Volume 13, Issue 10December 2010

Road Runner Staff

Cmdr. Darryl ToppinCommanding Officer

Cmdr. Derek WessmanExecutive Officer

CMDCM(SS) Jerry PittmanCommand Master Chief

MC1(AW) Adrian MelendezPublic Affairs Officer

Editor/Layout and Design

NC1 Steven PowellAssistant Public Affairs Officer

John BeringAssiatant Editor

The Road Runner is a monthlynewslet-ter produced by the U.S. Navy Recruit-ing District Phoenix Public Affairs. It is intended primarily, but not exclusivly, for the use, information and entertain-ment of it’s active duty and reserve members, civilian employees and their families. Any views exspressed herin are not necessarily the official postions of the U.S. Navy. The Road Runner staff encourages feedbacl from it’s readers. Please submit all articles, suggestions, ideas, comments, photos, compliments or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Me-lendez at adrian.b. melendez@navy.mil, NC1 Steven Powell at steven.powell1@navy.mil, or John Bering at john.bering@navy.mil

Inside This Issue

Page 3 EAOS Vs PRDPage 4 Coach ColemanPage 5 Gepfrey HonoredPage 5 This Old House Page 8 Social MediaPage 9 Around the FleetPage 12 Hike of the Month

COMMAND CORNER

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So here we are the end of calendar year 2010. It’s has been quite a year, full of triumphs for some and disappointments for others, but not to be understated, this is part of life. What I can’t state enough is how proud I am of each and every one of you as recruiters, Sailors, parents and Americans.

You have been resilient, courageous and outstanding in every aspect of your daily duties and I am awed each day by your professionalism, commitment to excellence and can do attitude.

This is my second tour of duty at a NRD and my LAST in the United States NAVY and I want to thank each of you for making this an awesome command!

So the Holiday Season is upon us, it can be both wonderful and stressful at the same time. I encourage you to max out on your leave and liberty and recharge yourselves for 2011. It is a time for Family Cheer, reflection and visions of the future! So have a Safe and Merry Holiday Season, use good judgment in every situation and see you at the “All HANDS” in January 2011!!!

Hey Shipmates! In October I spent a week in Millington, Tenn., at a very invigorating Navy confer-ence. The topic was the Navy Fam-ily Ombudsman and all they do for the Navy. Our Admiral, Rear Adm. Faller, called the conference for all CNRC Command Master Chiefs and Ombudsman to make sure we were all on the same page with regards to the import roll of the Ombudsman and to share best practices. The Ombudsman Program was introduced to the Navy Sep-tember 14, 1970 by the Chief of

The Role of a OmbudsmanBy CMDCM(SS) Jerry PittmanNRD Phoenix Command Master Chief

Ombudsman Continued OnPage 12

Bravo Zulu NRD PhoenixBy Cmdr. Darryl ToppinNRD Phoenix Commandin Officer

NRD Phoenix Ombudsman

(nrdphxombuds1@gmail.com)

Lety Spaulding (Phoenix)(602)432-6692

ladybug85021@yahoo.com

Sharla Boykin (Phoenix)(623)792-0770

Elizabeth Garciasalas (El Paso)(505)554-8685

ekg05@yahoo.com

Dial-a-ChaplinPhoenix Area

Chaplin Terry Pletkovich(480)586-8728

Chaplin Dean Johansen(602)828-7773

Davis-Monthan AFB(520)228-4511

Fort Bliss(915)568-8728

Kirtland AFB(505)846-5691

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EAOS vs. PRDBy YNC(SW/SCW) Heather Diaz As the Command Career Counselor, I get a lot of questions but there seems to be some mis-conceptions about shifting your Projected Rotation Date (PRD) and the effect or lack of on your End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS). Changes to them are au-thorized differently, your PRD is changed by the detailers and your EAOS is changed by reenlisting and/or extending. If a Sailor is approved to adjust their PRD they will have to run a separate request to adjust their EAOS by at least the same amount. It will not automatically

change. The procedure at NRD Phoenix is; to request an extension of your PRD with a special request chit and 1306 via your COC. If your EAOS is before the requested NEW PRD, you will need to reen-list/extend to obligate to the NEW PRD. If you are receiving COM-SUB pay, you will have to extend your EAOS if you won’t have 14 months on a submarine following your tour here. If you have any questions contact me, the Command Career Counselor, YNC Diaz at (602) 256-6022 x 256, or email me at heather.diaz@navy.mil. Next month’s topic, Perform to Serve (PTS), and how it affects our Sail-ors.

Recruiters from Zone 3 came together Nov. 12 to climb Camelback Mountain near Scottsdale, Ariz. Many commented on the extraordinary views of Metro Phoenix. The hike was quite steep and challenging, but also rewarding once everyone reached the top to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. U.S. Navy photo

Coleman Leads High School Basketball TeamBy John Bering

Many Sailors at Navy Recruiting District Phoenix have taken it upon themselves to get involved in the local communities in which they live. From building houses with Habitat for Humanity to rehabbing the local Ronald McDonald House, Sailors across our four state District are heavily involved and making a difference. As a classifier at MEPS Phoenix, Personel Specialist 1st Class Shaun Coleman is making an impact on his community while serving as the head coach of the girl’s varsity basketball team at Cortez High School. Being a Navy leader he realized that he needed to immediately build camaraderie within his ball players. This past summer he organized three fundraisers to enable the teams to purchase new uniforms without having to rely on school funds, or lack thereof. In June his team worked as score keepers and aides to the officials during the Invitational Basketball Series held at Hamilton High School. Over the 4 of July holiday weekend he conducted a Shoot-out at Cortez high School. The $1 a shot tournament was very successful. Later that same

month the girls once again worked as score keepers and aides to the officials during the Nike Desert Dual tournament at Mesquite High School. Under his leadership the girls raised over $1500 and were able to purchase matching practice gear and travel suits, something the girls program previously lacked. He realized they needed a self esteem boost and made it happen. In August he began pre-season general conditioning practices and conducted them every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening. Regular season practice beganNovember 1 and he has high expectations for his team this year. When

asking what the team wanted to achieve this season he cautioned them, “don’t limit your potential.” Realizing that making it to the play-offs is the goal for most teams of any sport he did not want the team to make it that far and have their goals realized before the first post season game ever got underway. “Our goal is to be the best that we can be” said Coleman. In other words, the sky is the limit for the girls on Coach Coleman’s team. After all, they are being taught by a Navy leader. The Road Runner will check in later in the season with the Girls basketball program at Cortez High School.

U.S. Navy Photo

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Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class Chad Gepfrey was honored for his service to the U.S. Navy and his country at the Benevilla Helping Partners Program “A Shout Out to Our Soldiers” ceremony in Sun City, Ariz., December 10. Gepfrey was chosen to represent the command and receive the award because of his performance as a recruiter at Navy

Recruiting Station Bell Canyon, but also for the example he sets as a Sailor to his community and the 34 Future Sailors he is responsible for guiding. “STG2 Gepfrey was chosen for this award for his passion for recruiting and the Navy in general,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Derek Nelson, Recruiter in Charge at Bell Canyon. “The most important thing that sets STG2 Gepfrey apart from his peers he is performing way above his duties in the Navy, and is already performing like a first class petty officer.” During the ceremony the Helping Partners sang the service song of each of the four service representatives at the program, and also read patriotic poetry.Diane Brooks, organizer of the event and Care Partner at Benevilla, a care center that works with the developmentally disabled, said she wanted to put on the program as a small way to say “Thank You” to the military for what they do day in and day out. The group recently collected 500 shoe boxes along

with various toiletries supplies and sent them to service members overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I felt proud to be representing the Navy for people that are so willing to give back to the community and the military,” said Gepfrey. He said his success as a recruiter all has to do with his work ethic and his drive to get the job done right. “You come to work to work. You show up and know what you have to get done and you do it. I always maintain my integrity, and don’t take short cuts,” he said. Gepfrey also said that being a recruiter is a lot more challenging than he thought it would be when he first decided he wanted picked his duty, but there are a lot of benefits to the duty he chose. “I love talking to people and interacting with the community,” said Gepfrey. “It’s a lot of hours, but it’s worth it when your Future Sailors call you up and tell you they made it through RTC (Recruit Training Command) it’s a good feeling.”

Gepfrey Represents Navy, Honored for His ServiceMC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

Zone 6 continues to get out in our community to participate in volunteer projects on a monthly basis. The volunteer project for October was with Habitat for Hu-manity. the zone participated in the renovation of the Amda family’s fu-ture home, October 16 . The group stripped the roof down to bare wood by removing the shingles and tar paper. We also expanded

the size of the window frames for installation of new energy efficient double pane windows. The Habitat team lead-ers were very impressed with the productivity and efficiency of the Navy. The Zone volunteers arrived at 6:30 a.m. and were expected to work until 4 p.m. , but the motivated Sailors got the job done by noon. Hooya Zone 6!!!

Zone 6 Continues to be Force in CommunityBy SH2(SW/AW) Yara Paredes

U.S. Navy Photo

U.S. Navy Photo

D uring the past year there has been a big push for commands to get social

media pages started and maintained through a few of the hundreds of social media outlets across the World Wide Web. So far, the Navy as a whole has more than 550 reg-istered social media sites ranging from Facebook, Twitter and even Blogs. The U.S. Navy Facebook page alone has more than 245,000 fans. So why the big push on social media? The main reason is it is a free and effective way of present-ing the Navy message to a global public. Within our district, every station now has a Facebook page up and running, while some recruit-ers and personnel are even main-taining a professional page along with a personal one. Navy Recruit-ing Station Sierra Vista has been leading the charge in Social media, accumulating 1,476 fans from 11 different countries and averaging more than 1,000 views per post. Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Paul Tanguay has been the driving force behind Sierra Vistas success and said that he uses the station’s Facebook page for a mul-titude of tasks. “It is the fastest and most efficient way of spreading Navy awareness, it is great for giving

recognition to your Future Sailors and applicants (reducing attrition, and notifying your Future Sailor’s friends that the Navy is an option), keeping up with COI’s (Centers of Influence) allowing more access to schedule events such as class-room presentations, it’s a means of having organization within your DEP pool, by ‘copying and pasting’ links to websites such as navy.com, you can create leads, scheduling of events such as DEP meetings/functions, etc., and since today’s youth seem to like to post every-thing that is going on in their lives, it is a great way to identify possible attrition so that you can be more proactive in making sure that they ship to boot camp on their ship date. Basically, it helps you utilize the best method of leadership, and that is intrusive leadership,” said Tanguay. Tanguay said he believes his station’s Facebook page has been so popular is because they up-date it regularly with new content and information. “We have Future Sailors that are ecstatic about it (the page) because it allows their friends, parents, teachers, etc. to see all of their, accomplishments while in DEP and throughout their time in the Navy,” Tanguay said. Cmdr. Craig Faller, Com-

mander, Navy Recruiting Com-mand, also stresses the importance and benefits of being involved in social media and said that recruiters being involved in the conversations that go on through social media helps recruiters connect with their market and builds trust, awareness and understanding about Ameri-ca’s Navy and the Global Force for Good. “It’s part of our job to know what tools are around, and how to use them,” said Faller in Commander Gram #5 about Navy recruiting presence in social media. As social media evolves the Navy will undoubtedly evolve with it, as is proof of the Navy’s almost long forgotten MySpace page, which still exists today. But now our presence throughout digital media is increasingly improving and being embraced by leadership. “It’s a very powerful tool,” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West, whose own Facebook page has more than 52,000 followers. “We have to embrace technology, or technology will pass us.” For more information on the Navy’s social media presence, including guidance and policy, visit https://www.chinfo.navy.mil/social-media.html

2010…The Year of Social MediaBy MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

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The past year was filled with numerous milestones in mission successes, technological advances, and breakthroughs for women serving in the Navy.In 2010 the year started off with the U.S. Navy providing support to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12. Numerous ships and commands provided support to the affected people by providing fresh food and water, rescue support and medical support. During the operation USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) treated more than 870 patients while anchored off the coast of Port-au-Prince, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) provided more than 3,500 pounds of medical aid and treated 850 patients. In total more than 10,000 Sailors and Marines were involved in the Haiti humanitarian relief effort along with approximately 17 ships, 48 helicopters and 12 fixed-wing aircraft. “Our response to the Haitian people shows the selfless character of our Nation, and shows our values of caring for others less fortunate,” said Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam M.

Robinson Jr. during a speech at Howard University in Washington D.C., April 27. “By doing so whether in Haiti or elsewhere, we save lives in the short term, but we also provide the conditions for greater security and stability in the long term.” The Navy continued with assistance to those in need by deploying Sailors and assets to areas affected by a massive flood in Pakistan, as well as Operation Continuing Promise, a joint humanitarian & civic assistance mission aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) which provided medical, veterinary, and engineering assistance to eight countries in four months. “Continuing Promise 2010 was a spectacular success,” said Capt. Thomas Negus, Continuing Promise 2010 mission commander. “The entire Continuing Promise team demonstrated through their incredible efforts everyday, the strong commitment the United States has for its neighbors in the region. Every person involved with this mission should be

America’s Navy in 2010A look back at a year of Success for The Global Force for GoodBy MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class James Gerity escorts a Haitian boy to Terminal Varreux in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he will be taken to a hospital for follow on care. The boy was discharged from the Military Sealift Com-mand hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) after being treated for injuries suffered in the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 12. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea Kennedy

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incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements over the past four months as they gave of themselves to provide aid and help to those in need. They are true heroes of compassion.” The Department of the Navy also historically changed their policy on women serving on submarines April 29 and shortly thereafter the first of a group of female Sailors that will serve in the Silent Service were chosen. North Carolina State University Midshipman 1st Class Megan Bittner, from Chesapeake, Va., and North Carolina State University Officer Candidate Karen Achtyl, from Rochester, N.Y., were the first to be picked for service by Adm. Kirkland Donald, the director of naval nuclear propulsion and the top Navy officer in the submarine force. “I’m excited to be given this opportunity and hope to thrive in a very challenging environment,” said Bittner. The first Submarines chosen to integrate the total of 24

female officers are USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., and USS Maine (SSBN 741) and USS Ohio (SSGN 726) homeported in Bangor, Wash., and are expected to report to their assigned submarines beginning December 2011. Technologically the Navy has made great strides. From the recent delivery of the first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant to Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., to the strides we have taken to being a “Greener” Navy. One such example of the Navy’s strides to lower it’s carbon footprint is the recent successes in applying biofuel technology to Navy equipment such as a riverine command boat, MH-60S Sea Hawk, and a F/A-18F Super Hornet dubbed “Green Hornet”. “The alternative fuels test

program is a significant milestone in the certification and ultimate operational use of biofuels by the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during a flight test of the “Green Hornet” April 22 at NAS Patuxent River. “It’s important to emphasize, especially on Earth Day, the Navy’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign oil as well as safeguarding our environment. Our Navy, alongside industry, the other services and federal agency partners, will continue to be an early adopter of alternative energy sources.” Also in advancing our technology as a warfighting force the Navy had a record breaking test of Electromagnetic Railgun technology, Dec. 10 and the commissioning of the

The Navy’s newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives at Mole Pier at Naval Air Station Key West. Independence is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship specifically designed to defeat “anti-access” threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including sur-face craft, diesel submarines and mines. U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Nicholas Kontodiakos

Navy pilots Cdr. Beau Duarte and Lt. Cmdr. Tom Weaver sit in the cockpit F/A-18 “Green Hor-net” following a supersonic flight test, powered by a 50/50 blend of biofuel. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O’Brien

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second Littoral Combat Ship, USS Independence (LCS 2), in Mobile, Ala. Jan. 16. “LCS is the future of our surface Navy,” said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, during the commissioning ceremony. “This program will complement the strengths of larger warships. LCS will be a deterrent of green and brown water threats; the flexibility, versatility, and smart design of Independence make it well suited for joint operations.” With 2010 coming to a close the Navy is poised to keep progressing in steps to improve the force as a whole in 2011, and live up to being America’s Navy, A Global Force for Good.

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The first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, the U.S. Navy’s first stealth fighter, arrived at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Nov. 6. Photo provided courtesy of Lockheed Martin

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen beat the Black Knights, 31-17, at the Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Dec. 11. Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs threw for 186 yards against an anemic Army pass defense. The Navy football team’s win provided its ninth-straight victory against the Army squad in the annual contest. The game began somewhat clumsily when both teams experienced running-game fumbles - one by Dobbs – in the first quarter. Navy, however, quickly scored a field goal, making the score 3-0. Then, an energized Dobbs began to find his receivers about midway into the first quarter. He first hit Navy slot back John

Howell for a 77-yard touchdown. The extra point made the score Navy 10, Army 0. About a minute into the second quarter, Dobbs struck again, tossing a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Turner. The extra point put Navy ahead of Army 17-0. Army got on the scoreboard in the second quarter after recovering a Navy fumble. After gaining 23 yards, Trent Steelman tossed a five-yard touchdown pass to slot back Malcolm Brown in the end zone. The extra point made the score Navy 17, Army 7. The Navy struck back late in the second quarter when Steelman fumbled the ball during a quarterback sneak play on the Midshipmen’s goal line. Navy

Navy Takes to the Air to Beat Army for Record Ninth-Straight YearGerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service

U.S. Naval Academy quarter-back Ricky Dobbs runs the ball during the third quarter of the 111th annual Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Midshipmen defeated the Golden Knights 31-17. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad Runge

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safety Wyatt Middleton recovered the fumble and ran it back for a 98-yard touchdown. The Navy squad made the extra point. At halftime, Navy led Army 24-7. Both teams tried and failed to gain any momentum in the third quarter. However, the Black

Knights kicked a field goal in the third quarter to make the score Navy, 24, Army 10. In the fourth quarter, Midshipmen running back Gee Gee Greene rushed 25 yards into the end zone for another Navy touchdown. The extra point made the score Navy 31, Army 10. Yet, the Black Knights refused to surrender. With four

minutes left in the game, Steelman completed a pass to Brown, who ran into the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point made the score Navy 31, Army 17. The Navy victory ups their season’s record to 9-3. The Army’s record drops to 6-6. Both teams are now bowl game-bound.

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Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. While the primary focus of the program today remains the same, it has grown and adapted to the ever-changing challenges of the Navy lifestyle. The morale, health, welfare, and efficiency of command personnel are the respon-sibility of the commanding officer. It is the Ombudsman, profession-ally trained information and refer-ral volunteers, who serve as the vital two-way communication link between the command and family

members. The Role of the Ombudsman in-cludes: Personalized support and guidance to command families in adapting to the challenges of a mo-bile military lifestyle and extended operations in meeting the Navy’s maritime strategy. Resource referrals and reso-lution assistance on family issues before they become a crisis. Family assistance and coordination in preparing for deployments. Attending training sessions which enable ombudsmen to ex-

pand knowledge and improve skills for their mission. We currently have 3 OBM. Elizabeth Garciasalas, in El Paso. Lety Spaulding and Sharla Boykin in Phoenix. Their contact informa-tion is on the Plan of the Week. If you or your spouse is interested in becoming a Navy Ombudsman, let me know so we can set up the training for you. The only require-ments are you have a significant other on active duty and you have an interest in helping one of our most important resources, the Navy Family. Hooyah Shipmates!

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Hike of the Month: Hole in the RockBy John Bering

Just east of downtown Phoenix and north of Tempe lies Papago Park. The desert preserve is home to the Phoenix Zoo, Bo-tanical Garden, hiking trails, picnic areas and a big Hole in the Rock. The short hike is on a path that winds around behind weathered sandstone rock and up into the hole. The view from inside the rock is excellent as you look out over the zoo and off in the distance to the skyline of downtown and uptown Phoenix. This brief but scenic trip is a perfect companion to a day at the zoo or wandering

through the Botanical Garden and right now is one of the better times

of the year to enjoy a beautiful day in Papago Park.