WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (May 30, 2009) U.S. Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructors teach members of Boy Scout Troop 806 of Coronado, Calif. how to trap food to survive in the wilderness. Sailors from the Naval Air Station North Island SERE detachment volunteered to train the Boy Scouts. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Dominique M. Lasco

Naval Base San Diego initiative supports Navy as 'Top 50' employer
by Maile Y. Baca
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- In keeping with the chief of operations' "Top 50" workplace goal, Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 21 for the Pierside Cafe which offers Sailors more opportunities for recreation.
In slightly more than 10 months and with only a budget of $170,000, what started as a hot dog stand more than 18 years ago is now a modern facility with top-of-the-line amenities.
"The new Pierside Café brings quality recreation and dining to the waterfront, increasing the Sailors' quality of life and allowing them the opportunity to be with their shipmates in an atmosphere that exceeds what's outside the gate," said Ron Vogel, NBSD Fleet and Family Readiness Program director.
The facility offers flat screen televisions, billiards, video games, pinball machines, a jukebox and wireless Internet.
The café also provides a full restaurant menu including gourmet hot dogs, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and unique side orders such as black and tan onion rings, multicolored tortilla chips with fresh salsa and beer battered fries. The café is also known as "Home of the $5 lunch," which offers a different lunch option every weekday.
"The need for high-quality waterfront recreation activities and dining outlets has been a priority for some time. It's obvious that this facility hits the target," said Rear Adm. Garland Wright, deputy commander, Navy Region Southwest, who served as guest speaker.
"Those involved in the Pierside Café project have shown true dedication through their involvement; they've worked hard making certain that our Sailors have the Pierside Café for R&R and for an improved quality of life," said Wright.
Sailors from NBSD's Deck Department painted the exterior of the Pierside Café in three days and saved the Navy more than $30,000 on the project.

San Diego celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
by Maile Y. Baca
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) hosted an Asian Pacific American Heritage Lunch celebrating the diversity, uniqueness and talents of Asian Pacific Americans May 25.
Capt. Pete Gumataotao, chief of staff, Commander Naval Surface Forces, was the guest speaker to more than 40 people. Gumataotao acknowledged what Asian and Pacific Americans have done for the Navy and country, but he also focused on diversity and encouraging everyone to inspire greatness in themselves.
"If we broaden our perspective on people and see what they bring, it unlocks something, and we are less likely to look at a person's shortfalls," said Gumataotao. "We look beyond and focus more on their strengths."
NBSD's galley presented a buffet of various ethnic foods from Asia and the Pacific. The Kaleo Onalani dance group performed traditional Hula dances, and attendees enjoyed music while they ate.

SAN DIEGO (April 29, 2009) Cmdr. Yvette Davids, the Military Assistant to the Naval Surface Forces Executive Director, presents a certificate of commendation to Cadet Seaman Emmarow Taledo, a freshman in the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC), at Junipero Serra High School. Taledo received the commendation for her outstanding academic achievement in maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Davids was visiting the NJROTC class as part of an outreach program associated with the Association of Naval Services Officers symposium. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Daniel Taylor

Oceanside celebrates Armed Forces Day
by MC3 (SW) Mike Leporati
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (NNS) -- The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oceanside and the Armed Services YMCA showed appreciation toward local military members and their families during the city's annual Operation Appreciation May 16.
The festival, held annually on Armed Forces Day at the Oceanside pier, unites Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton and Oceanside residents through a day of activities, education and live music.
"We want the military to know the people out here in Oceanside and the local community supports them," said Chip Dykes, chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for Oceanside's Chamber of Commerce.
Activities stretched along the beach, and included carnival rides, face painting and free food for active duty-service members and their families.
"My kids are having fun out here, they dig the rides," said Marine Sgt. Ben Carbajal of 1st Battalion 4th Marines, as he watched his son go down an inflatable slide.
Carbajal and his family were among the many military families who took advantage of the free day.
"I'd be out spending money if this wasn't an option," Carbajal joked. "This really shows that what we do is appreciated; it's good for overall morale and for the families as well because they go through a lot while we're away."
In addition to rides and events, the festival offered opportunities to learn about the military, including a Navy landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5.
Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Shore) Richard Marruffo, an instructor from ACU 5, stood aboard an LCAC parked on the beach and answered questions about the vehicle and its capabilities.
"Over all, it's a rewarding experience," said Marruffo. "We get out and we show the public what we do. I think it gives them a better idea what we do and where their tax money is spent."
MCB Camp Pendleton also sponsored exhibits to educate visitors about the Marine Corps. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians displayed equipment, weapons and tools used to disarm explosives, and the Camp Pendleton Command Museum provided exhibits of vehicles used by Marines during military campaigns.
"We don't ever want to lose sight of the fact that the reason we're all able to be here is because of what the men and woman of the military do for us," said Dykes.

Navy: No significant impact in redevelopment
Navy officials announced May 1 that the implementation of the existing Development Agreement between the Navy and the City of San Diego will not have a significant effect on the human environment after giving consideration to public comments received over a 45 day period last fall.
All public comments received by the Navy were considered in the decision-making process, and the final environmental assessment, including responses to all comments received on the draft assessment, is available for public viewing at the downtown San Diego Public Library, and online at: www.navybroadwaycomplex.com. The assessment was signed April 27.
The new facilities will provide a new headquarters for the Navy Region, Navy Fleet and Industrial Supply Command, and Navy Facilities Engineering Command Southwest.

Pendleton’s visitor records go paperless
by Pfc. Daniel Boothe
CAMP PENDLETON - To better protect and serve the Camp Pendleton community, base officials implemented a new electronic program to monitor visitor traffic.
The Sponsored Visitor Program replaced paper visitor passes with an electronic database at Pendleton’s gates. “The new program will not only improve base safety and security, but will also decrease the amount of time visitors will spend at the gates,” said Mike Stefanyshyn, Pendleton’s Branch Access Control Manager. “Proper security keeps base residents safe and ultimately supports the Marine Corps’ mission.”
Visitors are required to state their identity, announce the base resident they plan to visit, present a valid driver license, proof of insurance and registration. Sentries will now scan in and out-of-state licenses to store visitor information in an electronic database as opposed to using logbooks to manually monitor traffic.