The White Falcon - 26.11.1993, Blaðsíða 4

armed forces news briefs
SECNAV addresses ‘Penny-Kasich’ measure
Washington (NNS) — During an address to the Navy-Marine
Corps Council in Washington, D.C., Nov. 17, Secretary of the Navy
John H. Dalton expressed his concerns about a proposed bipartisan
amendment that would significantly reduce the retirement benefits of
military and federal personnel.
Secretary Dalton expressed his concern about a portion of a legis-
lative proposal now on the Hill that would eliminate the cost of living
adjustment to the retirement pay of all military members until they
reach 62 years of age.
The amendment, proposed by Reps. Timothy J. Penny (D-Minn.)
and John R. Kasich (R-Ohio), would trim $9.4 billion from the
benefits of military and federal personnel over the next five years.
The amendment would be attached to the government reform and
savings act
“I’ve just signed a memo to the Secretary of Defense urging him to
join me in opposing this, ‘Penny-Kasich’ measure which I believe
breaks faith with the men and women who have served our nation so
well and would send a wrong signal to those now in uniform or
considering entering the service,” said Dalton.
September advancement results out
Washington (NNS) — More than 19,000 active-duty sailors en-
joyed their Thanksgiving holiday a little more this year, as the
September examination cycle results were announced for those who
earned advancement
The Naval Education and Training Program Management Support
Activity began sending exam results via message to commands with
individuals selected for advancement Tuesday.
The 19,270 selectees included 2,952 first class petty officers; 6,300
second class petty officers; and 10,020 third class petty officers. Ad-
vancement opportunities were greater than previously projected for
the cycle.
Profile sheets for all who took the exam will be available in Decem-
ber. Command career counselors can obtain exam results via BUPERS
Access.
Air Force promotes 420 to chief master sergeant
Randolph Air Force Base, Texas (AFNS) — The U.S. Air Force
recently selected 420 people for promotion to chief master sergeant
(E-9).
SMSgL Marie Ashmore of the 35th Mission Support Squadron is
the lone CMSgt. selectee at Naval Air Station Keflavik. She was one
of 4,569 people considered for advancement to this rank.
Festival
of Trees,
Saturday
You are invited to attend the annual Festival
of Trees charity event at the A.T. Mahan Ele-
mentary School. With a donation, you will
receive a ballot that you can use to vote for your
favorite tree. Viewing times are from 2-8 p.m.
today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
VP-45 participates in SAR mission
By LT R.P. Newton
VP-45 Public Affairs Officer
Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) recently participated in a search
and rescue (SAR) mission with a Dutch P-3. The VP-45 plane
was on station for an exercise when the mayday transmission
from a downed British H-3 Sea King helicopter was received.
“We were approximately 100 miles south of the scene. It took
us 25 minutes to reach the area and start operations,” said LT
Brad Cody, the P-3 plane commander.
The crew immediately offered their services to Air Traffic
Control (ATC) and was vectored to the area.
The VP-45 P-3 became the on-scene commander and coordi-
nated the efforts of two search and rescue helicopters and
multiple British Coast Guard ships.
“We were more than willing to go. S ARs are fairly common,
so we put everything on hold and concentrated on the rescue
efforts,” said AWC(AW) Ken Howell, antisubmarine warfare
equipment operator.
The crew also conducted a visual, radar and infrared search of
the area.
“It was frustrating searching for evidence in the water because
of the darkness,” said A03 Donald Bubenheimer, inflight ord-
nanceman.
The SAR helicopters managed to rescue three of the four crew
members from the downed helicopter. The crew was then
extended in the area until relieved by a British Nimrod aircraft.
Running low on fuel, the P-3 was diverted to Macrahanish,
Scotland before returning to Keflavfk.
Capt. Eric Snadecki (left), Standardization and Evaluation Officer
for the 56th Rescue Squadron, receives the Distinguished Aircrew
Safety Award from Col. Richard Cross, Vice Commander 35th Win;
during the recent Quarterly Safety Awards presentation. The Nt
Exchange presented gift certificates to all of the winners. (Photo
J02(AW) Natalie Dias)
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