Number Thirty-Seven Winter 2011 - 2012 .

ASSOCIATION

Newsletter

http://www.amdo.org

Make it a matter of routine to check the AMDO Association Web Site daily. We're always adding information and articles of interest to the community. Here's what you'll find:

Breaking news of interest Selection board results as soon as they are released E-mail addresses for hundreds of AMDOs, plus our aviation

LDO and CWO brethren (Check yours and make sure its up-to-date)

ALNAVs of interest to AMDOs AMDO Photo Gallery for your entertainment The Aviation Maintenance Encyclopedia AMDO Merchandise – hats, shirts, ties, cups, etc etc .…and much, much more

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Check the mailing label on your Newsletter. If the membership expiration date above your name is Dec 2011 or prior, please renew now. Send your $20 renewal check to the AMDO Association at the address on the back cover OR you can renew with your credit card via PayPal at www.amdo.org/members.html. While you’re at it, update us on your phone numbers and e-mail addresses as well as what you’ve been doing lately. Thanks!

We do send e-mails to remind you when renewal is due, but keeping ahead of the game is truly appreciated.

Featured Articles COMPTUEX ................................................ Gene Santiago Establishing the AMDO TAR Program ............ Dave Hundt The Carrier Strike Group Readiness Team ....... Bob Farmer You Won't Have Any Trouble Getting Hired David Randle A Sense of Place .................................................. Eric Dean Remembering Capt Bob Duff ............................Paul Searcy North to Alaska .............................................. Mike Callinan

2011 Aviation Maintenance Professional Symposium Recap

The 2011 Aviation Maintenance Symposium was another complete success. 239 attendees represented the 1500, 1520, 1520, 1525, 1527, 6330, 3100 and CWO communities. Held at the Westin Hotel in Virginia Beach from 27 – 30 June, it began with a well-attended golf tournament on Monday. Dave Ferriera, Daryl Pierce and Nate Schneider all won prizes. The Symposium itself kicked off on Tuesday morning with CAPT JC Cobell, the MC and organizing committee chair, recognizing the sponsors: Eagle Systems, LMI, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Teradyne, and WBB. RDML Tim Matthews began the presentations with a welcome and a presentation on the State of the FRC. Next was RDML (Sel) CJ Jaynes with an overview of NAVAIR PMA opportunities. Other presentations over the three days were:

• NAE Overview - Mr. Russ Scott • Helo HADR Operations - LCDR Dennis Monagle • FRIA Operations - LCDR Laura Foster • JSF Program Update, 33rd FW Eglin AFB - CAPT Chris

Kennedy, CDR Joel Tessier • Design for Maintainer - Mr. Joe Notario • Keynote Presentation “Naval Aviation Now and in the

Future” - VADM Dave Architzel • Aviation Support Equipment - CAPT Fred Hepler • Aviation Training - CAPT Terry Burt • The Future of Naval Aviation - RDML Mike Manazir • The TYCOM Perspective - CAPT Mike Kelly • USMC Aviation - LTC Jack Abate, USMC • Enterprise AIRSpeed/CPI - CAPT (Sel) Jim Parish • OPNAV N43 Fleet Aviation Readiness - CAPT Rich

Lorentzen • Navy ERP - Capt Ray Rodriguez, SC

Photos from the symposium as well as the presentations themselves are available on the AMDO.ORG website. Click on “Old News” and scroll down to the 7/2/2011 entry. (con’t on page 3)

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Happy Holidays fellow Greenshirts! As I write this, the weather is turning cold, the leaves are off the trees, and regular season football is coming to a close (and, yes, Navy beats Army for tenth consecutive year!). But despite the familiar feel of the approaching holidays, this is not a normal budget season at the Pentagon… In my job as the Director, Fleet Readiness (OPNAV N43) I am responsible for building the requirements and allocating the resources for the main readiness accounts including the Flying Hour Program, Aviation Depot Maintenance, Aviation Support, Ship Operations, Ship Maintenance, and Ship Support. We are currently in the process of building the POM14 requirement, which includes the proposed funding levels for FY14 through FY18. This year is particularly challenging because of the tremendous churn in all three of the budgets currently in play. The FY12 budget has not yet been signed and as of this writing the National Defense Authorization Act is still being negotiated on Capitol Hill. As a result we are still operating under a Continuing Resolution Act (as we did for much of last year), making it difficult for many acquisition programs to execute their plans. The POM13 budget is still undergoing some revisions by OSD before being delivered to the President for his review. There were some important adjustments to the POM13 budget at the end of the DoD review cycle that are expected to result in force structure changes, but these have not yet been approved and finalized. POM14 is therefore starting off with a baseline that is still in flux. On top of this we have the potential impacts of the Budget Reduction Act of 2011, which mandates 1.2T of additional cuts beginning in January 2013. This will lead to across-the-board whacks to the defense budget unless Congress can come up with an alternate means of achieving the savings that both parties can agree on. Throw in the 2012 election and you will appreciate that this is a very challenging budget environment we find ourselves in at the close of 2011. All is not lost, however. Our leaders are intent on making the tough choices that will ensure we meet our contributions to deficit reduction while maintaining a force level commensurate with our national security responsibilities. As we close down major operations in Iraq, begin ramping down in Afghanistan, and put more focus on the Pacific theater, the Navy will play an increasingly central role in our national security strategy. Our CNO’s basic tenets -- Warfighting First, Operate Forward, and Be Ready -- clearly articulate the imperatives of the Navy’s traditional purpose of deterring aggression through forward presence. “Being ready” must be more than a slogan, and our leadership is mindful of the danger of once again becoming a “hollow force” as occurred in the draw downs after the Viet Nam conflict and the fall of the Berlin Wall. To avoid such a scenario, we must continue to adequately fund the maintenance of our ships and aircraft to ensure they are ready to fight and that they meet their expected service life. For Naval Aviation this means we must also continue to invest in both current and future readiness by funding initiatives that will enhance reliability, improve efficiency, and lower cycle times. So, what does this mean to the AMDO community? It means we will continue to play a vital role in generating readiness for the Naval Aviation Enterprise. But we must recognize that the size of our community is governed by the Navy’s force structure, and should we reduce the number of aviation squadrons, we can expect a commensurate reduction in AMDO billets. We will work hard to ensure that any changes that are made to the billet base are done so in an integrated fashion to keep our structural pyramid balanced and promotion rates and flow points as steady as possible. Our community has traditionally been a source of great innovation and business acumen, and now more than ever we need these qualities to help shape the future of Naval Aviation. So if you’re reading this and wondering how you can help make your future Navy better, “turn to” and start that next Airspeed project, help figure out how to increase the reliability of that ALQ-99 travelling wave tube, or help reduce the time it takes to get that HUD across the bench and up to the flight deck. Keep ‘em flying and let’s have a great 2012!

The Admiral’s Corner RDML Tim Matthews

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Supporting Naval Air Systems Command Programs – A Focus on Efficiency and Speed RDML (Sel) CJ Jaynes In this era of continuous improvement and overwhelming budget constraints, providing the best possible services to our customers is more than a nice-to-do – it’s an absolute must-to-do. As a primary customer, the Naval Air Systems Command’s programs (NAVAIR PMAs) rely on our aviation maintenance expertise to sustain fleet readiness, both current and future. We must make it our goal to not simply meet PMA needs and expectations, but

to exceed them – and we can do this by re-energizing our efforts in focused efficiency and increasing the speed of getting our products out the door. How can we accomplish this? By dividing this over-arching goal into three target areas, we are better able to direct our energies and hit the mark – Current Readiness, Future Readiness and People. These are my focus areas for AIR 6.0. We will support Current Readiness through increased focus on the PMA’s success. We can do this by aligning our efforts with Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, Naval Supply Systems Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUPWSS), CNAF, Type Model Series teams, Headquarters Marine Corps and Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; by providing direct and transparent engagement with the PMA teams; and by minimizing staffing risks in the PMA. We will support Future Readiness by helping to improve the acquisition process. We will re-focus on sustainment planning beginning with pre-Milestone A and continuing support throughout the life cycle; we will drive relevancy into current Systems Engineering Technical Review events; and we will expand analytical processes that drive critical thinking to produce desired behavior. And last, but not least, we will support People by improving the effectiveness of our valued workforce. We will develop standard work and processes to improve efficiency and output; we will build a diverse and versatile talent pool through developing our workforce knowledge, skills and abilities; and we will focus on employee wellness and morale. Although my focus areas outline specifics to support our customer’s needs, the concepts are really germane to each of us. If you think about applying similar principles to the various customers you serve every day, I’m confident you’ll see areas where you, too, can become more productive and add more value to your products and services. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our community as a Flag Officer and I am looking forward to what the future may bring. There is an open invitation for all 1520s, past and present, when in the Pax River area. 2011 Aviation Maintenance Professional Symposium Recap (con’t from page 1) A very well attended social & Happy Hour were held on Tuesday at the Westin Hotel. The Wednesday evening sit-down dinner featured Don Rice as the highly entertaining and insightful speaker. On Thursday, the traditional Navy celebrational cake was cut by the most senior AMDO present, Jack Jeffords (YG64), and the most junior AMDO present, Phil Martinez (YG09). The symposium concluded at mid-day on Thursday, 30 June. Special kudos go to the hard-working committee members who deserve great credit for the success of the 2011 Symposium: CDR John Zrembski, CDR Craig Owen, LCDR BJ Joaquin, LCDR Ed Twining, LT Mandy Wells, LT Clarence Xander, LT John Mosley, LT Travis Jones, LT Carol Yeiser, and LT Tim Pultz. Under RDML (s) Jaynes’ leadership, planning has already begun for the next symposium to be held in 2013 during the AMDO community's 45th birthday. If you couldn’t attend the 2011 Symposium, make sure you don’t miss the next one.

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Congrats to our FY12 active duty Lieutenant Commander selectees:

Rich Agullana Sam Bornino Derek Burns Leanne Carter David Chrest Richie Mercado Eric Nagley Shantelle Overly Mikey Phillips Becky (Ramos) Bujaki Dan Reid Jim Rorer Drew Rutherford Tom Schroeder Frank Suela Shannon Thompson Jerry Timog Chieh Yang

Congrats to our FY12 FTS Lieutenant Commander Selectees: Devin Lewis John Reid Deserine Price-Jordan Jason McCord Troy Smith Anton Allen

From the June and November NAVAIRSYSCOM Acquisition Slating Panels, congrats to:

CAPT Mike Beaulieu – DCMA Aircraft Propulsion Operations, East Hartford, CT. CDR Russ Dickinson – FRC West, Lemoore, CA CDR Hump Lee – FRC Northwest, Whidbey Island, WA CAPT Nora Burghardt – PMA202 - Aircrew Systems CAPT Tim Pfannenstein – FRC Southwest - San Diego, CA - (XO/CO) CAPT Terry Hammond – Center for Naval Aviation Tech Training - Pensacola, FL (XO/CO)

Congrats to the following selectees from the FTS O-5/O-5(s) slate:

CDR B C Young – FRC West Det Ft Worth (OIC) CDR Marty Rumrill – COMFRC CDR Tom May – CNAFR DP Pax River (C-130 DAPML) LCDR Bruce Osborne – FRC MA Site Washington (OIC) LCDR Frank Seguin – FRC East Det McGuire (OIC) CDR Warren Crouch – CNAFR NORVA (N42B) LCDR Scott Gilpin – CNAFR NORVA (VP/VR)

Congrats to the following FY12-2 1520 Acquisition Corps selectees:

LCDR Bernard Calamug LCDR Francini Clemmons LCDR Tommie Crawford LCDR Jim Gault LCDR Rico Harris LCDR Stephen Kehrt LCDR Jeffrey Lake LCDR Michael Polito CDR Jose Riefkohl LCDR Timothy Ryan LCDR Louis Scott LCDR Michael Windom and to the following 1520 Acquisition Corps Eligible selectees: LT Rich Agullana LCDR James Carmichael LT Mikey Phillips LCDR Luis Rivera

Congratulations to the following FY12-2 1527 FTS Acquisition Corps selectees: LCDR Debra Vavrus LCDR Jon Voigtlander and to the following 1527 Acquisition Corps Eligible selectees: LCDR Alyce Grillet LCDR Gerald Lewis LCDR Shawn Noga

Congrats to Wayne Shipman and Mark Williams (both 6332 LDOs) on their selection to 1520 from the June 2011

Lateral Transfer/Redesignation board

Community News: Congrats to our Selectees

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In Other News…. Al Palmer has designed a really neat AMDO coin that is now available on the Merchandise page

of the AMDO.ORG website. Check it out. Retired Captain Avgi Ioannidis (YG82) passed away on 6 October after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Her

memorial service was held on19 October in Camarillo CA.

Retired Captain Rick Trayner (YG74) died on June 7 after suffering a massive heart attack at his office at Wyle Labs in Jax. A memorial service was held on June 18 in Orange Park, FL.

Stan Pyle (YG78) died on 10 August 2011at his home in Pennsylvania. Congrats to the winners of this year's DoD Maintenance awards. Out of six awards, Naval Aviation captured

three! The awards were presented to the winners at the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards banquet on November 16 during the 2011 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

FRC Southwest – Medium Category Winner VMAQ-1 and VFA-143 – Small Category Winners

Dear Members of the AMDO Association!

Greetings! The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (PRNAM) Association has announced that the new museum building will break ground in late April or early May 2012 and is slated to have a ribbon cutting in late 2013 or early 2014. With the support of RDML Matthews, RDML Jaynes and CAPT Fred Hepler, we are proud to also announce that the AMDO Association is developing plans for an AMDO display and interactive ATE demonstration as part of the PRNAM opening.

You can assist this initiative by participating in the 2012 annual membership and capital campaign

contribution drive. As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, your donation to the PRNAM is fully tax deductable. You can also receive important tax advantages by making a donation from your IRA account. This year PRNAM is starting a new Capital Campaign Contribution program to provide the necessary funding to upgrade and properly display and expand the exhibits and organize the archives suitable for better use in the new building.

I encourage you to visit the museum’s website at http://paxmuseum.com and contribute. Membership dues

and additional donations will help PRNAM and the AMDO Association to field the AMDO display. You support would be greatly appreciated.

Merry Christmas and a very Joyous New Year! With your added support the objective of opening a world

class, modern museum with significant AMDO community involvement is on the horizon.

Eric Dean, ‘80

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YG 64 Bob Hunter was diagnosed with Parkinson's in February of 2010. In November Bob and Norma moved from what was to have been their final house in Elizabeth City, NC to ATRIA in Virginia Beach. Bob says that it is quite a job downsizing after all of these years but they are settling into their new apartment very nicely.

YG 65 Norm Blinn had successful knee surgery in June. Norm passes along a suggestion: when at a USNA home game, don’t miss the bottom step and land on the concrete with your knee. He tore everything and it never got better with time. Norm now reports that his knee operation fixed all problems and he is back to a full lifestyle again. He hits the gym three times a week for a full workout and is still cranking out 50 sit-ups and push-ups (and then some throw-ups) before doing heavy weights at each session. Norm says that he will never return to the weight he had in the Navy, but at least he is keeping “Dunlop’s Disease” at bay. Glenn Boston had successful shoulder replacement surgery in May.

YG 68 Rich Minter reports that he and Helen are doing well. Kathy and Dave Mozgala did a two-week coastal drive from San Francisco to Seattle this fall They toured the city and then spent two days with friends in Santa Rosa, followed by the winery tours and Jack London’s home. Dave walked among the redwoods and says that they’re absolutely incredible. The Mozgalas stayed at a National Guard Base, Fort Rilea, in northwestern Oregon where they visited the final stop of Lewis and Clark. They came across a trapper Rendezvous reenactment which was very interesting. Dave says that they learned a lot about the Lewis and Clark trip on their national parks tour a couple of years ago, and he has always wanted to see their final fort. They then stayed at the Navy Inn (BEQ/BOQ) in Bremerton where they had a nice DV suite on the top floor overlooking the shipyard. They saw Indy and a couple of other older carriers waiting to be made into razor blades. Then it was on to Whidbey Island before three days in Seattle where they went to the top of the Space Needle and, of course, the market; then toured the Boeing plant, and found a casino to lose a few

bucks. The Mozgalas will be cruising to the Caribbean in January aboard Holland America’s newest ship, MS Nieuw Amsterdam.

YG 69 On 21 December, Marty Reagan will finish working fulltime having logged 42+ years drawing a paycheck from the Navy both on active duty and as a contractor. Nancy and Marty’s basic plan calls for more travel (snowbirding in Florida during January and February, cruising the western Caribbean in January, touring the Utah national parks in March, seeing Machu Picchu and the Galapagos in May, and spending September on two back-to-back cruises visiting both the eastern Med and the western Med), plus more community volunteer work, more flying their Cessna 182, and more bluegrass banjo pickin’. Phil Smiley reports that he is having fun up in Washington State flying as a Lt Col in the Civil Air Patrol and with the Boeing Employees Flying Association. He and Robin made a trip to Keflavik, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Venice, and Italyin September. They spent lots of time behind what was the Iron Curtain and is now free, seeing lots of museums, palaces, castles and churches. After the 12-day Rick Steves tour with about 22 folks and a guide, they proceeded to Salzburg, Venice and then Monterosso. After an overnight in Lucca just outside of Pisa, they hopped planes back to Amsterdam and the good old USA. Phil says “it was mind numbing to an old guy like me to see how much the world has changed since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The other stark contrast is the depth of the history in Europe compared to our barely 200 years as the United States. The Euro, internet, and my iPad2 made it much easier to get around than when I was on cruise in the 70s and 80s. I did miss going back ship to fix airplanes and find out the latest gouge on the next port to visit.”

YG 70 Jane and Mike Kiem took a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in September with Viking.

YG 71 Louise and Fred Braman spent time in Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Italy in September and October. They went to Octoberfest in Munich and took a boat/bike

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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trip in Croatia, biking the Croatian islands in the Adriatic from Dubrovnik north. Fred says that Croatia is terrific; beautiful, inexpensive, friendly, and neat as a pin! In Italy, the Bramans returned to the Italian Montessori school where Fred taught for three years in the late 90s. Fred also attended Rick Trayner's burial service in Kentucky on November 5 and stopped for a night with Karl Neeb in Tennessee on his way back to Florida. The Association welcomes into membership Fred Orton who works at Torrey Pines Securities where he manages investment accounts, IRAs and annuities to help his clients build wealth and a secure retirement.

YG 73 Tom Reed is looking forward to their second grandchild next July. Tom gets keep to their 15-month old grandson every Friday and really enjoys it. Dianne & Bob Ruthazer are still working as founder and Programs Director for a community non-profit: First Things First of Greater Richmond in Virginia. The mission is strengthening families for a better community. Their role is to provide “Couple’s Skills” education and to train clergy and counselors in our area. The Ruthazers also coordinate a coalition of churches, clergy and ministry leaders from every denomination who collaborate to strengthen marriages in the community. They also supervise programs for dads like Boot Camp for New Dads in 7 hospitals and All Pro Dads. They also coordinate programs in schools and community centers to teach youth healthy relationship skills and to reduce teen pregnancies (Relationship Smarts for at-risk youth). Bob says that they stay very busy because families are in great need and there is no lack of work both in the churches and in the community. They keep their own relationship fresh with fun together like a cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman in December.

YG 74 Although Tom Ciarula is semi-retired, he still continues to support the classified UAV program he has been on the last three years. He says that somehow his company SAIC doesn’t understand “semi-retired” and convinced him to deploy to Kandahar, Afghanistan from August to October last year. Tom says that it is fun getting back out on the flight line and getting your hands dirty. Tom also volunteers as a docent at the Udvar Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum by Dulles Airport. His normal day is Friday, but he would be happy to meet up with any AMDOs that are in town, if he is available.

YG 75 Ken Marks has left CACI after eight rewarding years and is now a foot soldier with the McKean Defense Group where he continues to serve the surface ship maintenance community under the flag of the Commander, Naval Regional Maintenance Centers.

YG 77 Steve Clarke retired from the Reserves and spent 2009 & 2010 helping Jeff Cook and Wally Massenburg at BAE with some support initiatives. Larry Howard is the Managing Director of Business Development for Coalition Solutions, a woman-owned small business in California, MD providing IVHM analysis, logistics, IT program management and other services to DoD and Federal Agencies. Larry says that they’re doing some great things for the F/A-18 and other communities turning maintenance data into information supporting grooming, bad actor identification and trend analysis for both legacy and new aircraft and systems. Pete Laszcz is now the managing director for B757 and B767 overhauls and modifications at Tulsa. For the last 2½ years at American he was running the Component Overhaul Business. He also runs their 3rd Party Marketing and Sales organization. Pete and Judy have been traveling a lot in 2011. They took a Cruise to the Balitcs in Spring, the Paris Air Show in June, Hawaii in Thanksgiving and are currently cruising the Danube River from Passau Germany to Budapest. Pete is still homeported in Tulsa and invites AMDOs to feel free to stop by and see them if in the area. Mike Romero sold his print shop and is no longer in the printing business.

YG 78 Bill Devey moved to Jupiter, FL in the spring as the CH-53K T&E supportability logistician working at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center where he works with new technologies and some very bright engineers. Bill is located on the United Technologies Corporation site near Indiantown, Fl, literally in the middle of nowhere. He says his work space is just above where Rocketdyne makes the rocket engines for NASA and the Air Force. The area is about 6 miles across with alligators everywhere: Bill doesn’t walk far! Bill sold his boat five years ago and has sailed but once since then. He says that his desire to sail the ocean is completely gone, and that, quite frankly, he has reverted to the stage he was in when he was in his 30s: studying. He just finished a fourth graduate program.

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Ted Miller reports that after 9½ years at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, he has taken a position at the University of Virginia where he is the Operations Manager at the Center for Applied Biomechanics. The center is part of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Ted says that distance is cut in half, commute time cut by 2/3, and travel has gone from about 125,000 miles a year to zero. All in all, a very positive move for him.

YG 79 David Beck is working at GE as the TF34 Upgrades Program Manager, helping to extend the life and improve the performance of the A-10 Warthog. David is also GE’s lead for DoD reclamation of engines and parts that have reached the end of their useful life. His crew gets the good metals out, makes new parts and provides DoD with credits to spend maintaining the current inventory. The Association welcomes into membership Dave Berry, who works for Stanley & Associates in Jax as Project Manager of the CGI Group Inc. where he has managed the Inventory Operation of the NAVAIR Central Kitting activity since 1996. His employer, Stanley Associates Inc, has recently been awarded another 5-year contract to continue supporting the fleet with Technical Directive kits and services. Dave lives in Jacksonville, Fl with his wife Kassie. They are celebrating their tenth anniversary on Sept 9, 2011. Al Garcia retired from CVN-70 this fall and began a career as a Real Estate Agent working with Century 21 Award in San Diego County.

YG 80 Mark Czarzasty reports that he’s still supporting NAVAIR PMA213 and that life is good. Larry Kimbrow resigned from his position as the Transportation Planning Coordinator at the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission in June. Larry fully intends to enter into a FULL-TIME retirement status. Mike “Shoe” Mellor is now “fully retired.” He and Bev are residing at their home in Canelo, Arizona, enjoying life and travel. Terry Merritt is working on the NETC staff implementing IPP.

YG 81 After 10 years in education and two years travelling, Dennis Baker is working for Wyle Labs in Warner Robins, GA in quality. Steve Bartlett has relocated to Southwest Virginia and owns the Black Diamond Ranch where he produces all-natural healthy beef products, boards horses and, starting next year, will be running a B&B. Check it out at www.theblackdiamondranch.com.

YG 82 Kent Caldwell is now a NAWCAD Civil Servant assigned to the JSF JPO as the Navy Introduction-to-Service Lead. Tim Holland is Program Director, Navy & Marine Corps C4I Programs with URS Corporation in Lexington Park.

YG 83 Will Bransom is assigned as the Director, Strategic Plans and Policies (J5) Combined Forces, Special Operations Component Command, Kabul, Afghanistan.

YG 85 David Randle is working at Don Selvy Enterprises in program management of the Naval Aviation Simulator Master Plan Ellen Coyne and some talented ladies from upstate New York are have founded Veterans PetReach, of which Ellen is President. The mission of Veterans PetReach is to foster, train and place a carefully selected shelter or rescue animal with a veteran who can benefit from the presence of a companion animal. Companion animals are in-home pets. While these animals do not provide a service that compensates for a disability, they can provide invaluable emotional support as well as a number of other health benefits. In the case of Veterans PetReach adopted animals, the companion animal will be selected for its temperament and other traits in order to best suit the veteran’s lifestyle and support his/her needs. Veteran’s PetReach is awaiting final approval from New York state to be able to solicit funding. However, once that comes through, they'll readily accept any donations. www.VeteransPetReach.org

YG 86 Rob Caldwell assumed command of FRC SE in July. Curt Dodges retired from COMFRC last summer.

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Ellen Moore PCS’d to DLA Headquarters in August

YG 87 Jon Albright finished his NAVAIR tour and is now the JSF program’s Director, Weapon System Logistics relieving Chris Kennedy. Stu Alexander has worked for National Technologies Associates, Inc since retiring in February 2008. He recently completed the transition of the Voyage Repair Team from NAWC(AD) to FRCMA. Chris Kennedy completed his tour at JSF, and is now at COMNAVAIRLANT as the Director, Aviation Material Readiness and Support Equipment (N423) In August, John Smajdek assumed command of FRC SW relieving Fred Melnick who is now assigned to COMFRC. Neil Williams completed his tour with the Navy IG and has relieved Bruce Brosch as N4 on the CTF70 staff aboard USS George Washington.

YG 89 Ken Jalali has finished his tour as PACFLT N43 as the Aviation Maintenance Officer and Carrier Readiness Officer, and is now the Corporate Operations Officer at FRC SE in Jacksonville. Lance Massey is now the Deputy Commander of the 33MXG (JSF) at Eglin AFB, FL.

YG 90 Bert Costa is now at DAU in San Diego teaching courses in Logistics, PQM, Acquisitions, Systems Engineering, and Business/Costing Estimating/Financial Management. Bert is also still manages the AMO PQS program.

YG 91 The AMDO Association welcomes into membership JR Rodriguez who graduated from ICAF last summer and is now at the Navy IG office. Jim Parrish completed his AIRSpeed tour and is now the EA to AIR-6.0. Gene Santiago completed his tour as AIMDO aboard USS George Washington and is now the CSFTP Flag MO.

YG 93 Dave Ferreira transferred from CSFTL FLAGMO to Strike Fighter Wing MO (Atlantic) in September.

YG 94 Mark Nieto completed his AIMDO tour aboard USS Enterprise in September and was relieved by Tony Kelly. Mark reported to FRC WestPac (formerly NAPRA) as XO in Atsugi, Japan in December. The Association welcomes into membership Billy Young, currently on the Reserve TYCOM N42 Staff in Norfolk, VA.

YG 95 Steve Padron graduated from the Inter-American Defense College, as well as the Maritime Staff Operators Course (MSOC) in Newport, RI, and relieved CDR Ken Jalali at COMPACFLT (N43).

YG 96 Barbara Bauer-Chen retired last spring and moved to Japan where she is teaching and editing English. Joe Byers’ company, Pleasant Valley Energy, signed a Joint Venture with Active Ventilation in Newburgh, N.Y. to manufacture Solar Roof Ventilation Systems and is being awarded a GSA Schedule 56 contract next month to sell solar roof vents to federal and military customers through GSA Advantage customers worldwide. Currently Joe’s is the only company offering this product to the government. Joe is transitioning now from consulting to manufacturing and is converting his current website to an eCommerce through Yahoo Small Business. They will be hiring veterans starting in January 2012 during their ramp-up and moving to a larger facility in Newburgh. Joe says that he is truly blessed The Association welcomes into membership Darren Jones, currently at COMNAVAIRLANT, who will be reporting as AIMDO aboard Eisenhower in April. Jackie Lapacek is the NAMP Policy Officer at COMNAVAIRFOR.

YG 97 Congrats to Jim Belmont on passing his FAA check ride and getting his private pilot’s license.

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The Association welcomes into membership Will Hollis, the USS George Washington AMO.

YG 98 The Association welcomes into membership Jose “Marty” Martinez who is a student at NPS in Monterey. Ken Thompson finished his tour in NAVAIR PMA207 and is now the MO/COR for VFC-111 in Key West. Jay Toribio completed his tour in St Louis and is now the Industrial Quality Assurance Officer at FRC SW.

YG 99 The Association welcomes into membership Shaun Estep, the MO and COR at Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center in Fallon.

YG 00 Dave Hunt retired in October and has accepted a position as the Director of Academics for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the Camp Pendleton campus. Al Palmer finished his tour at CSFWL and is now the CVW-17 CAGMO. Scott Porter is now AMO aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt.

YG 01 Kelly Ann Varonfakis is at FRC West, Fort Worth as the Assistant Officer-in-Charge and Production Control Officer.

YG 03 Leeann Carter is now at COMNAVAIRLANT as the Assistant Carrier Strike Group Readiness Officer. Bryan Cryer transferred from VP-69 (AMO/MMCO) at NAS Whidbey Island, WA to FRC West, Site Ft Worth at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX via Legal Officer school in San Diego, CA. Brian is the 400 Division Officer working on the T-56-16 motor (C-130s). Dennis Davio is now the QAO in VFA-131. Will Gray is currently the IM-3 Division Officer on board the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Will will be moving up to Washington with the ship for a scheduled dry-dock period, and detach the ship in June 2012, when

he will PCS a couple hours north to Whidbey Island where he will join the VAQWINGPAC team as the AMO. Tom Schroeder transferred from his Iraq job to AIMD Guam det Atsugi where he is OIC.

YG 04 Vic Baldoni has been working as the AMO for AIMD on the finest ship in the fleet, USS Nimitz. Jonathan “Rosey” Greer completed his tour at FRCMA in New Orleans and is now MMCO of VAW-77. The Association welcomes into membership Troy Mask, the MMCO with the Golden Warriors of VFA-87. Alex Palomino is enjoying school at NPS in Monterey.

YG 05 Nick Mulcahey completed his tour at Kaneohe Bay and is now the AMO in HSC-25 in Guam.

YG 06 Kacey Bowman is now the QAO aboard USS Carl Vinson. Les Branch is now the 900 Division Officer at AIMD Sigonella. Charles Fisher is completing his education at NPS and is heading to VFA-34. Christopher Schrock is currently attending NPS and will graduate in March 2012 with a Master's in Information Technology Management, after which he will report to USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in April.

YG 08 Carlos Marcia completed his tour in VAW-126 and is now a DET-MO in HSC-26

YG 10 The Association welcomes into membership Jason Horowitz, the MMCO in HSC-7. Cody Krzton-Presson is now with HSC-3 in San Diego, specifically in the Squadron Augment Unit which is a group of about 30 Reservists that support the active duty component of HSC-3. The SAU works hand-in-hand with the squadron but has their own UIC and chain of

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command (AMO, MO, XO, CO, CMC, etc....). They're structured like a small det. The Association welcomes into membership Richard Legendre, the AMO in VFA-154.

YG 11 The Association welcomes into membership Jessica Horner, the MCO in HSM-77.

BY CDR GENE SANTIAGO (’91)

Headlines like “Orange Navy performs unprecedented military exercise in Magenta waters” and “Purple launches 11 missiles in show of power” are often heard during work-ups and at-sea exercises. When I was a young MCO, I recall asking my crusty MMCO, CWO4 Jimbo Merry, “What does that mean to us?” His reply was, “Don’t worry kid; we just make sure that the birds are ready to fly, no matter what the mission. In due time, it will all become clear to you.” Well, after 18 years of “making sure the birds are ready to fly,” I’ve finally discovered what it really means. The information didn’t just drop into my lap; it came with the responsibilities of a new job as “the Flag MO.” I recently joined the ranks of Strike Force Training Pacific (SFTP) as the N4 and began learning about the Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP) from a different angle – that of the trainer, the mentor, and the evaluator. As young AMDOs at the squadron-level, we learn to get the aircraft ready. We learn to manage people, obtain parts, and have birds ready for any contingency. We learn how the chain of command works down to the airman, and up to the Wing level. We are introduced to the NAMP, and we learn all about P&E (Planner & Estimator) repairs and the dreaded end-of-cruise MCI (Material Condition Inspection). As we matured, and move to AIMD and staff positions, we learn to get squadrons ready. We learn how to develop technicians, influence the logistics chain, and that support equipment is not just yellow/white gear (the term includes benches and test sets, too). We learn more about calibration than we ever wanted to know. We learn about Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints. And, of course, we learn to never let Tilley break down during cruise. Well now as a senior PAMO, I’m learning how to get the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ready (and why). At this level, we are developing leaders; evaluating CSG performance; and measuring compliance with naval doctrine. It is, in essence, an AMI (Aviation Maintenance Inspection) at the CSG level – how well do they perform when given a simulated “real world” scenario. “Our Job is not to prepare Strike Groups for deployment. Our job is to prepare Strike Groups for war.” SFTP Commander, Rear Admiral T.C. Cropper’s words are usually eye opening to a Strike Group’s warfare commanders. They envision COMPTUEX (Composite Training Unit Exercise) as a communications or stress test - can they coordinate with each other before they join up and go on deployment. When in reality it is an operations and tactics test; can they prioritize their assets in a way that maximizes offensive opportunities while ensuring the defense of the CSG. And, can they do it twice; against two diverse opponents. It is like sending a football team to play in the Super Bowl, when they have only finished pre-season strength and conditioning training - they are strong, they know their individual positions and how to execute them, but they have not worked as a team before. Their offensive and defensive plans are not mature. Their first half is normally very difficult and they learn a lot about themselves. So they apply their lessons learned, develop a new attack plan and come back stronger in the second half. But in the second half, a totally new, and fresh, opposing team shows up – new challenges are faced.

Featured Articles

COMPTUEX – Here Comes the All-Out Blitz

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As part of the logistics team, we maintenance professionals know our role is to provide components for our customers. There are other support staffs in the CSG: Intelligence, and Communications. We work together to support the various warfare commanders: Strike (STW), Sub-surface (ASW), Surface (SUW), Air Missile Defense (AMD), and Information (IW). In many cases, COMPTUEX is the first time in the FRTP that these warfare commanders are working together to complete a specific mission. This cross-warfare planning and execution is the real challenge - can the quarterback, the CSG Commander, read the other team’s defense and use his tools to gain an advantage? Can he take the advice of his team captains (Warfare Commanders) and develop a plan that will be multi-dimensional vice simply “running up the middle” every time? Can the team adapt to the different scenarios and opponents in a timely fashion? The Triad (AIMD, Supply, and CAGMO) works to support the Strike Warfare Commander by providing the aircraft necessary to complete the day’s missions. As the Flag MO, I measure the team’s ability to support the Strike Warfare Commander. Aircraft and bench availability, manpower, repair and stock postures are some of the areas that will disclose how well and for how long they can sustain the team in a “stressed” environment. Of all the data collected, the most important metric is subjective – can the team self-evaluate the challenges that are approaching and are they formulating a plan to counter the problem? Sometimes this happens naturally, as the stress of flying 120 sorties a day can be devastating on aging aircraft and the benches that support them, and sometimes I have to interject with a “what if” scenario. This is the most satisfying, and most difficult, part of the job – mentoring. Presenting advice and guidance to peers who have successfully worked their way to the milestone positions they hold can be challenging. Most accept counsel easily, understanding that even though they have 15 years of experience and have been on multiple deployments, they don’t have all the answers, while others are dismissive and say things like, “yeah, yeah, I know all about that.” I also evaluate the CSG N4’s ability to monitor, inform and coordinate logistics for the Strike Group. This includes managing ordnance, fuel, and provisions by moving materiel from ship to ship, support equipment for helo dets (through Strike Force IMA), and personnel between the ships of the strike group. I review their ability to coordinate Replenishments at Sea, CODs (carrier onboard delivery) and VODs (vertical onboard delivery), and plan contingencies should a real-world threat occur. The momentary inconvenience presented by heightened flight operations during COMPTUEX is nothing compared to the challenges of supporting the CSG every day when deployed to a combat zone. The big difference is that instead of having your logistics sources just off shore, they are now six to seven thousand miles away. So those little problems you faced during COMPTUEX now become long-term problems that are compounded by a stretched logistics tail and national holidays (don’t forget that “Murphy” likes to interject at the most inconvenient of times). So when the Flag MO comes out to your ship and “snoops” around your spaces, take the time to listen to a few sea stories – they might contain the nuggets of wisdom that will make your cruise successful. In the meantime, what can you do support your CO’s desire to put “Warheads on Foreheads” (former USS George Washington Commanding Officer, CAPT J.R. Haley) or “Turn the bad guys into hair, teeth, and bone fragments” (CSFTP Ops O, CAPT “BB” Tashjian)? Take the advice of my sage old MMCO and “make sure that the birds are ready to fly, no matter what the mission.” Disclaimer (What JAG made me include): This over-simplified article is based on personal observations and is to be used only as an informative training tool. It in no way reflects or implies official U.S. Navy opinions or directives. It is full of errors and inaccuracies. If you feel you must point them out to the author, please don’t. If you want to compliment the author, please email him at gene7883@hotmail.com.

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BY CAPT DAVE HUNDT (’65) In 1970, the Naval Air Reserve Program took a giant leap forward in becoming a major claimant and a type commander. The naval reserve program, then called CNARESTRA (Chief of Naval Reserve Training), was pulled from underneath CNATRA and put directly under CNO. It was then called CNAVRES and located in New Orleans, LA with COMNAVAIRESFOR and COMNAVSURFRESFOR directly reporting to CNAVRES. The air portion, COMNAVAIRESFOR, was composed of 6 air wings across the country consisting of 2 VP wings with 13 VP squadrons for a total of 105 aircraft, 2 carrier air wings consisting of 7 squadrons each with VA/VF/VAW/VAQ type squadrons for a total of 123 aircraft that were to report to a fleet carrier upon mobilization, 1 Helo wing consisting of nine squadrons for a total of 58 aircraft and 1 VR wing consisting of 15 squadrons for a total of 55 aircraft which later became the single VR wing for the entire Navy. The reserve squadrons (RESFORONs) were manned with 25-50% active duty personnel called TARs (Training and Administration for Reserves) depending on the type of squadron. The remainder of personnel who were Reservists filled the ranks to man the squadron. In each of these squadrons a USN warrant officer or LDO was assigned to aircraft maintenance to provide professional aircraft maintenance expertise as the aircraft maintenance material control officer (MMCO). The other maintenance officers in the squadrons consisted of one TAR officer and the rest were Reservists. The shore activities of the Naval Air Reserve, where the RESFORONs were assigned, consisted of six NASs: Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; Glenview, IL; New Orleans, LA; South Weymouth, MA; and Willow Grove, PA. There were also two NAFs, Detroit, MI and NAF Washington at Andrews AFB. The fleet sites where RESFORONs were stationed were Norfolk, VA; Quonset Point, RI; Jacksonville, FL; Cecil Field, FL; Patuxent River, MD; Memphis, TN; Whidbey Island, WA; Moffett Field, CA; Alameda, CA; Lemoore, CA; Miramar, CA; and San Diego, CA. These squadrons were supported by a “NARTU” or a “NARDET” with administrative and AIMD support depending on the number of squadrons. Active duty maintenance billets (TARs) in the AIMDs and reserve squadrons, along with the WOs/LDOs, were manned with URL TAR 1317, 1327 or 1307 designators.

Most of these officers were trained in aircraft maintenance through OJT and their valuable maintenance experience was lost upon transfer of these officers every two to three years in order for them to stay competitive within their communities. In 1968, the USN AMDO program was formally established to ensure that aircraft maintenance officer billets in squadrons, AIMDs (afloat and ashore), carrier wings and other key staff positions throughout the Navy were filled with highly trained professional aircraft maintenance officers. The reserve command was not serviced by the 1520 program. In 1971, I was very fortunate to be assigned to a new TAR aircraft maintenance billet at COMNAVAIRLANT staff in Norfolk, VA titled “Reserve Aircraft Maintenance Liaison Officer.” I asked to be embedded in the Code 53 spaces with the other aircraft maintenance officers instead of sitting way down the passageway from Code 53. I ended up sitting in the office next to Capt. Virg Lemmon who was Code 53 during this time. During our first conversation, he wanted to know what the naval air reserve program was about, where the squadrons were assigned and what was going to be COMNAVAIRLANT’s role for mobilization of reserve squadrons. Our vision was of one accord and from the initial meeting; Capt. Lemmon took me under his wing and treated me like one of his own officers. I attended all Code 53 morning meetings to be briefed on the latest fleet activities/problem areas needing attention, stood the Code 53 Saturday morning message watches to take action if necessary and was even assigned as the aircraft maintenance officer on an IG inspection of three of CNAL’s shore activities. One of the first things we did in Code 53 was to combine the reserve IMAs at fleet sites with the fleet AIMDs, i.e., Quonset Pt., RI; Norfolk, VA; Jacksonville, FL; and Memphis, TN. TAR personnel at these sites were then assigned to the fleet AIMDs and the IMRL equipment was combined and excesses redistributed. Capt. Lemmon ensured I had a “chop” on all excess IMRL lists that came in from fleet activities and allowed me to identify the reserve activities that could use the fleet excess equipment if the fleet did not have a requirement for it. We transferred millions of dollars of equipment that would otherwise have been transferred to the scrap yard. We also wrote the aircraft configuration directives for the reserve aircraft when mobilized to CNAL thus ensuring standardization between fleet and reserve aircraft.

Establishing the Active Duty Reserve (TAR) AMDO Program

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While assigned to CNAL, I met many of the, then, newly appointed AMDOs. I was impressed with their professionalism and how they operated as a group to get the job done. Folks like Bob Duff, Jim Wallace, Tom Cann, Paul Searcy, Don White, Bill Greenwell, Bob Moeller, and Rich Minter were assigned to Capt. Lemmon, Code 53, during my tenure at CNAL. The memories of this tour of duty instilled in me the idea that the naval air reserve program needed to establish a TAR AMDO community. The “One Navy” concept was starting to take hold. The introduction of modern aircraft into the reserve force, i.e., P-3C, EA-6B, F-14, F/A-18, and HH-60s, and the lessons learned by the Regular Navy prompting their establishment of a 1520 community more than ever solidified the need for a 1527 designator in the TAR community. Other key maintenance billets in addition to the RESFORONs were spread throughout the Naval Reserve administration system, such as air station AIMDs, reserve air wings, and on the staffs of CNO, COMNAVAIRSYSCOM, COMNAVAVNLOGCEN, CNAL/CNAP and COMNAVAIRESFOR. A few attempts had been made in the late 1970s and in the early 1980s by COMNAVAIRESFOR to raise awareness of and need for a TAR 1527 community, but to no avail, for various reasons. Other communities such as supply and intelligence already had well-established TAR officer designations at this time in the reserve community. Establishing the TAR AMDO community would provide the maintainability and sustainability that the Force needed. In November 1989, RADM R.K. Chambers (COMNAVAIRESFOR), again, raised the need for a TAR AMDO program with OP-13, RADM Quast. In December 1989, RADM Quast concurred that a TAR AMDO career path should be established and offered assistance from his office to do so. With the concurrence of RADM Quast, and while assigned as the Reserve Force Director of Aircraft Material, I was tasked to draft a proposal to justify the TAR AMDO community. In February 1990, a formal letter from RADM R.K. Chambers (COMNAVAIRESFOR) with the TAR AMDO officer development plan as an enclosure progressed up the chain of command to CNRF, OP095, OP05, OP13, NAVAIR and NMPC for approval. The plan, drafted with the assistance of the AMDO detailer shop, consisted of both a TAR AMD Professional Development Plan and a TAR AMD Career Pattern Plan.

The officers designated as TAR 1527s would be detailed by the Regular Navy (1520) detailer. This would allow TAR officers to be detailed into Regular Navy units on a regular basis, expanding the base of maintenance experience while concurrently ensuring standardized performance between the fleet and reserve activities. The following agreement was put in effect: for any TAR 1527 detailed to a Regular Navy billet, a 1520 would be required to fill the reserve billet left vacant by the 1527. If a 1520 was not available, then the TAR 1527 would not be assigned to a Regular Navy unit. Basically, a one-for-one swap would be adhered to at all times. Officers holding a 1527 designation could expect the same sea/shore rotation as their Regular Navy counterparts up until about the 12-year mark. Sea duty tours would be with the fleet units, and shore duty tours would, as much as possible, be with Naval Air Reserve Force maintenance activities/staffs, i.e., RESFORONs, Reserve AIMDs, Reserve Air Wings, or COMNAVAIRESFOR staff positions in New Orleans and NAVAIR.

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The plan was quickly approved by regular and reserve components and on 16 April 1990, Adm. Borda approved the establishment of the TAR AMDO community. Once the plan was approved, various officers had a big hand in carrying out the initial proposed plan outlined above especially at the NMPC level. Those officers were: Jerry

Derrick, AMDO detailer; Tom Vandenberg, AMDO career manager; Ken Marks, AMDO detailer; David Beck, AMDO career manager; and Tom Torchia, the first TAR AMDO career manager. They got it off and running over the first two years and made it work toward the “One Navy” concept. Originally, 46 officers were selected for TAR AMDO designation through selection boards of August 1990 and January 1991. The total number of TAR billets eventually expanded to 75 with more coming as requirements dictated. Over the last ten years, the drawdown of the reserve force has taken place and the reserve air squadrons are left with 12 VR, 1 VF, 2 VFC, 1 VAW and 3 Helo squadrons. Associated with this drawdown came the elimination of TAR/FTS AMDO billets and as of this writing there are 73 FTS billets left. Once implemented, the reserve TAR AMDO program proved to be an outstanding move for the Naval Air Reserve program as well as for the officers manning the billets. Many officers were able to enjoy a full productive career with a job “Well Done” in the past 21 years of the existence of the TAR/FTS AMDO program. Thank you, Howard Goben, for establishing an outstanding AMDO program that we as TARs/FTS in the reserve program could emulate.

BY CDR BOB FARMER (’92) After completing a highly successful tour as USS George W. Bush FIXO, CDR Chris Couch will soon assume the duties as CNAL N423AC Carrier Strike Group Readiness Officer. As part of our turnover, we would like to provide an overview of the major duties, roles and responsibilities of our team. The Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Carrier Strike Group Readiness Team is under the executive oversight and direction of CAPT Chris Kennedy, Aviation Material Readiness Directorate and Mr. Sam Solomon, Deputy Aviation Material Readiness, and is staffed by CDR Chris Couch, Carrier Strike Group Readiness Officer, LT Leanne Carter, Assistant Carrier Strike Group Readiness Officer, AVCM Herron, CVN/CVW Maintenance MMCPO, Mr. John Decker, CVN/CVW Support Equipment Readiness Logistics Manager and Mr. Larry Winfield and Mr. Terry Ford, CVN/CVW Readiness Logistics Managers. The team executes policies, programs and logistics elements concerning current readiness of afloat Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Departments and carrier airwings for all carrier groups, and is the single entry point for providing assistance to the CSG TRIAD throughout the Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP). The FRTP is designed to optimize the return on training and maintenance investments while ensuring units are trained and certified at progressive levels of deployable capability. The CSG Readiness Cell works 24-7 in providing assistance on a myriad of aircraft, equipment, and personnel issues on CVNs and deployed Navy aviation units. The major duties and responsibilities of the CSG Team include the review of daily readiness reports for Carrier Strike activities and Carrier Air Groups while monitoring readiness metrics including Ready Basic Aircraft (RBA)/Ready for Tasking (RFT) to validate trends and provide intervention measures prior to long-term mission impacts. The team monitors

The Carrier Strike Group Readiness Team - 24 - 7 in support of Naval Aviation and the Warfighter

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Carrier Air Wing Readiness data and Status of Resource and Training System (SORTS) elements while interfacing with adjacent and higher headquarters in identifying and correcting current and potential readiness degraders. Daily activities and responsibilities include the monitoring of aircraft movements including CVN fly-on/fly-off, deployment schedules, and the review of Aircraft Material Condition Reporting (AMCR) data in support of readiness-based decision-making. The AMCR report enables supporting commanders to assess current aircraft material condition while rapidly identifying significant aircraft and equipment support deficiencies. Elements that are reviewed by the CSG Team and TYCOM staff include sortie completion rate and missed sorties, the logistics summary (off-ship requisitions, including NMCS/PMCS documents), engine pool posture and bare firewall data, significant maintenance/support issues (broad arrow status and the ability to support aviation material readiness) and technical assist requests. Additionally, the team monitors the status of out-of-reporting aircraft, depot and modification efforts and Planning and Estimation (P&E) requests and subsequent repairs. A key and integral member of the team is the Support Equipment (SE) Readiness Logistics Manager, Mr. John Decker. His primary duty is to ensure Broad Arrow SE requirements align with schedules and readiness priorities in order to meet operational commitments. He directs and coordinates the resolution of all Broad Arrows pertaining to all Type/Model/Series (T/M/S) assigned to Carrier Strike Groups. The SE Readiness Logistics Manager liaisons with NAVAIR programs, Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), the SE class desk, commercial partners and our N41 Supply counterparts to obtain critical parts to resolve Broad Arrows. Additionally, he reviews requests for repair of support equipment from cognizant activities and recommends the best course of action to accomplish repair in order to meet priority schedules and sustain the correct level of readiness at the right cost. One of the primary tools for identifying shortfalls and developing resolutions is through the Aviation Logistics Review Conference (ALRC) process. The Aircraft Carrier/Carrier Air Wing Aviation Support Program provides a functional checklist toward achieving success in the later phases of the FRTP when sustained support and readiness are key enablers to Air Wing training, surge capability and combat operations. This process provides the TYCOM, Type Wing staffs and CVN/CVW stakeholders an interactive forum that will assist in their efforts to prepare for and sustain support of flight operations during the Fleet Response Plan (FRP). The FRP is divided into four distinct phases (reconstitute/maintenance, basic, integrated and sustainment/deployment) in support of the notional 27 month FRTP cycle and the six-plus-two CSG capability. The Reconstitute/Maintenance Phase establishes the logistics foundation and expectations for the FRTP cycle and provides a baseline for future planning and scheduling. The Basic Phase provides progress updates toward achieving full organic support and identifies any issues that could impact TSTA. The Integrated Phase is event-driven and ensures all logistic elements are in place to successfully complete Tailored Ship Training Availability (TSTA)/FEP CVW Fallon and Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The Surge Phase ensures all logistic elements are in place for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), Sustainment and Deployment. Each ALRC is conducted to assist in establishing and building the three facets of a successful TRIAD: organizational level effectiveness, weapons systems inventory, and intermediate level support for both AVCAL/COSAL sparing and repair capability and capacity. Aircraft/Mission Systems and SE entitlements, manpower, Supply (AVCAL & V-Pool status, Engine Load Out and HAZMAT Inventory and Management) and the AIMD Support Plan (Test Bench Validation/Verification, SE and IMRL Inventory and Ship Alts) are a few of the milestones that are reviewed by the TRIAD. The CSG Team plays a significant role in support of the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE). The team manages readiness through the analysis of logistics, resource and information data and makes recommendations for improvement in end-to-end support processes. These initiatives help further define and sustain near- and long-term aviation readiness goals. In sustaining and advancing Naval Aviation warfighting capabilities, the team partners with both internal and external stakeholders in identifying and analyzing metrics that will streamline efficiencies, overcome barriers and effectively utilize resources. Every staff member understands their role both individually and as a team – and we embrace and accept the challenge of moving forward in support of Naval Aviation. As I conclude my tour as CSG Readiness Officer, I would like to thank Captains Mike Zarkowski and Chris Kennedy for their guidance, Mr. Sam Solomon for his mentorship, and the outstanding group of maintenance professionals of the CSG team. The team, with a wealth of experience and talent, met every challenge and consistently delivered. To the fleet, and more specifically the TRIADs, as resources become scarce it will be more important than ever to work together across the aviation enterprise as we fellow Greenshirts support the operational mission and warfighter. Finally I would like to recognize Mr. Art McDonnell and Mr. Jim Norton, who both recently retired. They spent over 50 years – in uniform and as civilian servants – in support of our warfighter. Thank you Art and Jim for providing support

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during my tour as CSG Readiness Officer. Your working knowledge of NALCOMIS and Manpower are second to none - hopefully in my association with you I became a little smarter. BY ERIC DEAN (‘80)

Plutarch, the Greek historian, once wrote that “It is indeed a desirable thing to be well descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.” Each of us that have served in the naval service have a rich immigrant family background that we are very proud of and most of us will boast of it when afforded the opportunity.

If not the Horatio Alger “rags to riches” story, then most of us can at least point to multiple ancestors that immigrated from the “old country” within the last 300 years and built a life and a future based on the promise and rewards of hard work, discipline and sacrifice to improve their prospects, and to assume an active role in the development, expansion and refinement of the unique American Dream.

With determination, grit, sweat and tears, our ancestors forged a nation founded on the premise that any man can become successful through his natural intelligence, spiritual virtues, decency and thrift. American “exceptionalism” is not just a trite academic phrase or a source of derision for the liberal press – we are exceptional! Our ancestors founded and nurtured a peculiar form of government and civic pride that has made a profound and lasting impression on the rest of mankind. We do indeed represent, as Lincoln wrote, “the last great hope of humanity.”

Two recent retirements of fellow Greenshirts and my former Shipmates have made manifest the unique and varied ethnic, religious and cultural roots of our ancestors that link the past and present with the future of this great country.

Captain David Randle’s parents, Frederick and Veronica, survived the ravages of WWII and the bombing of Coventry, and married in 1946. David’s father had been drafted into the Royal Navy in 1939 where he worked on engines for amphibious landing craft and his mother was drafted to work as a comptometress in the British Army. With British economy in the tank, they emigrated from England in 1957 to New Jersey, where Frederick’s technical skills as a motorcycle mechanic with Triumph UK led to his employment as a lithographer.

David spoke eloquently at his retirement about the challenges his parents faced raising two boys and a daughter on a limited budget, but believed that they were “living the American dream.” “What a great country,” David said, “that allows you to reinvent yourself and succeed.” “As an immigrant’s kid, no money, no connections, no way to get to college, the Navy gave me a chance.” With perseverance, keen intellect, and immense faith, David obtained an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1985. As David summarized, “the Navy gave me a chance to succeed, and that’s all I could ask for.” His message was “that the American Dream is still alive. Yes, there are more regulations and the competition is global, but if you want to succeed, there is no better country on earth to be in. America, and America’s Navy have been good to me, and for that I am grateful.”

Captain Stephen Johnson retired after 40 years of Service this past June. He served in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation hydraulics mechanic from 1967 to 1973, with tours in VMFA 201 Cherry Point; VMFA 314 in Chu Lai, South Vietnam; VMFA 334 in Iwakuni, Japan and VMFA 251 at Beaufort, South Carolina before his honorable discharge. He enlisted in the Navy in 1977 as an AMH, rising to Chief of Staff at COMFAIRWESTPAC and finally as Director of Shore/Ground Safety at the Naval Safety Center.

Descended from impoverished Irish and German immigrant Catholic ancestors, he was “raised in a rough and tumble row-house neighborhood of West Philadelphia, where the entire extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins lived on 53rd Street and Walton.” He was, as he explained with some amusement, “expelled from Catholic High School, ran away from home, pumped gas and after three more High Schools, eventually graduated.” Talk about upward mobility - his is an American success story if there ever was one!

On a personal note, my tribal and clan affiliations go back generations. My great-grandfather on my mother’s side, 15 generations past, emigrated from County Tyrone, Ireland and landed in Annapolis in 1662 as an indentured servant. Before he died in 1716, he had acquired extensive land holdings of over 5,000 acres near what is now Newtown, Maryland.

A Sense of Place

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Yes, Marty, I am a SMIB. On my father’s English and German side, our roots were in Delaware in early 1700s, before the family moved on to Virginia and then Indiana. We lost what wealth we had managed to accumulate in the Civil War when the Union cavalry took our 700+ horses for the war effort and the family struggled in rural poverty until the end of the depression. My grandfather worked as a steward on the railroad and eventually rose to Chief Steward on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. My father was drafted out of university for the Korean War and spent 30 years in the Army, retiring in 1976 as Command Sergeant Major, 6th Army. I am the first in my family to ever graduate from college.

Despite humble beginnings, but with tremendous faith and hope, David, Steve and I share a common belief in the inherent goodness of America, a conviction that wonderful opportunities are available to the strong and passionate to make something of our lives and to create a ‘new and lasting bond’ with the Navy and Marine Corps family. Each, in our own way, made a difference in the lives of our families and fellow service members, and contributed in some small measure to the proud traditions and heritage of our immigrant ancestors. Like so many of our Shipmates, we are a living testament to the strength of the human spirit to overcome humble birth, triumph over economic privations and adversity and pursue the dream of a better tomorrow with enthusiasm and courage. Is this a great country, or what?

At a recent concert of Handel’s Messiah at the United States Naval Academy Chapel, I saw firsthand the rich cultural heritage of diversity that we share as a nation. The Glee Club of Midshipman was made up of Slavic, Asian, Nordic, African, Hispanic, Indian and other ethnic groups that represent the vitality, strength and hope of a new generation of Americans. I am gratified and blessed, and know that we are in good hands.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughters of Zion! Shout, O sons of Jerusalem! Behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is

the righteous savior and he shall speak peace unto the heathen.” Merry Christmas and a very joyous New Year!

BY PAUL SEARCY (’58) [editors note: Bob Duff died in January 2011, three months after being diagnosed with brain cancer ] Just a personal note about Capt Bob Duff’s passing. He continually helped me as a new 1520 even though “on paper” he worked for me. Virg Lemmon was our boss, so between the two, the bar was set higher than you can imagine. I vividly remember the answer to any carrier skipper who complained to our CNAL 3-star about a LCDR Duff who had visited their ship on a maintenance advisory team visit. The answer was always the same. “If LCDR Duff said it needed to be fixed, get out of my office and go fix it.” I can’t forget the story about Bob when he took over as CO NARF Pensacola. The chiefs invited him over to the chief’s club for an informal get-to-know session. A new chief who was very proud of his promotion was saying with vigor to their new Captain how the chiefs really ran the Navy. Bob who completely understood the new chief’s pride and knew their importance and irreplaceable role in the Navy, did not say anything. However, one of the older chiefs leaned over and whispered to the young chief “be careful, he was a chief longer than you have been in the Navy.” There are many good stories about Bob, but I believe one should be known within the community as a “lesson learned story.” This occurred when Bob Duff, Bill Rush and I were in Washington DC assignments during the late 1970s. It became apparent that no one had written material support responsibilities in their charter for aircraft intermediate maintenance. (AIMDs had grown rapidly in size and significance.) NAVAIR, under the Chief of Naval Material, did not have it in its charter either. NAVAIR and the Type Commanders were covering the best they could, but it had become too big to ignore. Bob Duff got a message out from NAVAIR to CNO via CNM recommending a 2nd echelon command in support of aircraft intermediate maintenance. I got a positive endorsement out of CNM to CNO, where Bill Rush’s code got it for action. It is hard to tell who all worked hard on that initiative over the next two years (and before), so I can’t list all the names contributing to that success. The lesson from that success is the power of a common vision among 1520s when they carry that vision with them wherever they are assigned.

One of the Best – Remembering Captain Bob Duff

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I could go on-and-on about Bob’s involvement in major milestones in Naval Aviation Maintenance but that’s for another time. Captain Bob Duff was a 4.0 maintenance man from Airman to NARF CO. He was really at home on the flight line, flight deck and in his shops. Wherever he was assigned he never lost vision contact with the actual maintenance tasks needed to be performed and the practical aspects of maintenance management excellence. His was the kind of legacy every 1520 should aspire to achieve. Thanks for the Hand Up, Bob Capt Paul Searcy PS Bob is now working for the “Master” Chief of the Alpha and Omega flight line. Hope to work with you again, Bob (but not too soon).

BY MIKE CALLINAN (’76) Artha and I just returned from a trip to Alaska. We flew to Anchorage and then caught the scenic domed train to Denali Park where we spent a couple of days. The wildlife viewing was outstanding including grizzly bears, caribou, mountain goats, etc. We even had spectacular ‘clear’ view of Mt McKinley which were told is pretty rare. We re-boarded the train on to Fairbanks where we picked up a bus to head up the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay. Stopping at Coldfoot we spent the night, and met a couple of the truckers featured on Ice Road Truckers (Tony/Phil) who had stopped for dinner. The next morning we proceeded across the Arctic Circle (renewed my Blue Nose certificate) to Deadhorse/Prudhoe where Art and I dipped a bare foot in the Arctic Ocean, and, yes, the water was cold. The accommodations in Coldfoot/Prudhoe would be considered ‘rustic’ but hey it’s part of the adventure. Security at Prudhoe is pretty tight. We had to have a guard with us at all times while we toured the facilities due to terrorist issues and a guard watching for bears while we were at the beach. No terrorists or bears spotted! We flew from Deadhorse back to Anchorage where we caught a cruise ship for the voyage south to

Vancouver. The cruise portion was an adventure for a couple of days. Started off with Force 4 then 6 then Force 10 gales, eventually got to hurricane strength. 80 mph winds and 40 foot seas. Suffered a little damage to the bow reminding me of the time we took an 80-foot sea on the Kitty Hawk, ripping the catwalks off both sides of the bow. After the storm the rest of the cruise was uneventful with pretty good weather. We spent a extra day in Vancouver sightseeing before returning home. Aside from the hurricane I would recommend this experience to anyone considering an Alaska land/sea tour. As a side note I had been swimming 72 laps (a mile) twice a week and doing one hour cardio workout 2 days a week. One day in the pool I started to notice chest and left arm pain. Went to the doc and found out my left anterior descending artery, the widow maker, was 85% blocked and the diagonal was 99% blocked. Had a couple of stents put in and am feeling OK now. The doc said my exercise routine probably saved me from having a major heart attack. Had the stents put in 3 weeks prior to our trip to Alaska.

North to Alaska

The AMDO Association Newsletter Winter 2011 - 2012

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The AMDO Association Newsletter is published semiannually by the AMDO Association (Capt Marty Reagan, USN (Ret) editor). Address correspondence to: 20667 Crescent Pointe Place Ashburn, VA 20147-3880 (571) 223-3124 e-mail: marty.reagan@verizon.net http://www.amdo.org