NBHC Groton changing check-in procedures, see Page 2.

INDEX

INSIDE

Local..............................2Classifieds........................7

Vol. 50, No. 27 Thursday, January 12, 2012Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918

New Hampshire earns award

Page 8

Hundreds line up for iCarly tickets

Page 2

40 Sargent DriveNew

Haven, CT 06511PRSRT/STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDSHORE LINE

NEWSPAPERS

A ‘normal’ day at SUBASE

Page 4

Providence, New Hampshire, are Annapolis Battle ‘E’ winners By Kevin Copeland

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. - Commander, Submarine Force At lant ic ( C O M S U B L A N T ) , announced the winners of the 2011 Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) competition Jan. 1.

“The Battle E competi-tion measures our crews against the three tenets

laid out for us by the CNO: ‘Warfighting first, oper-ate forward, be ready,’ as well as the call to action embodied in the design for undersea warfare,” said COMSUBLANT Vice Adm. John M. Richardson. “This year’s competi-tion showed that across the board, our submarine force is manned by teams that are keenly focused on achieving these goals and are providing our nation’s leaders with capability

they can use today and into the future. The results were very close and these awards should be a source of great pride for the whole force. Congratulations.”

The Battle “E” com-petition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize out-standing performance. The criterion for the award is the overall readiness of the com-

mand to carry out its assigned wartime tasks as a unit of the Atlantic Submarine Force, and is based on a yearlong evaluation.

One submarine from each submarine squadron in the Atlantic Fleet is recognized. The awards are presented by the com-modore of each squadron to the submarine under their command which has demonstrated the highest level of battle readiness

during the evaluation year.

T h e 2 0 1 1 COMSUBLANT Battle “E” winners, homeports, and commanding officers are:Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 2 (Groton)

USS Providence (SSN 719), commanded dur-ing the competition by Commander Michael Quan and Commander Ray Gabriel.

Rules restrict political activity by military, DoD personnelBy Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - With election activity steadily picking up, defense offi-cials are in the process of issuing regular election-year guidance to remind military and Defense Department (DoD) civil-ians that they’re subject to rules regulating their involvement in political activities.

This issue - one the department regularly addresses during election periods - came to light earlier this week after an Army Reserve soldier in uniform appeared endors-ing a political candidate.

Several sets of rules help to protect the integri-ty of the political process, DoD officials said. DoD Directive 1344.10 applies to members of the armed forces, whether they serve on active duty, as mem-bers of the reserve compo-nents not on active duty, as National Guard mem-bers in a nonfederal sta-tus, and military retirees.

In addition, the Hatch Act applies to federal civilian employees, and employees also are subject to widely published DoD guidance that discusses participation in political campaigns and elections.

These rules are designed to prevent military mem-bers’ or federal civilian employees’ participation in political activities that imply - or even appear to imply - official sponsor-ship, approval or endorse-ment, officials said. The

concern, they explained, is that actual or perceived partisanship could under-mine the legitimacy of the military profession and department.

That’s not to imply, however, that military members and civilian employees can’t partici-pate in politics. In fact, DoD has a longstanding policy of encouraging members to carry out the

obligations of citizenship, officials said. DoD encour-ages its military and civil-ian members to register to vote and vote as they choose, they said. Both groups can sign nominat-ing petitions for candidates and express their personal opinions about candidates and issues.

However, officials emphasized, they can do so only if they don’t act

as - or aren’t perceived as - representatives of the armed forces in carrying out these activities.

Beyond that, the list of dos and don’ts differs depending on whether the employee is a member of the armed forces, a career civil service employee, a political appointee or a member of the career Senior Executive Service, officials said.

Military members, for example, may attend polit-ical meetings or rallies only as spectators and not in uniform. They’re not permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity in par-tisan groups or participate in partisan political cam-paigns or conventions.

They also are barred

USS California arrives at SUBASE

Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg

GROTON, Conn. - Commander Dana Nelson, commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781), observes his shipboard handlers as they navigate the submarine pierside at its new homeport location of Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton.

USS North Carolina visits Guam

Photo by MC2 Gabrielle Blake

POLARIS POINT, Guam - Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) prepare to moor alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), Jan. 3. North Carolina is homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, January 12, 2012

This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel of the Department of Defense and their families. Contents of The Dolphin are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy.

Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London

Capt. Marc W. DennoExecutive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London

Cmdr. Michael A. PenningtonCommand Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New

LondonCMDCM(SS) Thomas Vatter

Public Affairs Officer - Christopher ZendanEditor - Sheryl Walsh

Editorial Assistant - Christina LoughPublic Affairs Staff - MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, MC1(AW) Peter Blair and MCSN Gabriel Bevan

• NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Submarine Base New London. News items and photos must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday before publication. News ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher Zendan at 694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com. Log onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com.

• ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514 or write to: The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT 06349-5044. All news releases should be sent to this address.

• ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore Line Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or Classified Advertising depart-ments.

Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, or Betsy Lemkin at (203) 752-2706

Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200

The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline Newspapers, 40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Telephone (203) 752-2701. Minimum weekly circulation 10,000.

John Slater, General ManagerShore Line Newspapers

The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office.

The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclusive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Shoreline Newspapers of the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our resources and recycle this paper when you are

finished with it.

News in your communitySunday Chapel Services at SUBASEShepherd of the Sea

Catholic Mass - 9:30 a.m.

CCD - 11 a.m. to noon Chapel on the Thames

Protestant Worship - 11 a.m.

Catholic Mass - 6 p.m. Soup Kitchen

Volunteer the first Tuesday of every month. For more information, call (860) 694-3232.

FRA Announces January events

Branch and Unit 20 of the Fleet Reserve Association will host second monthly break-fast, which will take place Jan. 21, at the Branch Home, 242 Thames Street, Groton. These breakfasts boast an extensive menu for a donation of only $5.

Volunteers to help with the breakfasts are always welcome. Call (860) 445-0731 and leave a message for Charlie.

Branch and Unit 20 will hold their regular monthly meetings Jan. 19 at the Branch Home. Unit 20 will meet at 6 p.m., Branch 20 at 7 p.m. All members in good standing are encouraged to attend these meetings.

Membership in the FRA is open to all active duty, retired, and veter-ans of the sea services, i.e., the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Membership in the FRA Auxiliary, or Unit, is open to all spouses, children and step chil-dren over age 16, par-ents and grandparents of FRA members in good standing.

For more information, call the Branch Home at (860) 445-0731.

Club 20 will host its

Super Bowl Party Feb. 5. Come on down and join your friends to watch the final game of the season!

The February Board of Directors meeting will be held Feb. 7 at the Branch Home at 6 p.m. All members in good standing are invited at attend.

Volunteer for The Cove

The Cove Center for Grieving Children is offering training this winter open to all inter-ested individuals. All five Cove sites are cur-rently recruiting vol-unteers for the current and upcoming program years!

The training con-sists of three modules. Attendance at all three sessions is mandatory. All sessions will be held in Madison, Conn. - contact The Cove for more details.

There is a $75 admin-istrative fee to cover the costs of a mandatory criminal and DCF back-ground check. A unique fundraising opportunity exists for interested vol-unteers to underwrite the cost through First Giving.

To register, contact Karen at (203) 634-0500 or via e-mail at k a r e n @ c o v e c t . o r g . Space is limited, regis-ter early.

Library lends Nooks, Kindles

The Naval Submarine Base New London library has five Nooks and five Kindles avail-able for circulation.

They come preloaded with e-books, many of which are on the best seller list. For more information, call the library at (860) 694-3723.

By Naval Legal Service Office North Central Detachment

Groton

GROTON, Conn. - The VITA/ELF program has evolved over time to best meet mission require-ments while addressing practical manning and budgetary realities. This year, after piloting a test program for four years, Tax Assistance Centers (TACs) operated by Naval Legal Service Command will shift from full ser-vice VITA/ELF tax prepa-ration to self service tax assistance preparation at command sites INCONUS and Hawaii. Full service VITA/ELF will continue OCONUS and in Guam, given limited alternate tax prep resources in those locations.

NLSO wants to take this opportunity to explain

some of the reasons behind this change and why, ulti-mately, we believe it ben-efits you, our customer. In the past, we were able to offer one-on-one tax prep-aration to our customers based on ample staff and support this service. Over the past several years, the number of volunteers has decreased and demand for full service tax assistance has decreased, given the introduction of alternate, online tax assistance prep-aration. With self service, you are still able to elec-tronically file your return and receive assistance from IRS certified tax per-sonnel. You will also learn how to prepare taxes on your own using free, inter-net-based software. This will enable us to assist customers and decrease wait times. Thank you for your time and support of the TAC.

Changes made to VITA/ELF

By Tricare Management Activity

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The expiration of the retail pharmacy con-tract between Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) and the Walgreens pharmacy chain means Walgreens is no longer a Tricare pharmacy network pro-vider as of Jan. 1.

“The majority of ben-eficiaries have access to another network pharmacy very close to home as our phar-macy contract requires ESI to maintain high access standards,” said Rear Admiral Thomas

McGinnis, chief of the Tricare Pharmaceutical Operations Directorate. “There are still 56,000 network pharmacies nationwide – easily meeting or exceeding our access requirements.”

In addition to 56,000 network pharmacies, Tricare beneficiaries have other pharmacy options including mili-tary pharmacies at no cost and convenient TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. Generic medications are avail-able at no cost through Home Delivery.

Beneficiaries who use non-network phar-macies, including

Walgreens, pay full pre-scription costs upfront and submit their own claims for reimburse-ment. Reimbursement will occur only after the non-network deductible is met. Out-of-network costs include a 50 per-cent point-of-service cost share for Tricare Prime, after deductibles are met. All other non-active duty Tricare ben-eficiaries pay the greater of a $12 copay or 20 percent of the total cost for formulary medica-tions and the greater of $25 or 20 percent of the total cost for non-formu-lary medications, after deductibles are met.

For more on pharmacy costs go to www.tricare.mil/pharmacycosts.

Tricare beneficia-ries changing from Walgreens pharmacy can simply take their current prescription bot-tle to their new network pharmacy to have the prescription transferred. To find a nearby net-work pharmacy, use the “find a pharmacy” fea-ture on www.express-s c r i p t s . c o m / t r i c a r e . Beneficiaries who want help finding a phar-macy, changing their medications to Home Delivery or who have other questions can con-

Tricare beneficiaries reassured of pharmacy service

For the fifth year in a row, Dunkin’ Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign, which provides a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee* to all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont during the month of January. The campaign is in celebra-tion of National Blood Donor Month and helps increase awareness about the need for blood. The campaign has achieved great success during the past four years as Dunkin’ Donuts has pro-vided more than 350,000

pounds of coffee to pre-senting donors, and if one donation may help save three lives, Dunkin Donuts has potentially helped more than one million patients. Donated blood is used to help accident victims, trau-ma patients, transplant recipients, and those receiving treatment for life-threatening illness-es.

Dunkin’ Donuts and the Red Cross are thank-ing donors who support the community blood supply by rolling up their sleeves to give the gift of life. Because winter is often a challenging time for blood collections due to severe weather and flu season, the “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign helps boost blood col-lections when patients need it most. In addi-tion, participating local

Dunkin’ Donuts restau-rants are hosting blood drives throughout the month to collect blood for patients in need. To donate blood during the month of January, call (800) RED CROSS ((800) 733-2767), or visit red-crossblood.org.

*Coupons are redeem-able at participating Dunkin’ Donuts loca-tions. Coupons are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash.

American Red Cross, Dunkin’ Donuts celebrate five years of helping save lives

Lining up for iCarly

Photo by MCSN Gabriel Bevan

GROTON, Conn. – A line forms on Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) at the Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) office early Monday morning in anticipation of receiving free tickets for the screening of iCarly, Jan 11. Tickets for the event were “sold out” in less than an hour from when the doors opened, making it one of the fastest ticket giveaways ever at SUBASE.

By Kathy MacKnightNHCNE PAO

GROTON, Conn. – Naval Branch Health Clinic (NBHC) Groton is implementing a cen-tralized patient check-in area to improve and streamline the check-in process for their patients.

When you arrive for your appointment your first stop will be at one of the three windows prom-inently located at the end of the hall and to your right as you enter the front entrance of the clin-ic. Your patient eligibil-ity, demographics, other health insurance (OHI) and HIPAA information will be reviewed and updated. The efficiency of the process will have patients to their appoint-ments in a timely manner and will also result in NBHC having accurate, up-to-date patient infor-mation, such as OHI, which results in added

revenue to the clinic. Medical Home Port

focuses on patient cen-tered care and central-ized check-in is another enhancement to ensure that quality of care. Administrative infor-mation is gathered by Medical Records/Patient Administration staff which in turn allows your visit to your pro-vider to be focused on your medical needs during your scheduled appointment.

Beginning Jan. 17, Family Medicine Pier 1 and Physical Therapy patients will utilize the new check-in facilities. On Jan. 23, the remain-ing Family Medicine Piers, Undersea Medicine, Eye Clinic, and General Surgery patients will check-in for their appointments at the new check-in windows.

Centralized check-in is just another of the exciting changes at NBHC Groton and Navy Medicine.

New centralized check-in at NBHC starting soon

Upcoming local blood drivesJan. 17

Elks Club, 198 Pleasant Street in Willimantic, 1 to 5:45 p.m.Jan. 19

Groton City Municipal Building, 295 Meridian Street Extension in Groton, 1:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 247 Washington St, Routes 2 and 32 in Norwich, 1:30 to 6:15 p.m.Jan. 20

Windham Hospital, 112 Mansfield Ave. in Willimantic, 11:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Continued on page 7

Thursday, January 12, 2012 • THE DOLPHIN • 3

FAMILY DENTAL CENTER

• CROWNS • ROOT CANALS • BRIDGES• EXTRACTIONS • BONDING • DENTURES• TEETH WHITENING • IMPLANTS • DENTURE REPAIRS

446-8744115 Bridge Street, Groton

~ Most Insurance Plans Accepted ~

Vincent AntonelliDDS

Sean KimDDS, FAGD

Ted MalahiasDDS

“We Cater To Cowards”

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���� ����� � ������ ��������� � � ���������

Dates Times

The FollowingClasses will be held in theExecutive Conference Room

unless otherwise specified

1. TobaccoCessation 05,12, 19, 27JAN (1st Group) 1100-1230(2ndGroup) 1330-1500

2. DiabetesEducation 30 JAN (Monday) 1330-1430

3. DiabetesNutrition 10JAN (Tuesday) 1400-1600

4. DiabetesSupport Group 23JAN (Monday) 1300-1400

5. Healthy HeartClass 11 JAN (Wednesday) 1400-1600

27JAN (Friday) 0830-1030

6. WeightManagement 11,25JAN (Wednesday) 1000-1130

5. BariatricClass (ByReferral Only) 20JAN (Friday) 0830-1030

8. BariatricSupport Group 06JAN (Thursday) 0930-1100

9. GA MEPLAN ByAppointment Ongoing

�Lifestyle Modification forBetterHealth; Weight Loss)

10. Unit SpecificGMT By Appointment Ongoing

11. ShipShape (AD Only) ByAppointment Ongoing

Healthy Weight FactsAccordingtothe AmericanCouncil on Exercise(2001), a completefitness programmustinclude aerobicexercise, muscularstrengthand enduranceconditioning,and flexibilityexercise.Tipsfor weightcontrol: 1)Drink Plenty of Water6-8 glasses������ �� � � � � ���� � � �� ��� �� � �� � �� � � ���� �� �� � � �� ������Goals� A safe rate of weightlossis1/2 to 2poundsper week.If youhavehit aplateau andstopped losing weight,varyyourpro-grambyaddingnew elements.

Phone: 860.694.3104

Fax: 860.694.5585

Educational Services

Offered:* Weight Management

* HealthyHeart

* Blood Pressure

* DiabetesEducation

* GeneralNutrition

* Tobacco Cessation

ByAppointment* Game Plan (Lifestyle

Modification Program)

* GlucometerEducation

Contact: 694-2379

Active DutyOnly:

* Ship Shape

* GeneralMilitary

Training (at your

location)

January2012Offerings

Healthy Weight

New campaign asks ‘Who Will Stand Your Watch?’From Navy Personnel

Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) office has launched a new substance abuse prevention campaign designed to edu-cate Sailors of the negative impact substance abuse can have on a Sailor’s fam-ily, shipmates, and career, officials said earlier this month.

“Substance abuse puts lives and missions at risk,

undercuts unit readiness and morale, it is inconsis-tent with Navy ethos and its core values of honor, courage, and commitment,” said Dorice Favorite, Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention director.

The campaign titled “Who Will Stand Your Watch?” focuses on Sailors’ personal responsibil-ity and the impact of their absence, as a result of a substance abuse incident. The campaign uses various communication tactics to include print media and

public service announce-ments.

“Preventing substance abuse from occurring rather than dealing with the consequences ben-efits everyone. Prevention requires responsibility and accountability at all levels. Good leadership and team-work are the best defense against substance abuse,” said Favorite.

The campaign features “real” Sailors in the pub-lic service announcements, which were filmed in their workplace to portray the

importance of their job and their presence. The PSAs are currently being aired on Direct to Sailor TV and can be found on the Navy Personnel Command web site at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/orga-nization/npc/publicaffairs/videos/Pages/default.aspx

Posters and trifolds are available at no cost to all Navy commands for order-ing through the Navy Logistics Library. Supply personnel may order them via https://nll1.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ (for NMCI com-

puters) or http://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup (if NMCI is not available).

NADAP supports the Fleet, Family and Personal Readiness Division through

aggressive alcohol abuse and drug use prevention programs.

For more news from NADAP, visit www.npc.navy.mil/support/nadap

“Preventing substance abuse from occurring rather than dealing with the consequences benefits every-one.”

Dorice FavoriteNavy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention director

Sailors will see improved opportunities as force balance improves

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - Top-performing Sailors will see more opportunities to con-vert, reenlist, and advance as a result of the Navy’s use of force management tools such as the Enlisted Retention Board and Perform-to-Serve, Navy leaders said Jan. 3.

“We have the highest quality Sailors and the most capable force in our Navy’s history,” said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk. “Sailors are increasingly looking at our Navy as a great long-term career choice. While high retention is positive and has resulted in the best trained, most capable, and most highly motivated force in our his-tory, we must continue to ensure we retain the right mix of people so that our workforce matches our warfighting require-ments, now and into the future. Programs such as Perform-to-Serve and the Enlisted Retention Board have enabled those mutu-al goals.”

“Because of the strides made by PTS and ERB in balancing the force, bar-ring significant changes to our force structure, the Navy will not need to conduct an ERB in 2013 or 2014,” continued Van Buskirk.

High retention and low attrition within the Navy led to some ratings being overmanned, which result-ed in hardworking, expe-rienced Sailors not being able to advance or reenlist in their ratings. At the same time, the Navy still lacked Sailors in ratings critical to meeting its mission. Increasing the challenge, the Navy has recently shift-ed nearly 6,800 billets back to sea, changing the mix of skills and experience required of Sailors.

In addition to voluntary separation programs, the Navy uses programs such as PTS to help balance the force by matching the workforce to the fleet’s job requirements. PTS is the Navy’s primary system for managing personnel to ensure the Navy maintains a balanced, experienced

force. PTS manages bal-ance between ratings so that each rating has their authorized share of per-sonnel. PTS also manages balance within a rating by keeping the right num-ber of top performers in each year group to match experience with mission requirements without gaps. PTS also ensures the highest-performing Sailors have the opportunity to convert, reenlist and advance.

Yet, with so many Sailors desiring to stay Navy, PTS was becom-ing over-burdened. Many overmanned ratings had limited PTS opportu-nity, which meant even the strongest performing Sailors faced tough compe-tition and reduced chances to re-enlist and advance. Because PTS only affects those Sailors approaching a re-enlistment decision or requiring additional obli-gated service, timing had become a critical factor, adding pressure to the PTS system.

To relieve the pres-sure on Sailors in a PTS reenlistment window, the Navy created the ERB as an additional force man-agement tool. The ERB became necessary to ensure the Navy could reduce the overmanned ratings while converting many Sailors to under manned ratings to fill gaps. The ERB reviewed the records of roughly 16,000 Sailors in the 31 most overmanned ratings to fill a limited number of retention quotas. Unlike PTS, the ERB considered all eligible Sailors in these ratings, not just the ones in a PTS window.

According to Van Buskirk, Sailors will see significant changes in advancement opportunity due to the ERB.

“Before we conducted the ERB, opportunities for Sailors to advance to E5 and E6 in the 31 eligible ratings were extreme-ly limited,” said Van Buskirk. “Because the ERB will reduce overmanning in these ratings, more Sailors will advance to E4, E5, and E6 in the coming advancement cycles. In fact, advancements in the ERB ratings are projected to be slightly above the

Navy-wide average for the next two to three cycles.”

ERB and PTS have also placed many talented Sailors in undermanned ratings, a step that was critical in meeting the mis-sion, said Van Buskirk.

“Because we have reduced our overmanned ratings, the Navy is mak-ing strides in improving undermanning in other ratings,” said Van Buskirk. “Through PTS and the ERB, nearly 1,200 Sailors have converted from over-manned to undermanned ratings in the past year. Putting talented Sailors into these undermanned ratings enables us to meet our mission requirements while easing the unusually high operational demands on Sailors currently in these ratings.”

Sailors are also seeing increased opportunities in PTS. PTS was signifi-cantly changed in October to refocus on performance and reduce the impact of a Sailor’s timing on re-enlistment approval. Top performers in every rat-ing and year group will now have the opportunity for reenlistment approv-al, even when a rating is overmanned.

“While PTS and ERB have been difficult pills to swallow for our Sailors, they are necessary tools to balance the effects of exces-sively high retention,” said Van Buskirk. “We are beginning to see increased reenlistment opportunity and better advancement opportunity as a result of improved force balance, but we know that these benefits are of little com-

fort to Sailors and their families who are separat-ing. That is why we’re committed to providing Sailors who must separate the best transition support tools and assistance pos-sible so they can succeed in their civilian careers.”

Sailors can learn more about PTS, ERB and advancement opportuni-ties by visiting www.npc.navy.mil.

RAYMOND J. RIGATATTORNEY AT LAW

FORMER NAVY JAG

860-442-068 or 860-887-9467COURTS - MARTIAL

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By Susan HensonCenter for Personal and

Professional Development Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Navy’s General Military Training (GMT) requirements have been set and were announced in Naval Administrative message 386/11.

GMT is developed for all uniformed Navy officer and enlisted Sailors. The core GMT lessons, which are top priorities of the Chief of Naval Operations as well as statutory requirements, fall under the areas of Responsible Use of Alcohol, Responsible Personal Behavior, Ask-Care-Treat, Improving Personal Financial Management and Operational Stress Control. These core lessons include Equal Opportunity, Sexual Harassment and Grievance Procedures; Sexual Assault Prevention and Response; Suicide Prevention; and Operational Stress Control. Because of the critical nature of these topics, the core GMT lessons must be delivered in instructor-led training sessions by com-mand leadership.

“It is absolutely imper-ative that leaders are involved in delivering the

content of the core GMT lessons,” said Captain Chuck Hollingsworth, the commanding officer for the Center for Personal and Professional Development, which has responsibility for maintaining and updat-ing the Navy’s GMT les-sons. “This is an issue of unit readiness. We see too many shipmates impacted by senseless acts such as suicide, sexual assaults and alcohol abuse. Sailors need to know and see that their leaders are person-ally engaged in ensuring the health and well being of each and every person in the command.”

Core lesson materials are available for download on Navy Knowledge Online at http://www.nko.navy.mil, click on the Personal Development tab, then GMT link on the left side of the screen, then select the lesson from the Core GMT Lessons channel.

In addition to required GMT lessons, the NAVADMIN details rec-ommended lessons for which commanding offi-cers are highly encouraged to establish a recurring refresher training plan for their command. These GMT lessons include Anger Management; Operational Risk Management;

Drug Abuse Prevention and Control; Tobacco Prevention and Cessation; Physical Readiness; and Code of Conduct. Lesson materials are available on the NKO Personal Development GMT page in the Commanding Officer Training Library channel.

Re-enlisting Sailors are required to complete some lessons upon their re-enlistment. These lessons include Hazing Policy and Prevention, Fraternization Awareness and Prevention, and the Family Readiness Program. This training is available only online via Navy ELearning under the “Department of the Navy (DON) Training” category, and the “General Military Training” subcategory.

All recurring GMT les-sons from previous years have been reviewed and the content updated as needed, according to Hollingsworth. “We at CPPD want to ensure we’re delivering the best possibly training to meet fleet and leadership requirements,” he said. “All feedback is good information, so please let us know how we’re doing.”

For more information, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cppd/.

GMT requirements announced

4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, January 12, 2012

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GROTON, Conn. – Above left, Army Captain Erin Abrahams, a veterinarian on SUBASE, exams Izzie at the Veterinary Clinic, Jan 9. As the only Army personnel on SUBASE the vets pro-vide care for SUBASE four-legged family members and operate as meat inspectors for the galley.

GROTON, Conn. – Above right, SUBASE Navy Exchange Barber Shop employee Julia Haynes cuts Gage Hathaway’s hair, Jan 9.

GROTON, Conn. – Left, Naval Submarine Base New London’s (SUBASE) Base Consolidated Telecommunications (BCT) hold a department meeting, Jan 9.

By MCSN Gabriel Bevan

GROTON, Conn. – Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) went through many exciting changes last year and as 2012 has begun, many more new things are to come. In order for SUBASE to continue to support the Navy’s goals of maritime defense and projection of sea power, every aspect of the base must function together in a cohesive fashion.

SUBASE is comprised of more than 70 tenant com-mands, which all work together to support the main mission of sending submarines to sea, and welcoming them back at the end of deployment.

Whether a Sailor needs a physical health assessment at the Naval Branch Health Clinic to grabbing a bite to eat at the Cross Hall Galley, each aspect of the base has an important part to play in supporting the mission of SUBASE.

The submarine force home ported here at SUBASE has, and will, continue to play a vital role in protecting American interests around the world and promoting democracy abroad. Each and every Sailor stationed here has an equally important role in supporting that mission.

Eye on SUBASE

GROTON, Conn. – Sailors exercise at SUBASE Morton Hall gymnasium, Jan 9. The Morton Hall gym offers a variety of exercise avenues for personnel at the base and oper-ates hand in hand with the bodyworks gym in building 83 and the SUBASE pool.

GROTON, Conn. – Master at Arms Seaman Damion Whitaker checks IDs at the Main Gate on SUBASE, Jan 9. The base MA’s not only staff the gates, but also provide roving security and K-9 search teams to the base.

Thursday, January 12, 2012 • THE DOLPHIN • 5

LIFE INSIDETHE GATE

GROTON, Conn. – Above, Lt. Samuel Jarvis, optometrist at the Naval Health Branch Clinic, gives Machinist Mate Third Class Juan Amaya an exam during his check in process, Jan 9.

GROTON, Conn. – Right, Sailors are served lunch at SUBASE Cross Hall Galley, Jan 9. The galley serves more than 1,800 meals a day.

GROTON, Conn. – Contractors work on a project on SUBASE, Jan 9. Construction is an everyday sight here on SUBASE.

GROTON, Conn. – A couple enjoys lunch at Spike’s Junkyard restaurant located in the Navy Exchange on SUBASE, Jan 9. Much like the main exchange, the lower base exchange provides Sailors working on the piers the chance to get the “essentials” without having to travel to the main exchange.

GROTON, Conn. – Sailors lower the Ensign on SUBASE for evening colors, Jan 9. The raising and lowering of the Ensign is a time honored tradition that takes place on a daily basis.

Photos by MCSN Gabriel Bevan

6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, January 12, 2012

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer CraggCommander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. - The Supply department aboard USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) earned the Supply Blue “E” Award according to an announcement Jan. 1.

Lieutenant Jason Revitzer, supply officer, aboard New Hampshire and Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) Oscar Veneszee credit the nine Sailors working for them in the boat’s culinary specialist division with the excellence that earned the award.

“I can’t thank enough the commanding officer, executive officer, and chief of the boat as well as the entire crew of USS New Hampshire, who all assisted us in earning this award,” said Revitzer, who is trans-

ferring this month to a West Coast assignment in the Supply Corps field.

Veneszee echoed his supply officer’s comments and thanked his division for their hard work.

“We are a team on board and in all of my years of experience in the culinary specialist field a good indi-cator of the performance of a ship is how well their Supply Department performs,” said Veneszee.

Commander John McGunnigle, New Hampshire commanding officer praised his Supply department and his entire crew for also earning the coveted Battle “E”, also announced Jan. 1.

“The pride for the crew aboard USS New Hampshire runs deep, words can’t explain the gratitude I have for each and every submariner on accomplishing these milestones,” said McGunnigle.

The Battle “E” is an award of merit, presented to the

most proficient submarine crew in each squadron and recognizes sustained superior technical performance and continual combat readiness throughout the year.

Three other Commander, Submarine Group 2 boats received the Supply Blue “E” award, USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), USS Albany (SSN 753) and USS Annapolis (SSN 760).

New Hampshire is vying for other honors. The submarine was picked as a finalist for the 2012 Capt. Edward F. Ney Memorial Awards for Food Service Excellence. A two-man evaluation team visited the Virginia-class submarine, Dec. 6.

New Hampshire was delivered to the Navy Aug. 28, 2008, and then was commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, Oct. 25, 2008. She is the third ship to be named for the state of New Hampshire.

USS New Hampshire supply department awarded Supply Blue ‘E’ Award

Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg

GROTON, Conn. - Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) Oscar Veneszee, Lieutenant Jason Revitzer, supply officer, and the Culinary Specialist division assigned to USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) hold the Supply Blue “E” Award, which was announced Jan. 1. In addition to this award, the submarine also received the Battle Efficiency “E” Award.

SUBRON FOUR (Groton) USS New Hampshire

(SSN 778), command-ed by Cmdr. John McGunnigle.SUBRON 6 (Norfolk)

USS Newport News (SSN 750), commanded by Cmdr. Carl HartsfieldCommander, Submarine Development Squadron 12 (Groton)

USS Annapolis (SSN 760), commanded by Cmdr. John Gearhart.SUBRON 16 (Kings Bay, Ga.)

USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Blue) commanded during the competition by Captain Gregory Ott

and Capt. Randy Crites, and USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Gold), command-ed during the compe-tition by Capt. David Kirk and Capt. Thomas CalabreseSUBRON 20 (Kings Bay, Ga.)

USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Blue), commanded by Cmdr. Kevin Byrne, and USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Gold) commanded dur-ing the competition by Cmdr. Robert Wirth and Cmdr. Cory Jackson.

For more information about the submarine force, visit www.sub-lant.navy.mil.

from engaging in any political activities while in uniform.

A combat engineer assigned to the 416th Theater Engineer Company potentially violated these rules Jan. 3 when he stepped onto a stage at Ron Paul’s headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, during the Iowa Caucus to offer a personal endorsement. Although he was wearing his uniform, the soldier was not in an active status at the time, Army Major Angela Wallace, an Army

Reserve spokeswoman, confirmed.

Wallace emphasized that the soldier “stands alone in his opinions regarding his political affiliation and beliefs, and his statements and beliefs in no way reflect that of the Army Reserve.”

His chain of command is aware of the issue and is considering appropriate disciplinary action to take, she said.

Most civilian DoD employees, whose politi-cal activities are governed

by the Hatch Act, are permitted to be active in and speak before political gatherings and serve as officers of political parties or partisan groups, offi-cials said. These activities, however, cannot involve fundraising.

Civilian employees also are permitted to man-age campaigns, distribute literature, write politi-cal articles or serve as a spokesperson for a party or candidate.

There are, however, exceptions to this, includ-

ing but not limited to Senior Executive Service.

While the dos and don’ts concerning politi-cal activity may vary, the basic tenets hold true for all DoD employees.

The bottom line, officials said, is that they should steer clear of any activity that may be reasonably viewed as directly or indi-rectly associating DoD or the military with a parti-san political activity, or that “is otherwise contrary to the spirit or intent” of the rules described.

Continued from page 1Rules ...

USS Missouri completes PSA, extended modernization ahead of scheduleByCommander, Submarine

Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. - The crew of USS Missouri (SSN 780) and General Dynamics Electric Boat accomplished two major milestones, a first for the Virginia-class submarine program, by completing the submarine’s post-shakedown availabil-ity (PSA) sea trials and extended modernization Jan. 6, a month ahead of schedule.

“I’m proud of the crew for their hard work to accomplish these mile-stones,” said Commander

Tim Rexrode, Missouri’s commanding officer. “Because of this team-work and camarade-rie, USS Missouri will be delivered from post-shakedown availability and extended moderniza-tion about a one month ahead of schedule.”

Captain Michael Bernacchi, commodore, Commander, Submarine Squadron 4 said that the boat and her crew’s com-pletion ahead of sched-ule is in direct line with the Design for Undersea Warfare, which was pub-lished in 2011.

“This is a notable example of how the

design is being imple-mented on the water-front,” said Bernacchi, who added that the entire Missouri, Electric Boat, and Squadron 4 teams worked together to apply the design to complete the modernization ahead of schedule.

He said the design was the catalyst which drove him and the command-ing officer to challenge all aspects of the mod-ernization and warfight-ing readiness to see how they could think outside the box.

“Missouri is not just coming out; she is com-ing out ready to fight.

We have already sched-uled her for operations when she would have previously still been in the PSA. Because of this effort she is taking over operations for a sister ship, which will allow the Submarine Force to give almost 10 additional months of Surge ready and Ready for Tasking time back to the fleet. This is a huge achieve-ment for everyone,” said Bernacchi.

Bernacchi’s scheduled change of command is Jan. 13; his next assign-ment will be chief of staff, Commander, Submarine Group 2.

In addition to the com-pletion of the PSA and modernization ahead of schedule, Dec. 19, USS Missouri and her crew returned to General Dynamics Electric Boat after successfully com-pleting their sea trials also a month ahead of schedule.

Rexrode reflected on the significance of USS Missouri being the first Virginia-class submarine commissioned to com-plete their sea trails, PSA and modernization this far ahead of schedule.

“We worked hard to challenge previous assumptions and deliver

effective first time results that should carry forward to future projects. As a result of these efforts the fleet has one more sub-marine for tasking ear-lier than planned,” said Rexrode.

Missouri is the sev-enth submarine of the Virginia class. General Dynamics Electric Boat delivered the submarine to the U.S. Navy in July 2010. The submarine’s crew consists of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the “Show Me State.”

Officials announce absentee voting guidelines for 2012 electionsFederal Voting Assistance

Program News Release

WASHINGTON - The Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Military Postal Service Agency recently announced absentee ballot mailing date guidelines that apply

to various overseas loca-tions.

Military members serv-ing overseas and other U.S. citizens living abroad must consider mail tran-sit times when submitting their absentee ballots to vote in upcoming presi-dential, Senate, House, gubernatorial, state leg-

islature, local and other elections.

The 2012 U.S. presiden-tial election, for example, will be held Nov. 6, 2012.

Officials recommend that absentee voters send-ing ballots from the fol-lowing countries mail them out no later than:

- Iraq: 22 days before the election;

- Afghanistan (exclud-ing air stop locations),

Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Oman and Turkmenistan: 17 days before the election;

- Germany: 11 days before the election;

- Afghanistan air stop locations, Bahrain, Cuba, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates: 10 days before the election; and

- Japan, Korea and the Philippines: seven days before the election.

For a full list of absen-tee ballot mailing dates for overseas locations, visit www.FVAP.gov.

Military members serving overseas may express mail their absentee ballots free of charge from any APO/FPO/DPO or American embassy and consulate - ask to use the Express Mail Label 11-DoD. This label allows vot-ers to track their ballots at www.usps.com.

The federal write-in absentee ballot is used as a backup ballot. Thirty days prior to an election, if voters believe they’ll not receive their state ballot in time to vote and return it, they can vote using the FWAB. This ballot is accepted by all states from any overseas or military voter who has registered and requested a ballot for 2012.Battle ‘E’ ...

Continued from page 1

Thursday, January 12, 2012 • THE DOLPHIN • 7

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By Cheryl PellerinAmerican Forces Press Service

W A S H I N G T O N - A range of informa-tion about Defense Department (DoD) ben-efits information and eli-gibility is now available online, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center said recently.

Two new online efforts - milConnect and eCorre-spondence - give benefi-ciaries 24/7 access to per-sonnel information; the ability to update infor-mation related to health, education and other ben-efits; and e-mail notifica-tions about changes in benefits, Mary Dixon told American Forces Press Service.

“At the Defense Manpower Data Center, one of our many respon-sibilities is to be the inter-face with beneficiaries, especially on benefits and eligibility for ben-efits,” Dixon said.

MilConnect, avail-able online and through a mobile application for the Android smart phone, was known for a year as the mydodbenefits web site.

The revamped mil-Connect site is available online, around-the-clock, to all DoD beneficiaries and their spouses and children age 18 or older.

Users can sign on in several ways, Dixon said.

Anyone who has a common access card, a Defense Finance and Accounting Services myPay account logon, or a DoD Self-Service or DS logon can sign in on the MilConnect website, or apply at the site for a DS logon.

MilConnect informa-

tion comes from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System called DEERS. Eligible users are active duty, National Guard and Reserve mem-bers; and military retir-ees, spouses and eligible family members age 18 and older.

Sponsors can view infor-mation about all depen-dents listed in DEERS but eligible dependents can see only their own infor-mation, unless accom-modations are made for spouse, legal guardian or caregiver access.

Beneficiaries who use milConnect, Dixon said, can update DEERS con-tact information, manage health care enrollments, locate the nearest military ID card issuing facility, view personnel informa-tion, transfer education benefits to eligible family members, view group life insurance information, and manage other infor-mation.

Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard can update civilian employ-ment information.

The mobile application works today on Android phones, but Dixon said her center is in the process of making MilConnect available for iPhones and other smart phones and mobile devices.

The smart phone app lets users find sites for the Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System called RAPIDS, where military members receive new ID cards, military treatment facili-ties, and contact informa-tion for Tricare regional offices.

Related to milConnect, Dixon said, is an initia-tive called eCorrespon-dence that will use e-mail

notifications of changes in benefits rather than postal service letters for active-duty service mem-bers and National Guard and Reserve service members on periods of active duty.

E-mail notifications will be sent to the e-mail address associated with a service member’s com-mon access card, Dixon said.

Beginning this month, service members will receive e-mail notifi-cations of a change in Tricare primary-care manager, of potential eligibility changes when a child turns 21 or 23, and of the ability to view or print a Tricare enroll-ment card and welcome letter after enrollment into a Tricare medical or dental program.

The e-mail notifica-tions will refer service members to the milCon-nect web portal.

Service members will be able to check Tricare eligibility and information through the MilConnect portal, whether or not they receive an e-mail notification.

Dixon said service members also can opt out of the e-mail notifica-tions.

“We’re hoping to con-tinue to expand both the things that we let you know by e-mail ... and to expand to other kinds of benefits changes and to additional populations,” she said, including retir-ees.

“It’s a little bit hard with retirees because we don’t necessarily know their e-mail addresses,” she added. “But that’s something they can enter into the system on mil-Connect.”

MilConnect is new online portal for DoD beneficiaries

tact Express Scripts at (877) 885-6313.

The issues between ESI and Walgreens are not specific to Tricare. Other employer-sponsored and some Medicare Part D pharmacy plans are also affected. Beneficiaries with questions and con-cerns about this issue can go to www.tricare.mil/walgreens for more information.

“We are commit-ted to ensuring all our pharmacy beneficiaries are aware of the many options that TRICARE

makes available to them,” said Brig. Gen. Bryan Gamble, Tricare Deputy Director. “By now, all of our beneficia-ries who use Walgreens to fill prescriptions should have been con-tacted to advise them of their pharmacy options and to take action to ensure their pharmacy benefit remains uninter-rupted. The health of our Service members, retirees and their fami-lies remains my number one priority.”

In addition to the let-

ters already mailed to each beneficiary who uses Walgreens, ESI has contacted many ben-eficiaries by telephone and followed up with reminder letters over the last few months of 2011. Beneficiaries taking medications to treat hemophilia, mul-tiple sclerosis, and some rheumatoid arthritis and cancer drugs have also been contacted.

Tricare pharmacy information and updates can be found at www.tricare.mil/pharmacy.

Continued from page 1

Tricare ...

8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, January 12, 2012

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