Road Runner Staff

Cmdr. Darryl ToppinCommanding Officer

Cmdr. Derek WessmanExecutive Officer

CMDCM(SS) Jerry PittmanCommand Master Chief

MC1(AW) Adrian MelendezPublic Affairs Officer

Editor/Layout and Design

NC1 Steven PowellAssistant Public Affairs Officer

John BeringAssiatant Editor

The Road Runner is a monthlynewslet-ter produced by the U.S. Navy Recruit-ing District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is intended primarily, but not exclusivly, for the use, information and entertain-ment of it’s active duty and reserve members, civilian employees and their families. Any views exspressed herin are not necessarily the official postions of the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff encourages feedbacl from it’s readers. Please submit all articles, suggestions, ideas, comments, photos, compliments or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@navy.mil, NC1 Steven Powell at steven.powell1@navy.mil, or John Bering at john.bering@navy.mil

Inside This Issue

Page 4 Science BowlPage 6 Adm. MullenPage 7 Hike of the MonthPage 8 Around the Fleet

COMMAND CORNER

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Hey Shipmates! As we wait for the latest exam results and as the selection board eligible list just hit the streets, it reminds me why the Navy is so great. We don’t just

promote Sailors simply because they are eligible. Although we seldom see Sailors advanced who are SAT. What is SAT? The SAT Sailor just passes the PFA, they do exactly what is asked and nothing more, they study just enough to pass their exams vice knowing all that they are supposed to for their rate of job, cram for advancement exams and blame the Navy for not getting ad-vanced vice trying to ace it, qualify on the curve vice early not to men-tion not qualifying EVERYTHING they can. They don’t qualify extra watches, volunteer for collateral duties or complete for ROY, SOQ, SOY pro-grams. They don’t volunteer for IAs, overseas jobs, hot fills or any other professional demanding assignments like recruiter or RDC. They are not

Exam Results–Advancement Results–You’re In Charge!CMDCM(SS) Jerry Pittman

NC1 Steven Powell sings the National Anthem during the pre-game ceremony for the Military Apretion Day game at the Peoria Sports Complex, Mar. 4. Military members recieved free and dis-counted tickets to come out to the Major League Baseball Spring Training home of the Seattle Mairiners as they took on the Cin-cinnatti Reds. U.S. Navy photo by MC1(AW) Me-lendez

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NRD Phoenix Ombudsman

(nrdphxombuds1@gmail.com)

Lety Spaulding (Phoenix)(602)432-6692

ladybug85021@yahoo.com

Sharla Boykin (Phoenix)(623)792-0770

Elizabeth Garciasalas (El Paso)(505)554-8685

ekg05@yahoo.com

Dial-a-ChaplinPhoenix Area

Chaplin Terry Pletkovich(480)586-8728

Chaplin Dean Johansen(602)828-7773

Davis-Monthan AFB(520)228-4511

Fort Bliss(915)568-8728

Kirtland AFB(505)846-5691

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Sailors from Navy Recruit-ing District Phoenix participated the New Mexico State University Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Regional Sci-ence Bowl, Feb 19 in Las Cruces, N.M. NRD Phoenix Executive Officer, Cmdr. Derek Wessman gave opening remarks prior to the competition and Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate David Adauto from Navy Recruiting Station Las Cruces moderated the event. Teams from high schools in southern New Mexico competed against one another for a place in the Nation science Bowl in Wash-ington DC. Capt. Ben Pina Director of construction, Assistance Secretary of the Navy for energy, Installa-tions and Environment, was also at the science bowl to help out and speak with students. While there , Pina also presented Lauren Smith, a senior at Onate High School in Las Cruces, with a NROTC schol-arship to the University of San

Diego. Las Cruces High School entered two teams in the comple-tion, which faced each other in the finals. The winning team from Las Cruces High School is scheduled to attend the Nation Science Bowl in Washington DC.

A science bowl is a high school and middle school aca-demic competition where teams of students are quizzed on subjects in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, energy, and Earth and Space science.

Ditrict Sailors Participate in Science BowlStory and Photos by FCC Jason Infantolino

Capt. Ben Pina Director of construction, Assistance Secretary of the Navy for energy, Installations and Environment, pres-ents Lauren Smith, a senior at Onate High School in Las Cru-ces, with a NROTC scholarship to the University of San Diego at the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Regional Science Bowl, Feb 19 in Las Cruces, N.M.

Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate David Adauto, from Navy Recruit-ing Station Las Cruces, moderates a Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Regional Science Bowl, at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, Feb. 19.

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Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to military members, local citizens and Arizona State University students during his stop at the Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix, March 10. The visit was part of Mullen’s “Conversation with the Country” tour held at universities across America to discuss issues important to the military and how educational institutions and the community can help veterans and their families, as well as answer questions that concerned the audience in attendance that ranged from First aAmendment rights, Don’t ask, Don’t tell and veteran’s programs. “I thought he did a fantastic job listening and thoroughly answering all the questions from the public. He really impressed me on his recall on any subject anyone brought up to him,” said Navy Recruiting District, Phoenix Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Darryl Toppin. During his talk Mullen spoke about the differences between how the community embraces their veterans of today, which is often in contrast to when he first entered the military in 1968. “What will stick with me my whole life is that our men and women who served, and sacrificed, were not supported by the people of our country. When

these wars started one of the first things I really looked at is will the American people support our men and women in uniform? And unequivocally the answer to that question is ‘yes’. That makes all the difference in the world.” Mullen also said that he is still worried about the disconnect between service members and the community and urged the community to engage their veterans when, and wherever, they can. “That’s in great part why I come out here today - to try to raise the level of awareness for what we’ve (service members) been through. This is an exceptional group and they will continue to

make a huge difference for a long time,” said Mullen. The community disconnect was also a concern of his when it came to recruiting for the services across the nation. “Less than one percent of the American population - we recruit - we are now seeing them come from fewer and fewer places in the country. And while our recruiting is superb, I do worry that those numbers - such a small percentage - I do worry, in the long run, about connecting our military to American people because in the long run, I worry a great deal about waking up one day and us being disconnected.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Speaks to Local CommunityStory and Photo by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, speeks to military members, local citizens and Arizona State University students during his stop at the Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix, March 10. During his visit to Phoenix Mullen answered question from those in attendance and spoke on his concern of the community becoming disconected from service members and what they have been through.

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Often times hiking takes us to a trail in the desert or forest and on fairly rugged terrain. Sometimes, though, “off the beaten path” is a lot closer than we think. Although there may not be any designated trail heads in the 200 acre recreation area there are numerous activities for the entire family in the heart of Phoenix at Encanto Park. Bordered by a golf course with a clubhouse the park also is host to a network of paved walking paths, a seven acre stocked lake and Enchanted Island. There is a boat house with paddle boats and fishing is permitted (with license) in the lake. Enchanted Island is a small amusement park for the

kids with several rides including bumper boats, a carousel and a train. You can pay as you go for the rides or purchase a day pass for around $13. Whether you are wanting to hike the golf course or take the kids out for some fun hiking around the

paths and amusements of the park, this hidden gem in the metropolis could be your all in one destination. Located south of Thomas, north of Encanto and in between 15th and 7th Avenues, Encanto Park is a great place for a family hike.

Hike of the Month:Encanto ParkStory and Photo by John Bering

It’s that time of year again for the turkey legs and baseball. The entire month of March has the Valley of the Sun buzzing with Cactus League baseball. To the east of Phoenix, in Apache Junction, is the Arizona Renaissance Festival. There are ten ballparks in the valley that host spring training games and there are multiple games played every day of the week through March 29th. Whether your team is the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Sox, Reds, Rockies, Royals, Angels, Dodgers, Brewer’s, A’s, Padres, Giants, Mariners or Rangers they are all here. The entire Cactus League schedule

can be found at http://www.cactusleague.com/. Every Saturday and Sunday in March the RenFest is host to medieval arts and crafts, jousting matches, comedy shows plenty of food and drink and much, much more. The roasted turkey

drumsticks are a must! Not only is the Renfest cast in period costumes but many of the attendees also go in their best renaissance or medieval attire to celebrate the festival. Discount tickets can be

Get Out and See Jousting, Spring Training Story and Photo by John Bering

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purchased at Fry’s grocery stores and online at www.vettix.org. Directions and more details can be found at http://www.royalfaires.com/arizona/. Unfortunately spring is often our shortest season so it makes sense to make the most of our beautiful March weather. Afternoons relaxing outdoors at a ball game or strolling around the village at the Renaissance Festival are two wonderful ways to soak up the sunshine before we go into hibernation mode for the summer.

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part of any professional frater-nal origination (PO Association/VFW) because when they go home and say they are not in the Navy at home, it’s THEIR time. They homestead and hide for years at non-demanding general shore duty and try to extend. They get caught with uniform violations. They grow sideburns or funny shapes in their hair and keep their professional military appearance just SAT (22% BF). I hear them ask questions at the PFA like, “What is the mini-mum to pass in my age group”. We get paid for doing a job WELL. In today’s Navy, it is a privilege to wear our country’s uniform and get a pay check every two weeks for doing it. They are promoted be-

cause they give 100% to their job, seven days a week, not because they just are SAT, 4-5 days a week and they do their job, it is to do it WELL! Sailors who are promoted should already be setting the example not just after they “make the list”. They should be doing push-ups and sit-ups for the full 2 minutes, run as hard as they can to better their time, they must study to know everything about their rate and equipment; after all, who will be training the next generation of Sailors, today’s SAT Sailor? Who will be leading Sailors to excel, today’s SAT Sailor? As today’s SAT Sailor stands watch, he only knows what

to do 63% of the time (2.50 on a 4.00 scale). He only steers the correct course 63% of the time. He only tags out the right equip-ment by procedure 63% of the time. I hope the 63% of the CPR he remembers is the part you need after an electrical shock. That’s just another reason the Navy is so great, we are in charge 100% of our own advance-ment. How much you put into it is what you get out. Yes the exam is only part but everything else we do makes up the rest. Are you SAT or did you give a true 100%. Your are in charge or your results, only in the Navy. Hooyah Shipmates!

“As today’s SAT Sailor stands watch, he only knows what to do 63% of the time”

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International Coalition Strikes Libyan Air DefensesJoint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs

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USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea - As part of an international coalition force aimed at stopping the violence against Libyan civilians, U.S. military ships, submarines and aircraft commenced strikes against military sites and surface-to-air defense systems along the Libyan coast March 19. The purpose of these strikes is to set the conditions for the international coalition to establish a no-fly zone over Libya and to take measures to prevent attacks on the Libyan people, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. President Barack Obama authorized the offensive operation by U.S. forces in order to implement a no-fly zone over Libya. The goal is to stop the violence against civilians in Libya and assist Libyan citizens in working toward a rapid resolution to the crisis. The strikes commenced at 7 p.m. CET, and continued through to the morning, with a total of 19 sorties flown, and 124 U.S. and U.K. Tomahawk land-to-air missiles launched, with 20 targets hit with various levels of damage. “These measures were

taken in order to prevent further attacks against Libyan civilians,” said Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, commander, Joint Task Force

Odyssey Dawn. “The international community strongly condemns the use of violence against Libyan

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was one of approximately 110 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines that targeted about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libya’s Mediterranean coast. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. U.S. Navy photo by Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Roderick

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civilians. We are committed, first and foremost, to the protection and safety of the Libyan people while promoting a resolution to the crisis.” U.S military assets that participated in the strikes include:

two U.S. Navy ships and three submarines; 15 U.S. Air Force aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit Bomber and four U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers, all of which launched strikes against targets in Libya. These targets include SA-5, 5A-3 and 5A-2 air defense systems

around Libyan airfields and various munitions sites. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is commanded by Locklear, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and is operating from the USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20).

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Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class Seth Eslin, from Albuquerque, N.M., gives cases of water from an HH-60H Sea Hawk assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Squadron (HS) 4 to Japanese citizens during a humanitiarian assistance mission. HS-4 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), off the coast of Japan providing humanitarian assistance as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan McCord

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Irma Monje, from Tucson, Ariz., tests the circuit of a bomb racking unit of an F/A-18 Hornet in the gun shop aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is underway continuing training before deploying to the western Pacific Ocean and the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin B. Gray

(Below Left) Mineman 2nd Class Cody Stone, from Phoenix, assigned to Naval Air Facility Misawa, recovers a spool of netting and returns it to a Japanese man during a volunteer cleanup at the Misawa Fishing Port. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow