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Volume 13, Issue 9 30 September 2010

NRD Phoenix Welcomes New ChiefsBy MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

From L to R, NCC(SW/AW) Thomas Ryan, YNC(SW/AW/SCW) Heather Diaz, and NCC(AW) Francisco Santos stand proudly as the newest NRD Phoenix Chief Petty Officers after a pinning ceremony at the Davis-Monthan Officers Club in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16. The pinning of a Chief is a time honored Navy ceremony dating back to 1893. U.S. Navy Photo by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

PHOENIX - Three Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Phoenix Sailors took a giant leap in their Navy careers by being pinned as the Navy’s newest Chief Petty Officers at the Davis-Monthan Officers Club in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 16. Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Thomas Ryan, Chief Yeoman (SW/AW/SCW) Heather Diaz, and Chief Navy Counselor (AW) Francisco Santos were all joined by friends, family and their sponsors as they were pinned with the Gold Fouled Anchors they had earned through hard work and dedication. “You three are about to take on a great responsibility,” said Cmdr. Darryl Toppin, NRD Phoe-nix Commanding Officer. “Every-one up and down the chain will look to you for your mentorship, your leadership, and your advice. But do not take that responsibility lightly. I have every confidence in each and every one of you.” Toppin reminisced of his first introduction to a Navy Chief when he showed up to Navy Re-cruit Training Command in 1984. Although his first encounter with a Chief was a “rude awakening” he said that he quickly realized that the Chiefs are the backbone of the Navy. “If I didn’t have great chiefs I wouldn’t be where I‘m at today. And that’s a fact,” said Toppin.All the new Chiefs agreed that becoming a Chief was always a goal

and the whole experience was sur-real an exciting. “This is the day I’ve been waiting for my entire life. This is the pinnacle of my career,” said Santos, who has been in the Navy for 13 years. “It’s the most exciting day of my life with the exception of the day I got married and the birth of my children. It’s an amazing feel-ing,” added Ryan, who has also been in the Navy for 13 years. Diaz said that during her first two years in the Navy she never had any intention in staying in the service and was planning on getting out. But she said it was her Chief that made her change her

mind and give the Navy a chance, and after 8 years of service is now a proud chief herself. “If it wasn’t for him I prob-ably would have got out,” said Diaz of her previous commands Chief. All three agreed that the reason that they got where they are today is due to the Chiefs that have mentored and trained them in the past. But also the people that they trained and mentored themselves. “It’s not about you, it’s about the people,” said Santos. You need to put your people before yourself because if you take care of your people, they will take care of you.”

COMMAND CORNER

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Inside This Issue

Page 3 Happy Birthday NavyPage 5 Family TraditionPage 6 Lake PleasantPage 8 Biking for HaitiPage 10 Race SeasonPage 11 TombstonePage 12 Around the Fleet

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 BeringAssistant Editor

The Road Runner is a monthly newslet-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 feedback from it’s readers. Please submit all articles, suggestions, ideas, comments, photos, compliments or complaints to MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez at adrian.b. melendez@navy.mil, NC1 Steven Powell at steven.powell1@navy.mil, or John Bering at john.bering@navy.mil

New Year Continued OnPage 15

What a year it’s been! The turn of a New Year is traditionally a time for celebration, reflection and commitments. In the business of Navy Recruiting, this is especially true at the turn of the Fiscal Year…and we have a lot to celebrate, reflect upon and look forward to. Celebrate: As a TEAM, we produced phenomenal results.

Enlisted Programs:Lowest in-month loss rate in the nation at 2.9% Highest RTC Graduation Rate at 98.3% High School Diploma Graduates - 98.6% Test Category Upper – 95.2% (national 88.6%)NSW/NSO: #2 in overall Mission Accomplishment by only .3% behind NRD San Diego and #1 in PST pass rate in arguably the most challenging climate/location in the nation.

Officer Programs: 111% attainment of non-medical 95% medical 101% overall diversityTop in the nation in kit quality

Training:100% RinC Qualification rate70% of recruiters qualified (none overdue).

LEADS:Contributed 285 new contracts to the District’s goal.Cost/QI- $186.57 - well above national average.Cost/Insert-$80.56 – 4th best in nation.

Safety: As of the end of the 3rd Quarter, NRD Phoenix ranked 3 of 26 for the least amount of accidents. Remarkable, considering we are also the 6th highest for total miles driven…a testament to our robust and active safety program.

Supply: 99.9% execution of Operating Target 0% Credit card delinquency 3 months running.95% of vouchers processed w/in the 5 day time frame allotted.Over 1700 travel documents processed in FY 10.

Reflect: Just the other day I asked the CR and CMC why we don’t have a mascot/name for ourselves. As an aviator, I’m used to call-signs and collective command names such as the Stingrays, Golden Eagles and Rangers and I was in search of a less awkward way to address the command. To my question, they simply replied “We do! Our mascot is the Phoenix bird rising from the ashes and we’re TEAM Phoenix.” At the time, I wrote it off as another one of their “Jedi mind tricks” to get me to move on with the business of the day, but as I look at our accomplishments for FY-10, the

Happy New Year TEAM Phoenix! By Derek WessmanExecutive Officer

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Hey Shipmates! Its October and that means it’s time to slow the ship and remember who we are and where we came from as Sailors and a Navy. On October 13, 1775, a year before the birth of our nation, the centennial congress met in Philadelphia and voted to outfit two sailing vessels for the purpose of stopping British ships from bringing supplies to the invading British army. This day marked the

humble birth of the United States Navy, some 235 years ago. Since its inauguration the sailors of the navy have been at the forethought of our national defense. With over 440,000 Sailors, 285 deployable ships, 3,700 aircraft the Navy is the largest in the world – greater in capacity than the next 13 navies combined. The US Navy gives the President options and the ability to project its power any time anywhere around the world, at a moment’s notice. From transporting and supporting troops on the ground, to securing free passage of our allies shipping for humanitarian assistance and stability operations the US Navy is truly more now than ever a “global force for good”. Today we have over 2,200 Sailors boots on ground in Iraq, 5,700 in Afghanistan and 14,000 throughout the Middle East. What would John Paul Jones say to that, other than it is a true testament to our flexibility and adaptability?

There are more Sailors on the ground in the Middle East than on deck. The United States Navy comes from a long and storied history, filled with gallantry and heroics. Those acts of heroics were accomplished by the Sailors like you not the vessels they sailed in. The Sailors of the United States Navy around the world continue to establish a legacy of pride and professionalism. I am and have always been proud to serve along side of our country’s finest men and women. Look around you next time you are at quarters or zone training, the finest men and women of our country are right here at NRD Phoenix. Happy Birthday and congratulations on your commitment to keeping our Navy strong and our country safe. Hooyah Shipmates and Hooyah United States Navy!

Happy Birthday To Our NavyBy CMDCM(SS) Jerry Pittman

Zone 5 Takes Part 9-11 TributeBy MC1 (AW) Adrian Melendez Sailors and Future Sailors in Zone 5 came together Sept. 11 to volunteer and represent the Navy at the Third Annual 9-11 Tribute Motorcycle Rally and Run at the American Legion Post 7 in Tucson.Representatives for the Zone helped with registration for the event as well as direct all the bikes that showed up for the event. “I thought it would be good for the Zone to participate in something patriotic in memory of

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U.S. Navy photo

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NRD Phoenix Ombudsman

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

FRG PresidentSharla Boykin (Phoenix)

(623)792-0770

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

September 11,” said Logistics Spe-cialist 2nd class Camilla Hill, the organizer for the Zone 5 volun-teers.More than just helping out with the organization of the rally, the volunteers felt a sense of pride and patriotism as they talked with veterans at the post. “The event was a reminder that our jobs in the Navy are not just jobs, they are our duty to protect America and put the safety our country before our own lives if necessary,” said Future Sailor Em-ily Pomeroy, from Navy Recruiting

Station Saguaro Valley.Pomeroy also added that the event was also a reminder to her that it’s not only important to live by Navy values while in uniform, but to live by Corp Values and “the Sailors Creed at all times. As Future Sailors it is im-portant for us to not only know the Sailor's Creed but also to be able to live it. An important line of that is to represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all those who have gone before us,” said Pomeroy. “It is important to interact with veterans and give our time to them, and to remember those especially who were POW, are MIA or were KIA.”

Sailors from Zones 1 and 7 helped raise more than $40,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in August at the 7th Annual Swing Fore the House Golf Tournament in Albuquer-que. Damage Controlman 2nd Class Louchelle Lewis, Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Antonio Jara-millo, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Lucinda Davis, Navy Counselor(NC) 1st Class Marlene Armijo, NC1 Lynn Kyle, NCC Lloyd Miller, Chief Personnel Specialist Ronald Barbera and Lt. j.g. Peter Rancort were all put in different stations on the golf course to raise money for the charity. U.S. Navy Photo

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When we went through our initial military training, or “Bootcamp”, we were all taught new ways of doing everyday things. We were all shown how we would fold our clothes, make our beds, and even eat our food. We were also introduced to new traditions and a new way of thinking. But through all that, many of us held on to our own family traditions and brought them with us in our new life as service members. Seaman Apprentice Michael Vivian recently graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. and was previously a Future Sailor from Navy Recruiting Station Sierra Vista. From the beginning his recruiter, Machinists’ Mate 1st Class (SS) Paul Tanguay, was impressed with the work ethic and drive of Vivian. “Seaman Apprentice Vivian was an outstanding Future Sailor. Anything and everything I asked of him, he would complete immediately without fail,” said

Tanguay. While in the Delayed Entry Program Vivian not only finished his Future Sailor Personnel Qualification Standards, but also remained deeply involved with his school, Benson High School (BHS), and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program, in which he won state and competed at Nationals in Anaheim, Calif. in Business Ethics in 2009

and in 2010 he won state and competed at Nationals in Nashville, Tenn. in Business Presentation. “Michael was one of those kids you could count on 100 percent. If he saw that something needed to be done he would enthusiastically do it. He was a valuable and integral part of BHS FBLA,” said Tina Gudvangen, BHS FBLA Advisor.

New Sailor Carries Family Tradition into Navy ServiceBy MC1 Adrian Melendez

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW) Richard Lopez returns the salutes of the side boys as he’s piped ashore for the last time at the conclusion of his retire-ment ceremony at the Navy Operational Support Center in Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 1. Lopez retired after 22 years of service . U.S. Navy Photo by MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

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Photo courtesy of Dan Vivian

Construction Mechanic (SCW) 2nd Class Chris Schulze braved high temperatures, rough roads and highway traffic during a 190 mile bike ride from Yuma, Ariz., to Eloy Ariz., Sep. 30 – Oct. 1. Schulze, a recruiter out of Navy Recruiting Station Arrowhead, joined three other riders from his church, two of which who were riding from San Diego, Calif., to Jekyll Island, Ga., to raise money for children in Haiti. Schulze wanted to join them on the two day leg through Arizona not only to raise money for the people of Haiti, but to also challenge himself on what would be the longest ride he has ever done. His previous ride had been 72 miles in which he was raising money for a church in Mexico.

The first day started a 6 a.m. when the riders all arrived at a local church in Yuma. The riders all checked their gear, tires, filled up water bottles and stretched in preparation for the first day’s 117 mile ride to Gila Bend, where they would stay the night. The group was being followed along the way with an RV that was packed with all the supplies they would need along the way. The first few miles would already start off rough for Schulze. First he had to clear a huge uphill climb. But during the ride up he got a flat tire. The first of two he would receive that day. “The hill was kind of rough, but the downhill was well worth it,” said Schulze. The first break for the group was in Dateland, Ariz., where they all got some much needed lunch. “I feel good,” said Schulze, who still appeared as energetic as

he did when he started the ride 68 miles and 5 hours earlier. “Those flats (tires) are killing me because I have to stop to change them.”As the riders left for the last half of the ride the temperature had risen to 105 degrees. “The heat really gets to you,” said Schulze after they arrived in Gila Bend. “Especially after you have already ridden more than 100 miles” He said the second half of the first days was really rough, but he pushed through and was ready for a dip in the pool, nice dinner and some good rest before they head out in the morning for the rest of the ride. The final stretch of his trip the next day was a little smoother than the previous day. Although he was a little sore the sky had more cloud cover bringing down the heat

Construction Mechanic (SCW) 2nd Class Chris Schulze, from Navy Recruiting Station Arrowhead, rides down Interstate 8 in Arizona. Schulze was part of a group from his church that was riding 190 miles from Yuma, Ariz., to Eloy, Ariz., to raise money for children in Haiti.

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Schulze checks the air pressure in his tires prior to the start of first day of a two day ride to Eloy, Ariz. During the first day he had two flat tires along the route.

Schulze Makes 190 Mile Ride For Children of HaitiStory and Photos By MC1(AW) Adrian Melendez

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and the distance was a little less.“I’m relieved that it’s all done,” said Schulze. “It was rough, but well worth it.” Schulze said that being on the road for that long of a time gave him a lot of time to think about why he was making the ride, and how important it was that he finishes the mission for the needy children of Haiti. “We’re four guys with nice bikes, all the gear, water, clothes and absolutely everything we needed for this ride. It reminded me of the road and ride through life,” Schulze said. “Even though we have everything we needed, it was still a really rough trip. The kids in Haiti don’t have anything. And to be able to send 300 kids to school for a year and feed and clothe them made it all worth it.” He said that he wants to

make a longer ride one day, and wished he could have continued cross country. Schulze next hopes to participate in the Tour De Cure

in 2011 and the Hotter N’ Hell 100 mile ride, August 2011, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

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The team makes their way up the interstate early Sep. 30 on their way to their first stop in Dateland, Ariz. The stop is 68 miles into the 117 miles they needed to cover that day to reach Gila Bend, Ariz.

Schulze and his team treking through the Arizona desert on their first day of riding from Yuma, Ariz., to Eloy, Ariz. Tempetures reached 105 degrees as the pedaled their way through the heat to raise money for children in haiti.

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It’s Racing SeasonBy John Bering

In preparation for this weekend’s Xterra Trail Race I hiked/ran the Estrella Competi-tive Track to scout out the race course. Access to the trailhead is gained by driving between two of the Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) parking lots to the west of the speedway. There will be 20K and 8K distances Sunday the 3rd of October and this is just the first event of the series to be held here in the valley. January 2011 there is a 19K at the White Tank Mountains and a 15 miler in February at the McDowell Mountains. The link to register for any of the three events is: http://www.aztrailrace.com/ There are two loops at the Estrella Track. The Long Loop is 8 miles of hilly single track. The Technical Loop is 5 miles of challenging single track marked for experts only. The 20K marries both trails into a 20K race. The 8K portion is the Technical Loop. The technical section of the course has a few hills and is very rocky and will prove to be a challenging trail race.

In addition to the Xterra series there is an abundance of mountain bike racing opportunities this fall. The Dust Devil Mountain Bike Series shares the same venues as the Xterra races with the McDow-ell Mountain race being held Oct. 9, Estrella Mountain, Oct. 30, and White Tanks, Nov. 20. The link for these races is: http://www.dcbad-ventures.com/Events/Biking Other large races are the Tour de Scottsdale, a 70 mile cycling event, held on the 3rd of October. Carlos Obrien’s Prospec-tor Triathlon (Olympic distance) at Lake Pleasant on the 9th of October. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is a 5K run in Phoenix, Oct. 10. The Mount Lemon Marathon is Oct. 17, and the Grand Can-yon Marathon is Nov. 6. The 35th Annual Phoenix 10K will be run Nov. 7 and the 23rd Annual Arizona

Road Racers Thanksgiving Day Classic is on Thursday the Nov. 25 The big daddy of them all is P.F.Chang’s Arizona Rock’n’Roll Marathon Jan. 16. For even more racing info go to http://www.getse-taz.com/calendar.php In Albuquerque the Sandia Mountain trail Run (5 & 10Ks) happens Oct. 3 and the Las Cruces Half Marathon is Dec. 18. More info at http://www.aroadrun.org/Event_Cal/Event_Cal.htmThe El Paso Marathon will take place Mar. 5 and more races there can be found at http://upandrun-ningelpaso.com/races.aspx This is but a sampling of all the outdoor events that are sched-uled for this coming fall and win-ter. www.active.com is a wealth of racing information so get out there and hit the trail.

The Scottsdale Mad Mad Mud Run at the McDonald Ranch is Coming up Nov. 20. Anyone interested in attending, or putting together two and four man teams for the four mile obstacle course and muddy event please contact NC1 Martha Caballero at martha.caballero@navy.mil.

Get Out and See TombstoneBy John Bering

Experience some of south-ern Arizona’s back-roads and witness a gunfight. No, not on the border; in the old west. Not being exactly sure of what to expect in Tombstone, as it is a tourist at-traction after all, and I’ve heard of the mock gunfights in the streets, I went in a little guarded. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. Steeped in western history and very well preserved, gunfights aside, Tombstone is well worth a few hours of exploration. The for-mer mining town was made famous by its lawlessness and infamous by the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday. There is no admission fee to the western town but there are a few attractions that charge for admission such as the Bird Cage Theater and the OK Corral shoot-out. For $5 there is a trolley led

sightseeing tour that is a great half hour history lesson. On the edge of town lies the Boothill Grave Yard. Buried at Boothill are more than 250 people of various western backgrounds in-cluding Billy Clanton with Tom and Frank McLaury who were all gunned down by Doc Holiday and the Earp brothers during Tomb-

stones most famous gun fight. Twenty five miles further south is the artsy enclave of Bisbee. This Southern Arizona hill town is filled with art studios and galler-ies along with eateries and eclectic storefronts. As either a day trip or a weekend getaway Tombstone and Bisbee are wonderful places to visit.

NC1 Lynn Kyle, NC1 Marlene Armijo, PS2 Francisco Bazavilvazo and LS1 Lucinda Davis volunteered for “Help Clean Albuquerque” with Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry, at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, Sept. 25. The volunteers picked up trash in different areas of the park in an effort to help keep the area clean and in anticipation for the upcoming Balloon Festival. U.S. Navy photo

Recruiters And Future Sailors from Navy Recruiting Sta-tion Dessert Sky pack bags of food for families in need in the Phoenix area at Saint Mary’s Food Bank. Desert Sky was joined by other recruiters from Zone 4 in the effort to give back to the community. U.S. Navy photo

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TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 3rd Class Denis Christian Miranda, 24, was laid to rest at Ocean County Memorial Park Cemetery in Toms River, N.J. following a military funeral Sept. 30. Miranda was one of nine military personnel killed when the helicopter in which they were traveling crashed in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan Sept. 21. Miranda’s body was flown from Afghanistan to Dover Air Force Base, Del., during a dignified transfer. On Monday, his family and friends received his remains at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. As Miranda began the final leg of his journey to his hometown of Toms River, more than 400 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps lined the streets of the base to render salutes to him and pay respect to his family and friends as the procession passed by. Beginning Tuesday family, friends, service members and an outpouring of local residents gathered at the Anderson and Family Funeral home to grieve the

loss of the young man. Local and national organizations presented small mementos and offered support to family during the wake. Among those who offered support was Judy Tapper, president of the Department of New Jersey Gold Star Mothers, an organization and support group made up of mothers of fallen service members. Tapper presented a gold pin from

the group to Miranda’s mother. “After the loss of my son, it has always been important for me to help mothers in any way that I can,” said Tapper. “What ever the Miranda family needs, we will get them.” Tapper’s son, Photographer’s Mate 1st Class (SEAL) David M. Tapper,

Navy SEAL Laid to Rest After Helicopter Crash in AfghanistanBy MC2 John ScorzaNaval Special Warfare Public Affairs

Navy SEALs from all over the country took turns pounding the Tridents taken from their uniforms into the casket of Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 3rd Class Denis Miranda during his funeral. One Special Forces operator placed his Special Forces patch on the casket. Miranda was one of nine service members killed when the helicopter in which they were traveling crashed in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan Sept. 21. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 John Scorza

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died from wounds received during combat operations Aug. 20, 2003 in Afghanistan. Miranda was carried in by his SEAL teammates to the cemetery where he received a military funeral. Miranda’s best friend, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Eugene A. Lewis III, made remarks about the special friendship he and Miranda shared. “Denis achieved his dreams,” Lewis said. “He set out to become a Navy SEAL and fulfilled that dream. He lived life to the fullest. I consider myself lucky to have known him.” Capt. Tim Szymanski, commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group Two, solemnly spoke about the warrior spirit of Navy SEALs and Miranda’s ultimate sacrifice for his country. “Miranda was a man who touched the lives of so many of us, a man

who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedom and liberty of his fellow citizens, and a man who lived his life for the cause greater than himself,” Szymanski said. After the commodore’s remarks, the American flag that draped Miranda’s casket was folded and presented to Miranda’s mother. A Navy honor guard rendered a gun salute and guests bowed their heads through the playing of “Taps.” After the flag presentation, Navy SEALs from across the country lined up and one-by-one, removed the Tridents from the left chest of their uniforms and pounded them into Miranda’s coffin. Miranda’s two brothers Alan and Kevin shared stories of their brother and spoke of his selfless, humble character. “My brother could have been the most charitable man in the

world, but if you didn’t catch him in the act, you wouldn’t know,” said Alan. “He helped others and never spoke of his acts. That’s just the type of guy he was … humble.” “He wanted to help as many people as he could with things he was knowledgeable in,” said Kevin. “He would do anything for anyone in need.” Miranda’s fiance, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Lacy Cromwell, grieved his loss as well. When asked what he meant to her, Cromwell simply said, “He was the love of my life.” Miranda’s last words to her before he deployed were, “You know I’m going to marry you right?” She responded, “I know.” Miranda is survived by his mother, father, Christian, and two brothers.

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MILLINGTON, Tenn. - With the merger of Perform-to-Serve (PTS) and Fleet Rating Identification Engine (RIDE) Oct. 1, Sailors are being advised to take full advantage of the program’s conversion option in order to stay Navy as the force is shaped to provide future capabilities. “What we have is 5,000 Sailors in overmanned ratings being looked at in PTS, but 6,000 vacancies in undermanned ratings not yet filled,” said Mike Fair, Bureau of Naval Personnel deputy military community manager. “We have to match these Sailors up with these undermanned specialties by educating Sailors on how PTS and

Fleet RIDE can keep them from becoming separated from the Navy because they aren’t in ratings we need.” PTS was implemented in March 2003 as a means for the Navy to match manning requirements with mission requirements. It is a centralized reservation system that balances overmanned and undermanned ratings, using reenlistments as its key tool. With Fleet RIDE integration, Sailors are provided the additional information of what other rating billets are open, and what he or she qualifies for outside of their current rating, based on

their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. “Most Sailors are loyal to their rating and are reluctant to change,” said Senior Chief Navy Counselor (AW) Jermaine Rawls, Navy Personnel Command PTS Help Desk. “Career development boards are indispensable in raising the number of conversion requests through PTS.” The chain of command must counsel Sailors before they enter the PTS window to clarify the importance of applying for both in-rate and conversion quotas. “Some advantages that

Rating Conversion Keeps Good Sailors on the Best PathBy MC1 (AW) LaTunya HowardNavy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office

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accompany a rating conversion are advancement, selective reenlistment bonus, formal training, college credit, and the opportunity to stay Navy,” said Rawls. Sailors considering conversion can review their Career Reenlistment Objective (CREO). CREO refers to the manning levels for all Navy ratings and is a consideration for Sailors requesting PTS approval. CREO categories are identified in one of three levels: CREO 1 rates are undermanned CREO 2 rates are manned at desired levels

CREO 3 rates are overmanned The command career counselor can assist Sailors with understanding the benefits of reviewing their CREO information and can provide Sailors with guidance throughout the PTS process. “PTS and Fleet RIDE helps us keep our best and brightest Sailors in the Navy in their current rating, conversion to undermanned rating our by direct affiliation into our SELRES,” said Fair. “There are many untold happy endings. For example, a machinist’s mate third class was

approved for conversion. His old rating was overmanned with advancement opportunity to E-5 less than 7 percent. The Sailor converted to cryptologic technician collection (CTR); attended A School; graduated; converted to CTR 3rd Class; received a standard re-enlistment bonus for a six-year reenlistment; and is now assigned to a Navy Information Operations Command. CTR advancement opportunity for E-5 is nearly 100 percent. We want to get the word out to Sailors about the power of PTS and Fleet RIDE. We believe a satisfied Sailor makes a better Navy,” said Fair.

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Michael, the middle child, was also very close to his family, which were all present during his graduation ceremony. At the end of the Pass and Review, and now officially a Sailor, Vivian looked up too his family and gave a peculiar hand signal to his family that was not understood by anyone in the crowd who may have caught a glimpse. But the sign that he gave, the American Sign Language sign for “I Love You”, was a signal

close to the hearts of the Vivian family. “My youngest, Christopher, would give us this sign everyday when we dropped him off for school (we started this in kindergarten) no matter who dropped him off,” said Dan Vivian,” Michaels father. “The sign with a ‘love you, bud’ has become an icon of sorts with our family.” The sign was also used during a tragic time in the family’s life after Christopher died. “When Mandy (Michael’s sister) spoke at Christopher’s

funeral, they were the last words she said as she held up her hand,” said Dan. That simple sign has deep meaning with the family. It has a tradition to it as well as a tie to Michael’s family that he will carry with him everywhere he goes in his Navy career. “When Michael raised his hand after he was dismissed, I don’t think there was a dry eye in our family,” said Dan. “It meant a lot. I know Christopher was with us in spirit.

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Recruiters and Future Sailors from Navy Recruiting Station Albuquer-que wave to the crowd during the New Mexico State Fair Parade in Albuquerque Sept. 11. Thousands of residents attended the parade and cheered on the Navy representatives on the two mile route at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. U.S. Navy photo

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wisdom of this title is apparent not just in concept, but in our actions and the results they produce.

While there are “break-out” performers that will be appropriately recognized at the All Hands Ceremony, they are difficult to indentify amongst a sea of top performers across the district. We have risen from the ashes, performing at a high level and it is TEAMWORK that got us there. Across the board, accomplishments went well “beyond the numbers” into leadership, Sailorization, education, community outreach and overall TEAMWORK. Using a football analogy in which NCOs, accessions and commissions are equal to receptions, yards gained and touchdowns, NRD Phoenix is a TEAM with many “weapons.” Each of you not only catch and carry the ball when called upon, but you gladly do the less glamorous job of blocking for your teammates as well. Throughout sports history there have been teams with superstars that showed moments of glory, but the success was short-lived. Sustained success is the result of selfless teamwork, training and esprit de corps. This TEAM concept guided by competent and caring leadership from the CO to the Future Sailors fueled our success and positioned us for another banner year in FY-11. I now realize that we are a TEAM of Phoenix. Commitments Ahead: As with any successful endeavor, there are always challenges that remain and areas to improve. While we look forward to FY-11with optimism, it will inevitably be filled with many obstacles. We will continue to focus on

FIT vs. FILL - finding specific people with the right skills to do the jobs the Navy needs: right recruit, to the right place, at the right time. This is especially difficult in an environment where only about one third of the target market is morally, mentally and physically qualified. Furthermore, although the growth in our Delayed Entry Program is a positive sign of success, it requires additional time and effort to manage and motivate these Future Sailors, resulting in less time for prospecting.

Because of these factors, it is essential that we resolve to build trust within TEAM Phoenix by sharing best practices, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for such things as DEP management, social media, prospecting and daily planning (DPR). Building trust within the TEAM permeates in everything we do and spreads to our centers of influence (COIs), communities and America as a whole. RDML Faller said it best in his most recent Commander’s Gram.

“While our FY10 numbers are exceptional, what I am most proud of -- what we all should be most proud of -- is the trust we have gained with America. As the face of our great Navy to the Nation, gaining and sustaining trust with the public is our most important mission, bar none. Focusing on Mission First - and having Integrity Always ensures we keep the trust factor high.” This kind of trust doesn’t happen by accident and it originates from within. We must leverage our past success, the relationships we’ve established and the current TEAM spirit to cultivate the trust we’ve developed and ensure it is passed to our successors.

In March, RDML Faller mandated that the top leadership in each district read Stephen M. R. Covey’s book The Speed of Trust. In fact, NCC Carlin even did a presentation on the book’s main points at the March RinC Conference. The book is filled with many TTPs to building and maintaining trust, as well as inspiring real life stories and examples. However, implementing the lessons and turning the concepts into habits is easier said than done. I truly believe that the simplest way to build and maintain trust is by actively living our Navy Core Values. This takes practice and is strengthened through discussion and the positive reinforcement of an ethical support network…our Navy Family (TEAM Phoenix).

Although FY-10 was a remarkable year, we can still improve. I challenge you to resolve to get better in FY-11. My commitment to all of you is to review the Speed of Trust throughout FY-11 via the POW and my Facebook page. The book is approximately 320 pages – that’s less than 1 page per day of reading. The format will be similar to the POW “Question of the Week.” The real value will be in the new skills learned, the moral support network that develops and an increasing trust factor throughout the command. You know yourselves best, so the specifics of your own commitment are a personal choice, but I hope you’ll join me in this worthwhile endeavor.

Congratulations and Happy New Year TEAM Phoenix!

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The Central Arizona Blue Star Moms and TriWest Health Alliance want to invite local Sailors to the USA Show for the Troops Nov. 10 at Toby Keith’s I love this Bar and Grill in Mesa, Ariz. The FREE event starts at 6 p.m. with dinner and live performances, to be announced, at 8 p.m. Dress uniform is encouraged for the multi-service event. To R.S.V.P for the event visit www.cazbluestarmoms.com and click on the sign up link at the bottom of the home page. There are only limited spots available, so don’t wait.