Buckeye ends Navy careerPage 5

Paying for collegePage 8

Vol. 72, No. 38 Celebrating 72 Years of Community Partnership October 1, 2015

TESTERNaval Air Station Patuxent RiverWhat you need to know

Nearly half of all deaths from home fires occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep

Install smoke alarms in every bed-room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, in-cluding the basement

Change the batteries every six months. It is recommended you do it when you change your clocks at the be-ginning and end of daylight saving time

For the best protection, install in-terconnected smoke alarms. When one sounds, they all sound

Test your batteries once a month by pressing the test button on all alarms un-til they beep. If an alarm is chirping, the batteries need changing

Keep them clean. Wiping dust and build-up off your smoke alarms helps prevent accidental activation and ensure the sensors are clear and able to operate properly

Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or if they fail the check test after new batteries are installed

Get the family involved and have a plan. Make sure your kids know what a smoke alarm sounds like and how they should leave the house and go to the family meeting place outside, if they hear one

If your home does not have a work-ing smoke alarm due to a financial situ-ation, you dont know where to install them, or you need help installing them, contact your local fire department.

Courtesy graphic

This years National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week theme is Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm. According to the NFPA, nearly 60 percent of reported home deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or inoperable working smoke alarms.

By Shawn GrahamNAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

NAS Patuxent River is set to kick off an-other year of the Personal Excellence Program (PEP). Pax will host a kickoff event at 1 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Frank Knox Building, building 2189.

Dawn Simpson, NAS Patuxent River school liaison, said the PEP program shows the surrounding community and the world that Pax Pros care about the community and are willing to volunteer their time and talents to support it.

Whether its through volunteering in the schools or hosting student field trips at Pax, we show that were willing to share our resources to help educate our local youth, Simpson said.

Through the PEP program, station personnel have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child when they volunteer to tutor, mentor, or be a lunch buddy, Simpson added.

Simpson serves as the link between the installation and local schools. If schools need volunteers they contact her with their requests. After ensuring she has the details regarding dates, times, and school points of contacts, she crafts an announcement which is forwarded to the Active Duty PEP Coordinator, Chief Avia-tion Machinists Mate (AW) David Lively to distribute across the installation.

PEP is about forming relationships between the Navy commands and local schools, Lively said. It gives our service members an opportunity to volunteer and

help shape our youth.Last year, 460 naval and civilian vol-

unteers spent over 6,500 hours tutoring, mentoring, providing technical expertise or simply serving as positive role models for youth throughout Southern Maryland, thus helping to develop students to their fullest potential in the areas of academic achievement, healthy lifestyle and civic responsibility.

Many of the students attending local schools have relatives who work on base or have been in the military, he said. Our volunteers provide kids with train-ing on topics they may have never had a chance to experience. Its a win for both the students and volunteer.

NAS Patuxent River Command Master Chief Jeffrey Owejan said interest in this

years program has been strong.Volunteering and community service

is ingrained in our DNA here at Pax River, which says a lot about the quality of our personnel, Owejan said. Our teams hard work and desire to serve is tremen-dous, and I encourage everyone to par-ticipate.

Last year, NAS Patuxent River won the Naval District Washington Regional PEP Flagship Award. Pax River also received honorable mention in three other volun-teer flagship program categories: Project Good Neighbor; Health, Safety and Fit-ness; and Environmental Stewardship.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Lively at 301-342-3368 or david.lively@navy.mil.

Pax ready to kick off Personal Excellence Program

NAVAIR change of command10 a.m. Oct. 2Hangar 306

Pax River 2015 a successPage 3

2 Thursday, October 1, 2015Tester

Laps for Life walk/run raises suicide prevention awareness

U.S. Navy photos by Shawn Graham

Laps for Life Walk/Run/Team Relay was open to military, civilians and family members signed up to walk or run as many laps as they could. Laps for Life seeks to increase awareness of National Suicide Prevention Month in September.

Formal teams were comprised of two to 17 members either walked or ran, one to 17 laps around the track.

Aviation Ordnanceman Jeremy Scope, Navy Munitions Command Atlantic Detachment Patuxent River, rings a ceremonial bell for ev-ery lap, signifying the fact a life is lost to suicide every 17 minutes.

To increase awareness of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the NAS Patuxent River Suicide Prevention Coordinator Team sponsored the Fifth Annual Laps for Life walk/run/team relay at the track behind the fire station and Building 1489 Sept. 23.

Before and during the event, participants and spectators filled out cards in memory of loved ones who may have been suicide victims. The cards were hung on the fence during the relay in their memory.

Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Augustin, NAS Patuxent River Chaplain, and Twila Kopaniasz, NAVAIR Total Force Strategy & Management, render honors during the singing of the National Anthem by Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Keisa Souza. Teams from around NAS Patuxent River attended the Fifth Annual Laps for Life Walk/Run/Team Relay.

From the NSGEM Communication and Outreach OfficeGeographic Information Services, Inc.

President Obama has pro-claimed October 2015 as Energy Action Month and in recognition of this initiative, were highlighting an important tool that is part of the Commander, Navy Installations Command Shore Energy Program Navy Shore Geospatial Energy Module, or NSGEM.

If youre currently using NS-GEM, terrific! If not, we want to highlight some of the benefits of the application and show you how to get started reducing en-ergy costs.

The Navy Shore Energy Pro-gram is part of the Department of the Navy effort to minimize en-

ergy consumption, reduce energy expenditures, and utilize alterna-tive energy resources and environ-mentally sustainable technologies where it is reasonable, affordable and practical to do so, while assur-ing superiority in the execution of its national defense mission.

One of the programs compo-nents is NSGEM, an interactive web map that uses information from authoritative data systems to visualize monthly energy use Navywide.

NSGEM offers a host of stan-dardized charts and reports, such as comparing total energy con-sumption by building type, data completeness assessment scores (DAS), NOAA Site degree days, Tenant Commanding Officer re-port, Installation Facility Listing

report and Preponderant User report. Customizable reports are also available.

At NAS Patuxent River, Paul Waxman, energy manager for NAWCAD, is aiding in instilling cultural and behavior changes by posting energy consumption information alongside energy bills around the installations facilities, so that tenants can begin to understand how their consumption is changing. Ad-ditionally, he is heading up a Biggest Loser-style contest to provide incentive for facilities to reduce their consumption, as being tracked over fiscal 2015. The prizes include funds toward facility improvements.

NSGEM enables installation energy managers to track facility

improvements, as well as report to the installation commander on the progress of meeting energy consumption reductions goals.

Energy management relies on data that is collected and veri-fied from reliable sources, added Karl Bryan, Pax Rivers installation energy manager. Its a means to make good decisions on how to plan for energy projects that are cost effective at reducing energy and water usage over the life cycle of a facility. NSGEM is that tool.

If youd like more information about the CNIC Energy Program, please contact Program Manager Sandrine Schultz at sandrine.schultz@navy.mil or 202-433-6293. For NSGEM-specific ques-tions, please email the Help Desk at nsgem-support@gisinc.com.

Energy awareness through NSGEMWeb map highlights energy usage Navywide

Thursday, October 1, 2015 3Tester

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Naval Air Station Patuxent River tester@dcmilitary.com www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver www.flickr.com/photos/naspaxriver The name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland. This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, 301-948-1520, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval Dis-trict Washington. This commercial enterprise news-paper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Con-tents of the Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertis-

ing in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by the DoD or Southern Maryland Newspa pers and Printing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this pub-lication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, na-tional origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse

to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Patux-ent River Public Affairs Office. All editorial content submitted to Tester is subject to editing and is approved by the Public Af-fairs Office of NAS Patuxent River. Editorial content should be submitted by Friday one week prior to be considered for the follow-ing weeks edition. To inquire about news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Heidi FlemingCommanding Officer

Capt. Scott StarkeyExecutive Officer

CMDCM Jeffrey OwejanCommand Master Chief

Connie Hempel Public Affairs Officer

Shawn Graham Public Affairs Specialist

and Tester EditorDonna Cipolloni

Staff WriterLorraine Walker

Layout designer

Navy Shore Geospatial Energy Module (NSGEM):

Color codes all facilities based on their energy use benchmarks

Assesses data completeness within authoritative sources and encourages users to update miss-ing or incorrect information

Produces energy consump-tion reports for various levels: Navy, installation, region, facility and tenant

Includes, but is not limited to, data from Common Installa-tion Picture (WW_CIP spatial for GRX), iNFADS (real property), CIRCUITS (consumption), Goals 5.0 (energy targets/goals) and the Defense Utility Energy Reporting System (consumption baselines).

By Donna CipolloniNAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

The technologies were show-cased, the crowds are gone, the results are awaited and the per-sonnel from Advanced Maritime Technology Center (AMTC) at NAS Patuxent River can finally take a breath and look back on the success of Pax River 2015.

Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and hosted by AMTC, the autonomous under-water vehicle demonstration event, Sept. 12-22, was two years in the making.

We started with [NAS Patux-ent River Commanding Officer Capt. Heidi Fleming] when she was still the executive officer and asked for her support, said Chris Grable, AMTC operations manager. It branched out from there. We did a lot at AMTC, but there was almost no [Pax River] organization that wasnt touched in some manner by the huge planning effort here.

The events logistics includ-ed participant and technology availability and movement, ob-taining required environmental

clearances, developing a securi-ty plan, acquiring Reservists for manpower support, and detailed coordination with both Atlantic Test Range and Naval Facilities Engineering.

We were arranging for large cranes and port-a-potties at the same time we were coordinating Navy tugs and kayaks, Grable said.

The largest science and tech-nology (S&T) demonstration of its type at Pax River, the event involved six countries, 24 dif-ferent support vessels, demon-strated 30 different technologies, included more than 500 hours of operations, involved over 200 people working the event, and witnessed about 1,500 visitors viewing the technology and talk-ing with its operators.

The goal of the event was to assess the relevance and utility of the technologies and bring to-gether operators and potential end users for inquiry, feedback and data collection, Grable said. Navy uses for the technology in-clude mine-hunting, ordnance surveys, maritime archaeology and infrastructure inspection.

The technologies themselves ranged from the size of a football or smaller to others 15-feet long and weighing nearly 800 pounds, Grable noted. Some you could lift out of the water with your hands, while others required a large crane and boat to handle.

Prior to the start of the event, approximately 200 mine- and non-mine-like objects were de-posited underwater as opera-tional targets to be located.

They found a lot of targets, but we dont know yet if they found them all; that will be in the results, Grable added. Underwater wreckage revealed

Not surprising, underwa-ter debris, such as ladders and metal filing cabinets, was also located but there were a few exceptional finds as well.

They were able to image sev-eral airplane crashes, a few huge anchors and found two large shipwrecks, Grable said. The ships were old, more than 210 feet long, wooden and clearly disintegrating.

Pax Rivers proximity to Wash-

ington, D.C. and its easily acces-sible location made it an ideal site for the event, and its varied water conditions allowed demonstra-tors to operate in waters ranging in depth from a mere 10 feet to a murky 130 feet north of the Gov-ernor Thomas Johnson Bridge.

Plus, weve got the Patuxent River, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, Grable ex-plained. The bottom content and tidal conditions are different and the salinity varies over the course of a day which has ma-jor impact on the performance of sonar. All of that combined to give operators, probably, the most complex environment theyve had to operate in before, for the purpose of demonstra-tion.

The event culminated in Tech-nology Exhibition Day, Sept. 23, where, among others, 150 local Science, Technology, Engineer-ing and Math (STEM) students were invited to view the tech-nologies; and wrapped up Sept. 24 by hosting military and civil-ian dignitaries on Distinguished Visitors Day.

Pax River 2015 event deemed a successTwo-week underwater technology demos turn up interesting finds

Courtesy photo

Sonar imagery taken during the Pax River 2015 autonomous under-water vehicle demonstration event captured a wrecked wooden ship, over 200-feet long, submerged off-shore in the Potomac River.

4 Thursday, October 1, 2015Tester

By Lt. j.g. Jenne JolieNaval Air Station Whiting Field Public Affairs

For the first time in almost a decade, ci-vilians joined active-duty junior Aviation Maintenance Officers (AMOs) in graduat-ing Sept. 1 from the Naval Aviation Main-tenance Program (NAMP) Indoctrination course at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment Whiting Field, Florida.

After a highly competitive applica-tion and selection process, four interns assigned to the Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland Katie Strand, Sara Gravatt, Tiffany Smith and Russell Lall became the first civilians since 2006 to attend the NAMP.

Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Bittle, CNATT Detach-ment Whiting Field officer in charge, said the way the class was structured allowed interns and AMOs to learn from each other.

[The interns] bring NAVAIR experi-ence, civilian point of view and sub-specialties like engineering, logistics or

program management, Bittle said. In-structors and other students help them advance their careers by giving them insight into what we do on a daily basis, real life experience and scenarios, as well as instruction into the [reference] which guides most everything we do as mainte-nance professionals.

Bittle said the exposure and network-ing enabled by the integration of interns into the NAMP course is indispensable. Through the unique interactions with the interns, junior AMOs get a better under-standing of how NAVAIR functions and how the the civilian employees are eager to better assist them, while the interns gain insight into providing better aid to the AMOs.

The benefits of working with the mili-tary students and instructors at CNATT Detachment Whiting Field were empha-sized by the interns. Each of their func-tions contributes a small, yet vital, piece within the extensive NAVAIR organization.

Strand, who works mainly with the budget side at NAVAIR, said her experi-ence in the NAMP allowed her to see what AMOs do, which helped her get a better

understanding of how the military oper-ates. Moreover, Strand said having the AMOs in the course meet people who worked at NAVAIR was impactful.

I think seeing that NAVAIR wants to help them, and that were all in this together is a good thing; and its not us versus them, she said.

Gravatt, who works in supportability test and evaluation, said she also saw the benefits to the combined instruction.

We do behind the scenes type of work, so oftentimes we dont see [the military] side of the house; this is another piece of the puzzle that helps you understand the bigger picture. I appreciate the oppor-tunity to hear their aspects, experiences and sea stories, she said.

Smith, who deals with the manage-ment of hazardous materials, coordinates with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Naval Supply Systems Command (NAV-SUP) and other organizations in order to provide the materials that the aviation maintenance officers need. Smith said that participating in the internship pro-gram provided an a way for her to see how her departments input directly translates to the AMOs performing the work.

In addition to gaining a better knowledge of where her job fits into the big picture, Smith said she applied for the NAMP intern program because she felt it was important to meet the people serving in the fleet she supports. The desire to maintain contact with officers and function as an avenue to help the AMOs was a consensus among all of the NAS Pax River interns.

I always tell them to take my name, take our information. You might need us in the future, she said.

From learning to navigate the NAMP, to broadening their knowledge of NA-VAIR and the COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790 (4790), this program allowed both the in-terns and young AMOs to create a larger picture of Naval Aviation. Lall, who works in quality assurance, expressed hopes

that his involvement in the program will emphasize that both the military and the civilian NAVAIR employees play a very important part in accomplishing the mis-sion; the success of which is primary.

AMOs really helped open up my vision of how the fleet actually works, so I think its just been a wonderful experience, and Ill carry back a lot of knowledge and share it with people at NAVAIR, he said.

According to the interns, the eight-week course was challenging and fast-paced. Each day, the students extensively studied the intricacies of the 4790. With eight to nine hours of classroom work coupled with at home preparation, the students gradu-ated with a wide ranging breadth of knowl-edge into the NAMP. Although they felt the course was tough, the four civilians enjoyed the interaction with the instructors and the chance to learn a different perspective.

They livened up the class and made it relate to real life and their personal ex-periences, which helped a lot, empha-sized Gravatt.

This experience has also allowed the military students to better understand and appreciate what the civilians bring to executing the NAE mission. According to Lt. Cmdr. James Bailey, and instructor and AMO Director at CNATT Detachment Whiting Field, the most valuable thing the students take away is just because you do not wear a uniform does not make your contribution to the Naval Aviation Enter-prise or readiness any less important.

Whether its NAVAIR, DLA or NAVICP, there are a lot of people that you may not work with or even meet who are trying to help you attain some readiness, espe-cially when you are deployed. It really is a team effort, and we just serve in differ-ent capacities. Whether we wear uniforms and deploy or work in cubicles doing cost benefit analysis, whatever it is, those jobs are meaningful, Bailey said.

NAVAIR civilians ace Naval Aviation Maintenance Program course

Courtesy photo

Capt. Eric Simon, left, executive officer for Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Headquarters Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida; Lt. Cmdr. James Bailey, aviation maintenance officer (AMO) director at CNATT Detachment Whiting Field, Fla., and AMO instructor Marine Corps Capt. James Halton, far right, stand with Russell Lall, Tiffany Smith, Sara Gravatt, Katie Strand -- four interns assigned to the Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) at NAVAIR, based at NAS Patuxent River -- following the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program Indoctrination course graduation ceremony Sept. 1. For the first time since 2006, this graduating class includes civilians.

1-3 p.m. Oct. 8Rivers Edge Catering and Conference CenterNAVAIR civilian and military employees are invited to attend a national execu-

tive core qualifications workshop Oct. 8 from 1-3 p.m. at the Rivers Edge Confer-ence Center to help them prepare their applications for NAVAIRs Journey Leader-ship Development Program (JLDP). Senior Executive Service members will discuss the executive core qualifications and proper application writing techniques. A JLDP participant panel will also share their experiences with the application pro-cess and the program. Register online at https://navairu.navair.navy.mil/; search for course number CISL-LDP-0108. For questions, email jldp_pax@navy.mil.

National Executive Core Qualifications Workshop

Thursday, October 1, 2015 5Tester

By Donna CipolloniNAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Colder weather is just around the corner; unfortunately, so is flu season, and the CDC recom-mends a yearly flu vaccine for ev-eryone 6 months of age and older.

While the timing of flu is un-predictable and can vary in dif-ferent parts of the country, most seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May. In the U.S., flu activity most commonly peaks between De-cember and February.

It takes about two weeks af-ter vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide

protection against the flu virus, so the CDC suggests getting vac-cinated by October, if possible, to ensure protection before flu season begins. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, its not too late to get vaccinated.

According to the CDC web-site, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year be-cause of the flu, a viral respira-tory infection caused by influ-enza viruses. Some people, such as seniors, younger children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions are at higher risk for developing seri-ous flu complications.

For more details and information about the flu, visit www.cdc.gov and search 2015-2016 flu season.

Flu season is comingCDC recommends getting vaccinated by October

U.S. Navy photo

Flu shots for fedsDid you know that all Fed-

eral Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans cover flu shots at no cost to their members?

Take advantage of your preven-tive health benefits. Many FEHB plans offer flu shots for children and adults at convenient locations like retail pharmacies. To learn more:

Use your zip code to find your local flu shot at http://flushot.health-map.org/

Review your FEHB Plan Brochure at www.opm.gov/health-care-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/

By Bill CouchNAWCAD Public Affairs

The Navys last flying T-2C Buckeye made its final flight at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patux-ent River, Maryland, Sept. 25, capping 56 years of the aircraft types service to the fleet.

Although T-2s were officially retired from service in 2008 with a sundown ceremony, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 at NAS Pax continued to use three Buckeyes as safety chase aircraft during test and evaluation flights of the E-2D Hawkeye, P-8A Poseidon

and MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial system.The T-2s have been a reliable and valuable

part of our squadron for the last seven years, following what was already a distinguished ca-reer of training thousands of naval aviators, said VX-20 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Wil-liam Selk, who conducted the final flight in air-craft 320, along with retired naval aviator Kent Vandergrift. Were sad to see her go, but were thankful for all those years of faithful service. The T-2 has earned its place in naval aviation history many times over.

The two-seat, twin-engine jet was first in-troduced in 1959 for training including carrier-based arrested recoveries. The Buckeye had trained more than 11,000 Navy and Marine Corps student pilots before it was replaced by the T-45 Goshawk.

With the retirement of the T-2, VX-20 is transitioning to the C-38 to serve as chase air-craft, radar test targets and pilot proficiency aircraft.

VX-20 ferried aircraft 320, 518, and 713 from Pensacola to Pax River Aug. 29, 2008

The aircraft provided chase support for four ACAT-ID programs: E-2D, P-8A, MQ-4C, AAS

From then until now, they flew 1,978 sor-ties, 2,672 flight hours and 850 photo/safety chase events

In that time, only 67 maintenance-related cancellations happened

Aircraft number 320 ended its final flight Sept. 25 with 13,945 flight hours on record.

T-2C Buckeye ends 56-year Navy career

U.S. Navy photo by Mikel Lauren Proulx

The U.S. Navys last T-2C Buckeye returns from its final flight, capping 56 years of the aircraft types service to the fleet. Although T-2s were officially retired from Navy service in 2008 with a sundown ceremony, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 at NAS Patuxent River continued to use three Buck-eyes as safety chase aircraft during test and evaluation flights of the E-2D Hawkeye, P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system.

U.S. Navy photo by Elizabeth Wolter

The U.S. Navys last T-2C Buckeye takes its final flight over the Chesapeake Bay. Since 2008, three T-2s belonging to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, had flown 1,978 sorties, 2,672 flight hours and 850 photo/safety chase events.

Navy Birthday Week Events

6 Thursday, October 1, 2015Tester

Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS Patuxent River commanding offi-cer, recognized NAS staff with awards and Bravo Zulus during

command quarters September 17 at Center Stage Theater:

ACCOLADES AROUND THE AIR STATION

Kevin Conlon, Vance Calabro, Dave Burkheart and Dorothy Russell received a Bravo Zulu for her exceptional work as em-ployees at NAS Patuxent Rivers Cedar Point Golf Course.

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kristen Jaharias receives a Letter of Commendation for service as a patrolman for Security Depart-ment from Sept. 2013 to Sept. 2015.

Bobby Fedorkowicz and Kelly Sifford received a Bravo Zulu for her exceptional work as an employee at NAS Patuxent Rivers Child Development Center.

Boatswains Mate 1st Class Jason Costell receives a Letter of Commendation for service as the Port Operations Leading Petty Officer and Oil Spill Response Coxswain at NAS Patuxent River from April 2015 to June 2015.

U.S. Navy photos by Donna Cipolloni

Sherry Robertson received a Bravo Zulu for her exceptional work as an employee at NAS Patuxent Rivers Child Develop-ment Center.

Courtesy of Southern Maryland Mustang Association

The Southern Maryland Mustang Association held its 15th Annual Banquet Sept. 25 at the Rivers Edge Conference Cen-ter aboard NAS Patuxent River, and named Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Rear Adm. Mark W. Darrah an Honorary Mustang.

Darrah was also the events guest speaker, who spoke of his experiences with Mustangs an officer who began his or her career as an enlisted Sailor and their importance to the Navy.

The very first person I met after I was commissioned out

of college was a limited-duty officer, Darrah said. He was in-credibly able. The men followed him with no questions.

One of the first things he told me was that my job as avion-ics officer was to see that my Sailors were taken care of, Dar-rah added. Thats what is important young Sailors going in harms way. Thats what Mustangs teach us and have taught us.

Todays world conditions mean we are in challenging times, Darrah added. We need Mustangs more than ever. The fingerprints of the Mustangs here, are on equipment that will be in the fleet for 30 years.

Darrah named Honorary Mustang at annual banquet

Courtesy photo

Cutting the cake at the Southern Maryland Mustang Association (SMMA) 15th Annual Dinner are Lt. Jaime Castro, Rear Adm. Mark Darrah, Retired Lt. Cmdr. Harry Errington, Lt. Cmdr. Reeco Ceresola, Lt. j.g. Troy McFadden, and Lt. j.g. Courtney Rach.

1034399

Thursday, October 1, 2015 7Tester

As reported by NDW Fire and Rescue Services

The NDW Fire Department was dis-patched around 1 p.m. Sept. 17 for a fire reported out and found the fire and re-sulting damage was caused by an elec-tronic cigarette that had overheated and exploded due to an incompatible charger.

The fire damage was contained to a win-dow ledge, window glass and window blinds.

A lesson learned from this incident is to always use the manufacturers recom-

mended charger when charging your electronic cigarettes. E-cigarettes charge at a lower amp than cell phones, so even though other chargers may fit the con-nection, they should not be used, noted representatives from the fire department.

According to the fire department, it is not uncommon for e-cigarettes to ex-plode. There have been incidents report-ed of the product exploding in pockets, in the users mouth, and while charging in cars and homes.

Improper use of e-cigarette charger results in small fire

Courtesy photo

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8 Thursday, October 1, 2015Tester

Commentary by Jim Walsh

NAS Patuxent River Fleet and Family Sup-port Center

According to a study by Consumer Fi-nancial Protection Bureau, the nations total outstanding student loan balance reached $1.2 trillion in 2013, a fig-ure that is greater than Americans collective credit card debt.

The typical borrower left cam-pus last year with a diploma in one hand and over $29,000 in stu-dent loans in the other.

Cost should be a consider-ation when youre deciding where to go to college, but it shouldnt prevent you from achieving your goal of attending and graduating from col-lege. Not only are there plenty of colleges and universities at different price points, there is also a lot of federal, state and in-stitutional financial aid available to help cover tuition and living expenses.

Countless students and parents do not apply for financial aid because their families mistakenly think that their in-come is too high or they cant afford college whatsoever. For many fami-lies, however, financial aid is the major source of money for college.

Financial aid can come from the fed-eral government, state government, pri-vate companies/organizations, or from the college itself. There are several types of financial aid such as grants and schol-arships, which you dont have to repay; loans , which you do have to repay; and work-study, which helps you pay for col-lege out of your earnings.

In most cases, the first step to ob-

taining financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine

what a family should be able to pay to-ward college costs. This is called the Ex-pected Family Contribution (EFC). The difference between the EFC and actual Cost of Attendance (COA) is the familys financial need.

Colleges try to cover the financial need with financial aid, either through govern-ment aid or their own institutional aid. If the family does not get enough financial aid to match the financial need, the dif-ference is called unmet need. Scholar-ships, grants and work-study can help families fund the unmet need.

A college education is one of the biggest consumer purchases you may ever make; it pays to explore all your financial options. Dawn Simpson, the School Liaison Offi-cer, and Jim Walsh, the Personal Financial Manager for Fleet & Family Support Cen-ter, have put together a two hour compre-hensive workshop that breaks down all as-pects of funding college.

Paying for college

Courtesy photoPaying for College presen-tations will be offered at the Fleet and Family Sup-port Center from 6-8 p.m.

on Oct. 27 and Nov. 12. Space is limited. To regis-

ter, call 301-342-4911.

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Thursday, October 1, 2015 9Tester

For all MWR news, events and programs visit the MWR Pax River website at www.NavyMWRPaxRiv-er.com.

Phone directoryInformation, Tickets and Travel Office 301-342-3648Drill Hall 301-757-3943Rivers Edge 301-342-3656NRC Solomons 410-326-6903Fleet & Family Support Center

301-342-4911Center Stage Theater

301-342-5033Customized Creations 301-342-6293Rassieur Youth Center 301-342-1694

Special Events240th Navy Birthday Concert

Featuring: Josh Turner, Par-malee and Natalie Stovall and the Drive

5 p.m. Oct. 17NAS Pax River Parade FieldFree concert open to all with

base access, no tickets necessary. First come, first served.

Rivers EdgeNot So Scary Halloween Brunch9 and 10 a.m. Oct. 31Rivers EdgeCome dressed in your Hal-

loween costume! Enjoy breakfast while strolling characters visit your table and interact with the children. Cameras and autograph books wel-come. $15 for adults; $10 for chil-dren ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and under. Purchase your tickets at the Rivers Edge before Friday, Oct. 30.

Open for lunch11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays

We Proudly Serve Starbucks now available in the Rivers Edge, Eddies Cafs in Buildings 2185 and 2187.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday Friday

Customized CreationsPaint N Party4:30-8 p.m. Oct. 1Bald Eagle PubWe will be painting a unique

Halloween design of a pumpkin head scarecrow. Bring a friend and have some fun painting something you can take home. Its perfect to display all month long and for Hal-loween. All materials included in the price. Cost is $35 per person. Reg-ister at Customized Creations.

Rassieur Youth CenterPumpkin Carnival4-6 p.m. Oct. 23Youth CenterCome by the Youth Center and

enjoy these great activities: pick and paint your own pumpkin, tattoos, trick or tTreating, carnival games with prizes, face painting, special challenges, moon bounce, and pop-corn or cotton candy.

Additional popcorn and cotton candy tickets can be purchased for $1 each. Admission: $4 per person; $20 max per family; free for ages 2 and under and 65 and over.

ITTTickets availableWashington NationalsBaltimore OriolesNavy FootballSouthern Maryland Blue CrabsBowie Baysox

Ruddy Duck AdventuresMWR now offers a discount on

adventure packages through Ruddy

Duck Adventures! They offer kayak-ing, nature exhibits, stand up pad-dle-boarding, sculpture gardens, boat rides and more in the South-ern Maryland area! All offered with All-inclusive packages to help you get the most out of your adventure. Visit the website at http://www.rud-dyduckadventures.com/ and use coupon code: 114. Available for all Pax River Patrons.

Drill HallSummer Hours:

5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and

holidays9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays

Push-Pull ChallengeWeigh-in 7-9 a.m. Oct. 3Drill HallCome out and challenge yourself

to see what kind of numbers you can put up. Everyone, from begin-ner to advanced lifter, is encouraged to participate in this power-lifting competition.

Cost is $15 for active duty, re-tired military and reservists; $20 for all others. Contact the Sports and Fitness Office for more information.

24th Annual 10K Fall Classic9 a.m. Oct. 17 Drill HallPre-registration is $20 for entries

received prior to the event at the Fitness and Sports Office. Free to active-duty military without official 10K shirt. Registration is $22 the day of the race from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Drill Hall. Open to active-duty, reservist and retired military, DOD civilians, family members and ac-companied guests.

Whats Happening With MWR FFSC Center Stage TheaterAll classes are held at the Fleet

and Family Support Center in Build-ing 2090 off Bundy Road unless oth-erwise noted. Classes are open to active-duty and retired military and Reservists. Reservations are neces-sary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.

Playgroup at Glenn Forest Com-munity Center

10-11 a.m. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29EFMP: Meet and Greet: 9-11

a.m. Oct. 5Couples Communication and

Healthy Relationships: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 8FFSC Closed for Columbus Day:

Oct. 12Ten Steps to a Federal Job: 9

a.m. to noon Oct. 14Paying for Holiday Bills: 11:30

a.m. to12:30 p.m. Oct. 14Resumes That Get You Hired!:

1-4 p.m. Oct. 14

Ready Navy- www.ready.navy.milIf you would like an information

packet on how to prepare for hur-ricanes, severe weather, and other potential emergencies, please stop by the Fleet and Family Support Cen-ter (21993 Bundy Rd, BLDG. 2090) to get your free information bag.

Clinical Counseling ServicesClinical Counseling services can

directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing todays military. To make an appoint-ment with a counselor, call 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.

Financial Counseling ServicesThe Personal Financial Educa-

tor can help individuals and families in managing their finances, resolving financial problems and to reach long-term goals. Take control of your financ-es and make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.

Thursday, Oct. 16:30 p.m., War Room (Rated:

PG; 2 hrs.)Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have

it all-great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appear-ances can be deceiving. Tony and Elizabeth Jordans world is actually crumbling under the strain of a fail-ing marriage. While Tony basks in his professional success and flirts with temptation, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her new-est client, Miss Clara, and is chal-lenged to establish a war room and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tonys hidden struggles come to light. Tony must decide if he will make amends to his family and prove Miss Claras wisdom that vic-tories dont come by accident.

Friday, Oct. 26:30 p.m., No Escape (Rated: R;

1 hr. 43 mins.)Jack is a man desperate to pro-

tect his family in this intense, fast-paced action thriller that will leave you breathless. As he relocates his family to Asia, with wife Annie and their two young girls, Jack has no idea of the terror that lies in store. Within days of their arrival, a violent political uprising has swept through the city and the family are on the run frantically searching for safety as rebels mercilessly attack, execut-ing all foreigners. With seasoned expat Hammond as their only ally, time is against Jack and his family as they are viciously hunted down. Desperately attempting to survive in a country under siege, their courage is put to the ultimate test.

9 p.m., A Walk in the Woods (Rated: R, 1 hr. 44 mins.)

This road trip comedy is about an aging travel writer who decides to hike the 2000-mile Appalachian Trail,

accompanied by a long estranged high school buddy hes been avoid-ing for years. Along the way, the duo face off with each other, nature and an eccentric assortment of charac-ters only to discover that some roads are better left untraveled.

Saturday, Oct. 34 p.m., The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

(Rated: PG-13; 1 hr. 41 mins.)CIA agent Solo and KGB agent

Kuryakin are forced to put aside longstanding hostilities and team up on a joint mission to stop a mysteri-ous international criminal organiza-tion that is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duos only lead is the daughter of a vanished German sci-entist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and pre-vent a worldwide catastrophe.

6:30 p.m., A Walk in the Woods (Rated: R, 1 hr. 44 mins.)

9 p.m., No Escape (Rated: R; 1 hr. 43 mins.)

Sunday, Oct. 42 p.m., Inside Out (Free Show-

ing) (Rated: PG; 1 hr. 35 mins.)Growing up can be a bumpy

road, and its no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Ri-ley is guided by her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Rileys mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Rileys main and most impor-tant emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city,

10 Thursday, October 1, 2015Tester

Around TownNews BriefsON BASE:

Tate Road WorkSept. 14 through Oct. 14Road work is scheduled for Tate

Road from the Cuddihy Road inter-section to Rivers Edge. The work includes repaving the road, so expect lane closures; traffic will be flagged. Access to Lovell Cove will be lim-ited to one entrance/exit at times. A detour sign will be placed within the neighborhood to help occupants nav-igate to the appropriate entrance/exit. All dates are pending weather

Feds Feed FamiliesCampaign ends Oct. 2Feds Feed Families helps local

food banks and pantries remain stocked during the summer months when there is traditionally a de-crease in donations and an increase in need. Individuals across Pax River interested in donating non-perishables food items to can do so, through tomorrow, at the following locations: the Commissary, the Re-ligious Programs Center in Building 401, Building 409, Building 426 off Millstone Road, or at Building 2272.

NDW Uniform ShiftOct. 5Naval District Washington shift to

winter uniform.

New Pharmacy HoursBeginning Oct. 5The pharmacy located in the

Navy Exchange is modifying its Wednesday hours. Beginning Oct. 5, the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all other weekdays; closed week-ends and all Federal holidays.

NAVAIR Career Guidebook Mobile App

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7Building 2272Learn how to plan your career

from the palm of your hands. Live demonstrations of the NAVAIR Ca-reer Guidebook Mobile Application, providing information on the Talent Management Dashboard, Knowl-edge Management System, Ca-reer Development and more. Light refreshments provided. Contact Dorothy Cavanagh at dorothy.ca-vanagh@navy.mil or 301-342-7381.

Navy Birthday BallDoors open at 6 p.m. Oct. 13Rivers Edge Catering and Con-

ference CenterNAS Patuxent River cordially invites

you to celebrate the U.S. Navys 240th birthday. This years theme: Ready Then; Ready Now; Ready Always. At-tire: Dinner dress blue jacket/dinner dress blue or equivalent. Cost: E3 and below, $15; E4-5 & GS4-5, $25; E6, $30; E7-8, O1-3, & GS6-12, $40; E9, O4-5 & GS13-14, $45; O6, GS15 and higher, $50. Contact HMC Alvin Cotson at alvin.r.cotson2.mil@mail.com.

Naval Academy AlumniFounders DayLeadership Luncheon

11 a.m. Oct. 21Rivers Edge Catering and Con-

ference Center

The Greater Southern Maryland Chapter of the Naval Academy Alumni Association welcomes guest Steve Waugh, USNA 86, Maryland state senator, whose topic will be My Second Plebe Year in Annapo-lis. This event is open to all mem-bers of the NAVAIR Community and their guests. You can RSVP and pay for this event on-line by visiting www.navyalumni.org or pay at the door. Cost: $15 per person. For additional information, contact Rick Snyder at Richard.L.Snyder@saic.com.

FOD Walk-down Volunteers7:15-8:15 FridaysBuilding 1355 off Jackson RoadVolunteers are needed to help

make the airfield safer by joining the air stations weekly morning FOD Walk-down. The group walks side-by-side visually sweeping sections of the runway and picking up any loose debris that could damage an aircraft. A hot breakfast is prepared on site and is available for purchase afterward. Contact Lt. Brian Cough-lin at 301-342-3570 or brian.cough-lin@navy.mil.

See Something, Say SomethingPublic safety is everyones re-

sponsibility. If you see suspicious activity - including suspicious aerial activity - report it to local law enforce-ment or a person of authority. NAS Patuxent River Security Department, 301-995-1941; NDW Regional Dis-patch Center, 202-433-3333

Wheres Gnorman?Somewhere in this issue weve

hidden Gnorman the gnome. Any-one spotting Gnorman can email tester@dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 now through 5 p.m. Monday with a brief description of his location. One name is drawn from the correct entries and wins a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. Last weeks winner was Michael Hoey who

found Gnorman on page 6 in the Base Supply Center photo.

OFF BASE:

Display Ship Barry Departure Ceremony

10 a.m. Oct. 17Washington Navy YardThe public is invited to the depar-

ture ceremony for Display Ship Ber-ry (DD 933) at the Cold War Gallery at the Navy Yard. The event honors the ship and its past crew members in a final send-off before the ship is towed down the Anacostia River and scrapped.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball6-11 p.m. Nov. 6 Westin in Annapolis, MarylandTickets are on sale now for the

Marine Corps League and the Ma-rine Aviation Detachment (MAD) 240th annual Marine Corps Birth-day Ball. This years birthday ball celebration is open to all. Ticket prices: Marine Corps League mem-bers: $70; dates of MAD Marines/Marine Corps League members: $60; and retirees/other military/ad-ditional guests: $80. Contact Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Hagarty at 301-342-7776 or daniel.hagarty@navy.mil. or Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Valdez Baker at 301-342-1427 or valdez.r.baker@navy.mil.

St Marys County Drug Drop Off Initiative

The St. Marys County Sheriffs Office has a prescription drug drop-off available 24/7. Its located in the front lobby of the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office in Leonardtown and is completely anonymous. Simply remove all identifying information on labels and place in one of the two drop boxes. Individuals can also find safe disposal at the St. Marys County Department of Aging & Hu-man Services Health Fair, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in California.

1st Annual Boat Docking Contest

5-10 p.m. Oct. 2; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct 3

Point Lookout Marina, 16244 Millers Wharf Road, Ridge

Friday captains meeting then practice runs follow; Robbie Boothe performs at 7 p.m. Saturday in-cludes music, food, drinks, entry prizes, vendors, raffle to benefit Ridge VFD, antique boat demon-strations. Contest starts at 1 p.m. Admission: $10, kids 12 and under free. Parking available.

Newtown Players Presents The 39 Steps

Oct. 2-18 Various dates and timesThree Notch Theater, 21744

South Coral Drive, Lexington ParkThis wonderfully inventive and

gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors playing over 100 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced action. Visit www.newtowneplayers.org for details and tickets.

Blessing of the FleetOct. 3 and 4St. Clements IslandFun-filled two day event honor-

ing Marylands birthplace. Take a tour of the island and Blackistone Lighthouse, visit St. Clements Is-land museum and enjoy live enter-tainment, food and childrens activi-ties. Admission.

Introduction to Word 20132-4 p.m. Oct. 5Lexington Park libraryParticipants will learn how to

open, create, format, print and save documents using Microsoft Word 2013. Prerequisites: Computer Ba-sics 1 and 2, or basic skills using the mouse and keyboard. Registration required.

Writers by the Bay @ the Library7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 6Calvert library Prince FrederickLooking for a writers group? All

writers and would-be writers are wel-come to come for critique and cama-raderie. For more information, phone 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Introduction to Genealogy 2-4 p.m. Oct. 7Leonardtown libraryThis introductory course will

cover where to look for information, filling out charts, organizing infor-mation, using the library databases and exploring useful websites. Ba-sic computer skills and an email account are required. Registration required.

Patuxent River Appreciation Days

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11Calvert Marine MuseumCelebrate the Patuxent River.

Demonstrations, displays and educational activities about green products, recycling, oyster farming, native plants, wildlife, restoration ef-forts, live animals and more. Over 30 artists will display their crafts on both days; two music stages will host live performances; children can build their own toy boats; free cruis-es aboard the William. B. Tennison and Dee of St. Marys; paddle in canoes in the boat basin; local food vendors. Fun for the entire fam-ily. Museum admission is free and complementary parking is available.

Discover other fun, interest-ing and educational things to do and places to go throughout the area by visiting:

St. Marys County events:www.v i s i t s tma rysmd .com/

eventsentertainment/

St. Marys County libraries:www.stmlib.org

Calvert County events:www.co.cal.md.us

Calvert Marine Museum:www.calvertmarinemuseum.com

Calvert County libraries:www.calvert.lib.md.us

Charles County events:www.charlescountymd.gov/cal-

endardate/month

St. Nicholas Chapel

Protestant Services

11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Sundays in the

Religious Program Center located next

to the Chapel

Catholic Services

Catholic Rosary prayer service

11:35 a.m. weekdays in the Chapel

Bible Studies

All Bible studies have been suspended

for the summer

1060021

Thursday, October 1, 2015 11Tester

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