Whidbey Island commands show ombudsmen appreciation

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island tenant commands showed their appreciation for ombudsmen at the Officers’ Club, Sept. 12. The event was dubbed the Ombudsman Appreciation Round-Up Barbecue and was country-western themed with barbecue-style foods provided by the club. Nearly 30 commands honored their 55 ombudsmen at the event, which totaled about 160 in attendance. “I think the command master chiefs, the executive officers, and the commanding officers will agree that, while we measure success for a deployment by bombs on target, the ability to get all of our crew and aircraft back safe, and coming home on time, no true successful deployment occurs without the support and efforts that the ombudsmen put forth at home,” said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Darin Hand, NAS Whidbey Island command master chief.
September 19, 2008
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CNO visits VAQ-134 Sailors

The “Garudas” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 recently welcomed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Roughead was joined by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa Jr., who accompanied him for the remainder of his tour of the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Roughead came to Bagram following a brief visit to Iraq and went to 7th Fleet following the stop in Afghanistan. While at Bagram, the CNO took the opportunity to visit VAQ-134 and held an all-hands call to address all the Sailors on base. Roughead began his visit with a briefing from VAQ-134’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Gregory Parker. Parker provided the CNO with a brief synopsis of what the Garudas do and how the squadron supports the troops on the ground.
September 12, 2008
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NAS Whidbey participates in Armed Forces Voting Week

Voter registration was held at the Liberty Northwest Center and Admiral Nimitz Hall dining facility on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island as part of Armed Forces Voting Week, Sept. 2-5. Armed Forces Voting Week is an event that targets service members, encouraging them to register and vote. The week, Aug. 31 through Sept. 7, is regarded as one of last chances for personnel to get their registrations and absentee ballot requests completed in time for the general election in November. “We’re here to support and encourage Sailors to register to vote if they want to; it’s not a requirement, but their right to do so,” said Lt. Laura Reeves, NAS Whidbey Island voting assistance officer. “I’m surprised to see all the ages and ranks who haven’t registered not just new 18-year-old Sailors, but senior chiefs, master chiefs, lieutenants. But, it’s good they’re doing it now.”
September 12, 2008
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‘Garudas’ returning home

It’s been six long months since the 182 men and women of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 said goodbye to their families and loved ones at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. In March, the Garudas departed their home station for Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where they have been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Sailors and Aircrew of the squadron have performed their jobs superbly, despite the hot Afghan summer, but are now looking forward to the squadron’s return. “I’m really looking forward to seeing my dogs again, and it will be nice to get out of the routine,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Jamie Jones.
September 12, 2008
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VP-69 command changes

The Patrol Squadron (VP) 69 “Totems”, held a traditional change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Sept. 6. Cmdr. James Nelson assumed the role of VP-69 commanding officer from Cmdr. Scott Jones. The event was presided over by Rear Adm. Jeffrey Lemmons, Reserve Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, and Capt. Ken Seliga, commodore of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 “I want to commend you on your ability to grasp change and embrace it as a means to shape the future. No one likes change, it’s hard to do, but you have done exceedingly well. Jones, my hat’s off to you, you saw the vision, you grabbed it, you ran with it, and you did it really well,” said Lemmons.
September 12, 2008
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Oak Harbor hosts military appreciation picnic

The city of Oak Harbor hosted a picnic to show their appreciation for the service men and woman in their community, Sept. 6. The 6th annual event was put on by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oak Harbor, and the Oak Harbor Navy League with support from other local businesses. The coordinator for the event every year has been Beth Munns, of the Oak Harbor City Council. She said she does it because of the bond shared between the military community of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island and civilian community that she’s seen from both sides. “When we (my family) were here as military, people knew we were connected to the military, and they’d ask if we needed help with anything. That’s what started it, having a community that was willing to help a stranger like that,” said Munns. “This is a neat culture in this town, and I don’t want to see that lost. Because of how nice people were to me, I’m just returning the favor.”
September 12, 2008
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NAS Whidbey hosts emergency preparedness event

The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) hosted an Emergency Preparedness Event for NAS Whidbey Island Sailors and their families, Sept. 3, at the Nor’Wester Activity Center. The event featured information to assist in educating personnel on what they need should a disaster occur in their area. Subject matter experts were on hand to answer any questions attendees may have had about developing an emergency kit, family, home, and pet preparedness, and causes of emergencies. “A lot of families don’t realize they need to be self-sustained for at least 72 hours after an emergency happens and Operation Prepare is trying to help with that,” said Kathleen Johnson, a work and family life consultant with FFSC. “We’re all here together as one unit to help make emergency preparedness quick and easy. All the components are here to tell you how to get ready.” A major concern specific to Whidbey Island is frequent power outages caused by winds that can last for extended periods of time.
September 12, 2008
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Navy aids needy orphanage in San Salvador

Personnel at U.S. Navy Forward Operating Location Comalapa joined efforts with Project Handclasp to carry out a community relation project at the Padre Vito De Guarato Orphanage in San Salvador June 27. Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program designed to collect and distribute donated items to people in need. The program relies on donations from individuals, organizations and corporations and then collects such items as medical supplies, toys, books and hygiene items. These items are then transported worldwide with the assistance of U.S. military transports, such as U.S. Navy ships and U.S. Air Force planes. FOL Comalapa raised donations among command personnel, including FOL military permanent party, U.S. contractors, Sailors from Patrol Squadrons (VP) 10, 40, 5 and 4 deployed to the FOL, and PAE’s Salvadoran employees. The donations will help pay for food items and extra supplies. The group also donated two Project Handclasp pallets of miscellaneous items, including personal care items, food and medical supplies.
September 12, 2008
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Wizards win Golden Wrench

The Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron 133 have a new feather in their caps. While their past awards, such as the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award and the Navy’s Battle ‘E’ recognized the collective hard work of the entire squadron, this one belongs solely to its Maintenance department. During the recent Electronic Attack Ball, the Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet recognized the Wizard Maintenance Department’s commitment to excellence with the coveted Golden Wrench Award for Prowler Maintenance Department of the Year.
September 4, 2008
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Command of CNATTU changes

Leadership for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island recently changed with Cmdr. Terry W. Pulliam assuming command from Capt. (sel) Michael K. Price. The ceremony also welcomed aboard new Executive Officer, Cmdr. David A. Latosky.
September 4, 2008
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