ó Sustain • Enable • Support ó

Photos by Julie M. LucasCommander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven Capt. Matthew Pottenburgh, gives his remarks during the Assumption of Command for Tactical Operations Control Squadron (TOCRON) 11, formerly known as Mobile Tactical Operations Center (MTOC), at NAS Jacksonville, June 17. The former MTOC 0fficer in charge was Cmdr. Donte Jackson (center) and the new commander for TOCRON 11 is Cmdr. Annie Gilson.

Monthly Newsletter

June 2020Vol. 78 - No. 8 - Jacksonville, Fla. www.cnic.navy.mil/jaxairnews

TOCRON-11 performs Assumption CeremonyFrom Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

Tactical Operations Control Squadron (TOCRON) 11 took the first step toward standing up as an official command aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, June 17. Capt. Matthew Pottenburgh, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven (CPRG-11), served as the guest speaker at the assumption ceremony welcoming the command’s first commanding officer, Cmdr. Anne Gilson. “This is a watershed moment for the Maritime and Patrol Reconnaissance Force to welcome Tactical Operations Control Squadron 11 officially to Naval Air Station Jacksonville,” said Pottenburgh. As of June 2020, 179 personnel, to include 26 officers and 153 enlisted personnel, have reported to TOCRON-11. "As the first commanding officer of TOCRON-11, I am proud to serve alongside such committed and dedicated Sailors in this critical mission,” said Gilson. “Our efforts provide the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force with robust, agile, and reliable Tactical Operation Centers to maximize maritime domain awareness, command and control, and lethality.” Assuming command of TOCRON 11 marks the first commanding officer position in her 17-year career. She wears the command pin, established in 1960 to recognize the responsibilities placed on those officers of the Navy who are in command. “We are committed to the success and wholeness of the entire P-8A fleet and aim to unite MPRF against any and all adversaries by expanding situational awareness throughout the globe,” said Gilson. CPRW-11 squadrons include Patrol Squadrons (VP) 5, VP-8, VP-10, VP-16, VP-26, VP-45, VP-62, Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, and TOCRON-11. There are two Patrol and

Reconnaissance Wings in Florida and Washington State, composed of 14 Patrol and Reconnaissance squadrons, one Fleet Replacement Squadron and more than 45 subordinate commands. Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings serve as the Navy’s premier provider for airborne anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Cmdr. Annie Gilson gives her remarks after assuming command of TOCRON-11 while Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven Capt. Matthew Pottenburgh looks on, at NAS Jacksonville, June 17.

New COVID-19 restrictions setFrom Commander, Navy Region Southeast

COVID-19 remains a threat to our people and our mission that we cannot ignore. As the Navy makes risk-based decisions to enable travel to resume and allow bases to reduce their Health Protection Conditions (HPCON), it is imperative that we do not forget our individual responsibili-ties to protect our shipmates. Every one of us must hold ourselves, and each other, accountable for our action toward containing COVID-19 and not allowing it in our workplaces. U.S. Fleet Forces Command issued a Frafgmen-tary Order this week reemphasizing the need to follow proper protocols and guidelines to protect the Navy workforce during the pandemic. The order highlights the need to maintain Force Health Protection Measures both on and off installations - even when the local community has less stringent measures in place of when the state is depicted as green on the Navy Travel Tracker. Until an installation is approved to change their status to HPCON Bravo, Charlie measures will continue to be followed. Service members and commands are required to adhere to the following measures: * Cancel unit/installation-sponsored events. * Issue instructions to personnel to avoid large public gatherings and practice social distancing. * Maximize telework plans for telework ready employees. * Re-scope, modify, delay or cancel upcoming exercises. * Continue to approve leave and travel to and from the area on a case-by-case basis. Government civilians, contractors and family members are strongly encouraged to follow the guidelines to protect service personnel from the disease. For Navy Region Southeast commands in HP-CON Charlie which includes Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the following guidelines are in place: * Maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others. Wear cloth face coverings if unable to maintain this distance. * Do not gather in groups of over 10 people. * Limit travel to/from your residence/work with stops only for essential business.

See Restrictions, Page 9

The Jax air News is a bi-weekly digital publication for members of the military services. Contents of the Jax air News do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense or Department of the Navy.

The deadline for all story and photo submissions is close of business the Friday before publication.

Questions or comments can be directed to the editor at (904) 542-3531 or email JaxAirNews@gmail.com.

Commanding OfficerCapt. Brian Weiss

Executive OfficerCapt. Jeff Hill

Command Master Chief

CMDCM(AW/SW) Dylan Inger

Public Affairs Officer Kaylee LaRocque

Public Affairs SpecialistJulie M. Lucas

EditorMC2(SW/IW) Nick A. Grim

Staff WriterMM2 Symonne Patrick

Courtesy PhotosSeaman Second Class James Flanagan during a visit to his home in Northeast Florida shortly before he was killed in action aboard the USS Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor.

By Kaylee LaRocqueNAS Jax Public Affairs Officer

It’s been 78 years since Seaman Second Class James Monroe Flanagan, a 22-year-old Sailor from Northeast Florida, was lost aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His family always assumed he was buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP), known as the “Punchbowl” in a grave for “unknowns.” This was recently confirmed after the grave was exhumed and DNA testing verified his remains. Flanagan was born in Lumber City, Georgia on Nov. 6, 1919 to James and Susan Flanagan. He joined the Navy in Jacksonville, Florida. On Dec. 7, 1941, he was working in the engine room aboard USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese forces The battleship suffered multiple torpedo hits, causing it to capsize, killing 429 Sailors and Marines. In the days, months, and years following the attack, some remains of the men lost aboard the Oklahoma were recovered. Ultimately, 35 were identified and the unidentified remains were buried at the Punchbowl. Flanagan was one of eight children. His only surviving brother is Joe Flanagan, 86, who still lives in Jacksonville. He was recently notified his brother’s remains were identified by MACS Jean-Paul Odasz, a casualty assistance calls officer (CACO) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. “I was a little boy when we got the word that my brother was dead. I only saw him a few times when he came home,” said Joe Flanagan. “We had heard about Pearl Harbor and our family was notified that he was missing and believed to be dead.” “I was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii when I was in the Air Force in 1954 and have visited the gravesite,” said Joe Flanagan. I’ve seen the marker where he was

buried. I’m hoping that his remains can stay at there.” For Odasz, giving the Flanagan family closure and confirmation that their Sailor was indeed buried in the cemetery was quite an honor. “When I received the telephone call from the Commander, Navy Region Southeast CACO and the case was explained, I was immediately intrigued and honored to be tasked in locating the only known primary next of kin and assisting the family,” said Odasz. “I am just amazed that for 78 years, Seaman James Monroe Flanagan’s remains were marked ‘unknown’ and finally identified. It is a true testament that we, as in the Navy, do not forget nor leave anyone behind whether it’s a POW, MIA, or KIA,” said Odasz. “It was a true honor and pleasure sitting down with Seaman Flanagan’s younger brother and having a conversation about his brother and experiences. My late grandfather was a World War II veteran and throughout my career, I’ve always held a unique interest in learning from and have the upmost respect for this generation of true patriotic Americans!” Permission to exhume the graves of the USS Oklahoma “Unknowns” at the cemetery was granted on April 14, 2015 in a memorandum from Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work because of recent advances in forensic techniques. From June through November 2015, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency personnel, in cooperation with cemetery officials, exhumed all remaining caskets associated with the USS Oklahoma at the NMCP and transferred the remains to the laboratories at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Flanagan’s remains were identified through the efforts of the Secretary of Defense, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory.

Jacksonville Sailor lost on USS Oklahoma 78 years ago, identified

Seaman Second Class James Flanagan is listed second from the bottom in the first row on a plaque recognizing Sailors and Marines lost aboard USS Oklahoma (BB 37) when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

VP-8 conducts change of commandBy Lt. j.g. Gabriel PramikFrom VP-8 Public Affairs

Cmdr. Rodney Erler transferred command of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 to Cmdr. Jeremy Lyon during a Change of Command ceremony June 12 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville. A native of Salem, Oregon, Erler led the “Fighting Tigers” through a demanding multi-site deployment conducting 3,500 mishap-free operational hours spanning 24 detachments and encompassing the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. “Serving the amazing men and women of VP-8 has been an incredible honor. While the Fighting Tigers have a long history of superior performance, I am most proud of the resiliency, professionalism, and teamwork that these men and women displayed. This was in no small part a result of Executive Officer Lyon’s guidance, and he will undoubtedly guide the Fighting Tigers to new heights as the

commanding officer,” said Erler. Lyon assumes command of the Fighting Tigers as the squadron prepares for their next deployment in the fall. A native of Hesperia, California, Lyon became the 72nd commanding officer of VP-8. Lyon remarked, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Cmdr. Erler’s executive officer over the past year. I am forever grateful for his leadership and mentorship. I look forward to serving the Fighting Tiger family as the commanding officer and leading this group of remarkable Sailors.” Cmdr. Thomas Doran, has assumed the role as executive officer. VP-8 reports to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven, aboard NAS Jacksonville. VP-8 is comprised of 283 men and women who employ the P-8A Poseidon. The Poseidon is the Navy’s primary provider of long-range airborne anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance forces.

Photo by MC1 Jerome JohnsonCmdr. Rodney Erler, left, transfers command of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 to Cmdr. Jeremy Lyon, during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, June 12. VP-8 is currently conducting its Fleet Readiness Training Plan in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

Larwood takes the helm of VP-45From VP-45 Public Affairs

Cmdr. Charles Larwood III assumed command of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 from Cmdr. Paul Nickell during a change of command ceremony at NAS Jacksonville, June 11. The ceremony was attended by a virtual audience.

Nickell led the “Pelicans” during a successful and fast-paced Fleet Response Training Plan and led the charge during an innovative and forward-leaning U.S. 7th Fleet deployment. “Since my first tour, VP 45 has a reputation of operational excellence, so when assigned to lead the Pelicans, my eagerness to check in was second only to my excitement to lead these winged warriors over two phenomenally successful Indo-Pacific deployments,” he said. Under his leadership, the Pelicans flew nearly 5,000 flight hours during more than 800 sorties in support of tasking from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven and Commander, Task Force 72. When reflecting on the mission success, Nickell said, “Our success was made possible by both the dedicated service of our Sailors, whose passion and energy to serve is relentless, and the sacrifices of our families, who maintained the homefront, enabling us to conduct our missions day in and day out. I believe the true measure, the absolute test, of a team’s greatness is how well they confront hardship. There are only a handful of squadrons that have faced the scope and magnitude COVID presented with absolute professionalism and class. These Pelicans have set for me the example by which I strive to meet every day – VP-45 has made me better.” Larwood is a native of Roswell, Georgia and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2004. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in December 2006 before joining the Pelicans in September 2007 for his first sea tour. Prior to checking in as the VP-45 executive officer in May

2019, Larwood served as a test pilot at VX-20, department head for VP-8 and then P-8A government flight test director at VX-20. “Our next year will be spent building on our successes during this most recent deployment,” said Larwood. “I'm greatly humbled by the responsibility I have as commanding officer to ensure VP-45 is trained and equipped to perform our mission as well as lead our nation's most treasured assets, her Sailors, in standing the watch. Seeing first-hand our Sailors proactively respond to the COVID pandemic with resiliency and toughness during an unprecedented eight-month deployment has confirmed my belief that America's Sailors are the best in the world, and there are no finer Sailors serving than ours in VP-45.”

Photo by MCSN Thomas A. HigginsCmdr. Seth Eisenmenger, executive officer for Patrol Squadron (VP) 45, left, holds a phone with a video-link to Cmdr. Paul Nickell, the previous commanding officer of VP-45, as Cmdr. Charles Larwood III assumes command as the new commanding officer of VP-45 at a change of command ceremony in the ceremonial hangar bay at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, June 11.

Participating guests line up in their cars during a Summer Reading Program Craft, Book, and Cookies drive-by pick-up event in the Auto Skills Center, June 8.

NAS Jax Community Rec hosts Summer Reading Program pick-up eventPhotos by MC2

(SW/IW) Nick A. Grim

Nicholas Cason, right, a volunteer for Naval Air Station Jacksonville Community Recreation Department, hands boxes of cookies to Bonnie Norris, left, during a Summer Reading Program Craft, Book, and Cookies pick-up event in the Auto Skills Center, June 8.

HSM-72 returns to NAS Jax

Photo by MM2 Symonne D. PatrickAWR1 Oliver Martin embraces his children Franco, 7, and Niya, 11, after returning from a nine-month deployment with Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 72, at NAS Jax, June 5. HSM-72 was deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

Photo by MC2 (SW/IW) Nick A. GrimAE2 Alyson Butler reunites with her wife Crystal and their dog Mattie after returning from a nine-month deployment with HSM 72, at NAS Jax, June 5.

Photo by MM2 Symonne D. PatrickSailors disembark a MH-60R helicopter and unload baggage and gear upon returning from a nine-month deployment with HSM-72, at NAS Jax, June 5.

Photo by MC2 (SW/IW) Nick A. GrimLt. Cmdr. David Morgan embraces his daughter Pippa, 2, after returning from a nine-month deployment with HSM-72, at NAS Jacksonville, June 5.

From VP-26 Public Affairs

The “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 held a change of command ceremony, May 31. The ceremony occurred simultaneously from the deployment sites in El Salvador and Japan culminating in a long-range aerial change of command. Cmdr. Eric Andrews, from Lincoln, Nebraska, was relieved by Cmdr. Michael Steffens, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, as commanding officer of VP-26. Steffens became the 75th commanding officer of VP-26. Andrews assumed command in 2019 after serving as the squadron’s executive officer. As commanding officer of VP-26, Andrews led “Team Trident” through an extensive fleet readiness training plan in preparation for their current deployment to the U.S. 4th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. In addition to preparing for deployment under his leadership during the home cycle, VP-26 was instrumental in defending strategic U.S. interests and supporting combatant commander priorities. Andrews will report to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group staff in Norfolk, Virginia as in June 2020. Steffens previously served as the assistant Washington, DC placement officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tennessee, maintenance and operations officer for VP-8, and flag aide to Commander,

Pacific Fleet, before taking over as executive officer of VP-26. As commanding officer of VP-26, he is leading the Tridents on their deployment to the U.S. 4th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. The squadron reports to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven at NAS Jacksonville, which serves as the Navy’s premier provider for airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, and Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations.

VP-26 holds internationalchange of command

Cmdr. Eric Andrews Cmdr. Michael Steffans

From NAVFAC SE Public Affairs

Capt. Jorge Cuadros will relieve Capt. Mike Monreal as commanding officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast and Navy Region Southeast Regional Engineer at a virtual change of command ceremony, July 9, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville. Cuadros is coming to NAVFAC Southeast from his last tour as the NAVFAC Europe Africa Cen-tral executive officer in Naples, Italy. Monreal will be honored for his service to the command and recognized for his accomplishments made during the past two years. A retirement ceremony to celebrate his 28 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy will be held later this

summer in Texas. NAVFAC Southeast is home to approximately 2,100 civilian and 120 military personnel who provide facilities support services and military construction oversight throughout the southeast re-gion at its Public Works Departments and Resident Officer in Charge of Construction offices located at military bases as far west as Corpus Christi, Texas; east to Charleston, South Carolina and south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. NAVFAC South-east Headquarters is located at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The Change of Command ceremony can be viewed on the command’s Facebook page July 9 at 9 a.m. at https://www.facebook.com/NAVFAC-Southeast.

Capt. Mike Monreal

NAVFAC SE Change of Command set for July 9Capt. Jorge Cuadros

From VP-10 Public Affairs

Cmdr. William White relieved Cmdr. Patrick Gegg, becoming the 84th commanding officer of the Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 “Red Lancers” during a change of command and retirement ceremony at Hangar 511 aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, June 19. Capt. Matthew Pottenburgh, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven, presided over the change of command ceremony. This ceremony marked the conclusion of a successful tour for Gegg. He recently led VP-10 through a challenging deployment to the 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility. During his time as commanding officer, Gegg inspired VP-10 to reach high levels of operational excellence while conducting anti-submarine war-fare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, recon-naissance, and surveillance missions in support of Commander 5th and 7th Fleet objectives. White joined VP-10 as the executive officer in May 2019. His other tours include VP-16, VP-30, and VP-9 where he qualified patrol plane mission commander, instructor tactical coordinator, fleet NATOPS evaluator and fleet instructor under train-ing instructor. White takes command of VP-10 as they prepare to undergo a rigorous home cycle in preparation for future deployments. VP-10 welcomes Cmdr. John Houston as the squadron's new executive officer.

White takes command of VP-10 “Red Lancers”

Commissary to celebrate 153 years of serviceBy Tamara EastmanDeCA historian

On July 1, the Defense Commissary Agency will celebrate the 153rd anniversary of the commissary benefit, making it the oldest U.S. military resale program. Over the past 153 years the commissary benefit has evolved considerably. The modern day com-missary benefit dates back to July 1, 1867, when enlisted men began receiving the same shopping privileges at the subsistence stores that had been available to officers since 1825. In 1867 most commissary sales stores were set up in abandoned warehouses. Over time these subsistence stores became sales commissaries and sold goods at cost in order to provide soldiers with food at reasonable prices. In 1899 the first overseas commissary opened in Cuba. Another store opened in China in 1900 and in Panama in 1904. By World War I, the U.S. was operating commissary stores in France. By the time World War II ended, the U.S. was oper-ating commissaries worldwide and have existed on every continent except Antarctica in more than a thousand locations. Today, DeCA continues to serve the military and its families at nearly 240 stores in 13 countries. Each military branch originally ran their own commissaries until 1990, when Congress and the Department of Defense decided to consolidate the individual service commissary systems under one agency – the Defense Commissary Agency, which officially formed on Oct. 1, 1991. Today, commissaries offer high-quality commis-sary store brands that provide low-cost alternative products for customers and the “Your Everyday Savings! (YES!)” program, which helps stateside customers get extra savings on the hundreds of popular items they tend to buy most. Customers can also go online and register their Commissary Rewards Cards for access to digital coupons to help them save even more on their grocery bill.

DLA Aviation Jacksonville gets new leaderBy Leon Moore DLA Aviation Public Affairs

Cmdr. Curtis Ceaser took over as commander, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation - Jacksonville, Florida during a virtual change of command cere-mony on Naval Air Station Jacksonville, June 15. DLA Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. David Sanford officiated the ceremony virtually from Washington, D.C., where he is currently on a special assignment as the deputy director of the COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force with the Fed-eral Emergency Management Agency. Ceaser comes to DLA Aviation from Navy Supply Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he served as the director of Acquisition Policy and Contract Systems. He’s also no stranger to DLA Aviation. He served as aide-de-camp to then DLA Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Andrew Busch between 2007 – 2009. He assumes command from Cmdr. Monica Frey, who served as commander since 2018. Because of social distancing guidelines and re-strictions due to coronavirus, guests attended the ceremony via a video streaming platform. During his remarks, Sanford recognized some of the accomplishments of the Jacksonville team under Frey’s leadership, including reducing component material delay unfilled orders by 38 percent, reducing unfilled orders by 48 percent, reducing material delay requisitions by 50 percent and attaining an average Gross Domestic Product Material Availability rate of 92.3 percent. “The success you experienced has everything to do with the masterful leadership of Commander Frey, but she will be the first to tell you successes are a direct reflection of your hard work and dedi-cation,” Sanford said. During the virtual ceremony, Frey was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for her many achievements. After the time-honored tradition of the passing of the DLA command flag from Frey to Ceaser, Frey expressed what her time in Jacksonville meant

to her, personally and professionally. “There have been a lot of nice things said about me and accomplishments attributed to me, but the reality is ‘I’ didn’t really do any of those things. Thankfully, the employees of DLA Aviation Jack-sonville made my tour here an overwhelming success.” Frey said she decided from the moment she took command two years ago, that providing excellent support to the warfighter wouldn’t be her only focus. She implemented a number of professional de-velopment and training initiatives aimed at mak-ing employees more competitive for promotions, improving professional knowledge and addressing various human resources, leadership and equal employment opportunity topics. She implemented a number of programs, includ-ing, monthly hail and farewell events and quarterly town halls, aimed at fostering teamwork and creat-ing comradery. Before taking her seat, she offered a strong en-dorsement of Ceaser. “I’m confident you are the perfect leader to con-tinue the great work we established and also take our performance to the next level. There is clearly no other leader I would willingly hand over the reins to than you,” Frey said. Frey’s next assignment is taking her to Yokosuka, Japan where she will serve as the supply officer onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). As Ceaser took the podium, he let it be known he is 100 percent up to the task of leading the DLA Aviation Jacksonville team. “2020 has proven to be a challenging year, filled with unimaginable obstacles and unforeseen changes. Today’s virtual ceremony serves as proof that change is inevitable. However, with change, comes opportunity. An opportunity to challenge the previously held norm, the opportunity to seek out new solutions, but more importantly, an op-portunity to deliver excellence,” he said.

Cmdr. Monica Frey relinquishes command

of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation - Jack-sonville to Cmdr. Curtis Ceaser during a change of command ceremony

at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, June 15.

Courtesy photo

Naval Hospital Jacksonville Sailors recognized by First Coast No More Homeless Pets Our most recent VyStar Volunteers of the Month are a group of Sailors from Naval Hospital Jacksonville. We recently received a large shipment of pet food from our partners at Amazon returns. With just two days’ notice, Naval Hospital Jackson-ville sent 30 hardworking members of the United States Navy to assist during their free time. On a hot day in June, they helped us to safe-ly store over 10 tons of pet food and cat litter. Because of their help, we are able to serve pet parents in need and continue to spread the word about our free spay/neuter services through food pantries in our area. In previous years, Sailors from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay have assisted with mega-adoption, pet food bank, and much more.

Photos by Jacob SippelCapt. Kevin Brown, Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) - M commanding officer, is relieved by Capt. Matthew Case, Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s commander and Navy Medicine Readi-ness & Training Command Jacksonville’s commanding officer, during an EMF-M change of charge ceremony on June 25. Brown led EMF-M during its deployments this year in the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As executive officer of NH Jack-sonville, Brown facilitated the daily safety brief, to start each day with a focus on patient safety.

Capt. David Barrows assumes his duties as Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) - M commanding officer as he salutes Capt. Matthew Case, Naval Hospital Jacksonville's commander and Navy Medicine Readiness & Train-ing Command (MNRTC) Jacksonville's commanding officer, during an EMF-M change of charge ceremony on June 25. EMF-M consists of more than 400 sailors, including medical staff and support personnel. Barrows also serves as executive officer of NH Jacksonville & NMRTC Jacksonville.

Expeditionary Medical Facility - M holds change of chargeBy Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs

Capt. Kevin Brown turned over leadership of Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) - M to Capt. David Barrows, during a change of charge ceremony on June 25 at Naval Hospital Jack-sonville. Due to the COVID-19 pan-demic, the ceremony included face coverings, social distancing, and a limited number of on-site participants. Brown served as EMF-M’s commanding officer, as well as executive officer for Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Jacksonville. EMF-M consists of more than 400 sailors, including medical staff and support personnel. EMFs are staffed and sourced by Navy Medicine personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Commands (NMRTCs) at military treatment facilities across the country. The bulk of EMF-M’s personnel come from NMRTC Jacksonville and Naval Hospital Jacksonville. Under Brown’s leadership, EMF-M earned its Tier 1 read-iness capability certification in February 2019. This certifies its ability to provide combat oper-ations medical support to U.S.

Fleet Forces. Brown led EMF-M during its deployments this year in the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff deployed to sites including Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; New York (aboard USNS Comfort); Dallas, Texas; and Stamford, Connecticut, to provide relief to area hospitals strained by the COVID-19 pan-demic. The EMF coordinates closely with local, state, and federal authorities. Brown was awarded the Loui-siana Legion of Merit medal, for EMF-M’s work in that state. “The deployments in sup-port of the nation’s COVID-19 response were special for us,” said Brown. “EMF personnel volunteer to leave the security of home in times of crisis, and go into harm’s way to save lives. And that’s what we did.” As executive officer for NH Jacksonville and NMRTC Jack-sonville, Brown facilitated the commands’ daily safety brief. This starts each day with a focus on patient safety. Leaders and staff (from the commands’ six locations) meet in person and by phone to identify potential risks early, so they can be acted on promptly. At the ceremony, Capt. Mat-thew Case, NH Jacksonville

commander and NMRTC Jack-sonville commanding officer, presented Brown with the Meritorious Service Medal on behalf of Rear Adm. Anne Swap, commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, for outstanding meritorious service while serv-ing as executive officer. Brown’s next assignment will be as fleet surgeon for U.S. Fleet Forces. Barrows, a native of Los An-geles, California and a Medical Corps officer, is board certified in anesthesiology, pain manage-ment, and addiction medicine. Most recently, he served as direc-tor of Navy Medicine’s Trauma Strategy Management Office and Clinical Communities. Past assignments also include: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, and battalion surgeon for 2nd Assault Am-phibian Battalion. “I look forward to maintain-ing EMF-M’s high standards of readiness and reliability,” said Barrows. In addition to EMF-M commanding officer, he has assumed the role of executive officer for Naval Hospital Jack-sonville and Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Jacksonville.

Courtesy photo

For more information, please call: 542-5745

Scholarships for military childrenmarks 20 yearsBy Mike PerronDeCA Public Affairs Specialist

Though the 2019-2020 school year was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Scholarshipsfor Military Children program was still able to award 500 students from military families a $2,000 scholarship grant for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. The program, created in 2001, recognizes the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and celebrates the commissaries’ role in enhancing the military’s quality of life. It’s administered by the Fisher House Foundation, anonprofit organization that helps service members and their families. The Foundation’s recent efforts to modernize the entry process contributed to the successful outcome in the face of social distancing and other restrictions in place this year. “This was the second year that the entire application process was done online,” said Jim Weiskopf, Fisher House Foundation vice president. “We experienced a server problem on the final day for submissions that prevented applicants from submitting their completed applications, but since we had their email addresses, we were able to communicate with the entire applicant pool andextend the submission deadline by two days, so no one was penalized for something not their fault.” The stores where ceremonies would normally be held to honor scholarship awardees had to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions as well. “While we would normally hold a ceremony at the commissary, during these uncertain times with social distancing, ceremonies could not be held this year,” said Marye

Dobson, the Defense Commissary Agency’s scholarships program liaison. Instead, scholarship winners were notified by mail.Scholarship applicants submit their official transcript indicating a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for high school applicants, or indicating a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for students already enrolled in college; and an essay of 500 words or less, no longer than two pages. “In this, the 20th anniversary year of the scholarship program, we were pleased once again with the overall quality of the applicants,” said Weiskopf. “We received a total of 4,851 applications from 225 commissaries.” Eligibility is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants must ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military dependent ID card. The applicant must also be planning to attend or already be attending an accredited college or university, full time, in the fall of 2020 or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program. Applicants who are awarded a full scholarship to attend a college or university or receive an appointment to one of the military academies or affiliated preparatory schools are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses. All rules and requirements for the program, as well as links to frequently asked questions are available at the Scholarships for Military Children website, as is the full list of this year’s winners. Fisher House also recently added a custom

scholarship search engine to the site, tailoredto military families, called “Scholarships for Service.” It’s free, easy to use, and available onmobile devices or computers at militaryscholar.org. “The window to apply for the 2021-2022 Fisher House Scholarships for Military Children should open in December and close in February, but the exact dates have not been determined yet,” said Dobson. “Be sure to check the scholarship page in mid-December for the opening of the program.”Fisher House Foundation is ranked a Four Star Charity by Charity Navigator. No government funds are used to support the Scholarships for Military Children Program. Commissary vendors, manufacturers, brokers, suppliers and the general public donate money to fund the program.

VP-8 commanding officer takes farewell flight Photo by MC1 Jerome Johnson

Cmdr. Rodney Erler, former commanding officer for Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, poses with family following his ceremonial farewell flight at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, June 10. While in-flight, Erler performed a reenlistment for AWO2 Jason Henderson. “This was a good opportunity to reflect on the past 25 years flying naval aircraft. I have been privileged to have such a rewarding career doing something that I love. I also enjoyed having the honor to participate in the reenlistment of one of our junior Sailors during the flight. It was an awesome experience,” said Erler. Erler assumed command of VP-8 in May 2019 and led the Fighting Tigers through a demanding multi-site deployment conducting 3,500 mishap-free operational hours which spanned 24 detachments and encompassed both 4th and 7th Fleets. He has accrued over 5,330 flight hours in numerous military aircraft, primarily the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon. “To the Tiger Team, it has been an absolute honor and the highlight of my career to serve as your commanding officer. You are truly an amazing group that breeds excellence every day. Thank you again for all of your hard work,” said Erler.

Restrictions - From Page 1

* Service members are prohibited from visiting, patronizing, or engaging in the following off-in-stallation specific facilities, services or activities. - Recreational swimming pools, gyms, fitness facilities, exercise classes, saunas, spas, and salons- Tattoo/body art/piercing parlors- Barber shops, hair or nail salons and massage parlors- Cinemas/theaters- Participation in team/organized sports- Dine-in restaurants (take-out is authorized), bars, nightclubs, casinos, conferences, sporting events, concerts, public celebrations, parades, public beaches, amusement parks or other events designed to promote large gatherings, to include indoor religious services- Outdoor recreation where common use facili-

ties are used and if a minimum of six feet physical distancing cannot be maintained- Non-essential commercial retail establishments and shopping malls * For use of on-installation services, observe guidance provided by regional and installation commanders. Additionally, all service members, government civilians, contractors, and family members are en-couraged to minimize unnecessary, in-person use of the following services and activities:- Use of mass transit- Auto repair, maintenance and annual inspection- Curb-side and drive through services- In-home domestic services- Drive-in spiritual services- Banking services- Pet care and veterinary services- Post office

- Laundry services- In-residence social gatherings that include more than 10 guests For an installation or command that is in HP-CON Bravo, it is imperative that personnel con-tinue to practice physical distancing of six feet and wear face coverings to the maximum extent practi-cal when social distancing cannot be maintained. It is also vital that personnel maintain a proper awareness of COVID-19 mitigation measures, precautions or guidance provided by the chain of command and civil authorities. We know these measures are tough. We know that after several months of stay at home orders and quarantine, people are ready to get out and enjoy life again. We aren’t there yet. There are still dangers from the virus and we need everyone to put our service – and our shipmates – first, for just a little while longer.

From NAVFAC SE Public Affairs

Naval Facilities Engineering Com-mand (NAVFAC) Southeast Com-manding Officer Capt. Mike Monreal virtually recognized nine employees, June 25, for graduating from the NAVFAC Leadership Development Program (LDP). The command offers two programs with the purpose of training employ-ees to be effective leaders: Aspiring Leadership Development Program (ALDP) and Leadership Develop-ment Program (LDP). “These programs are vital to NAV-FAC’s mission to recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified and motivated personnel,” said NAVFAC Southeast Total Force Supervisor Dr. Diane Shider. “Having centralized leadership development programs, the command is able to directly develop upcoming leaders within NAVFAC as well as retain employ-ees through creating bonds of loyalty to our organization.”

The nine graduates who participat-ed in the two-year LDP program are located across the command’s area of responsibility. The graduates in-clude Kyle Acton, John Bazylewicz, Michael Cassidy, David Chung, Phil-ip Dixon, Renee Dudgeon, Bren-

dan Less, and Patricia O’Neil from NAVFAC Southeast Headquarters in Jacksonville, and Sabrina Wil-liams-Hopkins from Public Works Department (PWD) Pensacola. Due to restrictions brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, the command followed proper physical distancing guidelines by conducting the ceremony virtually through Mic-rosoft Teams. “I regret that COVID-19 prevented us from being able to celebrate the accomplishments of each graduate together, but you have demonstrat-ed dedication, agility and resilience as you completed this demanding program,” said NAVFAC Southeast Commanding Officer Capt. Mike Monreal. “You should be justly proud of your accomplishments and I challenge you to use what you have learned to better yourself and our command.” Many of the graduates had good things to say about the LDP program and its benefits, despite the challeng-

es. “The LDP gave me the opportuni-ty for introspection, getting feedback from others, and determining how I can challenge myself to be better,” said NAVFAC Southeast Contracting Senior Field Liaison John Bazyle-wicz. “LDP also gave me the oppor-tunity to consider the current macro environment and the strategic impor-tance of our work at NAVFAC.” NAVFAC created the LDP to provide robust developmental op-portunities for its future civilian senior leaders. The program provides leadership development through progressive learning opportunities consisting of formal education and training, rotational assignments, and other developmental activities. “My advice to the next class is to trust the process,” said PWD Pen-sacola Installation Energy Manager Sabrina Williams-Hopkins. “This program is very effective and ben-eficial if you are willing to learn outside your area of common knowl-edge.”

Nine graduate from NAVFAC Southeast’s Leadership Development Program

Photo by Jeffrey HamlinNaval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast Commanding Officer Capt. Mike Monreal speaks to nine graduates from the NAVFAC Leadership Development Program during a virtual ceremony, June 25.

NAS Jax Summer Reading ProgramThrough Aug. 7

Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover! Register and log your minutes of reading online or via the Beanstack Tracker App to win prizes throughout the summer. Additional activities will include curbside pick-up of activity kits and prize giveaways, plus virtual story time with special guest readers! Register now at https://

jacksonvillenavy.beanstack.org/ For questions, call (904) 542-3227.

Dine on the Go Order to go meals from Mulligan’s between 6:30 am - 5:15 p.m. every day. Download the Dine on the Go Jacksonville app or visit https://www.dineonthegojacksonville.com/ to place your order.

Navy MWR ESPORTS Be part of the upcoming Navy MWR ESPORTS Tournaments! Top winners receive gift cards. Cheer on Sailors & friends from around the world as they compete in Navy MWR ESPORTS events! Visit https://www.navymwr.org/programs/esports to learn more.

Navy MWR at Home Stay active. Stay informed. Stay connected. Navy MWR compiled a list of resources to help keep you

busy & entertained while you are home. Explore fitness activities & resources, daily surprise videos from musicians, comedians, magicians & other entertainers, recipes in the cooking section, or travel the world virtually through online content from museums, theme parks, & historic sites. Visit https://www.navymwr.org/navy-mwr-at-home/ to discover more.

Navy MWR Digital Library Offers thousands of free resources, including printable activity sheets, feature films, music, hobbies & crafts, concerts, e-books, audio books, documentaries, ancestry records, repair manuals & so much more! Open 24/7/365. Visit https://www.navymwrdigitallibrary.org to register.

From Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs

Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s award-winning Family Medicine Residency Program, now in its 49th year of continuous accreditation, graduated 25 physicians (13 interns and 12 residents) at a ceremony on June 26 at the hospital. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony included face coverings, social distancing, and a limited number of participants on-site at any given time. Each year’s graduation symbolizes the completion of training for one group of physicians, and the kick-off to the program’s new academic year for 39 residents and interns. All program participants are physicians who have completed medical school. By the end of the first year, each has completed training rotations in pediatrics, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal

care (orthopedics and sports medicine), ophthalmology, inpatient medicine, behavioral health, general surgery, military medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and dermatology. To become board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), physicians must be licensed and successfully complete three years of residency training in a program (like NH Jacksonville’s) that’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Additionally, physicians must meet all board requirements and pass the ABFM board certification exam. “As highly skilled family medicine docs, these men and women will be supporting the medical needs of service members and their families all over the world — on, above, and below the sea, and in combat zones,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dustin Smith, NH Jacksonville’s acting family medicine residency program director. “Our program’s success is a result of the dedicated efforts of our outstanding faculty, support staff, command leadership, and the residents themselves.” Upon completion of the first year of study, some residents choose to go directly into the fleet to serve as general medical officers, flight surgeons, or undersea medical officers. Those who stay continue for two additional years of training in key areas of family medicine such as obstetrics, pediatrics, internal medicine, sports medicine, neurology, mental health, trauma, and intensive care. After completing residency and passing the national ABFM exam, the residents become board certified family medicine physicians. They’re assigned as staff at Defense Health Agency, Navy,

Marine Corps, and joint settings world-wide, caring for active duty, families, and retirees. NH Jacksonville’s Family Medicine Residency Program earned the top award for scholarly activity in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 from the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians, and 2013 Excellence in Teaching Award and 2011 Family Medicine Clinical Site of the Year Award from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The graduating physicians have consistently earned a 100 percent board certification pass rate. Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Jacksonville deliver quality health care, in an integrated system of readiness and health. NH Jacksonville (and its five branch health clinics) serves 163,000 active-duty, family members, and retired service members, including 75,000 patients who are enrolled with a primary care manager. NMRTC Jacksonville (and its five units) ensures warfighters’ medical readiness to deploy and clinicians’ readiness to save lives. To find out more, visit www.tricare.mil/MTF/jacksonville.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville Gradu-ates Family Medicine physicians

Photos by Jacob SippelThe Navy’s newest physicians stand at attention during a graduation ceremony for Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s Family Medicine Resi-dency Program, June 26 at the hospital. The program, now in its 49th year of continuous accreditation, graduated 25 physicians. NH Jack-sonville’s Family Medicine Residency Program consistently earns the top award for scholarly activity from the Uniformed Services Acade-my of Family Physicians.

Capt. Matthew Case, Naval Hospital Jackson-ville commander and Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Jacksonville command-ing officer, speaks at the Family Medicine Resi-dency Program graduation, June 26.