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Fleet and Family SupportCenter director to retireBy Kaylee LaRocque,NAS Jax Public Affairs OfficerAfter 21 years of helping Sailors and theirfamilies, Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NASJax) Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)Director Carolyn McCorvey will retire fromcivil service in September.McCorvey, a native of Moss Point,Mississippi, earned a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Social and Rehabilitation Servicesfrom the University of Southern Mississippiand a Master’s degree in social work fromTulane University.She began her career as a family advocacyspecialist at Naval Station Pascagoula,Mississippi in July 1999. Over the years, shehas helped hundreds of military families byoffering support and counseling.As the FFSC director, McCorvey oversees astaff of professionals who provide such servicesas family and individual counseling, conflictmanagement, communication skills, suicideprevention, new parent support, sexual assaultprevention and response, transition assistance,life skills support, ombudsman support, stressmanagement, and basic budgeting.She also ensures that family programs are inplace to support the overall well-being of theNavy families.“Readiness truly begins at home,” saidMcCorvey. “All of our programs focuson enriching, empowering and educatingthe military family to ensure missionreadiness.”She has also completed tours atCommander, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka,Japan as the Commander, Navy RegionJapan (CNRJ) program director andNaval Support Activity Bahrain as theFFSC director.Her favorite tour was the three years shespent in Bahrain. “Bahrain is the ‘tip ofthe spear.’ The tempo of the base is veryhigh but working with Sailors, militaryfamilies and civilians as the only Americanfamily support entity, was rewarding,” saidMcCorvey. “I really love the country, itsculture and the sense of safety with little tono crime. It was truly an amazing place.”McCorvey says there are several peoplewho have helped her throughout hercareer.“Retired Rear. Adm. Jack Scorby was thefirst commanding officer that I worked forwho was the total package - an awesomeleader and an amazing human being,”she said. “Thomas Moriarty was onlycivilian boss I had after becoming theRegional Program Director for CNRJ. Heallowed me to flourish in my new positionas the regional program director for Japan,and taught me a lot about the NAF side of thehouse and all the missions of the N9 codes.”She also acknowledges her mentors, Dr.Terri Rau at Commander, Navy InstallationsCommand, and former NAS Jax CommandMaster Chief Jeffrey Waters.“These two individuals helped round outmy career as I moved into the final stage byoffering sage guidance,” said McCorvey. “And,Carolyn McCorveyCourtesy photoI want to thank all of my staff members who Ihave worked with throughout my entire career.I have been so blessed to have had the privilegeto work alongside some of the most talentedand dedicated professionals within the N91community and the Navy as a whole.”In the future, McCorvey plans to continuetraveling, spend time with her new greatgrandson and write a book.“I will definitely miss all the wonderfulpeople I’ve worked with at commands in theU.S. and overseas,” she said. “It’s been a greatride but time for me to start a new chapter.”SECNAV(continued from front page)Photos by MC1 Ashley BerumenSecretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite talks with Missile Technician 1stClass Tremayne Johnson, aboard the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USSRhode Island (SSBN 740) (Blue) in the ship’s missile control center during his visitto Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. During his two-day trip to the Southeast,Braithwaite visited Naval bases in Georgia and Florida where he met with Sailors,Marines and civilians and viewed surface, subsurface and aviation assets.Secretary Braithwaite wrapped up his visit to Region Southeast witha tour of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) training facility on board NSMayport. He then met with Sailors and leadership aboard the Freedomclass littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) and the ArleighBurke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64).“Having the secretary take time out of his busy schedule totalk with deckplate Sailors was exceptional and speaks volumesabout his leadership,” said Religious Program Specialist 1st ClassMelinda Greene. “It gives us an opportunity to raise questionsabout issues we may be having and even provide solutions. OurNavy has some of the most innovative thinkers, and to be able toshare those ideas with great leaders such as the Secretary of theNavy makes a world of difference. Raising awareness to the biggerpicture issues such as diversity, education, and opportunity to excelin our careers spoke volumes of his agenda and left a lasting impacton the Sailors here.”Rear Adm. Gary Mayes, 41st commander, Navy Region Southeastemphasized the installation’s support for their tenant commands.“We are excited to have Secretary Braithwaite visit the Southeastand the opportunity to display the capabilities and dedication of ourinstallation teams. We take great pride in our ability to provide theinfrastructure, first-class facilities, personnel support and materialsto our operational partners - on-time, within budget and withoutfail,” Mayes stated.

Senior Civilian of the Quarter announcedBy Kaylee LaRocque,NAS Jax Public Affairs OfficerKristin RiddleCommunity Recreation DirectorKristin Riddle, Community Recreation director forMorale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), has beenselected as the Naval Air Station (NAS) JacksonvilleSenior Civilian of the Quarter (2nd Quarter).A native of Minneapolis, Riddle earned herBachelor of Science degree in RecreationManagement from Indiana University. Shecompleted her college internship with MWR atNaval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia.“My first real job was working as the sports andaquatics coordinator at NAS Kingsville, Texas,”said Riddle. “I then moved to Naval StationMayport as the Community Center special eventsand training manager.”In September 2017, Riddle transferred to NASJacksonville where she oversees multiple MWRprograms including Community Recreationrentals, Liberty, Tickets and Travel, FreedomLanes Bowling, River Cove Conference andCatering Center, and Special Events.“Each day is different here,” said Riddle. “Most ofmy days involve managing staff and making surethey have the tools and knowledge to do their jobseffectively. I love that we truly get to have an impacton our service members and their families. Thesmiles on faces at our events (even during COVID)are the absolute best! I also am lucky to work with anamazing group of professionals on a daily basis.”Riddle was selected Senior Civilian of theQuarter for coordinating a “virtual storytime” formilitary children and the annual Summer Readingprogram. She also created a Cookies and Craftsdrive-thru event and a virtual field trip to theJacksonville Museum of Science and History.“I am honored to be selected as Senior Civilianof the Quarter,” said Riddle. “I definitely wouldnot be here without the efforts of my team. I amso grateful for each and every one of them. I amthankful for the entire MWR team for support,guidance, and for the things each person does on adaily basis to support our programs. ”When she’s not at work organizing events, Riddleloves being outside and participating in sportingevents. She also enjoys spending time with herhusband and 8-month-old son.In the future, she plans to continue working forMWR and climb the ladder into a regional position.NAS Jax recognizes Junior Sailor and Blue Jacket of the QuarterJunior Sailor of the QuarterMA3 Karam ElzeinMA3 Karam Elzein of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Security Department hasbeen selected as the NAS Jax Junior Sailor of the Quarter (JSOQ) (3rd Quarter).Elzein was born in Beirut, Lebanon and grew up in San Bernardino, California. He joined theNavy after graduating from high school because he wanted a better life for his family and to have astable career.As a master-at-arms, Elzein’s job is to protect personnel aboard the station and screen thoseentering the base at entry control points. “Maintaining alertness is crucial in my job field,” he said.“You always have to be prepared for the worse.”Elzein is grateful for being recognized as JSOQ. “This is a great stepping stone for my 20-yearcareer in the Navy. I would like to be in a position of leadership one day and being acknowledgedwill help in the process,” he said. “I would really like to thank my chain of command for giving methis opportunity.”His future goals include becoming an officer, retiring with 20 years of naval service andeventually become a criminal justice professor.Blue Jacket of the QuarterMASN Anthony JohnsonMASN Anthony Johnson of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Security Departmenthas been selected as the NAS Jax Blue Jacket of the Quarter (3rd Quarter).Johnson, a native of Oscoda, Michigan joined the Navy because he was working a “dead-end” jobin a factory, had just gotten married and wanted better opportunities.As a master-at-arms, Johnson patrols the station responding to emergency calls as needed, andstands gate sentry watches. “My job is to ensure the safety and protection of the installation, itsassets, and personnel,” he said.Johnson is appreciative on his recognition as Blue Jacket of the Quarter. “It’s nice to berecognized. I put 100 percent into everything I do every day. So it’s great that my efforts arenoticed,” he said. “I would like to thank my wife for supporting my career, MAC Lang and MA1Delacruz for their encouragement and guidance.”In the future, Johnson plans to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Entrepreneurship. “I alsohope to coach a soccer league and hopefully win a championship and own a sporting goodsbusiness,” said Johnson.

NAVSUP FleetLogistics CenterJacksonvillecompleteswarehouserenovationBy Jessica McClanahanNaval Supply Systems CommandNAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC)Jacksonville Commanding Officer, Capt.William H. Clarke, cut a ribbon on newlyrenovated warehouse spaces at Naval Air StationJacksonville, Aug. 6.The small ceremony marked a big milestone forthe 80 year old warehouse located on the flightline in building 110.Much of building 110 has served as a warehousefacility for various tenant commands, with a smallportion of office space dedicated to NAVSUP FLCJacksonville’s headquarters. The 3.5M renovationbegan after the completion of the MaterialExploratory Pilot Program (MEPP) in whichNAVSUP FLC Jacksonville personnel worked toUSS Nitze interdictsmillions in drugsfrom U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command /U.S. 4th FleetThe Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer USSNitze (DDG 94) with embarked U.S. CoastGuard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment(LEDET) seized 82 kilograms of suspectedcocaine and 2,961 pounds of suspectedmarijuana, July 29.While on routine patrol, the go fast vesselwas spotted and Nitze was vectored in for along-range intercept. Upon interception, Nitzedeployed one of her helicopters, assigned tothe “Jaguars” of Helicopter Maritime StrikeSquadron 60 (HSM 60), who observed thevessel jettisoning packages over the side.They continued to provide over watch andensure compliance while the embarked LEDETon Nitze and small boats arrived to achievepositive control of the GFV. The vessel wassearched and four suspected drug traffickerswere detained.Nitze and the embarked LEDET recovereda total of 82 kilograms of suspected cocaineworth over an estimated wholesale value of 3.1M and 2,961 pounds of suspected marijuanaPhoto by Jessica McClanahanNAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. William Clarke, center,cuts a ceremonial ribbon to mark the completion of a 3.5M warehouse renovation at NASJacksonville, Aug. 6.clear the warehouse and successfully recapitalizedusing RFID tagging and robotics; it will mark themore than 280M in repairable material.beginning of a new era in naval logistics.”The spaces will soon be home to anotherNAVSUP FLC Jacksonville is one of eight FLCsNAVSUP FLC Jacksonville pilot program; oneunder Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered inthat will warehouse Not Ready for Issue (NRFI)Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing aparts that are historically managed by Defensediverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500Logistics Agency (DLA).military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's missionAddressing the team that oversaw renovations and is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-lifewill carry the new project forward, Clarke stated,support to the Navy and joint warfighter.“This new program aims to demonstrate howLearn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.technology can improve audit readiness, lowerfacebook.com/navsup and https://twitter.com/management costs, and increase fleet lethalitynavsupsyscom.U.S. Southern Command beganenhanced counter-narcoticsoperations in the WesternHemisphere to disrupt the flowof drugs in support of PresidentialNational Security Objectives. Theoperations began April 1.Numerous U.S. agenciesfrom the Departments ofDefense, Justice and HomelandSecurity cooperated in theeffort to combat transnationalorganized crime. The CoastGuard, U.S. Navy, Customs andBorder Protection, FBI, DrugEnforcement Administration,and Immigration and CustomsPhoto by Ens. William FongEnforcement, along withThe Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS allied and international partnerNitze (DDG 94) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law agencies, play a role in counterEnforcement Detachment team conducts enhanced counter drug operations.narcotics operations, July 29.U.S. Naval Forces Southernworth an estimated wholesale value of 5.2M.Command/U.S. 4th Fleet“This was a team effort,” said Cmdr. Donsupports U.S. Southern Command’s joint andCurran, USS Nitze Commanding Officer. “Thecombined military operations by employingsupport we received from our partners wasmaritime forces in cooperative maritimeimperative to this operation.”security operations to maintain access, enhanceUSS Nitze is deployed to the U.S. Southerninteroperability, and build enduring partnershipsCommand area of responsibility to supportin order to enhance regional security andenhanced counter drug operations, in thepromote peace, stability and prosperity in theCaribbean and Eastern Pacific.Caribbean, Central and South American region.

HSM-74 returns homefrom deploymentBy Kaylee LaRocqueNAS Jax Public Affairs OfficerThe Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 “Swamp Foxes”returned home to Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Aug. 7 after a sevenmonth deployment to 5th Fleet. The squadron departed NAS Jacksonville onJan. 8 for pre-deployment exercises with Carrier Strike Group Ten aboard USSDwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS James E.Williams (DDG 95), and USS Truxtun (DDG 103).The battle group spent a record-breaking 206 days at sea without a port visitdue to the coronavirus (COVID) pandemic.Throughout the deployment, HSM-74 aircrew performed surveillance,strike coordination, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities providingsituational awareness for strike group warfare commanders.“I couldn’t be more proud of the Swamp Fox team and our families. Eachmember executed their critical functions in a zero-fail environment, and allwithout a port call due to the global pandemic,” said Cmdr. Daniel Murphy,HSM-74 commanding officer. “Our pilots and aircrew deterred aggressionaround the globe while our maintainers and other support personnel completedcrucial but monotonous tasks with daily excellence. During this time ofnational turmoil, our nation and our community should take pride in theseexceptional men and women who have proven their resiliency. I am proud tobe part of this squadron and humbled to lead them.”Family and friends, who were social distanced in the hangar, welcomedthe Swamp Foxes home as the helicopters flew in formation over NASJacksonville before landing on the flight line.For Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Bryan McLeod coming home to hisfamily was wonderful but he knew it was going to be quite a bit different withall the COVID restrictions.“I’m excited to be home but am going to have to get used to a whole new wayof life,” he said. “It was a very long deployment but we were kept quite busy. Itwas definitely a lot harder than my last deployment but we got the job done.”Photo by MC2(SW/IW) Nick A. GrimAO3 Cory Golden embraces his daughter, Carter, while his significantother, Cecily Fontenot looks on, following Golden’s return from aseven-month deployment with HSM-74 at NAS Jacksonville, Aug. 9.Photo by Kaylee LaRocqueAM2 Victor Torres of HSM-74, is welcomed home by his wife Lashai,and daughters Kimvella, 2, and 4-month old Kali after returning toNAS Jacksonville from a seven-month deployment to 5th Fleet, Aug. 9.NAS Jax Sailor achieves dream to become U.S. citizenFrom StaffCourtesy photoSN Olga Kozak displays her naturalizationcertificate upon becoming a United States citizenfollowing her United States Citizenship andImmigration Services Naturalization Ceremony,Aug. 20.A Ukranian-born U.S. Navy Sailor fulfilled alifetime dream Aug. 20 when she became U.S.citizen. SN Olga Kozak of Naval Air StationJacksonville, raised her right hand to take theOath of Allegiance at a U.S. Citizenship andImmigration Services Naturalization Ceremony.“To serve in the Navy was one of my childhooddreams. I always wanted to serve and protect,and travel the world,” Kozak said.While in her third year of college studies inher home country, Kozak filled out a GreenCard application. With only a few months left tofinish her degree the following year, she left hercountry.“It was one of the happiest days of my life. It’ssort of like a lottery - you fill out an applicationand a computer picks a few names out ofthousands of applicants and somehow I won,”she said.Despite the huge differences between the U.S.and her home country, Kozak has had an easytime settling in her new home.“It’s going to sound weird, but I feel like Ibelong here. Becoming a citizen means the worldto me,” she said.When Kozak first joined the Navy she wantedto become an aviation machinist’s mate, but dueto delays to attend recruit training, she becamean undesignated seaman. Now that she is a U.S.citizen, Kozak said she is looking forward tojoining other Americans during the election inNovember. Some of her favorite things about theU.S. include how it is a huge melting pot withmany different cultural backgrounds, and all thedifferent food choices.“I’m a huge foodie, so I love that the U.S. hasso many different cuisines here. What I miss themost about my home country is my family andmy mom’s cooking,” Kozak said.One thing Kozak said she wished peopleknew about those who immigrate to the U.S.is to remember everyone who comes here isjust trying to make a better life for themselvesand their families. Her advice to anyone who isinterested in becoming a U.S. citizen is to havepatience and remember your goals.“The process of becoming a citizen can takeawhile, but it’s worth it,” she said. “So don’t evergive up.”

New tobacco regulations and resourcesBy Hugh CoxNavy and Marine Corps Public Health CenterWith the recent changes in legislation making it illegal for retailers to selltobacco products to those under age 21, the Navy and Marine Corps PublicHealth Center (NMCPHC) is leveraging its tobacco cessation resources tohelp Sailors and Marines become tobacco free.Service members must now be 21 to purchase any type of tobacco productincluding e-cigarettes or vapes, at all installations and facilities in the U.S.,its territories and possessions and on Navy ships in U.S. ports.The legislation, known as “Tobacco 21” (or T21), was enacted Dec. 20,2019 and went into effect on military installations in the U.S. on Aug.1, 2020. T21 makes it illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product—including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—to anyone under 21. The newfederal minimum age of sale applies to all retail establishments and personswith no exceptions, including military personnel.The goal of this law is to decrease tobacco use by targeting age groupswhen most people start using tobacco. For Sailors and Marines who areimpacted

Home to nearly 9,000 personnel, the secretary began his visit to NSB Kings Bay with tours of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728), and the Trident Refit Facility, where Trident submarines are maintained, repaired and upgraded.