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Greetings Navy Leaguers,

I hope your holidays were joyous and fun. The Navy League of the United States supports our nation’s sea services: Merchant Marine, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. While we enjoyed the holidays with our family and friends, those we support were protecting our freedom and right to celebrate. We owe them and their families much.

Our last dinner meeting was held on 19 January at The Plantation - Ponte Vedra Beach. It was a full house! This was a monthly dinner meeting made special in that it also was the Installation of our Officers and Board of Directors. Navy League Area President Dave Sullivan conducted the Installation of the Board of Directors in a dignified ceremony. Those installed are listed later in this Fleet Sheet.

Service was terrific and a good time was had by all. We will continue to alternate our monthly dinner meetings to widen our Area of Operations to allow you – our important members – to invite others to attend, and hopefully become members. I look forward to your suggestions on venues for future dinner-meetings, especially if the venue is a Corporate Affiliate.

In addition to the installation the dinner meeting included:

LCDR Jim Moressetti and two of his outstanding Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students explained the great success at Terry Parker High School. All of the NJROTC students graduate high school!

Outgoing President John Vargo presented the following awards to some of our members for superb dedication over the last year:

Certificates of Appreciation to Debbie Herrera, Don Mooers, Bob Price & Rosanne Jameson

Scroll of Honor to Sue Lounsberry (the highest honor available at the Council level.

It is my distinct honor to be elected to serve as President of your Council. I pledge to do my best to lead our Council in supporting the sea services. I look forward to hearing from you at our monthly dinner meetings. If you cannot attend and have a question or suggestion, please feel free to contact me at:StokowskiD@aol.com.port Florida Council

I salute all of the members of our Council’s Board of Directors (BoD) for their consistent and dedicated work over the past year. The foundation of most of what we accomplish takes place both at monthly BoD meetings and at many additional meetings for specific events. Some of the BoD members have served for many years and are not as visible to the general membership as is the President, yet little could be done without their significant efforts. Thankfully, many have volunteered to serve another year, with some moving to different positions. Your Council conducts its efforts in a completely open manner. I invite you to attend a BoD meeting which is usually scheduled the first Tuesday of the month at the Queens Harbour Yacht & Country Club club-house. Please let me know if you will attend so I can leave your name at the front access gate.

I cannot say too many positive things about our outgoing President, John Vargo. During his two-year flight he guided our volunteers with a gentle hand yet kept us on a steady course as the winds veered and gusted. His flight boots will be hard to fill yet we and those we support are much better off because of his steady hand on the helm. John – thank you very much for your steady, hard work and a good turnover. BRAVO ZULU my friend!

So let me lay down my Plan of Intended Movement (PIM). Much as a ship’s crew lays down its intended course and speed and then monitors its progress, a volunteer-based organization needs to do the same. I intend to lead our Council through the year’s events and make them rewarding and fun for our members. I encourage you to read The Fleet Sheet as though it was a nautical chart so you can plan to attend and volunteer as we ad-down PIM.

As we proceed down PIM, members will leave for various reasons. Just as in the Sea Services we support, we need replacements for those who "transfer". I need each and every one of you who reads this Fleet Sheet to:

renew your national and Mayport Council membership, and

recruit another to take the place of those who "detach". It is only with a robust membership that we have enough assets to serve those who volunteer to serve us and our great nation, and

volunteer to serve on what of our committees, and

attend one of our many events that we will tell you about in either this Fleet Sheet or by email for shorter notice events. Here are a few examples:

Ship homecoming (after a half year deployment overseas)

Sailor of the Quarter Luncheon

As an example of what our terrific members do, please see the efforts led by George Huchting in the following pages. We are providing appropriate flag stands for Mayport Naval Station to properly display the colors that our Sea Services defend.

Hope to see you next month at Ocean Breeze -

Dennis Stokowski

The Officers and Board of Directors for the 2012 Year

PRESIDENT - Dennis Stokowski

1st VICE PRESIDENT - Rick Costner

VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION - Rosanne Jameson

VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS - Don Mooers

SECRETARY - Debbie Herrera ADVISORY COUNCIL -

TREASURER - Bob Price

CHAPLAIN - Jim Mennis

JUDGE ADVOCATE - Dan McCarthy

COMMITTEES

VP EDUCATION - Rick Costner

Public Relations Chair - Pat Pumphrey

Programs Chair - Rick Costner

George Huchting

Communications Chair - Pat Pumphrey

Newsletter - Pat Pumphrey

Email - Pat Pickett - John Vargo

Web Page - Julia Dixon

Legislative Affairs Chair - J. Michael

VP ADMINISTRATION - Rosanne Jameson

Membership Committee Chair - Debbie Herrera

Pat Pumphrey, Andre Mack, Betty Howard, John Vargo

Mary Stuart Pratt

Retention Committee Chair - Debbie Herrera

Don Phillips, Bill Boydstun, Karen Turnbull, Barb Price

Steve Banks

Budget and Finance Committee Chair - Bob Price

Karen Turnbull, Jim Pratt,Jim Young Charles Armstrong

Fund Raising Committee Chair - Bob Price

Barb Price, Karen Wolf, Karen Turnbull, Betty Howard

Steve Banks, Bill Howard, Rosanne Jameson

 

ADVISORY COUNCIL - Vargo-ChairJohn

Diane Wright , Bill McLoughlin, J. Michael McGrath

VP OPERATIONS - Don Mooers

Youth Programs Chair - Jim Young

Military Affairs Chairs -

Navy - Dennis Stowkowski

Marine Corps - Brian Kennedy

Coast Guard - Don Mooers

Merchant Marine - Charlie Sellers

Outreach Chair - Betty Howard

NJROTC/JROTC/JU Movie Nights - Rick Costner, Jim Pratt

No Dough Dinners - Charles Armstrong, Rick Costner

Ship Greeting - BillMcLoughlin, Betty Howard

Midway Dinner - John Vargo, Betty Howard, George Huchting, Rosanne Jameson, Bill Boydstun, Bob Price, Barb Price

IA - Bob Price

SOQ -Bob Price

SOY - Margaret Kennedy, Karen Turnbull

\ Hospitality - Rosanne Jameson

TAP - George Hutchting, Mike McGrath, Tom Wright, John Vargo, Bob Price, Rick Costner,Charles Armstrong

WWP - George Huchting

Jacksonville Symphony - George Huchting

 

 

Guest Speaker for our February Dinner Meeting

Returning Combat Nurse from Afghanistan LT Candy Anderson

Candy Anderson, from Sunbury PA enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1984. She served ten years as an Electronics Technician specializing in the repair of cryptographic communication equipment. As a civilian, she attended University of North Florida where she a earned a degree in Nursing. She then went on to specialize in critical care.

In 2008, she received a commission as a direct accession officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. Later that year, she reported to Naval Hospital Jacksonville as a staff nurse where she was as-signed to the Intensive Care Unit. There she distinguished herself by becoming a nationally certified critical care nurse. She holds advanced certificates in Trauma, Emergency Nursing and Advance Life Support.

Last year, LT Anderson was deployed as an Individual Augmenter (IA) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and assigned to NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar Afghanistan. Because of her unique qualifications, she provided front line life-saving care to over 800 Coalition Forces, Afghan National Army and Afghan National Po-lice, detainees and Afghan civilians.

LT Anderson will speak to us about her role there both from a medical and military prospective.

Candy is married to the former Mayport Command Master Chief, Dave Anderson, who is currently serving in Kandahar Afghanistan. They have been married 26 years and have one daughter and one son.

Important Base Security Update

Please note the new line on our RSVP for dinner.

This must be filed out with your reservation, so we can give it to the security gate.

Effective with the February Dinner Meeting if you need "base access" you will need to provide the names of all occupants of the vehicle as shown on your drivers licenses and birth dates.

This is for those folks who do not have a DOD sticker or MWR pass.  For information on how to obtain a MWR pass, which is available to Mayport Council members, go to MWR Page

Mayport Council Dues

For the benefit of our many new members, I would like to explain how our Mayport Council local dues program works.

National Navy League dues and Mayport Council local dues are separate contributions. Each Navy League Council in Florida requests additional financial assistance from each member to help support the activities of its local Council through local dues contributions. Our annual local Council dues are $20 for each member or $40 for husband/wife membership. These dues are the lowest in the state. Conversely, the National Navy League dues are paid directly to the Navy League of the United States for your membership in Navy League and a small portion of these dues is returned to each council in the form of a rebate.

Local dues are assessed the first of each year - National dues are assessed on the anniversary or on your join date

Dues may now be PAID ON-LINE

A note from the Programs Chair - Rick Costner

With the New Year arriving, I want to let everyone know the schedule for the Navy League dinners and the guest/speakers we have planned. This year we have a number of outstanding speak-ers that you will not want to miss. Each newsletter we will have a more in depth biography of each speaker, but this is intended to help each member with scheduling for the coming year.

16 Feb –LT Candy Anderson-(see this month’s Bio for more details) Navy Nurse specializing in trauma currently stationed at NAS JAX Navy Hospital. She recently returned from an individual Augmentation from Afghanistan. She will speak about front line trauma, the medical issues our Ma-rines experience in the war theaters and how the Navy Medical team deals with the injuries. She has some amazing stories. The location is at Ocean Breeze.

15 Mar – Coast Guard Night –Coast Guard Commandant ADM Papp is currently scheduled. He will discuss the current state of the Coast Guard and we will honor our local Coast Guard. This will be a unique combination meeting with the Propeller Club. The Location will be Ocean Breeze.

17 Apr –ADM Fitzgerald-Understanding the North African Tinderbox-Recently retired (four-star) Admiral Mark Fitzgerald understands this part of the world and the geopolitical dynamics that have produced the current tinderbox as well as anyone. At the time of his retirement last fall, he was completing nearly three years as Commander Naval Forces Europe, Commander Naval Forces Af-rica, and Commander Joint Naval Forces Naples. Wearing these three "hats," he was responsible for overall command, operational control, and coordination of U.S. Naval forces in the European and Africa commands and for NATO missions in the Balkans, Iraq and throughout the Mediterranean

17 May – Sailors, Marine, Coast Guardsman of the Year Awards and Recognition ADM Tidd Fourth Fleet will speak and present the awards. The Location will be Ocean Breeze.

21 Jun – Casual Dinner – Hosted by Captain and Mrs. Cochrane at his new home on base.

July – August – Off –

20 Sep – Sea Cadet/NJROTC Month- We will honor the Sea Cadets and Terry Parker NJROTC midshipmen. Both groups will lead the program. The Location will be Ocean Breeze.

18 Oct –COMSUBGRU 10, ADM Tofalo- He will speak about the current state of the United States Submarine community. The location will either be Ocean Breeze or Sawgrass. Look for further details.

15 Nov – Silent & Chinese Auction – Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet. This is our major fund raising event. Please make plans to be there. The location will be Ocean Breeze.

7 Dec – MOAA & NL Christmas Dinner Dance at Ocean Breeze

As you can see, we have a full schedule and many exciting speakers this year. I hope this helps everyone with scheduling. I look forward to seeing you all there and supporting the sea services together.

Rick Costner

Programs Chairman

Flag Stands

Last year, the Mayport Naval Station loaned us their 50 state flags and bases, plus flags and bases for the US Flag, Service flags, POW flag, etc. In setting up the flags, our team noticed that the bases were in very bad repair and leaked sand all over the floors. These flags are used by the Mayport Naval Station for numerous Navy and Navy associated ceremonies and events, such as retirement ceremonies, changes of command, our Battle of Midway Dinner, etc., and the flags and their base should contribute to an appropriate, neat and smart environment for such occasions - they don't do that now.

In this restricted financial climate, it may be very hard for the Naval Station to afford to re-place the 60 flag bases needed for the full set. George Huchting has undertaken to replace these flag bases through independent donations - the bases will be presented to the Mayport Naval Station on behalf of the Mayport Council of the Navy League. If you are interested in supporting this effort, please contact George with your donation.

Please make your check payable to "Mayport Navy League" and note on the check that it is for the "New Flag Bases for Mayport."  Mail your check to:

George Huchting

P.O. Box 372

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004-0372

George can be contacted at 904-280-9807 or by e-mail at geohuch@aol.com if you have any questions. Thank you for your support of our Sea Services!

Mayport Sea Cadets

The Mayport Sea Cadets have now completed their relocation to the C-12 hanger from the old Bank of America Building. During the move the Unit acquired some new office equipment that had been left behind when the bank moved out of the building.  This upgraded some of our older equipment that badly needed replaced. The Unit has a lot more space now and better quarters than we have ever had in the past.

The Sea Cadets have added 3 new recruits to our unit this month!

Our latest drill activity Jan 21th included specific trainings onboard the USS Taylor led by LT Modeer. What made this ship tour different than others in the past, these ship trainings were more detailed and more focused to specific procedures equipment and protocols in various sections of the ship. The tour was highly informative and well put together by the crew of the USS Taylor.

Topics included:

 The workings of the Focsule deck and everything that goes into the mooring of a ship.

 The four types of ship fires and the usage of specific equipment and procedures to fight those kinds of fires.

 A very detailed explanation of the various duties, workings and procedures that go on in Engineering Department of the ship.  And then we linked the 3 above trainings & topics to their relationship at the ships Bridge.  All and all a very rewarding and informative day!

 

Captain Dave’s ALS Walk

For the past two years friends of Dave’s have gotten together and donated time and treasure to Walk for Captain Dave Van Saun who is suffering from ALS.

We are raising awareness for this dreadful disease and making money to fund research. Please join us as we walk the 2 miles to raise funds and awareness.  Sign up at www.walktodefeatals.org and type in Captain Dave in the team section.

Debbie Herrera (debbieherrera18@yahoo.com) is the Team Captain. If you have questions, please call her - 904 288-1901.

The event will take place at 0830 at the Seven Bridges Grille in Tinseltown.  Please join us for some good exercise, fun and for a great cause.

Navy League Shipmates - Your memberships are past due for renewal

Edward Wirick has renewed - THANK YOU!

Community Affiliate -

J & G Gifts

Clara Haak,, Kassandra Haak, Gregory D. Kinder, Janice L. Kinder

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Jacksonvile, LLC

Robert Birtalan, Dale O’Bar, Herschel Vincent

Crowley Maritime Corporate

Kevin Cameron, Mike Golonka, Art Mead, John Tronti

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Mayport, LLC

Bob Birtalan, Pete Cavasino, Vince Stammetti, Dan Welch

Regular Corporate Member

Sprint Nextel

 

September -

Gregory & Janice D. Kinder

Harry V. MacNeill

William Moredock

Samuel P.. Peluso

 

October -

Sara E. Diguisto-Sewell

Ron Gay

Michael R. Hamel

Samuel P.. Peluso

Charles & Colette Sellers

November -

Jeffrey G. Broekman

Michael F. Davidson, Jr.

Tim M. Jenkins

John J. Moore

Patricia A. Peters

David P. Sliwinski

Charles W. Styer Jr.

 

December -

Maggie Hand

Pam Hutcherson

Terence P. Kane

Joseph A. Marasco Jr.

Carole Shea

Eleanor Snite

Wallace E. Wright

 

Battle of the Midway Dinner Tickets are now on SALE.  Click here

Advertisements in The Fleet Sheet help to cover the cost of printing.

We appreciate all the companies who give their support. If you do business with a company, ask them to take out an ad. And, be sure and support these folks.

One Month’s ad for a business card ad is $35 and only $250 for a full year.

And, why not take out a personal ad to wish someone a Happy Birthday or for other reasons.

Thank you to our Corporate and

Community Affiliates Members

Corporate Member

CDI Government Services

Tulsa Welding Acquisition

Community Affiliates

All Purpose Printing and Graphics, Inc.

BAE Systems SE Shipyards Jacksonville, LLC

BAE Systems SE Shipyards Mayport LLC

Crowley Maritime Corporate

Culhane’s Irish Pub, Inc

Hampton Inn & Suites

Hornblower Marine Service (Mayport Ferry)

Navy Federal Credit Union

Oto Melara North America

Smart Pharmacy, Inc.

The Corporate Membership program is structured to help industry maintain a strategic position in front of key military, civilian defense, and homeland security decision makers. From Washington, DC programs to local events with our Councils nationwide, the Navy League can help enhance your company's brand and patriotic reputation among industry and military leaders alike

Community Affiliate Memberships demonstrates a company's commitment to the local council and a desire to support and advance the objective and purpose of the Navy League. This member-ship is designed for companies whose business is primarily local rather than national in scope. Community Affiliate membership demonstrates your desire to support young people through our special youth programs and scholarships.

Council activities range from special military installation visits and ship tours or cruises to a wide variety of social events as luncheons or dinners during which members of the Sea Services are honored or presented with awards. Council members work together to foster common local interest and to promote maritime issues of national importance.

And along the way, we have a great time! 

Calling all business -

Join up as Community Affiliates and Support The Mayport Council and The Sea Services.

Community Affiliate membership is $400 per year.

Call Pat Pumphrey, 280-0941 for various levels of Corporate Membership.

   

Please be advised - If you need base access for the Dinner Meeting, you will need to indicate it on your reservation form and include your name as it appears on your driver’s license and show your birthdate.

This is new requirement from the Mayport Naval Station security.