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 3 Cemetery Clean-UpPage 4 College TourPage 5 BBQ SafetyPage 6 Science FairPage 8 El Paso North at WorkPage 10 Around the FleetPage 12 Grand Canyon

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Exactly what is the national deficit one might ask? In a nutshell, it is the difference between the amount of money the federal government takes in and the amount that it owes. Ideally, just like in a normal household, there would be no deficit due to budgeting and living within ones means. Even though most Americans have heard the term, it is very hard to wrap your mind around a trillion dollar deficit. Until recently the national debt and deficit had been referred to in the millions, and subsequently, billions of dollars. But our total deficit (the amount we owe over the amount we take in) is currently in excess of $14,000,000,000,000. That’s 14 trillion dollars. But how much is a trillion? Richard Berman, President of Berman and Company, a PR firm specializing in research

and communications, drew this analogy. A trillion anything is too much for the mind to fathom so convert dollars to time; one dollar being represented as one second in time. One million dollars/seconds would be roughly equivalent to 12 days. That’s a lot of seconds. Now converting one trillion dollars to one trillion seconds and you end up with over 31,000 years. Whew! But that is ONE trillion; our projected national deficit for just this year alone is 1.5 trillion dollars adding to the already catastrophic total deficit of $14,000,000,000,000. If we use the time analogy our 2011 deficit would exceed 45,000 years. Just like households across the country it’s time for the federal government to cut spending and live within it’s means. We don’t have 45,000 years to get it right before something gets repossessed.

45,000 Years and the National DeficitBy John Bering

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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

Division Four Assist in Cemetery Clean-UpStory by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez Sailors from Division 4 took time out to help the Isaiah Mays-Bill Mauldin American Legion Post 137 and approximately 70 volunteers from around the community rehab and clean the Palo Verde Cemetery in Tonopah, Ariz., April 30. The volunteers spent the morning picking up trash, raking up brush and rocks to help better honor those who are buried and their families who visit. “Everything went well. It took a big team effort to get all the cleaning done in four hours,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuels (AW/SW) Reginald Harris, a volunteer from Navy Recruiting

Station Surprise. “I think it was great for us to be able to come out and help the community and represent the U.S. Navy.” Tom Sloan, Post 137 commander echoed the same sentiment as Harris, and said that he was grateful for all the volunteers who showed up to make the event a success. “It was great to see the involvement of all that was present,” said Sloan “The team work and camaraderie of a group of people who never worked together before was impressive. Each of you can be proud of what you accomplished.“

U.S. Navy photo

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Recruiters from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix’s officer recruiting stations toured three schools in three days during the America’s Navy College Tour, March 29-31. The tour made stops to the University of Texas El Paso, New Mexico State University and University of New Mexico, to help speak with students on job and educational opportunities in the Navy. “The purpose of the tour was to create (Navy) awareness to all the different diversity groups and anyone else at the colleges,” said Lt. Terrance Flournoy, NRD Phoenix’s Operations Officer. Flournoy said that overall the tour went very well and was well received, but added the key to the events success was the amount of subject matter experts on hand to answer questions from students and

faculty. “Having the right amount of Officers to fit the need in almost every category certainly made the event a success,” he said. Students who are part of some of the numerous Navy college programs were also on hand at the events to talk to their fellow alumni on how the Navy has helped them out with paying for college and helping them get started in their career of choice. Glenn Roberts, a Senior at University of New Mexico, is part of the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC) and said that the Navy has helped him

greatly in achieving his goal in obtaining his degree in Mechanical Engineering and looks forward to being on a Navy submarine in the future. “It’s a very good opportunity. I can focus on school right now and not have to worry about having a outside job,” said Roberts, who heard about the program through his roommate, a former enlisted Sailor. For more information on Navy educational opportunities and programs visit http://www.navy.com/joining/education-opportunities.html

Officer Recruiting Tours Southwest UniversitiesStory and Photos by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

Chief Navy Counselor (SS)Lloyd Miller, from Navy Officer Recruiting Station Al-buquerque, talks to a student about educational opportunities and programs in the Navy during the America’s Navy College Tour, March 29, at University Texas El Paso. The purpose of the tour was to educate students and faculty on Navy Officer programs.

Navy Recruiting District (NRD), Phoenix Executive officer, Cmdr. Derek Wessman, speaks to students and faculty at a luncheon during the America’s Navy College Tour. Officer recruiters from NRD Phoenix made stops at the University of Texas El Paso, University of New Mexico, and New Mexico State University March 29-31, to talk about educational opportunities and officer programs in the Navy.

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Summer is prime season for backyard barbeques. Warm

weather, good friends, and grilled meat combine to form a perfect af-ternoon for many Sailors, Marines and their families. Unfortunately, every year casual afternoons are ruined by fires resulting from im-proper use of barbeque grills. The National Fire Protec-tion Association reports that from 2003 – 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hiba-chis, or barbeques per year. These fires cause an estimated $80 mil-lion in direct property damage.

They also kill 10 people and seri-ously injure 120 every year. A third class petty officer found this out the hard way when he was preparing to cook on a propane grill. He tried to use the button that provides a spark to light the grill, but it didn’t work. He kept trying for about 30 seconds, which allowed 30 seconds worth of gas to flow. When he pulled out his cigarette lighter, he ignited the gas and ended up with burns to his hand and four days of light duty. The Naval Safety Center sees reports of similar mishaps each summer.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are routine checks that can easily be performed on gas grills and sig-nificantly reduce the risk of a fire. Check the tubes that lead into the burner for blockage; check hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, or leaks. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Don’t use it in a garage, breezeway, carport, or under any surface that could catch fire. While charcoal grills cause less fires annually than gas grills, the biggest safety concern is lighter fluid – or the various substitutes Sailors and Marines often use to try and light the grill. Only use lighter fluid that is meant for charcoal, never gasoline, kerosene or other volatile fluids, and, never add lighter fluid to coals that are already warm. No matter what type of grill is used, the most important thing is to keep an eye on it. Never leave it unattended and watch out for chil-dren. Ultimately, common sense is the secret ingredient that will keep cookouts from leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

-Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.

-Do not overfill the propane tank.

-Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a bar-becue.

-Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.

-Keep all matches and lighters away from children.

-Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

-Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wood-en containers.

-Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.

Keep Your BBQ From Going BoomBy April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

Barbeque Safety Tips

U.S. Navy Photo By MC2(SW/AW) Aaron Burden

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Sailors from Division One and Navy Reserve Center in Albuquerque took part in judging science projects and educating students about America’s Navy at the Annual National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair at the Albuquerque Convention Center, March 25 and 26. Judges were put in specific teams such as Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, and Behavioral and Social Sciences to help thoroughly review the more than 220 projects on hand. “It’s extraordinary to see all the young minds at work and the intrigue they have with science, because they are our future,” said Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate David Adauto from Navy Recruiting Station Las Cruces, N.M. Aduato said he was in awe by the level of research done by the students he spoke with and was particularly impressed with two students who were doing research to find a better lightweight and

protective material for bullet proof vest. “The fact that they were able to think of something like that and do all the research is amazing,” he said. Awards were given out in each of the 14 scientific categories as well as 33 special awards given by various organizations, including

the United States Navy Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Award. Courtney Jackson, a Senior at Cloquet High School in Cloquet MN, was this years Navy award winner for her project titled “Low Formation Based Upon Maps Created Using Magellan Data Used to Determine the Overall Geologic History of Circular Lows on Venus” which mapped the surface of Venus and how the circles on the planets surface were formed. Through her research she was able to hypothesize that the circles were

Division One Takes Part in Annual Science FairStory and Photos by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

Chief Navy Counselor(SS) Lloyd Miller and Navy Counselor 1st Class Marlene Armijo fill out their judging sheets for a science project. Students from around the nation entered proj-ects in categories such as Biochem-istry, Environmental Sciences, and Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Capt. Erwin Hoo, from Navy Reserve Center Albuquerque, listens to a student’s project presentation at the Annual National American Indian Science and En-gineering Fair at the Albuquerque Convention Center, March 25. Albuquerque recruiters and reserve Sailors volunteered to be judges during the national compe-tition that was host to more than 220 projects.

Science Continued OnPage 7

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actually formed from within the planet than from the surface or something hitting it. Jackson has been researching, and mapping, the planet since she was introduced to the subject by her Earth Sciences teacher when she was in the eighth grade.

“It feels great,” said Jackson, who took home four awards including a grand award, which moves her up to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles. “I put a lot of hard work and time into my research, so it feels good to be recognized. “ Jackson encourages students to get more involved with Science and understands it can be intimidating, but she said that the key is to find something you are interested in and start by researching and building off of that. The engineering and science fair is hosted by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and was attended by students from all over the United States representing more than 40 tribal nations.

Above: Sonar Technician Submarines 1st Class (SS) Fernan-do Perez listens to a student give a presentation on her science project. Perez was part of a group of Sailors that volunteered to judge projects at the annual event.

Left: Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AW) David Adauto presents an award to a student during the Annual National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair awards cer-emony March 26.

Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate(AW) David Audato reviews a research project at the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair March 25. More than 40 tribal nations took part in this years competi-tion.

Science Continued FromPage 6

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BATH, Maine - The Navy christened its newest guided-missile destroyer, Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) Michael Murphy (DDG 112), during a morning ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine May 7. The new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy and was christened on what would have been his 35th birthday. “It is my sincere belief that this ship will build on the momentum gained by our special operations forces in the fight against extremism and sail the seas in a world made more peaceful by sustained American vigilance, power and dignity,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead. “This ship will carry Michael’s legacy and values to Sailors several decades from now and to a new generation of Americans. For that I am proud to wear this uniform.” Maureen Murphy, sponsor of the ship named for her late son, had the honor of breaking a bottle of champagne across the ship’s bow, formally christening the ship in accordance with Navy tradition.

“I am so proud and it is truly an honor,” said Murphy.” For people to come out and remember Mike and to celebrate this ship; it means a lot and it means that they still remember the sacrifice he made for this country.” On June 28, 2005, Murphy was leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban

leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate

Navy Christens Guided-Missile Destroyer Michael Murphy Story and Photo by MC2 Dominique M. Lasco

Maureen Murphy, mother of late Navy (SEAL) Lt. Michael Murphy and ship’s sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Michael Murphy (DDG 112) during the ship’s christen-ing ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in June 2005. He was the first Sailor awarded the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.

Murphy Continued OnPage 11

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with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds. Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Vice Adm. Eric T. Olson, Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli and family members of the Navy SEALs who lost their lives alongside Murphy were also in attendance. Designated DDG 112, Michael Murphy, the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be able

to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Michael Murphy will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with CNO’s “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.” Cmdr. Thomas E. Shultz, a native of El Cajon, Calif., is the prospective commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 279 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy is being built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft

of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Murphy Continued FromPage 10

ARLINGTON - The Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced May 9 that it will launch a new Internet wargame May 16, to aid in recruiting a community of more than 1,000 players to collaborate on solving real-world problems facing the Navy. Scheduled to run for three weeks, the Massive Multiplayer Online Wargame Leveraging the Internet (MMOWGLI) exercise will recruit online players from across the government to suggest ways of combating piracy off the coast of Somalia. “MMOWGLI is an online game designed to find and collectively grow breakthrough ideas to some of the Navy’s most complex problems--those 21st-century threats that demand new forms of collaboration and truly outlying ideas,” said Dr.

Larry Schuette, ONR’s director of innovation, whose office is managing the project. The piracy scenario was chosen as a means to demonstrate the platform, but MMOWGLI itself can be applied to any scenario, officials said. ONR intends to produce varying results from a diverse group of players drawn from the ranks of academia, defense, and government and nongovernment organizations. The plan is for MMOWGLI to identify solutions to difficult challenges by tapping into the intellectual capital of a broader community. “We hope MMOWGLI will help us to understand what happens when your insights are combined with the observations and actions of another player,” Schuette added. “Will that fusion result in a game-changing idea or solution, or will

the MMOWGLI platform teach us something about our traditional thought processes?” MMOWGLI will also be a template for aiding future users faced with their own complex problems, said Garth Jensen, director of innovation Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock division, who is leading the project. “At this stage, however, MMOWGLI is a simply a pilot/demonstration project,” Jensen said. “Therefore, we are exploring whether doing something like MMOWGLI within Navy is feasible, and if so, what we might learn from the experience.” Palo Alto, Calif.-based Institute for the Future and the Naval Postgraduate School are partnering with ONR on the MMOWGLI project.

ONR Recruits DoD Community for Online Wargame By Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

During the month of May, 2011 the Grand Canyon Railway is offering a free roundtrip train ride from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon for all active duty and retired military members. Dependents will receive a 10% discount. The train has different classes of travel available starting with Coach then upgrading to First Class, the Observation Dome and the ultimate level of comfort can be found in the Luxury Parlor. Military ride free in the coach section and upgrades can be obtained by paying the price difference from coach to the level of upgrade. All of the fares and itineraries can be found on the Grand Canyon Railway’s website at www.thetrain.com or all 800-843-8724 and ask for the

Military Free discount. The 65 mile trip from Williams to Grand Canyon Village lasts approximately two hours each way and winds though the beautiful high country of northern Arizona. The trip can be a

single day out and back or can be combined with a multiday stop over at one of the many Grand Canyon lodging facilities. Stay tuned for a complete train report in the next Road Runner.

Get Out and See Grand Canyon RailwayStory and photo by John Bering

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Tucson El Paso