MAGAZINE OF THE U.S. NAVY DECEMBER 2021

WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFULFIND YOUR WINTER SAFETY TIPS ON PG. 20

ALL HANDS MAGAZINE

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY The Honorable Carlos Del Toro

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS Adm. Mike Gilday

NAVY CHIEF OF INFORMATION Rear Adm. Charles W. Brown

CONUS PRODUCTION SENIOR ENLISTED LEADERMCCM David Crawford

LCPO / MANAGING EDITOR MCC Sandra Lenyard

CREATIVE DIRECTOR MC1 Lyle Wilkie

PHOTO EDITOR MC2 George M. Bell

LAYOUT AND DESIGNMC2 Janine F. Jones

WRITERSMC2 Brent Pyfom

MC2 Marlan J. Sawyer

All Hands Issue Number 12/2021 is published by Navy Production DivisionDefense Media Activity

6700 Taylor AvenueFort George G. Meade, Maryland 20755

Cover photo credit: MC1 Spencer Fling

NAVY UPDATES GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 VACCINE

REFUSAL

CNO SPEAKS WITH UK’S FIRST SEA LORD, ROYAL

NAVY ADM. BEN KEY

navy pilots assist coast guard in rescuing

civilian aircraft

NAVY ASTRONAUT AND SPACEX CREW-3

SHIPMATES HEADED TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE

STATION

MYNAVYHR: SIGNATURE BEHAVIORS DURING

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE MONTH, WARRIOR

TOUGHNESS: SKILLS FOR EVERY WARFIGHTER,

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENLISTED WOMEN IN

SUBMARINES EXPLAINED

THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

BASEBALL LEGEND PAUSES CAREER TO SERVE

AFTER PEARL HARBOR ATTACK

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

PREPARING FOR WINTER DRIVING

DRIVE TO ARRIVE: WINTER SAFETY

TRADITION OF THE NEW YEAR’S DAY DECK LOG

TIPS FOR HANDLING HOLIDAY STRESS

PHOTOS FROM THE FLEET

NAVY, FAMILY AND SAILOR TOUGHNESS AID

OCEANOGRAPHER IN BATTLE WITH CANCER

IN THIS ISSUE

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR AND STAFF

Every month, we focus on the Navy’s mission-focused people and technologies. As we survey how our naval forces continue to train, fight and equip the world’s toughest Sailors, we look at our advantage at sea and the capabilities of Sailors deployed around the world.

It is our mission to reach Sailors, so please share this issue, scan the QR codes, and follow our social media channels for the latest information for Sailors by Sailors.

NAVY UPDATES GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 VACCINE REFUSALFrom MC1 Mark D. Faram, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

This latest guidance outlines for commanders the administrative actions required for those who refuse to comply with the Navy’s vaccine mandate.Currently, 95 percent of the active-duty force is fully vaccinated, and over 99 percent have received at least one shot in the series. The Navy’s deadline for full vaccination is Nov. 28. Since COVID-19 vaccines became available in late 2020, the Navy’s stated policy has always been to achieve a fully vaccinated force to ensure the service’s readiness. The vaccination became mandatory in August at the direction of the Secretary of Defense. Now, as with many other vaccines, COVID-19 immunization is required for full medical and deployment qualification. “In order to ensure a fully vaccinated force, it is U.S. Navy policy to separate all Navy service members who refuse the lawful order to receive the COVID-19 vaccination,” Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr., the chief of naval personnel wrote, in the message. “The least favorable characterization

THE NAVY ISSUED FOLLOW-ON GUIDANCE TO COMMANDS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS WHO REFUSE TO COMPLY WITH THE SERVICE’S ORDER MANDATING ALL ACTIVE-DUTY AND RESERVE MEMBERS BE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 IN NAVADMIN 256/21, RELEASED ON NOV. 15.

of service for Navy service members refusing the vaccine, without extenuating circumstances, will be GENERAL (under honorable conditions).” A general discharge will, at the discretion of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), result in the loss of eligibility for some VA benefits such as the GI Bill, to include the transfer of GI Bill benefits to dependents. The service is currently reviewing medical and religious COVID-19 vaccine exemption requests. Sailors requesting these exemptions will not be processed for separation or be subject to administrative consequences for refusal while their request is being adjudicated. However, if operational readiness and mission requirements require, commanders can temporarily reassign Sailors with the approval of the first flag officer in their chain of command. If denied an exemption, Sailors must start vaccinations within five days of receiving that disapproval. Beyond that deadline, commands will begin processing them for

discharge. Decisions on whether to suspend or go ahead with separation after that deadline will be made by the Navy’s Consolidated Disposition Authority (CCDA). Commands should start preparing for administrative separations for any Navy service members refusing the vaccine in their ranks. However, commands must hold the paperwork locally until further guidance is issued on when to send the requests. That information will be released in a future NAVADMIN at the beginning of December. Within thirty days after refusing the vaccine, commands must issue adverse fitness reports and evaluations documenting service members’ failure to comply with the Navy’s Individual Medical Readiness responsibilities. This adverse performance report triggers several cascading impacts on Navy service members refusing the vaccine. Both enlisted and officers who refuse the vaccine will no longer be eligible to promote or advance, meaning anyone already frocked to the next pay grade will see that privilege revoked immediately. Spot promoted officers will be removed from their billets. The message states that officers with pending promotions will see those actions put on hold because of “pending administrative action and physical disqualification.” For enlisted Sailors, passing the deadline initially puts any pending advancements on hold. This includes automatic time-in-grade advancements to paygrades E-2 and E-3, and ultimate advancements to those frocked to E-4 through E-9. Once the adverse evaluation is issued, these advancements become permanently revoked because the evaluation removes their advancement recommendation. Refusing the vaccine also results in the service member no longer being eligible to re-enlist or extend. As a result, any pending agreements will be canceled. Navy service members refusing the vaccine will not be allowed to transfer on Permanent Change of Station moves. Affected commands and individuals should contact Navy Personnel Command (NPC) or their detailer directly. NPC will address each case individually, including those who have already begun the transfer process.

Also, those refusing the vaccine are no longer eligible for bonuses and special or incentive pays. Repayment will be required for any unearned portions already received. Some examples include, but are not limited to, career retention bonuses, enlistment bonuses and incentive pay such as flight or dive pay. Removal of warfare qualifications, additional qualification designations, Navy Enlisted Classifications, or sub-specialties for Navy service members refusing the vaccine is also possible. Any such decisions, the message states, will be up to the community sponsors and in line with existing policies set for service members not maintaining their deployment or individual medical readiness. Vaccine refusal has a broad impact on education programs, including losing eligibility for Tuition Assistance (TA) and the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge training program for transitioning service members. Those using TA will either lose command approval for upcoming classes or be withdrawn from classes that have already started. Vaccine refusal also impacts Initial entry and in-service Navy paid education programs for officers. These include U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and Health Professional Scholarship Program graduates who have yet to complete their initial obligated service. These Navy service members will be on the hook for a pro-rated portion of their education costs. Others who received specialized Navy Training could be subject to reimbursement on a case by case basis. “If in doubt as to how to adjudicate issues related to a Navy service member refusing the vaccine, seek guidance from your chain of command, your staff judge advocate, or the CCDA before acting,” Nowell wrote. “In all cases, you are accountable to ensure the health and safety of your command while treating every Navy service member with dignity and respect.” Details on these topics and more are available in NAVADMIN 256/21. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or CNP.

CNO SPEAKS WITH UK’S FIRST SEA LORD, ROYAL NAVY ADM. BEN KEYFrom Navy.mil

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday spoke with Royal Navy Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Nov. 8, to reaffirm the special relationship between the two navies and discuss areas for continued collaboration and cooperation. Gilday spoke with Key on his first day in office as First Sea Lord. “I want to congratulate Admiral Key on his appointment as First Sea Lord and I am excited to work closely with him,” said Gilday. “Our navies enjoy a long tradition of sailing together from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific and we work tirelessly and interchangeably to keep the maritime commons open and free. No doubt, our alliance is an anchor of peace and stability across the globe.” Key echoed Gilday’s sentiment. “I was delighted to be able to speak to Adm. Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, on the very day I took the helm as First Sea Lord,” he said. “The bonds between our

two navies are deep and historic and I am determined to see they go from strength to strength. Having recently served as Chief of Joint Operations, I have seen how closely we operate around the globe with our American cousins. From USS The Sullivans being an integral part of the HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group on her recent deployment to the Pacific, to our combined operations in the Atlantic in support of NATO, both our nations are benefitting from this outstanding strategic partnership with our shared endeavor to make the world a safer place.” The U.S. and Royal Navy operate together around the globe regularly. Most recently, USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) took part in a six-month deployment as part of Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) with HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08). Both navies also conducted multilateral naval training with Australia and Japan during Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) 2021 in October.

NAVY PILOTS ASSIST COAST GUARD IN RESCUING CIVILIAN AIRCRAFTFrom Ensign Jahanna Conner and Anne Owens

Two instructor pilots (IP) and two student naval aviators (SNA) assigned to the “Rangers” of Training Squadron (VT) 28, Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, assisted with a search and rescue mission after a civilian aircraft crash-landed in Copano Bay in Rockport, Texas, Nov. 15. The Navy pilots and a Coast Guard helicopter crew partnered with a civilian vessel to make the successful rescue. Lt. Bradley Williams (IP) and Ensign Kyle Brazas (SNA) were en route to Mustang Beach airport, flying a T-6B Texan II, during a routine training flight. At approximately 7:55 a.m., Corpus Christi air traffic control (ATC) contacted the crew to request assistance in locating a downed civilian aircraft. ATC informed the crew they had lost contact with the civilian aircraft and did not have its exact location. Lt. Kitti Kopar, IP, and Marine 2nd Lt. Daniel Cerezo, SNA, in another T-6B Texan II, also joined the search. The plan was for Williams and Brazas to fly 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) north of Rockport airport and the second crew to fly 1,500 AGL south of the airport. Williams spotted the downed aircraft approximately two miles away from the airport. To verify, Williams flew down to 500 AGL and began circling the aircraft, which he found with the tail sticking out of the water and the pilot standing on one of the wings. Williams relayed the information to Kopar, who was flying higher and had better reception. Kopar passed the location of the wreckage to ATC. “As an aviator, I feel it’s my duty to assist my fellow pilots in any way possible during a time of need,” Williams said. “I’m glad we were able to assist the crew and that they were quickly pulled out of the water. I’m thankful for

my training during my time in the United States Navy as a Maritime Patrol Aircraft Commander in Search and Rescue. It was because of this training and practicing this scenario multiple times that I knew exactly what to do.” Cmdr. Dawn Prebula, Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi response department head, was the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC) for the incident. “We are grateful for a positive outcome in this case,” Prebula said. “The Coast Guard quickly launched a helicopter and small boat once we received the report of a downed aircraft, but also had the assistance of many partners. A good Samaritan was on scene within a few minutes and was able to determine the pilot was okay and to transport to emergency medical services for full evaluation.” Two civilian boats noticed the Navy aircraft circling, located the crash, and rendered assistance to the stranded pilot. At approximately 8:10 a.m., a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, piloted by Coast Guard Lt. Tevin White and Coast Guard Lt. Caleb Wadsworth, with Aviation Maintenance Technician Adam Rodriguez and Aviation Survival Technician Salvador Anguimo, launched from Corpus Christi International Airport (KCRP). The rescue crew was on scene within 10 minutes to provide further assistance and received details of the incident from the Navy pilots. Coast Guard personnel successfully rescued the civilian and returned to KCRP. CNATRA, headquartered in Corpus Christi, trains the world’s finest combat-quality aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, and at the right cost to a naval force that is where it matters, when it matters.

NAVY ASTRONAUT AND SPACEX CREW-3 SHIPMATES HEADED TO INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATIONFrom National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts, including Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kayla Barron, are in orbit following their launch to the International Space Station on the third commercial crew rotation mission aboard the microgravity laboratory. The international crew of astronauts lifted off at 9:03 p.m. EST Nov. 10 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Crew Dragon Endurance spacecraft with NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Barron, as well as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer, into orbit to begin a six-month science mission on the space station. This mission is the first spaceflight for astronauts Chari, Barron, and Maurer, and the third for Marshburn. During Crew Dragon’s flight, SpaceX monitored a series of automatic spacecraft maneuvers from its mission control center in Hawthorne, California, and NASA teams monitored space station operations throughout the flight from the Mission Control Center at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“With Raja, Thomas, Kayla and Mattias on their way to the International Space Station just days after Crew-2’s return, we’re seeing the power of American ingenuity right before our eyes,” Nelson said. “NASA’s partnership with SpaceX is not only critical for cutting-edge research, but also for international collaboration. The space station brings together nations around the world for the benefit of all. Godspeed, Crew-3 – I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.” The Crew Dragon Endurance docked autonomously to the forward port of the station’s Harmony module around 7:10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website provided ongoing live coverage through docking, hatch opening, and the ceremony to welcome the crew aboard the orbital outpost. “Ensuring our crews have safe transportation and continued access to space is an enormous responsibility,” said Steve Stich, a manager with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “We know the crew is excited to get on station and settle into their long-duration mission. The NASA and

SpaceX team remains vigilant in support of their safe arrival and eventual return to Earth.” Chari, Marshburn, Barron, and Maurer joined the Expedition 66 crew of NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos. Crew-3 is the second commercial crew mission to fly an ESA astronaut. “It is always thrilling to watch a rocket launch, especially when an international crew of astronauts is sitting atop it. Matthias Maurer is the second ESA astronaut to be launched in a Crew Dragon spacecraft under the U.S. Commercial Crew Program,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA director general. “We are delighted to see him fly alongside NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, continuing a long history of international collaboration in space for the benefit of Earth. On behalf of ESA, I’d like to wish all Crew-3 astronauts a productive and enjoyable mission.” The Crew-3 astronauts spent approximately six months aboard the space station conducting new and exciting scientific research in areas such as materials science, health technologies, and plant science to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and to benefit life on Earth. The Crew-3 mission continues NASA’s efforts to restore and maintain American leadership in human spaceflight. Regular, long-duration commercial crew rotation missions enable NASA to continue the important research and technology investigations taking place aboard the station. Such research benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future exploration of the Moon and Mars, starting with the agency’s Artemis missions, which include landing the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface.

Crew-3 Astronauts

Chari is commander of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and the Crew-3 mission. He is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry. He also served as an Expedition 66 flight engineer aboard the station. This was the first spaceflight for Chari, who was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2017. He was born in Milwaukee, but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. He is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot. He has accumulated more than 2,500 hours of flight time during his career.

Marshburn is the pilot of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and second-in-command for the mission. He is responsible for spacecraft systems and performance. Once aboard station, he served as an Expedition 66 flight engineer, and is scheduled to assume command of station for Expedition 67. Marshburn is a Statesville, North Carolina, native who became an astronaut in 2004. Prior to serving in the astronaut corps, the medical doctor served as a flight surgeon at NASA Johnson and later became medical operations lead for the International Space Station. The Crew-3 mission was his third visit to the space station, having flown on three different spacecraft, and his second long-duration mission. Marshburn previously served as a crew member of STS-127 in 2009 flying aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour, and Expedition 34/35, which concluded in 2013, using a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Barron is a mission specialist for Crew-3. She worked closely with the commander and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. Once aboard the station, she became a flight engineer for Expedition 66. Barron was born in Pocatello, Idaho, but considers Richland, Washington, her hometown. She earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2010, and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cambridge, in England, in 2011, where she was a Gates Cambridge Scholar. Barron earned her submarine warfare officer qualification and deployed three times while serving aboard the USS Maine. Her current rank in the U.S. Navy is a Lt. Cmdr. At the time of her selection as an astronaut candidate, in 2017, she was serving as the flag aide to the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Crew-3 was Barron’s first spaceflight. Maurer also was a mission specialist for Crew-3, working with the commander and pilot to monitor the spacecraft during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. He also became a long-duration crew member aboard the space station. Like Chari and Barron, he made his first trip to space with the Crew-3 mission. Maurer comes from Sankt Wendel, in the German state of Saarland. Before becoming an astronaut, Maurer held a number of engineering and research roles, both in a university setting and at ESA. In 2016, Maurer spent 16 days on an undersea mission as part of a NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations space analog. Learn more about NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 mission.

WARRIOR TOUGHNESS:

SIGNATURE BEHAVIORS DURING COE MONTH From MyNavyHR

From MyNavyHR

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENLISTED WOMEN IN SUBMARINES EXPANDEDFrom MyNavyHR

SKILLS FOR EVERY WARFIGHTER

In late 2018, Warrior Toughness training was introduced to Recruit Training Command (RTC) staff, Recruit Division Commanders, and recruits. It has since developed toughness in Sailors throughout the Navy, enhancing their ability to focus and perform well under pressure. “Warrior Toughness has absolutely transformed the way we train Sailors and how they respond and perform under pressure,” said Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture, commander, Naval Service Training Command. “Through Warrior Toughness at RTC, the Navy’s warfighting spirit is fortified early, so they instinctively use it when needed.” Recruit divisions trained in Warrior Toughness performed better at Battle Stations-21, the crucible event before becoming a Sailor, and had higher graduation rates when compared to those who were not trained, according to the results of an RTC study. “Their ability to handle the stressful situations that we put them through as time went on was much better,” said Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician (NAC/IW/AW) Justin Heise, a former Recruit Division Commander (RDC) from July 2017 to January 2021. “You can see that their focus was more in the moment than on things that were way outside of the scope of what they were dealing with.”

Developing Character & Warfighting Spirit

The Chief of Naval Operations’ Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority, version 2.0, defines toughness as being able to “take a hit and keep going, tapping [into] all sources of strength and resilience.” Toughness comes from developing and fortifying the mind, body, and soul of every Sailor. “Warrior Toughness enables us to become a Navy that relentlessly promotes psychological, physical, and spiritual toughness, which leads to maximized character, competence, and connectedness in every Sailor,” said Couture. “When we are all tougher in mind, body, and soul, we undoubtedly become a more lethal warfighting force. Chaplains lead soul and character development at RTC designed for recruits of every faith and creed. “The soul is what makes you who you are. It gives you the fuel for what you do,” said Lt. Nathan Grooms, an RTC Chaplain. “Sailors must know who they are, why they serve, and what they believe in so they can live it out every single day in the Navy,” he said. Read the full story in Sailor to Sailor.

In recognition of “Culture of Excellence Month (COE),” MyNavy HR hosted a special panel discussion on Oct. 20 with the conversation focusing on one of the ten Signature Behaviors —“Exercise discipline in conduct and performance.” The panel, broadcasted live on Instagram, included Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell L. Smith, Navy Veteran and business entrepreneur Austen Alexander and Lt. j.g. Marcia Villavicencio of Navy Recruiting Command. When it comes to exercising discipline in conduct and performance, Smith said the ninth Signature Behavior is critical to personal and professional growth. “Being disciplined in what we do really makes all the difference,” said Smith. “It can really be the force multiplier that can change the game. It allows you to act with not just efficacy, but with efficiency. When you can perform with discipline and professionalism, you can do more with what you’ve got. It’s all about optimizing who we are and what we do.” Smith, who began his Navy career 33 years ago, went on to describe how to cultivate discipline in one’s life and make it a character trait. “I don’t think it’s something you’re born with. Depending on the environment you’re born in, you may have a lot of discipline. You may have very little. One of the things we offer people when we recruit is that we can instill or we can reinforce a sense of discipline and make you better for it.” Alexander, a Navy veteran who served for seven years as a master-at-arms before getting out to launch a company that creates digital content, described the importance of self-control and sound judgment in thought, speech and action through self-discipline. “It’s important to instill discipline upon yourself,” said Alexander. “That’s done by doing things that are hard. You can very easily fall into this track of taking the easy route and your discipline can diminish.” He added, “Do the things you don’t want to do. It builds discipline and it builds character.” Villavicencio, an officer in the Reserve who is currently serving on active duty as an officer recruiter, highlighted the importance of discipline in potential recruits as they seek to develop themselves with personal and professional growth. When it comes to the young people she’s trying to bring into the Navy, she described what she’s looking for in a potential officer. “You have to be very disciplined. You have to turn in forms on certain dates. You might have 500 things to do in a day, but your self-discipline will say ‘I want to be in the military so I have to do what my recruiter says so I can get commissioned’.” Read the full story in Sailor to Sailor.

Five years after the first enlisted female Sailors joined the Submarine Force, the Navy has now taken the program to the next level. Announced in NAVADMIN 233/21 on Oct.21, female Sailors in non-nuclear ratings and pay grades E-8 and below can now apply for conversion into the submarine force at any time. Also, some female Sailors in nuclear power ratings and training pipelines can apply through a separate approval process. “The Navy and the Submarine Force are pleased to announce that applications for female Sailors in pay grades E-1 to E-8 to convert to Submarine Force non-nuclear trained ratings are being accepted on a continuous basis,” said Rear Admiral James Waters III, Director, Military Personnel, Plans and Policy. “Applications will be processed as they are received, and there is no specified due date.” The Navy is actively seeking female Sailors to convert into the force to fill open billets on submarines with integrated crews and for billets in crews slated for integration. Female officers have been going to sea in submarines since 2011. Three years later, the plan to incorporate enlisted women was announced, which took lessons from the past 40 years of integrating women into other Navy communities. That resulted in building the first cadre of female submariners using a top-down approach instead of the bottom-up as in previous integrations. This approach resulted in female officers paving the way, followed by senior enlisted leaders to ensure junior enlisted females had a solid support system to rely on.

Between 2015 and 2018, the Navy made four separate calls for female Sailors to convert into submarine ratings. Currently, there are more than 200 enlisted female Sailors serving as part of eight crews. The long-term plan is that by 2030, 33 submarine crews will have female officers, and 14 crews will have female enlisted Sailors. In addition, all classes of submarines will integrate female officers. Only the current guided-missile submarines (SSGN) and two ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have women. All future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and all Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, starting with the USS New Jersey (SSN 796), will have enlisted women in their crews. The message contains a complete list of currently integrated submarines and their homeports. Professional Apprentice Career Track (PACT) Sailors and junior rated Sailors are encouraged to apply, even with limited time in service, no warfare qualification, or at-sea experience. Navy officials are hoping to entice female E-7 and E-8 Personnel Specialists to apply for conversion to the YNS rating as the needed skill sets are similar. “Each application will be assessed to ensure the chief petty officer has the experience and expertise to manage and oversee all administrative and personnel actions to support the crew in the role of leading yeoman aboard a submarine,” Waters said. Conversion for E-6 and below nuclear trained female Sailors is available for both initial training pipeline Sailors and qualified Sailors currently serving as instructors at Nuclear Power Training Units (NPTU).

World War II came to the United States of America on Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941, with a massive surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy. “Like a thunderclap from a clear sky,” Japanese carrier attack planes (in both torpedo and high-level bombing roles) and bombers, supported by fighters, numbering 353 aircraft from six aircraft carriers, attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in two waves, as well as nearby naval and military airfields and bases. The enemy sank five battleships and damaged three; and sank a gunnery training ship and three destroyers, damaged a heavy cruiser, three light cruisers, two destroyers, two seaplane tenders, two repair ships and a destroyer tender. Navy, Army, and Marine Corps facilities suffered varying degrees of damage, while 188 Navy, Marine Corps, and U.S. Army Air Force planes were destroyed. Casualties amounted to killed or missing: Navy, 2,008; Marine Corps, 109; Army, 218; civilian, 68; and wounded: Navy, 710; Marine Corps, 69; Army, 364; civilian, 35. Japanese losses amounted to fewer than 100 men and 29 planes.

Sailors, Marines and Soldiers fought back with extraordinary courage, often at the sacrifice of their own lives. Those without weapons to fight took great risks to save wounded comrades and to save their ships. Pilots took off to engage Japanese aircraft despite the overwhelming odds. Countless acts of valor went unrecorded, as many witnesses died in the attack. Fifteen U.S. Navy personnel were awarded the Medal of Honor — ranging from seaman to rear admiral — for acts of courage above and beyond the call of duty, ten of them posthumously. Among the Sailors recognized with our nation’s highest award for valor was Chief Water Tender Peter Tomich onboard the ex-battleship Utah, who sacrificed his life to prevent the boilers from exploding, enabling boiler room crews to escape before the ship capsized. Another was Chief Boatswain Edwin J. Hill, who cast off the lines as the battleship Nevada got underway, swam through the burning oil to get back on board his ship, where he was killed by Japanese strafing after being credited with saving

From Naval History and Heritage Command

the lives of many junior Sailors. Ensign Francis Flaherty and Seaman First Class J. Richard Ward, onboard the battleship Oklahoma, sacrificed their lives to enable turret crews to escape before the ship capsized. Onboard the battleship California, Chief Radioman Thomas J. Reeves, Machinist’s Mate First Class Robert R. Scott and Ensign Herbert C. Jones stayed at their posts at the cost of their lives to keep power and ammunition flowing to the antiaircraft guns as long as possible. Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd and Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh onboard the battleship Arizona, and Captain Mervyn S. Bennion onboard the battleship West Virginia directed the defense of their ships under heavy fire until the ships were sunk and they were killed. Japanese forces were astonished at the quick reaction and intensity of U.S. antiaircraft fire. That more Japanese aircraft were not shot down had nothing to do with the skill, training, or bravery of our Sailors and other service members. Rather, U.S. antiaircraft weapons were inadequate in number and capability, for not only had the Japanese achieved

THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

tactical surprise, they achieved technological surprise with aircraft and weapons far better than anticipated — a lesson in the danger of underestimating enemy capability, which resonates to this day. While damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s battleline proved extensive, it was not complete. The attack failed to damage any American aircraft carriers, which had been providentially absent from the harbor. Our aircraft carriers, along with supporting cruisers and destroyers and fleet oilers, proved crucial in the coming months. The Japanese focus on ships and planes spared our fuel tank farms, naval yard repair facilities, and the submarine base, all of which proved vital for the tactical operations that originated at Pearl Harbor in the ensuing months and played a key role in the Allied victory. American technological skill raised and repaired all but three of the ships sunk or damaged at Pearl Harbor. Most importantly, the shock and anger that Americans felt in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor united the nation and was translated into a collective commitment to victory.

BASEBALL LEGEND PAUSES CAREER TO SERVE AFTER PEARL HARBOR ATTACKFrom David Vergun, DoD News

Robert “Bob” William Andrew Feller was a renowned pitcher for the Cleveland Indians from 1936 to 1941 and from 1945 to 1956. During his 18 seasons, he pitched 3,827 innings with a win-loss record of 266-162. He pitched 279 complete games, 44 shutouts and had a 3.25 earned run average. He was an eight-time All-Star and helped the Indians win the 1948 World Series. Baseball great Ted Williams called Feller “the fastest and best pitcher I ever saw during my career.” Feller most likely would have boosted the Indians’ scoreboard even more, except for America’s entry into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. After learning of the attack, Feller, then 23, decided that the right thing to do would be to serve. “People today don’t understand, but that’s the way we felt in those days,” he said decades later. “We wanted to join the fighting.”

On Dec. 9, 1941, he gave up the chance to earn $100,000 with the Indians and became the first professional athlete to join the Navy after Pearl Harbor. In 1942, after basic training, Feller was stationed at Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia. He found time there to pitch for the base’s Bluejackets baseball team, which went 92-8 that year. Feller then served as a gun captain on the battleship USS Alabama. In 1943, they sailed in the North Atlantic in support of combat operations in Europe. In August 1943, they departed for the Pacific Theater. During that time through the spring of 1944, the Alabama served as a carrier task force escort, protecting the carriers from surface and air attacks. The ship also bombarded Japanese positions, fought off enemy aircraft, and, in some cases, supported amphibious landings on Betio, Makin, Nauru, Kwajalein, Roi-Namur, Truk, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Palau, Yap, Ulithi, Woleai and other islands.

“the last thing on my mind right then was playing baseball. i immediately decided to enlist in the united states navy.”

CHIEF PETTY OFFICER BOB FELLER

The Alabama then took part in the Philippines campaign from September through December 1944, including providing support for the landing at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines in October 1944 and operations against Japanese-occupied Taiwan. On Dec. 17, while the fleet was refueling at sea, Typhoon Cobra swept through the area, battering the fleet. Heavy seas caused the ship to roll up to 30 degrees and the typhoon was responsible for sinking three other destroyers in the task force, though the Alabama emerged with only minor damage.

In January 1945, the Alabama departed the Western Pacific for an overhaul at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington, ending Feller’s combat tour. He spent the rest of the war at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois, as an instructor. Feller also found time to manage the installation’s baseball program, and he even pitched for the team. Feller was honorably discharged as a chief petty officer on Aug. 22, 1945. In 2010, Feller died at age 92.

CELEBRATING AROUND THE GLOBE

Naval Station Great Lakes USS Constitution

Camp Lemonnier, DjiboutiNaval Medical Center San Diego

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Naval Air Facility Misawa

Naval Support Activity Souda Bay

USS Carl Vinson

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marlan J. Sawyer/All Hands Magazine

Drivers face many challenges during the winter season, especially drivers who are in states known for icy and snowy conditions. Winter weather conditions can make driving challenging, and drivers must be aware of their surroundings to avoid making common mistakes. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) winter driving statistics for the United States, 17% of all vehicle crashes occur during winter conditions. Additionally, there are about 156,000 crashes annually due to icy roads.

“The most common mistake that I see every winter is people driving too fast during unsafe weather conditions such as icy roads,” said Michael Borkowski, an Occupational Safety and Health Specialist at the Naval Safety Center. “Drivers should be aware of black ice, a condition in which roads have a light coat of ice that can be difficult to identify. Black ice breaks the traction between the tires and the pavement and once this happens there isn’t much that a driver can do to avoid a crash. Drivers should always slow down when there are winter conditions present.”

There are multiple things that drivers can do to prepare their vehicle for the winter season. This process is also known as winterizing a motor vehicle. Sailors should winterize their vehicle before traveling through northern states during the winter holiday season, said Borkowski. Always check your tires before traveling to make sure they have the appropriate tread depth for proper traction. Some other things people need to check in their cars are the engine and the battery because sometimes heat from the summer season can negatively affect the cold cranking amps of the battery, which is essential to starting the engine during colder temperatures. Liquids inside of a vehicle can become frozen when temperatures drop below the freezing point which causes the liquids to expand and possibly crack whatever is containing them. “Other things that drivers normally don’t think about is making sure that they have the correct water to antifreeze ratio in the vehicle,” said Borkowski. “This can help minimize the chance of radiator issues. There are also additives that can be combined with window washer fluid to prevent it from freezing and aid in removing ice and snow from the front windshield while driving.” There are also multiple resources available for Sailors to access helpful information that may be useful in an unexpected situation. There’s tons of information on Naval Safety Center’s YouTube channel and website. There are multiple presentations, posters, briefings, and articles about safety. For more information regarding winter driving.

DRIVE TO ARRIVE: WINTER SAFETY

“The most common mistake that I see every winter is people

driving too fast during unsafe weather conditions such as icy

roads.” MICHAEL BORKOWSKI

NAVAL SAFETY CENTER

As OOD I greet with scornThis wet and dreary New Year’s morn!It seems to me as I shiver with coldThat the Year is nearly 100 days oldThe New Year is greeted with much good cheerAs Mauna Kea is moored to number 2 pierAt berth number 1 port side to is this craftStandard lines are doubled with wires fore and aft

The Paricutin; the Firedrake, and the Mt KatmaiAlong with yard craft, are moored nearbyAt NAD Concord our home port we waitA long sea detail to the Golden Gate

Boiler #2 and generator #1 are in use this hourTo give to the ship the much needed powerThe pier provides services as they usually doThe brow, fresh water, and telephone tooThe pertinent facts; I have told them allWhile other this night have had a ball0345 has come and I must not glance backI look ahead to a siege in the sack

I must end this verse, I cannot go onFor very soon will break the dawnTo all the world, and to those near and dearI wish a peaceful, prosperous, and HAPPY NEW YEARUSS Mauna Kea (AE 22)1 January, 1963

I’d like to say ‘Happy New Year to you’And tell you our ship is moored starboard side toBerths Mike and November, and here’s the location:

San Diego, California at North Island Air Station.As an added precaution again any trouble,

Our mooring lines are, not singled, but doubled.Our boilers are cold at the start of this yearSo we must receive various services from the pier.

To list all ships present indeed would be hardBut Oklahoma City (CLG 5) and Bon Homme

Richard (CVA 31)Are two of the ships, one forward, on aftThe others are various yard and district craft.SOPA Admin said tonight, and I quote,

‘COMFIRSTFLT is senior officer present afloat.’He’s presently embarked in Oklahoma City,

But being aboard tonight, what a pity.The night has been long, but would you believe,That this watch is over – I stand relievedUSS Constellation (CVA 64)1 January, 1968

At 8kts, steaming with Hanson in stride,

Richmond K. Turner serves country with pride.

Dangerous waters are these on the coast,

Rimmed with Viet Cong who are hardly our host.

Nothing must daunt on this New Year’s night,

This year, as last, we must concentrate might,

Fighting aggression, and guarding our home,

Wary, lest Commies try farther to roam.

This ship is darkened as Hanson is too,

Hiding the fact we’re on 020 True.

SOPA and Officer in Tactical Command –

Captain of Turner is much in demand.

His is the judgement, on which we rely,

He calls the shots, and TE 77.0.1.2 does comply.

COMSEVENTH Fleet has positioned us here

Near North Vietnam, where our purpose is clear.

USS Richmond K. Turner (DLG 20)

1 January, 1967

From Brian Shottenkirk

The naval service, by its very nature, thrives on rules and regulations. Above all else, a ship and her crew must promote self-reliance, discipline, and teamwork to maintain effectiveness and ensure mission accomplishment in the unforgiving and uncertain environments of both ocean and fog of battle. This truism of rules and regulation is particularly reflected in the official record maintained by all commissioned U.S. Navy vessels — the deck log. The deck log is kept by the Quartermaster of the Watch and prepared by the designated Officer of the Deck (OOD) for each commissioned ship in accordance with Navy regulations and specific instructions. In either handwritten, typed, or in electronic format, the deck log chronicles the daily locations and movements of the ship, and captures all significant and prescribed events taking place either aboard or otherwise in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. Deck log entries are reviewed daily by the ship’s navigator for clarity and final approval as they document particular circumstances for administrative and legal purposes. Completed deck logs are subsequently forwarded each month to the Washington Navy Yard, where the Naval History and Heritage Command is tasked to maintain the records in its archives. At the end of thirty years, the individual deck logs are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration in College Park, Maryland, for ultimate retention and future research access. As a permanent official record of the ship, the deck log is efficient and succinct in its purpose, professional in appearance, and certainly not a forum for creativity. On the first night of the New Year, an unofficially endorsed truce allows the sacrosanct veil of regulation to be pierced — if only for a brief moment. During the mid-watch from midnight to 0400 (and only during the mid-watch) it is permitted for a ship to record the first entry of the New Year in verse. In this annual, fleeting, first entry of the New Year, the deck log bears witness to a hint of individuality, personality and sometimes the mindset of shipboard life. However, Navy regulations remain ever obstinate, and the leeway for creativity comes with a caveat: all entries should still include the specified requirements noted in current Navy Regulations, and administered under OPNAV instruction issued by the Chief of Naval Operations. The OOD (often with some assistance from the crew) is granted the freedom to compose the entry as they artistically deem fit — provided they include such mandatory details as the sources of electric power, steam and water; the state of the sea and weather; position of the ship; status of the engineering plant; courses and speed of the ship, bearings and distance of objects sighted; changes in status of ship’s personnel, disposition of the engineering plant, and even the strain upon anchor chain or cables when anchored and the placement of lines while moored. This tradition presents a

TRADITION OF THE NEW YEAR’S DAY DECK LOGchallenge to the imaginative (or unlucky) author to maintain meter or rhyme and still report all these details in an original manner over multiple stanzas whether on wartime patrol. The exact origin of the New Year mid-watch verse is hidden in the recesses of Navy history, but was certainly known among some younger American Sailors in the years following the First World War. Indeed, the tradition is not practiced in Royal Navy or her Commonwealth, and appears wholly American in nature — with all the informality and irreverence that often brings. Former Lieutenant (junior grade) Arthur Ageton, was aware of the New Year’s Eve entry as early as 1926 while he was stationed aboard the battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB 38). In the 1972 issue of “Shipmate,” the official alumni magazine of the United States Naval academy, LT (j.g) Ageton related his unsuccessful attempt to submit a mid-watch entry of what must have been a relatively new endeavor since the experienced “…Skipper was a humorless fella who had never heard of this tradition and sent the Log back to me for rewriting in less rhythmical style.” The Commanding Officer instead recommended submitting the verse to the ship’s paper. An article in the January 1959 issue of U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings says “generations” of U.S. Sailors had practiced the tradition, and provided contemporary examples, but regrettably offered no additional historical background. By the time of escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, the tradition was well enough known throughout the Navy to generate a “New Year’s Eve Log contest” promoted by the Navy Times. In 1968, the publication received over 1000 submissions competing for the grand prize of $100 awarded to the author and $50 to the winning ship’s Welfare and Recreation Fund. The finalists were published over several issues with a generous $5 sent to each entrant and their commanding officer. By January, 1970, All Hands, the official magazine of the U.S. Navy, confidently referred to the New Year’s mid-watch verse as a “growing naval tradition”. However, despite the optimism of All Hands, Navy culture changes with each generation, and the annual Navy Times contest of decades past appears to be the heyday of the tradition. With a focus on operational commitments and warfighting, it is understandable that ships and crew of the new millennium devote valuable time, energy, and manpower to training and readiness, rather than composing verse for an extremely limited audience. In 2016, fewer than 30 ships made a New Year’s Eve mid-watch verse; in 2017 that number dwindled to fewer than 20. And, although the outlet for creativity in the form of the New Year’s Eve deck log is waning, it is certain that today’s Sailors, both at sea and on shore, will continue to ring in the New Year with hope for the year to come.

It’s that time of the year again. The season starts to change, the daylight cycle starts to change and then the holidays approach, accompanied by the many commercials. Thanksgiving and Christmas bring family, friends, and financial commitment. The other thing the holiday season brings for those who try to make the best of it is stress. Stress is considered good and bad depending on the situation. Good stress makes you excited, and it can make you dive head-first into the holidays. The problem comes when the bad stress catches up with you. Some people handle stress well but for those who don’t --- here are tips to recognize and deal with holiday stress. If you find yourself in a mental space where you feel crushed by “all of the things you have to get done”, first, slow down and sense out what you’re feeling. According to Healthline.com, symptoms of holiday stress are anxiety, sadness, headaches, body aches, inability to sleep, and irritability.

The same source states a few ways to combat these symptoms are getting alone time, getting enough sleep, and getting enough support. Tricare.mil says recognize your feelings and be realistic. It’s ok to not be jolly but keeping an honest emotional check is important. Some families have been separated due to deployments, financial hardships, and even the pandemic. Easing the overwhelming feeling can be done by planning, putting yourself first, indulging in moderation, and not being afraid to say no, according to Healthline.com. If you take care of yourself first, it’ll be easier to take care of everyone else you’re spending the holiday season with. This is the season to enjoy close relationships and enjoy smiles and cheer. The most important part of it all though --- is you. Happy Holidays.

TIPS FOR HANDLING HOLIDAY STRESSFrom Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brent Pyfrom/All Hands Magazine

Accept Imperfection

ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THINGS MAY NOT GO EXACTLY AS PLANNED. BY NOT HAVING ANY EXPECTATIONS, THERE IS NO LET DOWN WHEN

THINGS GO DIFFERENTLY THAN EXPECTED.

Don’t Lose Sight of What Really Counts

THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE OVERWHELMING. REMEMBER

THESE THREE QUESTIONS:

WHERE DOES THIS FIT IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS?

CAN I USE THIS MOMENT OF FRUSTRATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT?

EVEN IF THIS MOMENT SEEMS STRESSFUL, CAN I FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT PLEASANT?

Respond with Kindness

YOU CAN’T CONTROL HOW YOU’RE TREATED, BUT YOU CAN CONTROL HOW YOU RESPOND.

REMEMBERING YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYBODY’S SITUATION CAN HELP YOU TO BETTER

UNDERSTAND HOW THEY’RE ACTING TOWARDS THE SITUATION.

Rethink Your Resolutions

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ARE HELPFUL, BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU MAY NEED TO START SMALL AND BE KIND TO YOURSELF WHEN SETTING YOUR GOALS.

Tips from Johns Hopkins Medicine

AWR1 Daniel Mills @HSM77Saberhawks

The Naval Service—forward deployed and capable of both rapid response and sustained operations globally—remains America’s most persistent and versatile instrument of military influence.

SN Rick Medina @USSBlueRidge

ND2 Kolby Konopacky @usnavysoutheastasia

AM2 Joe Paolella@ElectronicAttackSquadron136Public

PHOTOS FROM THE FLEET

GMSN Summer Hart @USSBillingsLCS15

MU1 Robert Kurth @USNavyBand

LSSN Maria Maglasang @USSVINSON HM2 Christian Jerry

@MCIWPendletonCA

DC3 Diana Taber @USSGeorgeHWBush

NAVY, FAMILY AND SAILOR TOUGHNESS AID OCEANOGRAPHER IN BATTLE WITH CANCERFrom Jonathan Holloway

Answering the call to serve in the nation’s military can be a demanding, requiring high-moral character and, as Army Gen. (Ret.) Colin Powell would say, “…a vigilance that is perpetually optimistic.” Like a true champion, Naval Meteorology-Oceanography (METOC) Officer, Oviedo, Florida-native and proud mustang, LT Sarah Beemiller completed, in a relatively short timeframe, the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 (STA-21) program to ascend from enlisted to officer rank. When she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (breast cancer) that Beemiller would need to rely on her high-moral character and perpetual vigilance to be “champion” of a new fight. October 23, 2019, only 90-days into her tour as Operations Officer at Naval Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Center (NOAC) Yokosuka, Japan; Beemiller was medically evacuated to San Diego, CA. As an operations officer at NOAC, she helped organize operations that deliver asymmetric warfighting advantages to U.S. Navy ASW forces, using oceanographic sciences with accurate and timely weather forecasts. “I was diagnosed shortly after my 38th birthday, two-years before recommended screening, and three years after my routine five-year physical,” said Beemiller. “I could

have been diagnosed as early as 36-years old if I paid more attention to the warning signs.” Beemiller’s condition worsened to Stage 3 after her first mastectomy (breast removal), as five of 17 lymph nodes removed were cancerous. “I currently remain high-risk, under medical surveillance, for possible metastatic disease that has progressed to my pelvis.” After initial diagnosis, Beemiller started “dense-dosing” chemotherapy, a treatment style conducted every other week, unlike traditional chemotherapy conducted once a month. Her treatment began in December 2019 and continued through October 2020 and was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These unfortunate circumstances prolonged Beemiller’s treatment, forcing her to endure two separate surgeries for mastectomies. “I detoxed from chemo prior to my first mastectomy in mid-April where they removed lymph nodes, and completed 30-rounds of radiation from Memorial Day to Independence Day (5-days a week), before having my second mastectomy in early September,” Beemiller said.

Yet, the mother, wife and Navy officer decided to forge her own narrative, not defined by breast cancer, instead she made her story one of resilience and perseverance. “My breast cancer is estrogen and progesterone positive (hormones feeding cancers growth), and I elected to have a total hysterectomy to reduce recurrence and eliminate requirement for bi-annual shots, themselves requiring additional daily hormone therapy medication to reduce hormone production...” Confusion and stress did ensue, but relief would come. “I will remain on this therapy plan for the next 5-10 years,” she said.

The Confusion

“How do I explain this to my 9-year-old son and not scare him? How do I break this to my daughter who just started college without shifting her focus? How will this limit me as a mother, as a wife, as a Sailor?” said Beemiller.

The Stress

“Our [Beemiller’s family] household goods were to be delivered in Japan the week after I was diagnosed; we ended up living out of suitcases from June to mid-December,” Beemiller continued. “I started treatment, my son started yet another new school and my husband resumed teleworking with a few pieces of rented furniture and a couple of air mattresses.”

The Relief

“When I arrived to Balboa Naval Medical Center and understood that not only did they have a plan but, everyone from my nurse navigator, oncologists, surgeons, therapists and corpsman had a vested interest in my care and well-being and seeing me return to full-duty,” said Beemiller. During treatment, Beemiller was motivated by family, her job as a Navy Sailor and an undying love for running. “I was persistent. Whether preparing for, or recovering from, surgery or healing from various therapies—my goal was to get back to running/jogging/walking a 5k. Physically find my way back to being me: a healthy me,” she said. Beemiller’s love for the Navy was expressed during her stay at Balboa, where she helped a Navy Corpsman organize and submit a STA-21 package; re-enlisted a Navy Corpsman for their final four years; presented a Navy Achievement Medal and served as promoting officer for two Navy Lieutenants. When Beemiller joined a family of warfighters, called the U.S. Navy, she also joined a family that would step up and help her fight this newest battle. “NOAC’s CO, XO and SEL acted fast and communicated early to Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) to secure required paperwork and procedures, while Navy Personnel Command made sure I was informed of options for treatment locations, and how to navigate those choices to fit my family,” said Beemiller. “Fleet Weather Center-San Diego has balanced giving me the space and time to heal with a workload that allows me to contribute.”

As a Navy Lieutenant stationed at FWC-SD, Beemiller is responsible for providing weather advisory service for safety and damage avoidance to DoD, service and foreign vessels; and spanning long-range planning to in-transit surveillance throughout the Navy’s Third, Seventh and Fifth Fleets as a Ship Routing Officer. Beemiller’s entire family and network of friends and Sailors helped her through a serious health milestone, and persevere with grace “From RADM John A. Okon, former CNMOC, through the Chief’s mess and to the Deckplates, I’ve never felt like a cancer patient, like I was different - just a cared-for member of the Navy METOC team!”