Jig's up. Fleet Readiness Center East, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Transcription

1 Fleet Readiness Center East, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Volume 37, Issue 7 April 2017 Jig's up ewsletter David Smith, machinist of Aircraft Machinist Branch Shop 91105, centers the quill of the precision jig borer to cut a pitch shaft supapril port for an H-53E.

2 Welcome aboard: Introducing FRC East's Navy XO Commentary by Capt. Mark Nieto Fleet Readiness Center East Executive Officer It is my distinct honor and privilege to be your new executive officer. I have been around aviation my entire life, and by trade I am an aviation maintenance officer. Therefore, I feel right at home in a place that excels at providing quality aircraft, engines and component overhaul to Naval Aviation. I am not new to depot maintenance. In a previous tour I was the commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific. In that role we provided depot maintenance to Marine Corps and Navy aircraft around the world, and I had the pleasure of working with many dedicated FRC East personnel who either did a tour in the command or supported us from Cherry Point. I then went to the staff of Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers in Patuxent River, MD. I worked on future depot planning for V-22 and F-35 maintenance, and planning for Military Construction across all the depots, so I worked very closely with the team here. I know there have been many questions as to why there is a Navy captain here for the first time. FRC East has been a Navy command since the 1960s. In addition, the Navy and Marine Corps are a team and have been since their inception. Current events around the world are driving us to be an even closer team, given our unique skills and capabilities. As the CO of FRC Western Pacific, I had the first Marine Corps XO who then went on to become a very successful CO. All of the FRC executive and commanding officers are chosen by the same selection panel, which selects from a list of Navy and Marine Corps applicants. It s about the qualifications and backgrounds of the applicants not the uniform. Later this year the first Marine colonel will report as the XO of FRC Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida. This mix of Navy and Marine Corps personnel is the new norm across the FRCs. We have many challenges ahead of us. Capt. Mark Nieto, U.S. Navy Teammate Appreciation: Get in on planning, now Planning of the calendar of events for the organization s annual observance of Teammate Appreciation Month is currently underway at Fleet Readiness Center East. During June, the organization looks to offer a variety of opportunities in the form of sports and other activities to allow employees to engage outside of the regular duty hours and spaces. The organization hopes to offer opportunities to participate in activities such as a (minor league) baseball outing, bowling, a car show, a food drive, fun-themed (attire) Fridays, golf, leaders job shadow, kayaking, a motorcycle fun ride, soccer, softball, and an open house luncheon. Organizers are also looking for volunteers willing to coordinate and facilitate additional events that would broaden the array of activities to get even more members of the workforce involved. Now is the time for additional volunteers to get in on the planning and to add other activities to the roster for the appreciation month happenings. Interested individuals should contact John Olmstead, public affairs officer at On one end we have aging platforms like the AV-8B, F/A-18 and the H-53. These provide unique challenges as we deal with aging equipment, fewer parts and limited investment for aircraft that will retire soon. On the other hand we have new platforms such as the V-22 and F-35, which come with another whole set of challenges as we discover unexpected discrepancies and immature maintenance procedures. Above all of this we deal with decreasing budgets. My primary job is to ensure your safety and that we all provide quality products to the fleet. It is my commitment to ensure we invest in fixing and maintaining our facilities, push senior leadership for investment in new facilities, and provide you the correct tools to do your job. We will also ensure that other commands, which we need for support, keep their commitments to us. What I need from you is to be safe, produce quality products, and be mindful of our promised schedule of throughput and costs while maintaining a professional working environment for all. Thank you to everyone who has made me feel welcome and part of the FRC East Team and the eastern North Carolina community. I look forward to working for you in the years to come. Generating Combat Air Power for America s Marines and Naval Forces Readiness Reader is a publication of the Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs Office, located on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. The editorial content of this newsletter is approved by the Corporate Communications Department of FRC East. This newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Its content does not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Government, the DoD or the Department of the Navy, and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions to conform to editorial policy and Associated Press Style Guide. The editorial staff is located in Building 137, Room Publication of hardcopy content occurs once monthly. Submissions are due at least two weeks before publication. Call for more information. Commanding Officer: Col. Clarence T. Harper III, USMC Executive Officer: Capt. Mark E. Nieto, USN Public Affairs Officer: John Olmstead... (252) Editor: Chrystal Smith... (252) Photographer: Dave Marriott... (252) Videographer: Kimberly Walker... (252) April 2017 Readiness Reader Newsletter

3 Preparedness: How do you prepare for hurricane season? Gary Williams Edwin Kivela Sheet Metal Mechanic New River H-1 Detachment Aircraft Electrician I make sure I have plenty of beer, and dog food for the dog. I make sure my Coleman gas stove that I ve had since (Hurricanes) Bertha and Fran, about 20 years is ready to go. And I stock up on Ramen noodles. I also get a kick out of watching people panic, as they buy up all the milk, bread and bottled water. "I keep up with the latest news and weather. I try not to stock my freezer during the summer in case a hurricane hits and we lose power but I do stock up on batteries and bottled water. I also plan a route out of town for my family and me, just in case something big happens." Steven Nobles Tool and Parts Attendant In all of my life in New Bern, we would usually get strong wind and rain. So, I ve never seen anything to compel me to do a tremendous amount of things before a hurricane hits. If a major storm does hit, I seek cover in a confined place where I m not susceptible to objects hitting me in the head or falling on me. I usually hold on when it comes and wait until it passes. Justin Cox Estimator and Examiner New River H-1 Detachment I really don't have to prepare at all. My generator is always up and running, and I always have bottles water, canned goods and drinks stocked at home. Andir Castillo Jo Matthis Airframes Mechanic New River H-1 Detachment 4.8 Department Secretary I stay in touch with weather alerts. I make sure to have items such as batteries, flashlights, water and gas, for the generator. If it becomes a threat, I secure any loose items around the home. I have an evacuation plan and check the route. At work, I follow guidance (to cover computers) for preventing damage to electronics. First thing I do to prep is take care of the necessities: Flash lights, radio, batteries, canned food, water and drinks, anything we'll need if we go without power. Then I secure any materials or items around the outside of my house anything and everything that can fly away and hope for the best. Steve Antwine Sheet Metal Mechanic and Welder New River H-1 Detachment I make sure all my cars are gassed up and then go down and get plenty of milk and bread so we can have that hurricane milk sandwich not sure what else you can make with that combination, but it seems popular. I make sure I have plenty of gas for my generator and that the gas has additive installed so it won't gum up at the wrong time. If a hurricane actually approaches, I let my neighbors know if the power goes they can bring their cold foods to our house because my generator and freezers will be up and running. I also do what I can to help out the rest of the neighborhood. William Wilkinson H-53 Production Line, Supervisor I like to try to make sure I have a week s supply of water, food and other refreshments. And being in North Carolina, I just wait for it to come. Readiness Reader Newsletter April

4 Work never stops at New River Photos by Dave Marriott Sheet Metal Mechanic Michael Padgett removes corrosion from the drive shaft frame of an AH-1W Super Cobra at the Fleet Readiness Center East H-1 Detachment on Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. Air Frames Mechanic Jim Cohen attaches a protective cover to the canopy of a Marine Corps AW-1H Super Cobra as Sheet Metal Mechanic Reynaldo Mays inspects the forward bulkhead. 4 April 2017 Sheet Metal Mechanic James Koonce de-fods a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra right stub wing at the Fleet Readiness Center East H-1 Detachment on Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. Readiness Reader Newsletter

5 Celebrating, developing future leaders Congratulations are in order for Fleet Readiness Center East s recent graduates of the Naval Air Systems Command and Journey Leadership Development Programs. The graduates were honored during a national ceremony held via video teleconference March 29. Ernest Sylivant III graduated from the NLDP, while Eddie Clemmons, Lanetta Daniels, Jolonda Hall, Jennifer Kusnerak, James Mc- Coy Jr., Thomas McMahan, Ladessa Reed and Nikole Yohe completed the JLDP. The NLDP, NAVAIR's flagship leadership development program, and JLDP are part of an ongoing command commitment to the continuous personal and professional growth and development of its military and civilian workforce. The NLDP was designed for high performing NAVAIR workforce members who have demonstrated leadership potential to fully develop their leadership, management and productivity improvement skills. The JLDP is NAVAIR's mid-level leadership development program and is designed to support and enable the development of leadership skills early in the formative stages of the career lifecycle. The NLDP is intended to provide participants the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the organization via AIRSpeed Takeout or take action to feed the hungry? That s what Federal Managers Association Chapter 21 will be asking when it hosts its fifth annual 5-K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk on May 13 in participation of Public Service Recognition Week May The event also serves as the kickoff food drive effort, as the organization participates in the Feds Feed Families campaign which focuses on feeding the hungry. Since the campaign began in 2009, federal workers have collected and donated millions of pounds of food and other nonperishable items to support families across America. Teams collect the food, distribute it to local food banks and report the number of pounds donated to the Feds Feed Families campaign. FMA Chapter 21 reported 6,332 pounds of food collected for the effort in This year the organization is asking for help from federal employees in the community to best that record of giving. According to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, 63,800 people live in food insecure households in Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico Counties. More than one-third of those are children, which equals about 21,000 children in the Recent NAVAIR leadership development graduates: Nikole Yohe, Lanetta Daniels, Jolonda Hall, Jennifer Kusnarek, (back row) James McCoy Jr., Ladessa Reed, Eddie Clemmons and (not picture) Thomas McMahan completed the Junior Leadership Development Program, and Ernest Sylivant III (back row, right) completed the NLDP. initiatives and to establish valuable networks with peers and senior leaders across the command and throughout the Departments of the Navy and Defense. The JLDP is intended to provide participants with foundation training in a structured framework in which to develop their leadership and productivity skills. The program will also enable participants to develop and enhance their personal network, creating increased visibility and opportunities for professional growth. NAVAIR has established a path for journey level leadership development that aligns to its flagship program, NLDP. Visit the NAVAIR portal for more information on the leadership development programs. Federal managers making strides to feed more families surrounding counties. According to area food banks, 34 percent of children about 6,050 under age 18 in Craven County live in food insecure homes. Another 57 percent of children under age 18 receive free or reduced price school lunches. The local FMA chapter is challenging federal employees to step up in record number this year to support area food banks and shelters by taking action to participate by giving. Participation in the fun run event either in-person or via virtual attendance translates to dollars donated to help local banks to provide food for the area s hungry. Every one dollar donated provides 5.5 pounds of food to local banks and shelters. The fun run is slated to start at 8 a.m. in front of Wells Wayside Furniture in Havelock and course through the Tucker Creek subdivision. Virtual participation allows individuals to run or walk elsewhere while being counted as a registered participant. Registration is $25, and all proceeds go to local food banks and shelters. Register to participate in the fun run or make donations online at Events/NC/Havelock/FedsFeedFamilies5K. Registration and donations can also be made with an FMA Board Member. Readiness Reader Newsletter April

6 The recent Command Climate Survey identified a need to increase the use and visibility of employee recognition programs. Under the commander s guidance, Fleet Readiness Center East began an initiative to increase informal recognition and on-the-spot awards given to individuals through its Incentive Awards Program. On-the-spot awards are categorized by monetary or time-off rewards. These types of awards are given to employees for special performance or actions that go above and beyond normal expectations. Employee of the Month or Quarter Awards are examples of on-the-spot awards. Informal recognition awards are given with a certificate and redeemed for merchandise located in the Informal Recognition Awards Program Merchandise Store. Informal recognition awards are intended to recognize contributions of lesser scope that might otherwise go unrecognized. Though Human Resources maintains oversight of the awards program, on-the-spot and informal recognition awards are administered by the specific departments relative to those who are honored. For the second quarter of fiscal 2017, FRC East has seen an 85 percent cumulative increase in the number of informal recognition and on-the-spot awards given to employees from last year. While the initiative has been successful, there may be changes regarding the merchandise store and what type of items will be stocked. We are currently reviewing the type of items we can purchase as informal awards based on direction issued by the Secretary of the Navy, said Mary Beth Fennell, Corporate Operations and Total Force Group head. The types of items available in the future will differ from what we have traditionally offered. However, our goal is to continue to offer awards to our workforce. 6 April 2017 Readiness Reader Newsletter Incentive awards increase, store to get inventory revamp The graph shows a comparison of the amount of informal recognition awards Fleet Readiness Center East presented during fiscal 2016 to the amount presented through the second quarter of The graph below shows the same for on-the-spot monetary or time-off awards for the same periods. FRC East Instruction , Incentive Awards, Chapters 5 and 6 details how awards are to be prepared, staffed and awarded. The directive can be found on FRC East s CPWeb. Currently the merchandise store is open Tuesday 7:30-10:30 a.m. and Thursday 1-4 p.m.

7 In memoriam: FRC East honor memories of employees One Less Poem by Stephanie Canady When a teammate is lost, to the command there is a weighty cost. The pain of their absence we all share, as we muse what s no longer there. One less set of footsteps walking the hallway; One less voice uttering: Have a great day; One less smile adorning a face; One less light shining in the workspace; One less person taking a chair around the conference table; One less set of hands grasping the load to make sure it s stable; Yes, they filled an important position. They even helped meet the demands of the mission. The job may be back-filled, but still The hole in our hearts can t be adequately filled. It will be quite an adjustment for all whom their lives did touch. Without a doubt their presence mattered, they ll be missed very much. In memory of: Lucille "Lucy" A. Mirra died March 5, 2017; Christopher R. Graham died Feb. 18, 2017; David Joe McGraw died Feb. 5, 2017; Thomas A. Akers died Jan. 28, 2017; Daniel L. Joseph died Dec. 9, 2016; Walter G. Woody Woodruff died Oct. 1, 2016; David A. Rasmuson died Sept. 24, 2016; David S. King died Aug. 27, 2016; Joe. D. Griggs died July 25, 2016; Fadil Osmanovic died July 6, 2016; George Claude Lowery died Dec. 13, 2015; and Jerry D. Kelley, died Nov. 13, [Editor s note: The poem One Less was written by Stephanie Canady, 6.3 Department Secretary, who said she was moved to compose it after being informed of Lucille Mirra s death.] Something to know: Volunteer Leave Transfer Program The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program allows civilian employees to transfer unused, accrued annual leave to another civilian employee who has a medical emergency. Procedures for becoming a Leave Recipient or a Leave Donor can be found in FR- CEASTINST A. To become a leave recipient in the VLTP, one must submit a current copy of their LES, supporting medical documentation, and the Leave Recipient Application Form, OPM 630, to the VLTP administrator for eligibility review. To donate annual leave to a leave recipient, one must submit a current copy of their LES, along with the appropriate application form (OPM 630-A or OPM 630-B) to the VLTP administrator. The maximum number of hours to be donated cannot exceed more than one-half of the amount of annual leave that the donor will earn that leave year. The minimum amount of annual leave that can be donated is one hour. Contact the VLTP administrator at or , or visit the location in Trailer 25 for more information. Things of note Omission of honoree In the March 2017 issue of the Readiness Reader in the article "Honoring years of federal service," Richard S. Clarke's name was not included in the listing of those who were honored. He was honored during the January 31 ceremony for 35 years of service, and is pictured in the accompanying photo third from the left. Report fraud, waste, abuse The Fleet Readiness Center East Hotline provides an avenue for employees to report claims of fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement. Employees are encouraged to first address any issues through their chain of command. If a complaint is made to the Hotline, provide as much specific information about the issue as possible. Visit CPWeb for more information or call the command evaluation officer at health reps schedule Don t miss the opportunity to address questions concerning federal health benefits plans with a live representative. Health representatives are scheduled to visit Fleet Readiness Center East on the following dates: May 2, June 5, Aug. 1, Sept. 11, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 4. All sessions will be in Building 137 in the Learning Lab from 9 a.m. to noon and 2-4 p.m. Contact Karen Betsinger at for more information. Suggestion programs Do you have a good idea to improve processes or work life at Fleet Readiness Center East? Share it through the Beneficial Suggestion Program or the Digital Suggestion Box. You can access the Digital Suggestion Box in the Quick Links column on the News and Announcements Page of CPWeb. For more information, call Lori Glass at or Tiffany Oliver at Monthly training due Department of the Navy Equal Employment Opportunity, DoN Prevention of Sexual Harassment or Anti-Harassment, No Fear Act, and NAVAIR Suicide and Prevention and Awareness Training are due by April 30. Most of the monthly training requirements are available in Total Workforce Management Services to allow employees to complete courses on demand. For more information on required training and details on the new training schedule, visit myteam.navair.navy.mil/km/73/novt/pages/mandatorytraining.aspx. Marine burger burns Fleet Readiness Center East Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron offers the choice of burgers, brats or hot dogs each Friday (weather permitting) starting at 11 a.m. Readiness Reader Newsletter April

8 Photos by Chrystal Smith Peer honors for employees Keith Linton, Metal Competency lead, presents the Employee of the Month certificates for January to Lydia Caruso, pneumatics systems worker of Shop 94402; (Photo top left) Cedric George, sheet metal worker of Shop 95441; and (Photo left) Wesley Small, painter of Shop during informal awards ceremonies in the Fleet Readiness Center East Conference Room March 3. The recipients were nominated and selected by their respective peers to recieve the month's honors. Presidential honor Photo by Chrystal Smith Employee standout Mary Beth Fennell, Corporate Operations and Total Force Group head, presents Connie Koontz, In-Service Support Center business financial manager, the certificate for the 7.0 competency Employee of the Month during the group's quaterly assembly in the Jerry Marvel Training Building March 7. 8 April 2017 Readiness Reader Newsletter Lori Glass, received the Gilbert N. Guidry Memorial Award, presented during the 79th Federal Managers Association National Convention March 14. The award honors her service as the FMA, Chapter 21 president, in recognition of excellent leadership and dedication to FMA. The substance of being selected to receive the honor was based upon Glass s efforts at increasing efficiency of the managerial force; promoting the social, intellectual and material welfare of the membership; and establishing mutual understanding, respect and working relationships with responsible representatives of the community, and local and federal government. It was said in the award write-up that: Lori embodies the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm we hope to find in other members, and she passes those traits on to her chapter through her hard work and support."