NAS opens new indoor wash rack

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the installation’s new indoor wash rack, March 8. The approximately $8.5 million project, dubbed Military Construction Project 160, was awarded to P&L General Contractors, Aug. 8, 2008. The 26,565 sq. ft. facility will be able to facilitate one P-3C Orion or P-8A Poseidon; or two EA-6B Prowlers or EA-18G Growlers for each cleaning sessions. The guest speakers at the event were Washington State Representative Rick Larsen, who secured funding for the project through a congressional add-on, and the 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West.
March 11, 2010
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Whidbey is key in Afghanistan Seabee project

A unique community relations project halfway around the world literally had civilians and military people in Washington state connecting the dots to bring it full circle. Through the coordination of NAS Whidbey Island’s Supply Department and Fred Smith , account executive with National Air Cargo, Inc., 50 backpacks and over 100 pounds of colored paper, pencils, Crayons, glue sticks, rulers, erasers and calculators are headed to Afghanistan kids. “‘Backpacks for Afghan-istan’ is a new program started by the U.S. Army, 649th Regional Support Group,” said Equipment Operator Chief (SCW) Dana Helman in an email from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 22, a Fort Worth, Texas based Reserve Seabee unit now serving in Afghanistan.
March 11, 2010
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VQ-2 reaches out to Anacortes senior citizens

The Rangers of Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) 2 recently reached out to Anacortes senior citizens by volunteering for the March for Meals spaghetti feed kickoff, one of Skagit County Meals on Wheels’ annual events. Lending a hand at the Anacortes Senior Center, Sailors and spouses helped serve the seniors in attendance, acting as hosts, servers, and busing tables. “We were able to help out the seniors who couldn’t stand in line by asking them what they needed and bringing them dinner,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Tom Yang. They also swapped sea stories with the numerous World War II and Korean War veterans in attendance and bringing them up to date about the day to day life of a modern Sailor.
March 11, 2010
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SAR assists injured logger

“Trees are heavy and you must be able to handle them quickly and efficiently (and safely),” according to the VanNatta Brothers’ Web site about historic logging and the use of heavy equipment in the Pacific Northwest. That may be stating the obvious, but accidents can happen. In fact, NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue responded to a 911 call from Skagit County March 2, requesting assistance to airlift a logger with a broken leg out of a deep canyon about 15 miles southeast of Concrete, Wash. He had been struck by an unsecured log and was stranded in an area with deep brush in one direction and a steep incline on the other; not unusual terrain for the North Cascade Range. SAR launched from the air station at 10:10 a.m. and arrived on scene at 10:30 a.m. Crew included Lt. Cmdr. Nelson Craig, pilot and mission commander;, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Black, pilot; Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Salomon Padilla, Crew Chief; Naval Air Crewman (Swimmer) 2nd Class William Rush; and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andrew Peterson.
March 11, 2010
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NMCRS fund drive kickoff honors volunteer

The annual Navy Marine Corp Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive kicked off last week with a breakfast and special tribute to one of the volunteers who has served here at NAS Whidbey Island for over 16 years. At the March 1 event, Evelyn Allieri, 92, was honored and thanked for her over 13,000 hours of volunteer service. She officially “retired” and was presented with a framed poster filled with memories of her volunteer years. “Volunteering was the best thing I ever did,” said Allieri, as she stood looking out at everyone.
March 11, 2010
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CNATTU chief joins officer ranks

Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) promoted a chief petty officer to the Officer ranks during a commissioning ceremony held at the Chiefs’ Club March 1. Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Trent A. Barnes became an officer as part of the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program, which allows senior enlisted personnel considered highly skilled in their job a means of becoming a commissioned officer. He was one of 23 aviation maintenance (6632) LDOs the Navy chose during the FY10 active-duty selection cycle. His mother, immediate family, and fellow chiefs and officers were in attendance.
March 11, 2010
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Fall protection at work

Next to electricity, the biggest hazard we face is falling from heights. Why is it such a common hazard? It’s because we take for granted that ‘it’s not going to happen to me.’ How many times have we used a chair or table to change a light bulb? How often do we use an ‘A’ frame ladder leaned against a wall? When was the last time you inspected the ladders in your work area or garages? Here are the facts from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
March 11, 2010
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NAS Whidbey to get new fire training facility

Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island held a ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction on a new academic fire instruction building on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Feb. 24. The project, dubbed, military construction project 206, will result in a 4,682-square-foot training facility, featuring offices, a classroom and locker rooms, able to accommodate up to 60 students. The fire school currently uses two modular units, which will be demolished as part of the project that totals less than 3,000 square feet combined, according to Lt. Glenn Harrison, Fire School director. The fire school staffs nine instructors and currently trains approximately 30-50 students per course. The facility maintains a five-to-one instructor to student ratio with occasional assistance from high-risk firefighting qualified CNATTU instructors.
March 4, 2010
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VAQ-132 baker honors Black History

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Vincent West recently used his prodigal skills in food design at Naval Air Station Whidbey’s Nimitz Galley in honor of Black History Month. West crafted a cake representing the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black pilots of America. The cake, measured to be the length of a human arm, was a proud moment for Supply Department, and the baker himself. When asked how he felt taking on the opportunity to represent his racial ties through culinary arts, there was no hesitance in his answer. “I was absolutely honored,” said West. “It’s good to remember the people of the past who fought in the military and changed our history.”
March 4, 2010
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Haiti mission accomplished

A little over five weeks ago, Lt. Cmdr. Martin DeFant, a perioperative nurse at Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) was given less than 48 hours to pack his bags and report to the USS Bataan (LHD 5). The ship was en route to Haiti to provide on- and off-shore medical support for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake. “I barely had time to stow my gear when the bell rang signaling mass casualties were being transported on board,” said DeFant, adding that he hit the ground running and did not stop until he was on his way back to Oak Harbor. The hospital staff was on hand to welcome him home, Feb. 25, fascinated to hear about his experience.
March 4, 2010
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