tester 080813

By Donna CipolloniTester staff writer

For the past two months,Sarah Funck and her groupof volunteers have spent ev-ery day walking the beachesof Naval Air Station Patux-ent River searching for theelusive nests of the Dia-mondback Terrapin turtle.The team is trying to findout what they can about theinstallation’s terrapin popu-lation and their nesting hab-its.

“We knew [the turtles]were here, but we didn’tknow much else,” saidFunck, a Student Conser-vation Association internworking with the Pax Rivernatural resources depart-ment. “So the purpose ofthe study was to gain anyinformation we could —the number of turtles, thenumber of nests, where theynest, what beaches they useand to what extent, howmany eggs are laid, preda-tion rates, etc.”

Pax River ConservationDirector Kyle Rambo de-scribed the turtles as “a spe-cies of conservation con-cern” and explained thatthe base’s substantial wa-terfront property providesa fair amount of potential

nesting habitat.“We want to know how

much habitat we have that’sbeing utilized by terrapins,how our nesting successrates compare within theregion, and just how impor-tant our habitat is to the spe-cies,” he said.

Funck’s team startedin June and concentratedon three beaches — CedarPoint, Hog Point and thewaterfront behind the BeachHouse — and went out onceper day around high tide,when females might beprone to float in and searchfor a suitable nesting site.

“The females will crawl,sometimes long distances,from the shoreline,” Funcksaid. “They’ll smell the area,use visual clues and find asafe spot to dig their nest,using their back flippers asshovels to scoop the sandout and toss it to the sideuntil they create a shallowflask-shaped egg chamber.”

Funck explained thatwhen the female is satisfiedwith the nest, she will layaround 10 to 15 pinkish eggsthat will harden, calcify andturn white after a few days ina process called “chalking.”And then she’s gone.

“They don’t tend theirnests,” she said. “They goback to the water and do not

return. From that point on,the babies are on their own.”

It isn’t often a femaleis witnessed laying eggsor even approaching thebeach, so Funck’s teamlearned to identify the subtlesigns of nesting like tracksin the sand or disturbances,such as churned up sand orsand sprayed against nearbyvegetation.

If the eggs were freshlylaid, they were gently dug upand measured before beingreplaced and covered witha cage to protect them frompredators. Older eggs areleft undisturbed as handlingthose eggs could kill the em-bryo, Funck explained. Theaverage incubation period isapproximately 60 days.

To date, 84 terrapin nestswere documented and theteam managed to cage andprotect 29 of them.

“Sadly, the others wereeaten by predators such asraccoons, foxes, great blueherons or crows,” Funcksaid. “They have a low sur-vival rate, even if they makeit to hatchlings.”

As part of the study, vol-unteers continue checkingthe cages for signs of hatch-ing and then excavate theeggshells to determine thehatching success of a par-ticular clutch — how manyeggs were in the nest, howmany incubated successful-ly and how many emergedsuccessfully, although de-

termining exactly how manyhatchlings actually make itto the water is difficult.

Terrapin nesting seasonis from June 1 through earlyAugust, so this year’s studyis nearing completion.

Rambo said Funck’s aca-demic background and spe-cific experience in herpetol-

ogy made her an ideal can-didate to conduct the studyand Funck is hoping to beable to return next year.

“I’m happy to be work-ing [at Pax River],” she said.“This is a beautiful base andthe natural resources de-partment here is on par witheverything I value. Their

mission matches my per-sonal interests and I hope tocome back again to continuethe terrapin study.”

For more information onthe species, visit the Mary-land Department of NaturalResources website at www.dnr.maryland.gov and searchdiamondback terrapin.

FurloughDays CutPage 3

SmithsonianExhibitPage 6

VOLUME 70, NUMBER 31 Celebrating 70 years of community partnership August 8, 2013

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND

Nineteen petty officers first class atNaval Air Station Patuxent River started

the next chapter of their naval careersAug. 1. The selectees, by squadron, are:

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1Luis S. Bento, Eric Krahn, Gabriel R.

Lovett, Gregory S. Myers, Francisco L.Pyle, Johnny Rogers and Travis J. Wilkin-son

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron(VX) 20

Quentin Thomas, Clint Zimmerman,James Birchett and Kasey Bruce

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron(HX) 21

Michael E. Voellm, Von W. Callender,Noel A. Dejesus and Ryan Kirk

Broad Area Maritime SurveillanceDemonstrator (BAMS-D)

Michael Karas

Fleet and Air Reconnaissance Squadron(VQ) 4

Charlie Ortiz

Naval Air Systems CommandLogistics and IndustrialOperations (NAVAIR 6.0)

Antoine Niblett

Naval Computer andTelecommunications Station,Patuxent River

Arthur Dunford

Scientific Development Squadron(VXS) 1

Jeremey Harwell

Pax River Chief selects

Courtesy photo

Student Conservation Association intern Sarah Funck worked with a team ofvolunteers to conduct a survey of the nesting habits of the Diamondback Terra-pins that populate Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The terrapin, the state rep-tile of Maryland, can live up to 40 years, but one of its biggest threats is the crabtrap, where the smaller of the species can become trapped and drown.

Terrapin nesting survey nears completionVolunteers study base shoresfor signs of state reptile

ParticipantsNeeded For RunPage 7

By Jamie CosgroveProgram Executive OfficeUnmanned Aviation and StrikeWeapons Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA — HelicopterStrike Maritime Squadron (HSM) 46, Det. 9recently surpassed the MQ-8B Fire Scout’sprevious monthly flight hour record whileperforming operations at sea aboard USSSamuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).

In June, four Fire Scouts that embarkedon the frigate flew 333 flight hours, exceed-ing the unmanned helicopter’s previouslymonthly operational flight time record bymore than 110 hours.

While at sea, the Fire Scouts regularly fly18 hours per day while providing a 12-hourreal-time intelligence, surveillance and re-connaissance (ISR) orbit to combatant com-manders.

“The teams from USS Samuel B. Robertsand HSM-46 have built on the great successof earlier deployed operators,” said Capt.Patrick Smith, Fire Scout programmanager.“Their perseverance and mission effective-ness have demonstrated the real differencethat maritime-based ISR can make to com-batant commanders.”

This is the Fire Scout’s sixth underwaydeployment aboard a U.S. Navy frigate. Justlike earlier deployments, the ship receivescommunication upgrades that allow the air-craft’s Full Motion Video camera feed to bedistributed to the ship’s Combat Informa-tion Center and to commanders at militaryinstallations throughout the world.

“None of these achievements wouldbe possible without the hard work and ef-forts by the entire team aboard USS SamuelB Roberts,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Gerhart,HSM-46, Det. 9 officer in charge. “We arejust two months into our six-month deploy-ment, but the operators and maintainershave put in significant hours supporting theneeds of the warfare commanders. They canbe justly proud of setting a new standard forembarked operations of the Fire Scout.”

By Allison JohnsonAtlantic Test Rangesintern

This summer, represen-tatives from Naval Air War-fare Center Aircraft Division(NAWCAD) and Naval AirStation Patuxent River areworking in partnership withthe NAWCAD EducationOutreach Program to keepstudents engaged in projectsthat enhance their Science,Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics (STEM)education.

Environmental scientistBrandi Simpson, industrialengineer Emily Hanning,flight test engineer AmandaKauffman, and STARBASE-Atlantis director Julie Guyled an experiment targeting8-, 9- and 10-year-olds thatexplored the concepts ofbuoyancy and surface area.Students enrolled at Mat-tapany Day Camp createdand tested penny boats us-ing sheets of aluminum foil,pennies and a baby poolfilled with water.

The goal of the experi-ment was to make an alu-minum foil boat that couldhold the most pennies with-out sinking. After construct-ing a boat, campers placedtheir designs in the pool andadded pennies one by one.When the boat sank, the stu-dent reported the number ofpennies that their boat heldand sought advice on how toimprove their design. In theend, they discovered that

boats with a larger surfacearea were able to hold morepennies and stay afloat lon-ger.

“I think most of thecampers were surprised byhow many pennies theirboats held. Some kidsthought their boats wouldonly hold five, 10 or 15 pen-nies. When it came time totest their boats, some wereable to hold over 100 pen-nies,” said Simpson.

The representatives per-formed this experiment onthree separate days, withdifferent groups of campers,and have previously sup-ported a variety of fun andeducational STEM activitiesthrough the Education Out-reach Program.

In March, Simpsonand Hanning worked withmiddle-school girls at anExpanding Your Horizons(EYH) event, a national con-ference dedicated to raisingawareness of the importanceof adequate STEM educa-tion, using similar activities.Guy has also brought severalexperiments to MattapanyDay Camp that were used

with the STARBASE-Atlantisprogram, a Navy STEM pro-gram slated for terminationSept. 30 due to lack of fund-ing for fiscal 2014.

“I remember being in-volved in activities similarto penny boats as a child, somy favorite part about work-ing with the students is see-ing their potential in whatthey could accomplish laterin life,” said Hanning. “Theyseem to really enjoy theproblem solving and criticalthinking our STEM activitiesrequire ... It’s rewarding tosee the kids getting excitedover something I’m passion-ate about.”

The NAWCAD EducationOutreach Program worksto pair NAWCAD scientistsand engineers with localstudents to explore andstrengthen their STEM edu-cation. Education Outreachpartners primarily with localschools during the schoolyear, but these representa-tives from NAWCAD andPatuxent River agree: STEMeducation should not cometo an end when the schoolyear does.

2 Thursday, August 8, 2013Tester

U.S. Navy photo by Allison Johnson

Brandi Simpson, left, watches a Mattapany Day Camp student launch heraluminum foil penny boat.

NAWCAD, Pax volunteers engagestudents in summer STEM activities

STARBASE-Atlantis academies closeThe Department of the Navy STARBASE-Atlantis

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Programends Sept. 30 due to lack of fiscal 2014 funding. Clo-sures include locations at Patuxent River; Bangor,Wash.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Great Lakes; Gulfport,Meridian and Choctaw in Mississippi; Pearl Harbor;Washington, D.C.; Newport, R.I.; Norfolk; Pensacolaand Whiting Field in Fla.; Pittsburgh; and San Diego.

An MQ-8B Fire Scout aboard USSSamuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) in July2013. The unmanned helicopters aresupporting operations in the Medi-terranean Sea and providing real-time intelligence, surveillance andreconnaissance orbit to combatantcommanders.

Fire Scout surpasses flight hour record aboard USS Roberts

U.S. Navy photo

Thursday, August 8, 2013 3Tester

From Department ofDefense Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) —From Secretary of DefenseChuck Hagel:

“When I announced mydecision on May 14 to imposefurloughs of up to 11 days oncivilian employees to helpclose the budget gap causedby sequestration, I also said wewould do everything possibleto find the money to reducefurlough days for our people.

“With the end of the fiscalyear next month, managersacross the [Department of De-fense (DOD)] are making finaldecisions necessary to ensurewe make the $37 billion spend-ing cuts mandated by seques-tration, while also doing every-thing possible to limit damageto military readiness and ourworkforce. We are joined inthis regard by managers innon-defense agencies who arealso working to accommodatesequestration cuts while mini-mizing mission damage.

“As part of that effort at theDepartment of Defense, I amannouncing today that, thanksto the DOD’s efforts to identifysavings and help from Con-

gress, we will reduce the totalnumbers of furlough days forDOD civilian employees from11 to six.

“When sequestration tookeffect on March 1, DOD facedshortfalls of more than $30 bil-lion in its budget for day-to-day operating costs because ofsequestration and problemswith wartime funding. At thatpoint we faced the very realpossibility of unpaid furloughsfor civilian employees of up to22 days.

“As early as January, DODleaders began making pain-ful and far reaching changesto close this shortfall: civilianhiring freezes, layoffs of tem-porary workers, significantcuts in facilities maintenance,and more. We also sharply cuttraining and maintenance.The Air Force stopped fly-ing in many squadrons, theNavy kept ships in port, andthe Army cancelled trainingevents. These actions have se-riously reduced military readi-ness.

“By early May, even aftertaking these steps, we stillfaced day-to-day budgetaryshortfalls of $11 billion. At thatpoint I decided that cuttingany deeper into training and

maintenance would jeopar-dize our core readiness mis-sion and national security,which is why I announced fur-loughs of 11 days.

“Hoping to be able to re-duce furloughs, we submit-ted a large reprogrammingproposal to Congress in May,asking them to let us movefunds from acquisition ac-counts into day-to-day oper-ating accounts. Congress ap-proved most of this request inlate July, and we are workingwith them to meet remainingneeds. We are also experienc-ing less than expected costsin some areas, such as trans-portation of equipment outof Afghanistan. Where neces-sary, we have taken aggres-sive action to transfer fundsamong services and agencies.And the furloughs have savedus money.

“As a result of these man-agement initiatives, reducedcosts, and reprogrammingfrom Congress, we have deter-mined that we can make someimprovements in training andreadiness and still meet thesequestration cuts. The AirForce has begun flying againin key squadrons, the Armyhas increased funding fororganizational training at se-lected units, and the Navy hasrestarted some maintenanceand ordered deployments

that otherwise would not havehappened. While we are stilldepending on furlough sav-ings, we will be able to makeup our budgetary shortfall inthis fiscal year with fewer fur-lough days than initially an-nounced.

“This has been one of themost volatile and uncertainbudget cycles the Depart-ment of Defense has ever ex-perienced. Our fiscal planninghas been conducted under acloud of uncertainty with theimposition of sequestrationand changing rules as Con-gress made adjustments to ourspending authorities.

“As we look ahead to fis-cal year 2014, less than twomonths away, the Depart-ment of Defense still facesmajor fiscal challenges. If

Congress does not change theBudget Control Act, DOD willbe forced to cut an additional$52 billion in [fiscal year] 2014,starting on October 1. Thisrepresents 40 percent morethan this year’s sequester-mandated cuts of $37 billion.

“Facing this uncertainty, Icannot be sure what will hap-pen next year, but I want toassure our civilian employeesthat we will do everything pos-sible to avoid more furloughs.

“I want to thank our civil-

ian workers for their patienceand dedication during theseextraordinarily tough times,and for their continued ser-vice and devotion to our de-partment and our country. Iknow how difficult this hasbeen for all of you and yourfamilies. Your contribution tonational security is invaluable,and I look forward to one dayputting this difficult periodbehind us.

“Thank you and God Blessyou and your families.”

Pentagon cuts furlough days to 6, from 11Hagel cautions fiscal challengesremain ahead for DOD

On base:Tate Road Construction

A road resurfacing project on Tate Road, from the CedarPoint Road intersection to Hangar 305, begins the week ofAug. 12 and runs until mid-October. Expect minimal delaysas traffic may be flagged at certain times.

Clinic ‘Tweets’Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River is now on Twit-

ter. Stay up to date on closures and changes by following:#nhcpaxriver.

5K/10K run for LEAD ScholarshipsAug. 10, 8 a.m.Cedar Point Golf ClubThis is event is held by Leadership Southern Maryland,

in cooperation with Women in Defense Chesapeake BayChapter. Proceeds benefit the WID and LSM’s LEAD YouthLeadership Scholarship funds. Preregistration is avail-able online at www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2094890. Registration is available on race day beginningat 6:30 a.m.

Annual GSMC CrabFestAug. 17, 4 p.m.Naval Academy Alumni, Friends and Shipmates, grab

your “Old Bay” and crab knockers and steer over to NRCSolomon’s Club 9. The Alumni Association Chapter is pro-viding burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, steamed cornon the cob, and all the steamed crabs you care to eat. Youbring your favorite beverage and an appetizer, salad, side ordessert to share. Cost: $32 for adults and youths ages 13 andolder; free for youths ages 12 and younger; $16 for all GSMCmembers and their guests. Register at www.navyalumni.

org, or by contacting Rick Snyder at [email protected] or 301-862-6434.

CAC/ID Card Office in Building 409 ClosedAug. 22 and 23CAC/ID card services on these dates will still be available

at Gate 2.

2013 Women’s Equality Day LuncheonAug. 27, 11:30 a.m.River’s Edge Catering and Conference CenterThis year’s theme is “Women Inspiring Innovation

through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Tech-nology, Engineering & Mathematics,” with guest speakerVeronica Villalobos, the director of the Office of Diversityand Inclusion Office of Personnel Management. Tickets are$20 if purchased prior to Aug. 9, and $25 if purchased afterAug. 9. Contact: Lottie Briscoe, 301-342-7075; Jeannie Face-mire, 301-342-0090; Laura Martin, 301-995-4018; MargelynMassey, 301-757-6451; Debi Therrien, 301-995-2806.

Flying Club Pilot CoursesSeptemberThe Patuxent River Navy Flying Club is offering two pi-

lot courses beginning in September: Private Pilot GroundSchool and Instrument Pilot Ground School. The Private Pi-lot course is from 5-8 p.m. Mondays in the building 2189 au-ditorium, and the Instrument Pilot course is from 5-8 p.m.Wednesdays in the building 2189 auditorium. The coursesmeet the requirements for the FAA knowledge tests and forNavy Continuous Learning credits. Contact Joe Dziewit, at301-862-1110 or stop by the club office behind and next tothe Post Office on base.

Naval History and Heritage Command Logo ContestPut your stamp on naval history! Submit your design

ideas for a new Naval History and Heritage Command logothat captures the Navy’s mission and heritage. The contestruns through Sept. 2. Visit www.history.navy.mil and clickon the NHHC Logo Contest.

Change to NAS Legal Office ServicesThe Region Legal Service Office Branch Office Patuxent

River no longer provides services for: separation and di-vorce, child custody and support, or spousal support. Ap-pointments for these services can be made with the NavyWashington Yard by calling 202-685-5580.

Master Gardeners ‘Garden Briefs’Aug. 14, 4 p.m.The St. Mary’s Master Gardeners is offering the following

briefs at the kitchen garden of Quarters A-Mattapany on Mill-stone Road: Wednesday, Weeding and Watering the VeggieGarden; Aug. 7, Five Pests of the Vegetable Garden; and Aug.14, Fall Veggie Gardening. Briefings are open only to thosewith base access. Contact Jennifer Horton at 301-475-4120.

‘Keep What You’ve Earned’ Mobile AppThe “Keep What You’ve Earned” mobile app offers sev-

eral resources, including a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)calculator to help track your alcohol consumption in reallife. You can search “Keep What You’ve Earned” at iTunesor Google Play Store to download the app.

NAS CO suggestion boxesBoxes for anonymous suggestions to the naval air sta-

tion commanding officer are now available around the base:air operations lobby; Drill Hall entrance lobby; Child De-velopment Center main lobby; building 409 quarter deck;barracks main lobby; River’s Edge Catering and ConferenceCenter entrance; Information, Tickets and Tours and theHousing Office.

News Briefs

Pax facilities to resumenormal schedules

As the furlough period comes to an end five weeksearly, the following programs will resume normalschedules beginning the week of Aug. 19:

Commissary: Will be open on Tuesdays beginningwith Aug. 20. Remains closed on Mondays.

Gate 3: Open to inbound and outbound traffic from5:30-8:30 a.m. weekdays; open to outbound trafficfrom 3:30-5 p.m. Closed weekends and holidays.

Personnel Support Activity services: 7 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri-days.

Pharmacy refills: Requests made before 3 p.m. areready in five business days; requests made after 3 p.m.are ready in six business days.

Eddie’s I, II, III and ATR reopens for Fridays begin-ning with Aug. 23.

River’s Edge dining room daily lunch program,River’s Edge Bald Eagle Pub and the Midway Bar re-opens on Fridays beginning with Aug. 23.

Drill Hall Indoor Pool: Remains closed when theOutdoor Pool is open; slated to reopen Sept. 3.

Secretary of DefenseChuck Hagel

All classes are held at the Fleet andFamily Support Center unless otherwisenoted. Classes and programs are opento active duty, retired and Reserve mili-tary. Reservations are necessary and canbe made by calling 301-342-4911.

Financial Counseling ServicesThe Personal Financial Educator at the

Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)can help you and your family work towards managing yourfinances, resolve financial problems and reach long-termgoals. Take control of your finances, reduce money-relatedstress and overcome the financial challenges of military lifewith the help of a financial counselor. Make an appointmentby calling 301-342-5442.

Playgroup at Glenn Forest Community CenterThursdays, 10-11 a.m.Parents and caregivers, bring the kids for this playgroup.

Smooth Move - Home or AbroadAug. 8, 9-10 a.m.This class is designed for thosemoving anywhere stateside

or overseas. Receive expert information about travel and pay,household goods shipments, stress management, budgetingfor your move, housing concerns, moving with kids, culturaladaptation, plus specific overseas information.

Return and ReunionAug. 13, 1-4 p.m.Return and Reunion is designed to facilitate a smooth

transition for military personnel from the combat environ-ment to family, community and workplace. Spouses are en-couraged to attend.

Marriage is a Work of HeartAug. 14, noon to 1:30 p.m. (brown bag)Couples learn ideas and tools to continue building themar-

riage they envisioned. Practice Speaker Listener Technique toenhance communication even on the toughest issues.

Ten Steps to a Federal JobAug. 14, 1-4 p.m.Learn how to navigate the federal job system. A 137-page

training guide is provided.

Transition Assistance Program (Retiree)Aug. 19-27TGPS is a joint venture by the FFSC and the Departments

of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs. It is a must-attendworkshop with topics on skills assessment, résumé writing,interview techniques, salary negotiations, financial consider-

ations and an overview of veterans benefits. Monday throughThursday class is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday class is 8 a.m. to 4p.m. Seating is limited. See your Career Counselor to register.

Suicide Awareness/PreventionAug. 20, 3-4 p.m.Program raises awareness about the issues surrounding sui-

cide. Learn to identify thewarning signs,howto respond toa sui-cidal person and information onhow to access local resources.

Stress ManagementAug. 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (brown bag)Stress is a part of life. Learn how beliefs and thought pro-

cesses impact on how you deal with stress. Participants alsolearn specific actions to manage stress.

Is REDUX Retirement Worth It?Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (brown bag)Eligible for CSB/REDUX? If you have 14½ to 15 years in uni-

form, you typically need tomake a decision. This class helps youmake that choice. Review options, look at some basic results forspecific situations, andhighlight important considerations.

IA IndoctrinationAug. 26-30, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Individuals selected for Individual Augmentee (IA) are

strongly encouraged to report to Fleet and Family SupportCenter on temporary duty for this week-long process. Vari-ous presenters take care of all of IA needs. Spouses are en-couraged to attend theWednesday seminar from 12:30-4:30p.m. to hear recently returned IA’s experiences. Membersmust preregister by the Friday prior to the class start date.


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Naval Air Station Patuxent River • [email protected] • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiverThe 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 wayconnected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract withNaval District Washington.

This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized pub-lication for members of the military services. Contents of the Tes-ter are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by theU.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Departmentof the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication,

including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by the Department of Defense or Southern MarylandNewspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national 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 opportunitypolicy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse toprint advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Pub-lic Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to beconsidered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited foraccuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquireabout news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertisingmay be placed with the publisherby calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Ben ShevchukCommanding Officer

Capt. Heidi FlemingExecutive Officer

Cmd. Master ChiefWilliam Lloyd-Owen

Command Master Chief

Connie HempelPublic Affairs Officer

Donna CipolloniStaff Writer

Breton Helseland

Deirdre ParryCopy/layout editors

Frederick C. FairVolunteer

See moreFFSC classeson Facebook.

Courtesy photo

Celebrating the Medical Service Corps’ 66th anniversary, the eldest andyoungest Medical Service Corps officers attending the Naval Health ClinicPatuxent River ceremony, Lt. Sarah Brown, left, and Cmdr. Traci Hindman,are on hand to cut the birthday cake Aug. 2. The corps’ official anniversarydate was Aug. 4.

Medical Service Corps turns 66 BEQ 492 opens in September

U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel

Tim Franklin, a maintenance worker for unaccompanied housing,distributes linens to rooms in the recently renovated female bach-elor enlisted quarters (BEQ), building 492, Wednesday. The three-story building, which has been undergoing renovations for nearly ayear, has 37 single rooms, each with its own bathroom, a day roomand laundry facilities. Housing management officials expect to be-gin moving Sailors into the building by the end of September, start-ing with senior ranking unaccompanied females currently in BEQ.


For all MWR news, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/Patuxent and click on Fleetand Family Readiness.

Rassieur Youth Center 301-342-1694Cedar Point Golf Course 301-342-3597Navy Recreation Center Solomons 410-286-8047Intramura Sports 301-757-3943Customized Creations 301-342-3569

School Age Care Registration (SAC)SAC is full. Rassieur Youth Center is still taking names

for the wait list and hourly care reservations.

Card Making BasicsAug. 8, 5-7 p.m.

Discover card making in this hands-on class. Class in-cludes card design, materials and complexity. Beginners toadvanced crafters are welcome. Cost: $10 plus a $5 mate-rial fee; all supplies are included. Register at CustomizedCreations.

Basket Weaving ClassAug. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Students learn how to make a basket with a wooden bot-

tom without using staples, glue or nails. Five-hour class.Cost: $40 plus a $10 material fee. Register at CustomizedCreations.

Water Play Family Night at the Rassieur YouthCenter

Aug. 9, 5:30-8 p.m.Families, come to the Youth Center to partake in water

balloon and water toy activities.

Blind Holes Golf TournamentAug. 10The Cedar Point Golf Course hosts this tournament with

six blind-drawn holes deducted from player scores. Playersreserve their own tee times between 7-11 a.m. Gross andnet prizes using a 75 percent handicap. Cost: $10 entry feeto be paid before teeing off Aug. 10. Open to all authorizedpatrons and guests with a valid U.S.G.A. handicap.

Dive in Theater at NRC SolomonsAug. 11: Dolphin Tale

Take a dip in the pool from 7:30-9 p.m. and enjoy a mov-ie starting at 9 p.m. “Floating only” throughout the durationof the film.

Beginner Decorative Painting ClassAug. 12, 19 and 26, 5-8 p.m.Learn to create a work of art at this three-week, three-

hour class. Cost: $55 plus a $15 materials fee. Register atCustomized Creations.

Experienced Decorative Painting ClassAug. 13 and 20, 5-8 p.m.Create an early morning sunrise and learn how to turn

tissue paper into a rice paper effect. Cost: $35 plus a $10materials fee. Register at Customized Creations.

Card-making TechniquesAug. 15, 5-7 p.m.Discover card-making in this hands-on class. Class in-

cludes “Triple Treat” and a card folding technique. Begin-ners through advanced crafters welcome. Cost: $10 plus a$5material fee; all supplies are included for making four fullcards. Register at Customized Creations.

End of Summer/Back to School DanceAug. 16, 5:30-8 p.m.Teens, come to the Rassieur Youth Center to enjoy the

latest music and have fun dancing. Teens are encouragedto bring a friend! Snacks and refreshments served. Cost: $3per teen.

Scan to see more MWR eventson Facebook.

Thursday, August 86:30 p.m., The Heat

Uptight and straight-laced, FBI Special AgentSarah Ashburn is a me-thodical investigator witha reputation for excellence— and hyper-arrogance.Shannon Mullins, one ofBoston P.D.’s “finest,” isfoul-mouthed, has a veryshort fuse, and uses her gutinstinct and street smartsto catch the most elusivecriminals. Neither has everhad a partner, or a friendfor that matter. When thesetwo wildly incompatible lawofficers join forces to bringdown a ruthless drug lord,they become the last thinganyone expected: buddies.Rated: R (1 hr, 57 min)

Friday, August 96:30 p.m., The Lone RangerNative American warrior

Tonto recounts the untoldtales that transformed JohnReid, a man of the law, intoa legend of justice. Takingthe audience on a runawaytrain of epic surprises andhumorous friction, the twounlikely heroes must learnto work together and fightagainst greed and corrup-tion. Rated: PG-13 (2 hr, 9min)

9:30 p.m., The Heat

Saturday, August 104 p.m., Despicable Me 2 (3D)

Chris Meledandri and hisacclaimed filmmaking teamcreate an all-new comedy

adventure featuring the re-turn of (former?) super-vil-lain Gru, his adorable girls,the unpredictably hilariousMinions, and a host of newand outrageously funnycharacters. Rated: PG (1 hr,38 min)

6:30 p.m., The Lone Ranger

9:30 p.m., World War ZUnited Nations employ-

ee Gerry Lane traverses theglobe in a race against timeto stop a pandemic that istoppling armies and gov-ernments and threateningto decimate humanity itself.Rated: PG-13 (1 hr, 55 min)

Sunday, August 112 p.m., Despicable Me 2 (3D)

4:30 p.m.,The Lone Ranger

Monday and TuesdayNo Movies

Wednesday, August 146:30 p.m.,

The Lone Ranger

See moreCenter Stage movieinformation online.

St. Nicolas Chapel ScheduleCatholic Services

Mass: Sundays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekdaysat 11:35 a.m.

Continuing Catholic Development (CCD): Sun-days from 10:30-11:30 a.m.Protestant Services

Worship: Sundays at 11 a.m.Bible studies: Men’s study, Sundays at 6 p.m.

Ladies’ study, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

For every $1 spent to light an incandescent bulb,$.95 is wasted in heat. Replace a 75-watt bulb with a20-watt compact fluorescent bulb and throughout itslifetime save the equivalent of about 500 pounds ofcoal. Make a pledge to lower your energy use.

Energy Saving Tip:

See the Light —Don’t Feel the Heat



He never imagined hispassion for genealogy wouldlead him to being part ofa Smithsonian Institutionmuseum exhibit, but that’sexactly what happened forPetty Officer 2nd Class EricUhden.

Uhden, a naval aircrew-man (helicopter) with NavalAir Station Patuxent River AirOperations, has a mixture ofEuropean and Japanese an-cestry. He said he has alwaysenjoyed perusing historicrecords and census filings insearch of his ancestors andhis connection to the past.

“I like studying familyhistory, it’s a natural inter-est of mine,” Uhden said.“I’m considered the ‘hub’ forinformation in my family. Ihave it all.”

So when Uhden read anarticle in 2005 about a DNAanalysis service called “23an-dMe” that allows individualsto trace their ancestral com-position and roots, he wasintrigued; and eventually, hebecame a member and sentin the required DNA sample.

Now, because of that par-ticipation, Uhden and theprofiles of eight other “23an-

dMe” customers are part ofan exhibit at the NationalMuseum of Natural Historyin Washington, D.C., titled“Genome: Unlocking Life’sCode.”

The exhibit, as describedon the museum’s website,looks at the basics of genet-ics and shows how genomes— the hereditary informa-tion encoded in human DNA— are key to everything fromcuring cancer to tracing themigrations of one’s ancestors.

Uhden is included in the“Exploring Our Genomic An-cestry” portion of the exhibitthat looks at how DNA wasused to trace participants’recent and deep histories,and their early ancestors’ mi-gration routes out of Africa.

In the interactive display,visitors can click on Uhden’simage and learn his personalstory.

“I think they were inter-ested in me because I haveeight siblings, who were alsoanalyzed, and we all lookvery different because of therandom combination of var-ied genes we inherited fromour ancestors,” Uhden said.“I look the most Japanese,but the rest have blonde orbrown hair and full Europe-an eyes — with blue, brown

or hazel eye colors. We evenhave completely differentskin tones.”

Prior to the opening of theexhibit, Uhdenwas invited tothe museum to attend a pri-vate affair populated by doc-tors, researchers, funders,university professors andrepresentatives of the orga-nizations involved with theexhibit such as “23and Me”and the National Institutesof Health National HumanGenome Research Institute.

During his ongoing re-search into his family’s his-tory, Uhden, originally fromColorado but with extendedfamily inMaryland, even dis-covered a local link.

“One of my ancestorswas Alexander d’Hinoyossa,a former Dutch governor inthe state of Delaware,” hesaid. “But when the Englishtook control of the colonyaround 1664, he was exiledhere to St. Mary’s City. Now,when I drive by that area Ithink about him once walk-ing around there.

“It all makes me feel con-nected to the whole world,”he said.

“Genome: UnlockingLife’s Code” is at the Nation-al Museum of Natural His-tory through Sept. 1, 2014,

and then it’s slated to travelthroughout North America

during the next four years.For more information, visit

www.mnh.si.edu/ and clickon the link.

Courtesy photo

Petty Officer 2nd Class Class Eric Uhden in front of a portion of the Smith-sonian Institute exhibit that features his image along with the personalstory of how his DNA details his ancestral migration. The exhibit, titled “Ge-nome: Unlocking Life’s Code,” runs through Sept. 1, 2014, at the NationalMuseum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

Pax River Sailor becomes Smithsonian exhibit

Celebrating service, continuing commitment

U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni

Atwal pinned with Achievement MedalPetty Officer 2nd Class (AW) Nathan Atwal, avia-tion boatswain’s mate with air operations, is pre-sented with a Navy and Marine Corps Achieve-ment Medal by Naval Air Station Commanding Of-ficer Capt. Ben Shevchuk during quarters in July.

Courtesy photo

Making the gradeLorren Rowland, right, an electronics technicianwith Naval Air Station Patuxent River air opera-tions, is frocked to petty officer third class Aug. 1.


White recognized with Achievement MedalPetty Officer 2nd Class (AW) James White, navalaircrewman with air operations, is presented witha Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal byNaval Air Station Commanding Officer Capt. BenShevchuk during quarters in July.


Shaw promoted to LCDRAmber Shaw, left, and Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes pinshoulder boards on newly promoted Lt. Cmdr. JasonShaw on Aug. 1. Shawwas Jaynes’s aide during hertenure as Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.


Scott “Stewie” Stewart of Northrop Grum-man is presented with a plaque by Capt. BenShevchuk, Naval Air Station Patuxent Rivercommanding officer, thanking the companyfor its continued partnership and sponsor-ship of numerous installation Morale, Wel-fare and Recreation (MWR) programs. MWRsponsorships benefit all of Pax River’s work-force and allows MWR to provide enhancedservices to the men and women who serveand support the country.

A token ofgratitude



Whether you’re a land-lubber or know how to cut ajib, you’ll be able to partici-pate in the Patuxent Habitatfor Humanity and PatuxentRiver Chiefs’ Aug. 31 inau-gural fundraising event onSolomons Island, support-ing local wounded warriorsand veterans programs.

The event, featuring a5K run, a 3K walk and theFouled Anchor Regatta,was the brainchild of ChiefPetty Officer Spencer Wait, asearch and rescue air crew-man with Naval Air StationPatuxent River Air Opera-tions.

“I’ve always felt the needto give back to our woundedwarriors,” Wait said. “I’vebeen fortunate that, for themost part, my tours of dutywere stateside and I ap-preciate the sacrifices a lotof men and women havemade. This is my way ofthanking them by helpingout with this event and rais-ing money for their needs.”

Key volunteers from theNavy, teaming with Patux-ent Habitat for Humanity— which has its own veter-ans programs — are urgingpeople to stay local for La-bor Day weekend and enjoythe event’s activities.

“We’re raising moneyfor two great causes,” Waitsaid. “We aren’t affiliatedwith the national WoundedWarrior Project because wewanted all the money tostay locally, to help our largecontingent of local wound-ed warriors and veterans.”

The Warrior Fun Run,beginning at 8 a.m., is a low-key run/walk through Solo-

mons Island with a start andfinish at the Calvert MarineMuseum. Ribbons will beawarded to the top threemale, female and children-under-13 finishers.

At 10 a.m., view the War-rior Boat Parade off theriverfront boardwalk asthe boats participating inthe Fouled Anchor Regattaline up for the first start at11 a.m. Organized by theSouthern Maryland SailingAssociation, Inc., the regattawill be a fun and profession-ally run race with trophiesawarded to the top five fin-ishers in each class.

Preregistration is re-quired for all events andearly registration is recom-mended. Early registra-tion for the run/walk is $30;youths ages 13 and youngerrun for free. Early registra-tion for the regatta is $40 forsailboats 21 feet and more;and $20 for sailboats 20 feetand under. See the info boxaccompanying this article tolearn how to obtain registra-tion forms.

All race packets must bepicked up the Friday before

the events and will include aWarrior T-shirt, one dinnerticket and one event pass tothe Warrior Barbecue Din-ner and Concert Party beingheld at the Navy RecreationCenter Solomons, begin-ning at 3 p.m.

Have fun at the RecCenter pool while enjoyingpulled pork, potato saladand baked beans preparedby the Pax River Chief PettyOfficers Association; andget your groove on with theNavy band, Country Cur-rent, a country-bluegrassensemble performing livein concert.

“The events are open tothe public; all ages,” Waitsaid, “and we’re hoping tosee a lot of people out thereparticipating and having agood time.”

Any Wounded War-riors wishing to partici-pate should phone Patux-ent Habitat for Human-ity at 301-863-6227 to reg-ister. Their entry fee will bewaived.

Participants needed to raisemoney for local woundedwarriors and veterans

Register now toparticipate in the event

For detailed information on event registra-tions, entry fees, packet pick-up, times,activities, rules, etc., visit http://warriorfun-runandsail.wordpress.com/. Also, check outthe event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PHHWarriorFunRunAndSail.


From left, Capt. Ben Shevchuk, Naval Air Station Patuxent River command-ing officer, presents Sailor of the Quarter plaques to the station’s third quar-ter winners during quarters July 25. Recipients were: Sailor of the Quarter,Petty Officer 1st Class (SW) Kenneth Mack, master-at-arms with the secu-rity department; Junior Sailor of the Quarter, Petty Officer 2nd Class (NC/AW) John Conant, naval aircrewman (helicopter) with air operations; andBluejacket of the Quarter, Petty Officer 3rd Class Samuel Rocco, air trafficcontroller with air operations.

NAS Sailors of the Third Quarter

Stay Alive!Don’t Drink & Drive!

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Cedar Point Golf Course staff; presented July 30.

Courtesy photos

Lolita Tyler-Lockett, Fleet and Family SupportCenter; presented July 30.

Naval air station employ-ees who receive positivefeedback and commentsthrough the Interactive Cus-tomer Evaluation systemfor going above their nor-mal duty are presented withBravo Zulu awards.

BravoZulu

0104055101040491


Courtesy photos

James Franklin, left, bachelor housing; presentedJuly 31.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Holly Dunn, and electronicstechnician with air operations; presented Aug. 1.

Pax Pros of the Week aresubmitted to and selected bythe naval air station’s Com-mand Master Chief WilliamLloyd-Owen. The certificatesserve as recognition for theindividual’s “hard work anddedication” displayed on adaily basis.

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St. Mary’s County events:Excavating the Ocean Floor: STEM at your library

Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.Lexington Park libraryYouths ages 10 and older will discover how archaeologists

excavate underwater using hands-on activities. Presented byNaval AirWarfareCenterAviationDivisionEducationOutreachOffice. Free. Register at 301-863-8188 or www.stmalib.org.

House of Dance Annual Open HouseSaturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.House of Dance, 24620 Three Notch Road, HollywoodFree miniclasses for youths and adults. Ballet, hip-hop, ball-

room(weddingdances), salsa andmore. Ask the Instructor pan-el,walk-in registrationopportunities, light refreshments,demon-strations and open dancing. Call 301-373-6330.

Concert on the Square: The Cruisers U.S. NavyBand Contemporary Ensemble

Saturday, 6 p.m.Leonardtown Square, Leonardtown

Free concert features genres of music ranging from jazz andstandards, rhythm and blues, classic rock, adult contemporaryand pop, as well as original material. Enjoy dinner at a local res-taurant, then grab a blanket or a chair and join us on the Square– dancing encouraged. Call 301-475-9791.

Calvert County events:U.S. Naval Academy Band, Commandant’s Combo

Today, 7:30 p.m.Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, 4155 Mears Av-

enue, Chesapeake BeachFree concert. Visit www.cbrm.org.

Rock the Dock Summer Concert SeriesWednesday through Sunday, 7-9:45 p.m.

Cheasapeake Beach Re-sort & Spa, 4165 Mears Av-enue, Chesapeake Beach

Enjoy an evening of livemusic at the waterfrontBoardwalk Café. Visit www.chesapeakebeachresortspa.com/live-music.htm.

Garden Smarter: Createa Native Plant Habitat

Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m.Calvert library, Prince

FrederickLearn how to welcome

nature into your back yardby using native plants.

Learn MahjonggSaturday, 1-3 p.m.Calvert library, Southern

BranchWant to learn Mahjongg?

Games are a great way tokeep your brain sharp while

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