items for military personnel. Presenting a military ID, active, re-
tired, spouse, reserve, or otherwise, gains a 10 percent discount
every day except Wednesday, when the discount increases to 20
percent.
Santa Rosa County Honors Veterans Santa Rosa
County residents are encouraged to attend the 2009 Veterans Day
Parade and Ceremony sponsored by the Community/Veterans Co-
ordinating Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The annual parade
will kick off the festivities honoring those who have served our
country at 9:30 a.m., beginning at Milton High School and ending
at the Santa Rosa County Veterans Plaza at 5178 Willing Street,
Milton. The Veterans Day Ceremony will follow the parade at 11
a.m. in front of the Santa Rosa County Veterans Plaza. The day's
events will conclude with a Veterans Day Picnic hosted by Santa
Rosa County 4-H, also at the Santa Rosa County Veterans Memo-
rial Plaza. Call (850) 626-7292 or (850)313-6637 for details.
Military Prayer Breakfast Olive Baptist Church is invit-
ing military personnel to a Prayer Breakfast Friday, Nov. 13 from
7:30-8:30 a.m. in the Wings Club Ballroom. All retired and ac-
tive duty military on the base will receive a free complimentary
breakfast. For additional information, please contact the Base
Chaplain's Office at 623-6110.
Golf Lessons A.C. Read golf Club is offerring free golf les-
sons to authorized military dependents between the ages of 8 and
13. Registration is being held at the youth center, Bldg. 3690.
Lessons will be provided between Nov. 3 and Dec. 19 on the fol-
lowing schedule. Ages 10 & 11 Tuesdays 3 to 4:30 p.m.; Ages 8
& 9 Thursdays 3 to 4:30 p.m.; and Ages 12 & 13 Saturdays 10
to 11:30 a.m.. Call 452-2417 for more information.

leet and Family Support Center Classes
Anger Management Thursday, November 12, 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 informa-
tion, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Ten Steps to a Federal Job Monday, November 16, 1000 1200
"Is it worth your while to invest your time and effort in searching and applying for a Federal Job?" If your answer is "yes", then you
need to attend this class in order to learn how to prepare the best application possible. You will learn how to read an announcement,
analyze core competencies for language, analyze vacancy listings for keywords, and how to apply forjobs. Class will be held at the
FFSC conference room. For more information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.
Car Buying Strategies Tuesday, November 17, 0900 1100
Many people begin the car buying process by visiting a dealership, which should be one of the last things you do. Come find out how
to research and compare for the best prices. Class will be held at the FFSC conference room. For more information, call 623-7177.
Time Management Wednesday, November 18, 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 information, contact a Work and Family Life Specialist at 623-7177.

Military One Source Comes to NASWF Honor Flight to Sponsor

Even after several years of service to mili-
tary personnel and their families, Military One
Source is not a program that is familiar to the
people it is here to help. There is an opportunity
to rectify that Nov. 16 when SOSA and Fleet
and Family Support Center bring Military One
Source representatives to the base for an infor-
mational briefing.
Topics will cover a variety of areas, but will
focus on the types of services available through
Sthe One Source program. Also covered will be
Fleet and Family Educa-
tion and Training Special-some educational benefits, career advancement
ist Laura McLaughlin isaccounts, and more.
a primary point of con- "The purpose of this event is to inform all
tact for the Military Oneenlisted and officer spouses about the wonderful
Source event Nov. 16.
resources that Military One Source has to offer
for free," Laura McLaughlin, FFSC Education and Training Specialist,
said. "This is a part of the benefits of being a military spouse."
Military OneSource supplements existing base services through
online or 24/7 telephone assistance. The program can help with the is-
sues that are important to you. Whether that is education, counseling
services, employment, transition assistance, relocation or more, Military
One Source is always available to provide informational or referral as-
sistance. They can help with a wide range of issues that affect you and
your family wherever and whenever you are.
The briefing will be held in the Atrium, building 1417, at 7:15
p.m. Call Fleet and Family Support Center at 623-7177 for more infor-
mation.

Golf Tourney on Base
The Emerald Coast Honor Flight Santa
Rosa County Initiative Golf Tournment will be
held on Friday, Nov. 13, at the NAS Whiting
Field Golf Course.
Registration begins at 10 a.m., with a
shotgun start at 11 a.m.. Cost is $400 per team
or $100 per player. The price includes dinner,
three beverage tickets, a goodie bag, two door
prize tickets, two mulligans per player and one
tee-buster per person.
Cash prizes are $100 per play for first
place $50 per player for second place, and $25
per player for third. Prizes will also be given for
Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and a Putting
Contest.
There will also be a golf ball drop with
the top prize being as much as $2,500. Tickets
for the drop are $10 per ball. If more than one
ball drops in the hole, the prize will be divided
equally. If no ball drops in the hole, the clos-
est ball to the hole wins. Prize will be adjusted
proportionally to the total number of balls sold.
Winner need not be present to win.
To sign up or for additional information,
please contact Wendell Hall (850) 232-0891,
Margaret Porter (850) 255-9795, or Cinnamon
Holderman (850) 232-8191.

Change of Command
(Cont. from Page 1)

Capt. Pete Hall receives his command pin from his daughters Cathe-
rine and Julia during the change of command ceremony, Nov. 5. U.S.
Navy photo by Jay Cope.
Rosa County team a model of cooperation across the southeast
region. He worked diligently to help make the Aviation Com-
merce Park a reality. And he renewed many lagging commu-
nity relationship programs encouraging military and civilian
base personnel to get involved with the area's outreach efforts.
For his contributions, he was named the Santa Rosa County
Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year for 2008 and the Al-
liance of Defense Communities' Military Leader of the Year for
2009.
That level of community participation was equally dis-
played by the presence of local political leaders, area business-
men, school representatives, civic organizations and the partici-
pation of the local high schools' band and color guard.
In addition to the civilian accolades, the military rec-
ognized his accomplishments during the ceremony by present-
ing him with the Legion of Merit medal. It was an honor that
Sadsad was quick to attribute to others.
"Our team has done an exceptionally impressive job.
The base appearance, its efficiency, and teamwork speak for
itself. This is absolutely the best staff and commanding officer
could ask for," he said. "They are consummate professionals.
Every job is doable and they do it with pride and a lot of class.
I am extremely fortunate to be a part of this winning team."
During his 32 year Navy career, Sadsad served as
an enlisted Aviation Machinist's Mate for various helicopter
squadrons. After six years, he was transferred to Aviation Of-
ficer Candidate School and designated a Naval Flight Officer in
1984. Since then he completed aviation related tours through
many parts of the world, earned his Master's Degree, been for-
ward deployed on a carrier, and commanded a training squad-
ron before taking command at Whiting Field.
It is a distinguished career that began due to the good
impressions left by Sailors visiting the Philippines when he was
a youth.
5

"What motivates me to do these things? I remember
seeing Sailors and Marines come to my elementary school in
the Philippines to repair and paint our classrooms and deliver
textbooks," Sadsad said. "Those are my memories of the U.S.
Navy and the American people. Those same qualities came to
life when we came to NAS Whiting Field and this great com-
munity... we have found our new home."
Although his next tour of duty will be as the Com-
manding Officer Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Sadsad
stresses that he will return to the local area when his Navy ca-
reer is complete.
Hall assumed duties as the 39th commanding officer
for NAS Whiting Field, with a short reading of his orders, an
exchange of salutes, and the permission to "take charge" from
Alexander. The admiral called Hall's record "impressive."
He comes to Whiting Field from the Air Warfare divi-
sion of the Director of the Operational Test and Evaluation for
the Office of the Secretary of Defense. While there, he served
as the Action Officer overseeing the testing of airborne elec-
tronic warfare systems. Previously, Hall completed tours of
duty aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) as the "Air Boss;"
as well as various other operational and staff commands. Hall
has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours and 500 carrier
arrest landings during his 22-year career.
He promised to continue Sadsad's efforts and thanked
the community for their warm welcome. He also praised the
base personnel and expressed his excitement in working with
them in the future.
"The wealth of talent and experience I have seen is
amazing. You are a national treasure. I ask that you continue
your outstanding work and in return pledge my loyalty and
commitment to each and every one of you. Thank you again
for being here and sharing this special day. I look forward to
what we will do together," Hall said.

Rear Adm. Townsend Alexander, Commander Navy Region South-
east, presents Capt. Enrique Sadsad with the Legion of Merit medal
for his tour commanding NAS Whiting Field. U.S. Navy photo by
Jay Cope.