Overseas holiday mailing dates are announced by U.S. Postal Service. See page 4 for details.

Vol. 49, No. 18 Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918 Thursday, October 14, 2010

Sailor receives Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan

By Lt. Patrick Evans
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs Officer
GROTON, Conn. - A subma-
rine officer from Navy Operational
Support Center (NOSC) New
London, who recently returned
from a year-long deployment
capabilities in Kandahar City dur-
ing a time of increased attacks.
These agencies were a valuable
asset to Kandahar City, providing
an additional force to engage an
increasing threat,” according to the
award narrative.
Rear Admiral Michael
McLaughlin, Commander,

New Haven, CT 06511

to Afghanistan, was awarded a Submarine Group 2, present-

Bronze Star, Oct. 3 for serving “as
a critical link in the Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) fight.”
Supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom, Lieutenant Commander
Colin McGuire, Commanding
Officer, USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)
Detachment (Det) E, received the
award for his Individual Augmentee
(IA) assignment, working counter
IED operations in Afghanistan from
June 15, 2009 to May 18 this year.
McGuire was awarded the
Bronze Star for exceptionally meri-
torious service while serving as the
Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)
Paladin CJ3 Combined Security
Transition Command-Afghanistan
Liaison Officer (CSTC-A LNO).
According to his award narrative,
“McGuire’s efforts saved countless
United States and Coalition Forces
lives.”
In addition, “McGuire was the
driving force in improving Afghan
National Security Force counter
IED capabilities. His actions direct-
ly contributed to wage increases
that improved career opportuni-
ties for Afghan Explosive Ordnance
40 Sargent Drive
ed McGuire the Bronze Star on
behalf of Major General Timothy
P. McHale, Deputy Commander
for Support, United States Forces-
Afghanistan.
Cmdr. Matt Olson, Commanding
Officer, NOSC New London, praised
McGuire and Navy Reservists for
exceptional service.
“This is one more example of the
tremendous work Navy Reservists
are performing as they are forward
deployed,” said Olson. “They are
providing expertise and knowledge,
and are doing great things in Iraq,
Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa or
wherever their nation calls.”
McGuire, who grew up in
Wichita, Kan., is a 1997 graduate
of the U.S. Naval Academy. He
served aboard Los Angeles-class
attack submarine USS Springfield
(SSN 761), before transitioning into
the Reserves. McGuire has led AS-
39 Det E since December 2008. In
his civilian career, McGuire serves
as a Special Agent in the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The Bronze Star was autho-

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

rized by Executive Order 9419 in

NEWSPAPERS
Disposal (EOD) Technicians.

SHORE LINE

McGuire was also responsible
for creating the first-ever Afghan
Regional Forensic Laboratory in
Kandahar. He led the effort to
develop Afghan National Police
February 1944. To be eligible for
the Bronze Star, a person must
distinguish themselves by heroic or
meritorious achievement or service
in connection with military opera-
tions against an armed enemy.
PRSRT/STD
Photo by MC1 Virginia Schaefer
GROTON, Conn. - Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin, Commander, Submarine Group 2, presents the Bronze Star Medal
on Lieutenant Commander Colin McGuire in Bledsoe Hall at Naval Submarine Base New London, Oct. 3. McGuire was
awarded the medal for his actions as the Combined Joint Task Force Paladin CJ3 Combined Security Transition Command-
Afghanistan Liaison Officer in support of Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.

INSIDE
EOD and Quick Reaction Force

Part corn starch,

part water, all smiles
By ET3 Timothy Walter
GROTON, Conn. – As group
after group of children slapped,
stuck, and pulled their hands
out of the tub of white some-
times-solid, sometimes-liquid
concoction of corn starch and
water, they may not have com-
pletely understood what a non-
Newtonian fluid really was, but
they certainly understood that
learning didn’t have to be bor-
ing.
Or very clean, as evidenced
by the speckled dots of goo
around the Coast Guard’s
exhibit on bulletproof vests at
the Submarine Force Library
and Museum (SFLM), Oct. 6.
Just one of a dozen exhibits
showcasing the third annual
4H National Youth Science
Day, the Coast Guard’s display
embraced the 4H philosophy to
“Learn by doing,” by giving a
tactile example of how a sharp
punch, just like a moving bul-
let, is resisted by the normally
fluid substance.
But it was hard to say what
the scores of children wanted
more – corn starch with water
or cake with ice cream, which
was later served to celebrate
the second anniversary of CFC is in
Operation Military Kids (OMK)
in Connecticut. Both mixtures full swing
produced many smiles for the
children and adults in atten- Page 2
dance yet those smiles would
have hardly been possible with-
out the combination of OMK
with 4H.
Each organization has reached
out to the military community
to support the children of those
Sailors and Soldiers, particular-
ly during those times where the
parents are deployed, according
to Lisa Marcinkowski, Program
Coordinator for OMK, which
is grant-funded through the
University of Connecticut. Photo by ET3 Timothy Walter Sailors pump
“Whether they’re off on a sub-
marine for six months or they’ve
GROTON, Conn. – Lauren Rusk (left) and Maggie Flood (right) enjoy the sticky fluid properties of a corn starch and water out the PFA
mixture at the Coast Guard exhibit on bulletproof vest technology at the Submarine Force Library and Museum, Oct. 6. The
been sent overseas to Iraq or
Afghanistan, we have a variety same mixture is actually a non-Newtonian fluid that forms a solid when punched or smacked, as many children found Page 6
of programs and resources to out during the celebration of the third annual 4H National Youth Science Day and second anniversary of the Connecticut’s
help the kids through a difficult Operation Military Kids.
time,” said Marcinkowski.
Even when the parents 4H. That is why wherever the know, no matter where they go after-school club in 1902 to its
aren’t deployed, the transition military goes, so does 4H. there is a 4H club,” Gray said. eventual cooperation with the
between bases can be just as “There is now a 4H club However, Gray admitted that U.S. Department of Agriculture,
trying on the children, said at every installation across the 4H is not commonly thought of 4H is more often thought of as
Pamela Gray, program coordi- world. It helps to give the chil- in a military capacity. From its an agrarian club dealing with
nator for New London County dren continuity so that they beginnings as an agricultural
See 4H on Page 7

Kris Allen Local

community

coming to SUBASE celebrates fall

Page 10

By SN Michael Henderson
INDEX
GROTON, Conn. - The season eight winner of American Local...................................2
Idol, Kris Allen, will be performing at Naval Submarine Movies.......................................7
Base New London’s Dealey Theater, Oct. 22. The FREE Classifieds........................8
show will take place at 7:30 p.m., but does require a ticket.
Tickets can be picked up at the Information, Tickets, and
Tours office while supplies last.
Kris Allen’s hit single, “Live Like We’re Dying”, has
sold more than 1.5 million copies to date. Samples of Kris
Allen’s music can also be found on his Web site, www.
krisallenofficial.com
Contact the Morale, Welfare and Recreation department
at (860) 694-3238 for more information.
2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 14, 2010

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. Denno
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London
Cmdr. Daniel M. Rossler
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New London
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan
Editor - Sheryl Walsh
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW/AW)Evelyn Haywood,
MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, MC1(AW) Peter Blair,
MM3 Sean Phillips, ET3 Timothy Walter, SN Joshua Hirschfeld
and SN Michael Henderson

• 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 Photo by SN Joshua Hirschfeld
Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries GROTON, Conn. - Machinist Mate 1st class Bruce Fanning learns about the Alzheimer’s Cure Foundation INC., as part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or
Classified Advertising departments. cook-off at Cross Hall Galley, on Naval Submarine Base New London, Oct. 5. The CFC is the world’s most successful annual workplace charity campaign,
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, Betsy including more than 300 CFC organizations within the United States and other countries. Local and national foundations and organizations came to breakfast
Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher at (203) 752-2702 at Cross Hall Galley last Tuesday to meet with the CFC Command representatives. CFC command representatives are in charge of collecting donations for
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066 the charities.
Classified 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.
SUBASE kicks off CFC season with breakfast
and other countries to help Way, the Women’s Center wildlife conservation, or even
John Slater, General Manager By SN Joshua Hirschfeld raise millions of dollars each of Southeastern Connecticut, helping fund terminal illness
Shore Line Newspapers year. Alzheimer’s Cure Foundation, caretaking. It doesn’t take
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval
Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office. GROTON, Conn. – The 2010 The CFC encourages service INC, and Officer’s Christian much effort for Sailors to lend
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no Combined Federal Campaign members and Department of Fellowship, who are a part a helping hand, just a few
way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclu- (CFC) kicked off Oct. 5, at the Defense employees to donate of the Combined Federal minutes of their time and
sive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London. Cross Hall Galley on board money to noble charities Campaign, educated CFC com- some simple paperwork is all
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts of Naval Submarine Base New and organizations and help mand representatives on the it takes to donate.
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense London (SUBASE). The CFC is those less fortunate. The 2010 importance of the campaign. For more information on
or Shoreline Newspapers of the products and services advertised. the world’s largest and most campaign donation goal is The CFC presents Sailors how you can lend a helping
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for pur- successful annual workplace $400,000. with the opportunity to donate hand, contact your command
chase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national Members of more than 10 money to causes that may CFC representative for more
origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other
charity campaign, including
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. more than 300 CFC organiza- CFC organizations, includ- impact themselves in some information and opportuni-
tions within the United States ing representatives of United way, such as cancer research, ties to donate.
This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our

MCPON sends 2010 Navy Birthday message to the fleet

resources and recycle this paper when you are finished with it.

SUBASE Facebook Special from Master Chief Petty

birthday, I would like to
express my heartfelt grati-
ensure we continually meet
the demands of our expand-
those who have gone before
us and laid the foundation to

site reaches milestone Officer of the Navy

(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West
tude for your outstanding
dedication and commitment
to our great Navy.
ed Navy environment and
increased mission require-
ments.
which you build upon.
I also want to say “thank
you” and express my sincere
GROTON, Conn. - The Naval Submarine Base New London
WASHINGTON - Master As you know, our Navy I would like to thank each appreciation and gratitude to
(SUBASE) Public Affairs Office would like to send out a very
Chief Petty Officer of the is the best it has ever been; and every one of you for our Navy families. Your role
special thank you message to all of SUBASE’s Facebook fans
Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick we’re operating on land, your service to our nation in your Sailor’s life and the
for breaking the 4,000 fans milestone.
D. West released the follow- on, above and below the and our Navy, and for truly Navy is vitally important.
Our Facebook page has been giving news updates, current
ing Navy Birthday message world’s oceans, with the making our great Navy a Happy birthday Shipmates!
events, informational stories and pictures from events to our
to the fleet Oct. 5: most advanced equipment global force for good. I am really proud of who you
SUBASE Family for more than 13 months. For more informa-
“Shipmates and Navy and technology, but, at the As we celebrate our anni- are and the outstanding job
tion, log on to www.facebook.com/navalsubmarinebasenew-
Families, end of the day, we are only versary, take a moment to you do every day.
london for important updates and information that very well
On this wonderful occa- as good as our people. It remember those currently on Happy 235th birthday
could apply to you.
sion of our Navy’s 235th takes Sailors like you to watch around the world and Navy and HOOYAH!”
Once again, a job well done to all our dedicated Facebook
fans.

Sailors give blood at Bledsoe

News in your community
Stamp club
hosts stamp show
The Thames Stamp Club
presents “Thamespex 2010
Stamp Show,” Oct. 17 from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m., at Waterford
High School, located at Rope
Ferry Road (Route 156)
and Route 1 in Waterford.
Admission and parking are
free. There will be 12 stamp
dealers, 60 frames of stamp
exhibits, door prizes, refresh-
ments, kids table, U.S. Post
Office, stamp auction, and
a color cachet and picto-
rial cancel commemorating
the 50th anniversary of the
first circumnavigation of the
world by USS Triton (SSRN
586).
Hot water outage
at Morton Hall
Morton Hall Gymnasium,
Building 169, will have a hot
water outage, Oct. 21 from 2
to 4 p.m., due to steam line
with authentic problem-solv-
ing and project-based learn-
ing.
Marine Science Magnet Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
High School, operated by GROTON, Conn. – Seaman
LEARN Regional Educational Apprentice Mark Underwood
Service Center, is a member
gives blood while Roberta
of the National Consortium
Tsochandaris, from American
of Specialized Secondary
Red Cross, monitors him at
Schools in Mathematics,
Naval Submarine Base New
Science and Technology
(NCSSSMST). London’s Bledsoe Hall, Oct. 6.
The blood drive takes place on
The school will open fall
2011 and is now accepting the first Wednesday of every
month and all eligible Sailors
applications until Dec. 31,
2010. from students entering and Department of Defense
employees are encouraged to
their freshmen and sopho-
more year in the fall of 2011. donate. For more information on
donating blood, call (800) GIVE-
Applicants for admission
should possess a deep inter- LIFE ((800) 448-3543) or visit
est in the sciences, love of www.givelife.org.
maritime activity, and strong
fundamental math skills.
For more information, join
an information session host-
ed at Project Oceanology at
Avery Point in Groton on
October 19 and 28, and Nov.
2 and 4, from 6 to 7 p.m.

FFSC Financial Corner: Have billing errors cost you $$$$?

work. Showers will not have
hot water during this time
period.
MSMHS now accepting
student applications
Marine Science Magnet
High School of Southeastern
Connecticut (MSMHS) is a
regional 9-12 magnet school
with the mission of preparing
students for higher education
and marine-related employ-
ment by addressing marine-
related topics and disciplines
with a challenging, experi-
ential, 21st century curricu-
lum that is responsive to the
diverse needs and interests
of a broad spectrum of stu-
dents. The school will utilize
cutting edge science labs, an
aquaculture production lab,
Project Oceanology facilities,
and a variety of coastal eco-
systems to provide students
For more information, visit
the Web site at www.mari-
nesciencemagnet.org or call
Dr. Scott Brown at (860) 434-
4800, Ext. 176.
Dolphin Mini-Mart
closed for renovations
The Naval Submarine Base
New London Dolphin Mini-
Mart on Sailfish Road will be
closed for renovations until
Oct. 24.
During this timeframe the
Navy Exchange Autoport/
Gas Station will remain open
until 10 p.m. nightly, and its
inventory will be modified to
carry many items that were
normally purchased at the
Mini-Mart.
Contractors will also be
removing the test wells on
Sailfish Road. Flagman will
direct traffic in and out of
Sailfish Road until work is
complete.
By Frances Goodman
Fleet and Family Support Center
GROTON, Conn. - Have you
ever been billed for merchan-
dise you returned or never
received? Has your credit card
company ever charged you
twice for the same item or
failed to credit a payment to
your account? While frus-
trating, these errors can be
corrected because of the law
called the Fair Credit Billing
Act (FCBA).
The law applies to open end
credit accounts, such as credit
cards and revolving charge
accounts, such as department
store accounts. It does not
cover installment contracts -
loans or extensions of credit
you repay on a fixed schedule.
Consumers often buy cars, fur-
niture and major appliances
on installment basis and repay
personal loans in installments
as well.
What types of disputes are
covered?
The FCBA settlement pro-
cedures apply only to dis-
putes about billing errors. For
example:
Unauthorized charg-
es. Federal law limits your
responsibility for unauthor-
ized charges to $50
Charges that list the wrong
date or amount
Charges for goods and ser-
vices you didn’t accept or
weren’t delivered as agreed
Math errors
Failure to send bills to your
current address - provided the
creditor receives your change
of address, in writing, at least
20 days before the billing peri-
od ends
Failure to post payments and
other credit such as returns
Charges for which you ask
for an explanation or written
proof of purchase along with
a claimed error or request for
clarification
To take advantage of the
law’s consumer protections,
you must:
Write to the creditor at
the address given for billing
inquiries, not the address for
sending your payments, and
include your name, address,
account number and a descrip-
tion of the billing error.
Send your letter so that it
reaches the creditor within 60
days after the first bill con-
taining the error was mailed
to you.
Send your letter by certified
mail, return receipt requested,
so you have proof of what
the creditor received. Include
copies (not originals) of sales
slips or other documents that
support your position. Keep a
copy of your dispute letter.
The creditor must acknowl-
edge your complaint in writing
within 30 days after receiving
it, unless the problem has
been resolved. The credi-
tor must resolve the dispute
within two billing cycles (but
not more than 90 days) after
receiving your letter.
For further information on
this subject visit the Federal
Trade Commission website
at ftc.gov or call the Fleet
and Family Support Center
at (860) 694-3383 and speak
with a financial counselor for
additional information and
assistance.

Volunteers make a difference
Sailors take part in Groton Fall Festival
The Navy and Marine Corps
Relief Society Thrift Shop is
looking for volunteers. Call
(860) 694-4774 for details.
Tricare promotes
mail-order pharmacy option
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - As Tricare
officials explore ways to con-
trol costs while continuing to
provide the best health care
possible, they’re encouraging
beneficiaries, especially those
taking long-term medications,
to get their prescriptions deliv-
ered to their doorsteps.
Navy Rear Adm. Christine S.
Hunter, deputy director for the
Tricare Management Activity,
cited increased usage of the
health care system’s home
delivery option as a win-win
situation that saves patients,
as well as the government,
money.
Tricare’s almost 9.7 mil-
lion beneficiaries filled 10.5
million prescriptions through
home delivery in 2009, offi-
cials noted. That’s up from
just over 9 million in 2007,
but still represents only about
8 percent of the 130 million
prescriptions filled in 2009.
Thirty-seven percent of
those prescriptions - just over
48 million - were filled at mili-
tary medical facilities, which
is the least expensive deliv-
ery method for the Defense
Department, and patients pay
no copayment, Hunter said.
But getting prescriptions
filled at a military facility isn’t
always convenient for benefi-
ciaries, who are increasingly
turning to retail pharmacies
within the Tricare network.
Last year, beneficiaries filled
more than half of their pre-
scriptions - 71.4 million - at
retail pharmacies. This is the
fastest-growing of the Tricare
delivery options, officials
noted, up from more than 67
million retail pharmacy-pro-
vided prescriptions in 2008
and just under 63 million in
2007.
Thursday, October 14, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 3
Photos by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – Above, Fireman Recruit Samuel O’Cullen, Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Submarine School
student, directs traffic during the 5th annual Groton Fall Festival, at Poquonnock Plains Park, Oct. 9. More than 20 Navy volun-
teers helped bring the event to life, setting up the tents and vendor booths, directing traffic, and providing overall assistance
during the festival. Pictured from (left to right) Fireman Apprentice John Hodge, Fireman Recruit Ryan Dougherty, and Seaman
Recruit Bill Mulbert (left) provide support for the event on board a motorized cart, during the Festival. If you are interested in
volunteering in various activities on and around SUBASE, call Lena Blanch at 694-4779.
While retail pharmacies may
be convenient and often the
best choice for patients need-
ing short-term medications,
Hunter noted that they’re
also the most expensive, all
around.
Beneficiaries pay the same
co-payment for a 30-day sup-
ply of medication at the corner
drugstore that they’d pay for a
90-day supply delivered through
Tricare’s home-delivery option.
“So the cost to them is one-
third” using home delivery,
Hunter said. “That’s a real incen-
tive there.”
Mail order is the hands-down
best choice even for those who
value convenience over cost, she
said. “I don’t know how it gets
more convenient than in your
own mailbox at your house, not
having to go anywhere to get
your prescription,” she said.
Tricare can mail order pre-
scriptions almost anywhere in
the world, including deployment
sites where specific medications
may not be available. The only
exceptions are extremely hot cli-
mates that may affect some tem-
perature-sensitive drugs.
In addition, beneficiaries who
sign up for home delivery can
get automatic refills -- a big plus
for anyone taking medications
for a chronic, long-term condi-
tion.
“We’ll send you an email say-
ing, ‘It looks like your refill is
due. Unless you say you don’t
need it for some reason, we are
going to ship it,’” Hunter said.
That eliminates last-minute
dashes to the drugstore when a
prescription runs out, or worse,
gaps before patients resume tak-
ing the drugs they need.
“The key to staying healthy
and using medications to help
you manage your health is to
take them,” Hunter said. “And
if you don’t have them, you
can’t take them.”
Regardless of where ben-
eficiaries get their medications,
See Tricare on Page 4
4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 14, 2010
News you can use from the SUBASE Navy College Office
Get your
doctoral degree
A doctoral degree is the high-
est level of academic achieve-
ment. Its roots can be traced back
to medieval Europe.
There are many kinds of doc-
toral degrees. The most common
ones are the Doctor of Medicine
(MD) and Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD).
There are doctoral degrees in
many fields including psychol-
ogy, social work, engineering,
business, education and other
specialties.
A doctoral degree is necessary
if you want to become a tenured
college professor at a four-year
university.
In many professions it’s true
that your salary is tied to your
education level. Statistically,
employees with college degrees
have higher salaries than their
non-degreed counterparts. And
it’s generally true that employ-
ees with masters degrees make
more money than those with
bachelor’s degrees.
But think twice if you believe
that a doctoral degree will trans-
late into a big payday!
You would only earn a doc-
toral degree if your occupation
required professional licensure
or you held a position requiring
academic or scientific research.
Examples of professional licen-
sure include a school board rule
requiring its superintendent of
schools to have doctoral degree
in education. A state may require
practicing psychologists to hold
a doctoral degree in clinical or
counseling psychology.
A doctorate is required for
careers in a variety of research
fields. You’ll need a PhD if you
want to be a research scientist
working for a pharmaceutical
company or if you want to work
at a university researching and
publishing papers on history,
political science, economics, etc.
The vast majority of occupa-
tions do not require a doctorate.
Most Sailors will find really good
jobs with a solid undergraduate
degree.
A doctoral program is expen-
sive, time-consuming, emotion-
ally draining and academically
intense. You don’t need to pur-
sue a doctorate unless it’s specifi-
cally required for your career.
Get the big three
if you want TA
There are three things you
must do to ensure you get your
TA approved.
Get counseling
from NCO
This is a requirement if you
want to apply for webTA. The
Navy requires you to talk with
NCO even if you’re self-directed
and have already enrolled in a
degree program. Call NCO for
more info or to schedule a coun-
seling appointment.
Examine your
MyEducation account
Before you apply for
webTA you need to check
your MyEducation account at
the Navy College Web site.
MyEducation contains your TA
history including whether or
not you owe grades or money
to the Navy.
Apply for
webTA promptly
Don’t procrastinate. You
should apply for TA before the
course starting date.
Looking for
scholarships?
Try this scholarship search
engine provided by CTMentor:
http://www.ctmentor.org/
FinAid/Scholarship_Search/
Deadline for RSLSP extended
By Office of the Assistant Secretary
of Defense (Public Affairs)
WASHINGTON - The dead-
line for eligible service mem-
bers, veterans, and their
beneficiaries to apply for
Retroactive Stop Loss Special
Pay (RSLSP) has been extend-
ed to Dec. 3, 2010, allow-
ing personnel more time to
apply for the benefits they’ve
earned.
To apply, or for more infor-
mation on RSLSP, including
submission requirements and
service-specific links, go to
http://www.defense.gov/sto-
ploss. The deadline exten-
sion is included in the con-
tinuing resolution signed by
Postal service sets holiday mail deadline
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - The recom-
mended mailing deadline for
sending economy-priced holi-
day packages to service mem-
bers in Afghanistan, Iraq and
other places around the world
is Nov. 12, officials at the U.S.
Postal Service say.
“Shipping holiday packages
early helps ensure that they
arrive in time for the holi-
days,” Pranab Shah, vice presi-
dent and managing director of
global business at the Postal
Service, said in a press release
this week. “They are a great
morale boost for those men
and women serving their coun-
try in places far from home.”
Other deadlines for arrival
by Dec. 25 are Nov. 26 for
space-available mail; Dec. 3
for parcel airlift mail; Dec. 10
for priority mail and first-class
mail, letters and cards; and
Dec. 18 for express mail mili-
Check out The Dolphin
Web site:
www.dolphin-news.com
Free testing
through the VA
The VA will fund a variety
of national testing programs
including the popular CLEP/
DSST exams. Take a look ...
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
GI_Bill_Info/programs.
htm#Testing
Start your bachelor
degree this spring
Southern Illinois University
offers an accelerated Bachelor
of Science degree in Workforce
Education and Development
right here on Naval Submarine
Base New London (SUBASE).
The Department of Workforce
Education and Development
(WED) is one of the larg-
est education, training, and
development departments in
the United States. According
to a recent external evaluation
team, WED has been recog-
nized as “among the top ten in
the nation.”
“It’s important that all those eligible for this
benefit take the opportunity to apply for what
they’ve earned.”
President Obama yesterday,
providing funding for fed-
eral government operations
through Dec. 3.
“It’s important that all
those eligible for this benefit
take the opportunity to apply
for what they’ve earned,”
said Lernes Hebert, acting
director, Officer and Enlisted
Personnel Management. “We
encourage those eligible to
apply as soon as possible, to
“Shipping holiday packages early helps en-
sure that they arrive in time for the holidays.”
tary service.
Holiday packages and
mail headed for Iraq and
Afghanistan must be sent a
week earlier than the dead-
lines above, postal officials
say. Express mail military ser-
vice is not available to those
destinations.
The Postal Service offers a
discount on its largest priority-
mail flat-rate box – a 12-inch
by 12-inch by 5.5-inch carton
that can accommodate laptop
computers, small conventional
ovens, and military care pack-
ages.
Mail sent to overseas mili-
tary addresses costs the same
as domestic mail and the usual
price for the large flat-rate box
is $14.50. But for packages
The focus on broad work-
force education and develop-
ment initiatives is the result of
a collective decision by the fac-
ulty to align programs relative
to changing economic, educa-
tional, demographic, legisla-
tive, and technological envi-
ronments. The Department’s
goals are to help create a
world-class professional and
technical workforce based on
values and respect for occu-
pational competence, the dig-
nity of work, equal education-
al opportunity, and life-long
learning.
And you may ask how
we do this. We utilize the
Instructional System Design
model. The ISD model pro-
vides a structured, systematic
approach to determining if a
training need exists, the design
and development of a training
curriculum to meet the need,
implementation of the training
program, and evaluation of
the training program.
SIU is currently enrolling
Lernes Hebert
avoid the last minute rush,
which can increase process-
ing time.”
RSLSP was established to
compensate military mem-
bers whose service was invol-
untarily extended under Stop
Loss between Sept. 11, 2001,
and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible
members or their beneficia-
ries are required to submit
a claim to their respective
military service in order to
Pranab Shah
U.S. Postal Service
heading to APO/FPO address-
es, the Postal Service charges
$12.50 or $11.95 for those who
print the priority-mail postage
label online.
Priority-mail flat-rate boxes
are free at any Post Office and
can be ordered online at shop.
usps.com. Postage, labels and
customs forms can be printed
online at the Postal Service
Web site.
APO/FPO addresses usually
require customs forms, postal
officials say, and each country
has customs regulations that
apply to all mail, including
U.S. military mail, coming into
the country.
Mail addressed to military
and diplomatic post offices
overseas is subject to restric-
for Spring Term 2011 which
starts Jan. 8, 2011 in Building
83, third deck. Call (860) 446-
9900 for more information or
to make an appointment for
a no cost credit evaluation or
stop by the office in Building
83, Room 148.
Web site for
transitioning Sailors
The Connecticut Department
of Labor has developed a superb
Web site with comprehensive
information on occupations,
jobs and education and training
opportunities. It’s a Web-based
career counseling center that
provides everything from infor-
mation on adult education pro-
grams to resume writing and
interviewing techniques.
The Web site includes a com-
prehensive section on career
exploration including free self-
assessment tools that help you
discover the kind of career
you’re best suited for. Go to
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
lmi/students.htm.
receive the benefit of $500
for each full or partial month
served in a Stop Loss status.
The original deadline for
claims was Oct. 21, 2010.
When RSLSP began on Oct.
21, 2009, the services estimat-
ed 145,000 service members,
veterans and beneficiaries
were eligible. Because the
majority of those eligible had
separated from the military,
the services have engaged in
extensive and persistent out-
reach efforts throughout the
year. Efforts including direct
mail, engaging military and
veteran service organiza-
tions, social networks and
media outlets, will continue
throughout the period of eli-
gibility.
tions in content, preparation
and handling.
Each five-digit military and
post office ZIP code [APO/
FPO] has specific restrictions
but the following are prohibit-
ed in the regions of Operation
New Dawn in Iraq and
Operation Enduring Freedom
in Afghanistan:
- Horror comics and obscene
articles like prints, paintings,
cards, films and videotapes;
- Anything depicting nude
or seminude persons, porno-
graphic or sexual items, or
unauthorized political materi-
als;
- Bulk quantities of reli-
gious materials contrary to the
Islamic faith, though items for
personal use are permitted,
and,
- Pork or pork by-products.
For specific restrictions and
mailing prices to an APO/
FPO address, visit the Postal
Service’s online price calcu-
lator or a local post office or
call (800) ASK-USPS..
Tricare ...
Continued from page 3
they’re protected by a safety fea-
ture built into the Tricare phar-
macy program, Hunter said. The
patient data transaction service
monitors the medications every
Tricare beneficiary receives to
flag potential adverse drug inter-
actions or allergic reactions.
“Both the military services
and Tricare are very focused on
prevention and keeping people
healthy,” Hunter said. “All of
these programs are designed to
support patients partnering with
us to stay healthy.”
Partnering is a new emphasis
in health care, she said, with
patients playing an increasingly
key role in their health.
“We are really moving toward
partnering for health, and giving
you the information and the ser-
vices you need to be active and
healthy for as long as possible,”
Hunter said.
“Both the
military services
and Tricare are
very focused on
prevention and
keeping people
healthy.”
Navy Rear Adm.
Christine S. Hunter

NSPS transition seeing success;
DoN prepares for 2011 transitions
By Linda Dent Mitchell
Office of Civilian Human Resources
WASHINGTON - The Depart-
ment of the Navy (DoN) continues
to achieve success in transitioning
its employees from the National
Security Personnel System (NSPS)
to the General Schedule (GS) after
completing phase three of the tran-
sition Sept. 26.
More than 44,000 employees
have transitioned this year; and the
majority of DoN employees affected
by the transition are transitioning
to the GS.
“The collaboration across the
Department and across Commands
resulted in a smooth and orderly
transition,” said Tony TorresRamos,
director of the DoN Transition
Management Office. “Additionally,
DoN and command leadership
commitment to communica-
tion and education enabled us to
achieve a 99.8 percent success rate
in processing the personnel actions
to transition our employees.”
September’s transition of more
than 17,000 employees represents
the final transition phase of the
2010 calendar year. The next wave
of employee transitions will occur in
early 2011. Commands transitioning
in 2011 include Naval Sea Systems
Command (NAVSEA), Naval Air
Systems Command (NAVAIR),
Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Command (SPAWAR) and Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
“It is critical, as we move for-
ward, to build on our lessons
learned to ensure continued suc-
cess,” said TorresRamos. “In 2011,
we will be transitioning the remain-
ing employee positions into a vari-
ety of personnel systems.”
In passing the 2010 National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),
Congress repealed NSPS and man-
dated the transition of NSPS employ-
ees by Jan. 1, 2012. The 2010 NDAA
also outlined measures to transition
designated positions to personnel
systems other than GS. About 73,000
DoN employees were affected by the
Congressional decision.
While most of the DoN NSPS
employees are transitioning to
GS, more than 15,000 employees
from NAVAIR and SPAWAR are
set to transition from NSPS to sci-
ence and technology reinvention
laboratory demonstration projects.
The Federal Register notices outlin-
ing the new systems have already
been published. An additional 800
SPAWAR employees will return to
an alternative personnel system.
Another 2,100 employee posi-
tions are set to transition to acquisi-
tion demonstration projects locat-
ed within Marine Corps Tactical
Systems Support Activity; Marine
Corps Systems Command; Direct
Reporting Program Manager,
Advanced Assault Amphibians;
NAVSEA Program Executive Office
Carriers; and Department of the
Navy/Assistant for Administration.
DoD is currently developing a per-
sonnel system using Title 38 author-
ities to cover specific healthcare
occupations. Almost 2,000 positions
may be placed in the new system.
The new system does not include
the 260 physicians and dentists who
will transition to a designated pay
plan for those occupations.
Consistent with the DoN’s com-
mitment to communication and edu-
cation, transition information is avail-
able at http://www.public.navy.mil/
donhr including online resources,
information and guidance.
Thursday, October 14, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 5
Personal financial management tips from FFSC
Want your credit score free?
Two different sites offer completely free credit scores. One is Quizzle, www.quizzle.com,
which offers a one time look at your FICO score based on the Experian credit file. The
other is Credit Karma, www.creditkarma.com, which gives you your TransRisk score from
TransUnion once a month. The TransRisk score was developed entirely by TransUnion, is
based on the same 300 – 850 scale as the FICO score, but will be different. If you decide to
use either of these sources to look at your score, prepare yourself for some spam and lots
of credit offers.
How about a Roth TSP?
It is going to happen. The Thrift Savings Plan will soon have a Roth option.
Legislative changes to the TSP have authorized a Roth TSP. Implementation of the Roth
alternative is expected to take two years and will not likely be available until 2012.
There will be some complicated accounting rules to write regarding pre-tax and post-
tax contributions, tax-free contributions (hazardous-duty pay) as well as TSP to Roth TSP
conversions.
If a member will be leaving the service prior to the availability of the Roth TSP and main-
tains an active TSP account, they will be able to roll over their civilian Roth IRA into the
new Roth TSP once it is established in the future.
It all adds up to yet another solid feature for what is already one of the best retirement
plans available anywhere.
A simple formula for financial success
The old phrase “KISS,” Keep It Simple Sweetie, can be applied to many things includ-
ing our personal finances as well. New recruits entering the military are introduced to the
concept of modern money management. Today’s economic reality offers many challenges
to service members and families. We are bombarded with thousands of commercial pitches
to buy goods and/or services that many of us don’t want or need. How do we counter this
massive assault on our senses to buy yet another consumer item? The easiest way is often
the simplest way. Your Navy Personal Financial Management (PFM) Program recommends
you follow this simple formula of 100=10+70+20. That is, 100 percent of our earnings
should be spent in three categories. Savings and investments should receive 10 percent, liv-
ing expense should claim the lion share of 70 percent and no more than 20 percent should
be used for debt satisfaction. If we maintain this spending ratio throughout our working
life, then we should retire well.
6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 14, 2010
  
GROTON, Conn. – Chief Culinary Specialist Michael Wanca, Naval Submarine
Base New London Command Fitness Leader, gives a brief on the Physical Fitness
Assessment (PFA) as participants stretch out on the Morton Hall Gymnasium run-
ning track, Oct. 7. Before taking the PFA, Sailors are asked a series of questions
to ensure they are medically fit to participate.
Sailors take PFA
challenge, run with it
By SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – It is
Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
season Navy wide, and Naval
Submarine Base New London
(SUBASE) Sailors have taken
the challenge and run with it.
SUBASE’s fall 2010 PFA spanned
multiple weeks, but divided par-
ticipants into groups dependent on
which cardio exercise they would
attempt (track running, treadmill,
elliptical, swimming, bicycle).
The first phase of the PFA
requires all Sailors to conduct a
Body Composition Assessment
(BCA). During the BCA, the
participant’s height, weight, and
body fat percentage are measured
to ensure they conform to Navy
standards. BCA maximum weight
scores range depending on the
Sailor’s height, while the maxi-
mum body allowance is calculated
by circumference measurements.
The second stage of the PFA is
the Physical Readiness Test (PRT).
The PRT maintains the physical
portion of the assessment, requir-
ing Sailors to partake in curl ups,
pushups, and a mile and a half
run. Standards for scores differ
depending on a Sailor’s age and
medical status.
With the increasingly stressed
importance of Navy mission readi-
ness, systems like the Fitness
Enhancement Program (FEP) or
recently introduced Navy Operation
Fitness and Fueling Series have
aided Sailors in pushing to make
the right decisions with not only
their exercising habits, but their
nutritional needs as well.
In addition to command fitness
programs, some SUBASE Sailors
have found an edge of their own
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – Electronics Technician 3rd class Mark Miears completes a curl-up while Electronics Technician 2nd class Nathan Dehmler holds his feet and keeps count,
in the Morton Hall Gymnasium, Oct. 7. While curl-up goals vary depending on age, the standards for doing them remain the same. The Sailor must touch shoulder blades to
the deck, keep arms across the chest with hands gripping the shoulders, and “curl-up” to touch elbows to a part of the thigh, before repeating the process again.
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
Photo by MC1 Peter D. Blair
GROTON, Conn. – Left, Sailors make their way around the Morton Hall Gymnasium running track during the last portion of the Physical Fitness Assessment, Oct. 4.
Runners must complete a mile and a half around the track (equivalent to 11 and ¾ laps).
in the quickly growing “barefoot
running” trend. Fingered foot-
wear like the Vibram Five-Finger
running shoes, have been given Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
the go-ahead by Chief Culinary
Specialist Michael Wanca, SUBASE GROTON, Conn. – Naval Submarine Base
Command Fitness Leader. New London Command Fitness Leader (CFL)
“It is qualified as a running Chief Culinary Specialist Michael Wanca
shoe, most definitely,” mentioned instructs Assistant CFL Boatswain’s Mate
Wanca in the Sept. 30 edition of 1st class Alexis Diaz on the proper proce-
The Dolphin. dures for Sailors to weigh in for the Body
Passing the bi-annual PFA is an Composition Assessment (BCA) part of the
important part of continuing on Physical Readiness Test (PRT). Sailors who
with one’s Navy career. If a Sailor are not within the weigh standards set by
fails a PFA three times within a the Navy PRT policy must have a body fat
four year window, they receive
measurement.
an administrative separation,
and return to the civilian world.
If that isn’t motivation enough,
OPNAVINST 6110.1H states:
“Officers shall be ineligible for
promotion if they have failed most
recent official PFA” and also notes
that enlisted members will have
advancement or frocking deferred
if they have failed their most recent
official PFA.
Changes for the next PFA sea-
son include new bicycle equa-
Photo by MC1 Peter D. Blair
tions, according to NAVADMIN
256/10, released this August. GROTON, Conn. – Right, Sailors swim laps in the
“The revised equation will Naval Submarine Base New London Aquatics
become effective January 1, for Center during the cardio portion of the Physical
Cycle 1, 2011. The change adjusts Fitness Assessment, Oct. 12. Swimming, along
the equation used to convert calo- with bicycle, elliptical and treadmill, are viable
ries burned on the stationary bike alternatives to the running portion of the test.
into a predicted 1.5 mile run time.
The revised equation will more
accurately calculate outstanding
performance and will require the
participant to burn more calories
to achieve a probationary or satis-
factory score than under the cur-
rent equation.”
Access to the bike calculator
can be found by accessing the
Physical Readiness Information
Management System at: https://
prims2008.bol.navy.mil.
 Thursday, October 14, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 7

Garde Arts Center dedicates Kids walk this way to Charles Barnum Elementary
performance to late Daniel Pearl
On Oct. 2, New London’s Garde Arts Center dedicated its Marc Cohn
concert to Daniel Pearl and the 9th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music
Days – a global network of music events united to raise awareness
and promote peace, tolerance and understanding of shared humanity
throughout the month of October. More than 1,000 performances in 59
countries, including seven Garde Arts Center events, have registered at
www.danielpearlmusicdays.org to answer this call for “Harmony for
Humanity.” Music at these performances will be dedicated to the ideals
of Daniel Pearl, the “Wall Street Journal” reporter and musician who was
kidnapped and murdered while investigating a story.
Garde performances to take part in Daniel Pearl World Music Days
include the all-female musical revue The Four Bitchin’ Babes present
“Diva Nation... Where Music, Laughter and Girlfriends Reign!” on Oct.
15, Americana musician Paul Thorn on Oct. 20, rock band The Bridge
on Oct. 21, Beatles tribute band beatlegras on Oct. 23, Puccini’s classic
opera “Madama Butterfly,” Oct. 28, and Led Zeppelin tribute band Get
The Led Out, Oct 30.
“It is both a solemn and celebratory honor for the Garde to join with
artists and theaters throughout the world to help transform the tragic loss
of a great journalist and musician,” said Steve Sigel, executive director of
the Garde Arts Center. “I hope by dedicating our October music concerts
to the legacy of Daniel Pearl our audiences and performers will help in
some small way make the world a more connected and peaceful place.”
While investigating a story in Pakistan in 2002, “Wall Street Journal”
reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered at the hands of
extremists. After his death, Pearl’s family and friends came together
to work towards a more humane world, forming the Daniel Pearl
Foundation - a foundation focused on promoting cross-cultural under-
standing through journalism, music and innovative communications
- and Daniel Pearl World Music Days.
Pearl, a talented musician who joined musical groups in every com-
munity in which he lived, left behind a long trail of musician-friends Photo by SN Michael Henderson
spanning the entire world. Commemorating his Oct.10 birthday, World
Music Days uses the universal language of music to encourage fellowship GROTON, Conn. – More than 50 Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) volunteers, Charles Barnum Elementary staff, parents, and students parade
across cultures and build a platform for “Harmony for Humanity.” down a rainy Briar Hill Road, during the national “Safe Kids Walk This Way” event, Oct. 6. Safe Kids Walk This Way, a program that demonstrates safe
For more information about Daniel Pearl World Music Days, visit www. behavior to motorists and child pedestrians, helps create safer and more ‘walkable’ communities. After the children marched to school, Captain Marc Denno,
danielpearlmusicdays.org. For more information about the Garde Arts SUBASE Commanding Officer, spoke to children on the school’s daily internal broadcast channel.
Center’s World Music Days dedicated events, visit www.gardearts.org.

Local library news Now showing at

Registration for late
fall 2010 storytimes
Paranormal
exhibit, program
Dealey Center Theater
The Groton Public Library will Connecticut’s own Smoking Oct. 14 6:00 p.m. Going the Distance

YOU KNOW WHAT

be accepting registrations for late
fall 2010 storytimes, Oct. 25. These
storytimes are for children from
birth to 36 months of age. Late fall
storytimes begin the week of Nov.
1 and run for six weeks
To register your child for the
next session of Wee Ones, Babies
and Books, or Time for Twos, call
or stop by the library any time
between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Oct.
25. The library will contact you by
phone Oct. 26. We try to accom-
modate everyone, but in the case
of over enrollment, classes are
determined by lottery. For more
information, call the Children’s
Room at (860) 441-6750.
• Wee Ones is a program for
babies ages birth to12 months and
a caregiver.
• Babies and Books is a pro-
gram for babies ages 12 to 24
months and a caregiver.
• Time for Twos is a program
for children ages 24 to 36 months
and a caregiver.
For more information, call the
Groton Public Library at (860)
441-6750.
Books 2 Movies screens
‘Sherlock Holmes’
Books 2 Movies at the Groton
Public Library will screen the
2009 film “Sherlock Holmes,” Oct.
25 at 6:30 p.m. and Oct. 26 at 2
p.m. Robert Downey, Jr. rein-
vents Sherlock Holmes, one of
the world’s most iconic literary
figures, as an action hero. The
movie is rated PG 13 and runs for
128 minutes.
This event is free and open
to the public. For more informa-
tion, call the Library at (860)
441-6750.
Mystic Seaport to explore historic taverns at annual event
MYSTIC, Conn. - Boston tav-
ern historian and tour guide,
Gavin R. Nathan, will be the
featured speaker at the second
annual Fall Beer Tasting held
in the Mystic Seaport shipyard,
Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Nathan, author of “Historic
Taverns of Boston: 370 Years
of Tavern History in One
Definitive Guide,” will share
little known facts about some
of Boston’s oldest taverns and
Gun Research Agency presents its
new “Science of the Supernatural”
exhibit followed by the presenta-
tion “Things Really DO Go Bump
in the Night” to be held at the
Groton Public Library, Oct. 28
from 4 to 8 p.m.
The exhibit features hands-on,
interactive activities including a
chance to try out real paranormal
investigation equipment, view
photos and video from the SGRA
Archives, and more. The program
will share some cases local to
Groton that have been investigat-
ed by the SGRA, and staff will be
on hand to answer all your ques-
tions. The exhibit will be available
beginning at 4 p.m. and the pro-
gram will start at 6:30 p.m. Both
are appropriate for all ages.
This program is free and open
to the public. Call the Groton
Public Library at (860) 441-6750
for more information.
Harvest party
mystery program
The Groton Public Library
invites children of all ages and
their adult caregivers to the
Scooby Doo and the Harvest Party
Mystery Program, Oct. 30 at 11
a.m., as part of the Library’s Super
Saturday series.
Come dressed as your favorite
character from Scooby Doo and
enjoy games, crafts, and food.
Bring in a decorated pumpkin to
enter into our Decorated Pumpkin
Contest! Space is limited and reg-
istration is required beginning
Oct. 16.
This program is free and open
to the public. For more informa-
tion, call Youth Services at (860)
441-6750.
tavern keepers, detail authentic
tavern drink recipes and discuss
how taverns have evolved from
1630 to modern day. Copies of
Nathan’s book will be available
for purchase and signing by the
author.
Attendees will be able to sam-
ple a wide variety of beers from
local breweries including Kona
Brewery (Fire Rock Pale Ale
and Pipeline Porter), Redhook
Brewery (Late Harvest Autumn
Oct. 15 6:00 p.m. Machete
Oct. 16 3:00 p.m. The Last Exorcism
5:00 p.m. Takers
Oct. 17
7:00
3:00
5:00
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Machete
Takers
The Last Exorcism
GAME WAS AWESOME?
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
18
19
20
7:00
6:00
6:00
6:00
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Machete
Takers
Machete
The Last Exorcism
Final Fantasy Tactics
Oct. 21 6:00 p.m. Machete pokemons hidden in the grass
By SN Michael Henderson nearby. Crazy things like that.
The Last Exorcism Cast: Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, (Almost, not exaggerating,
Rated: PG-13, Story Type: Drama, Suspense/Horror, Runtime: Welcome to the first article almost.) Other classes (like
88 min. of the newly formed Sailor’s the Squire) had more basic
Takers Cast: Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen, Rated: PG- Game Locker column we’ll be maneuvers (throw a rock at
13, Story Type: Action/Adventure, Crime/Gangster, Runtime: calling “You Know What Game the enemy), making FFT eas-
107 min. Was Awesome?” Speaking of ily accessible to a broad age
Going the Distance Cast: Drew which, today we’re going to group. You’d just suck at it if
Barrymore, Justin Long, Rated: R, cover one of my all time favor- you couldn’t count.
Story Type: Comedy, Runtime: 103 ites. Final Fantasy Tactics (the Characters, including
min. original one). Ramza, are able to become dif-
Next Week: Delving into an immer- ferent jobs (classes) through-
sive plot of political intrigue out the game, definitely more
Resident Evil, and during a war that spans the than most games have to offer,
The American entire continent, you follow (or care to think about). Jobs
the exploits of the ambigu- included: Squire, Chemist,
ously male character, Ramza Ninja, Samurai, Summoner,
‘Crachit’s Christmas’ Beoluve. A large cast of both
highly developed characters
Black Mage, Time Mage,
Calculator, Mime, Dancer,
Bard, Lancer, Mediator,
and not-nearly-as-important
coming to Mystic mercenaries happily join your
team (or angrily try to kill
Archer, Thief, Holy Knight,
Monk, Oracle, etc. And they
What do you get when you the season, wonderful production you) throughout your adven- were all awesome.
blend Dickens’s “Christmas Carol,” numbers, tap dancing, comedy, tures within the Kingdom of Certain special characters
“A Miracle on 34th Street,” It’s and a storyline that will have you Ivalice. (including a guest appear-
a Wonderful Life,” and “White doubling over with laughter. Final Fantasy Tactics was ance from Final Fantasy VII’s
Christmas” into one delightful live Cornerstone’s “Cratchit’s released in the United States Cloud Strife) maintained spe-
holiday show? The answer is the Christmas” is the most unusual, by Square (pre-Square Enix) cial classes that, if memory
most creative and original live delightful, and twisted version of in 1998, and happens to be serves, couldn’t be tampered
musical holiday show of the sea- these four beloved classics that one of the few good things with. This didn’t detract from
son, “Cratchit’s Christmas.” you have ever experienced. The to come from trading my the game at all, but given the
Karl Gasteyer, artistic Director production opens Nov. 5 and runs Super Nintendo and games sheer amount of characters, I
of Cornerstone Productions in through Dec. 12. For more infor- (including Chrono Trigger and definitely found it more enjoy-
Mystic, has the uncanny ability mation, call (888) 838-2906, Ext Mario Paint /sadface) in for a able to play with the ones I
to take a familiar story and turn it 1, or e-mail hunter@cornestone Playstation. had built from the ground up.
topsey turvey! The result is a fresh productions.org. Tickets can be FFT is an isometric, turn In classic RPG sense, players
upbeat and over the top original purchased online at www.corner- based strategy game (a far cry progress through the intense
musical packed with the songs of stoneproductions.org. from previous Final Fantasy story line from battle to battle,
watching as the story unfolds.
titles) that allows the play-
er to control an entire team None of the story line I will
of unique characters, mon- ruin for you, because it is lit-
Ale and Redhook Longhammer bers) and are on sale at www. sters, and mercenaries. This erally ‘that’ amazing; plus, I
IP), Widmer Brothers Brewery mysticseaport.org/tickets or game actually made people don’t want this article to run
(Drifter Pale Ale and Widmer by calling (860) 572-5322. All think about what their next on forever.
Hefeweizen) and the Shipyard attendees must be 21 years or move was (something games Incredibly long and wikipe-
Brewing Company (Mystic older; identification is required. don’t do enough now-a-days). dia-ble story short. You should
Seaport Pale Ale, Shipyard Price does not include admis- Classes like the “Calculator” still play this game, especially
Export Ale and Shipyard sion to the Museum for those have abilities that inflict harm if it was before your time (or
Pumpkinhead). All visitors will arriving before 5 p.m. on enemies through mathe- simply haven’t gotten around
receive a complimentary beer Sponsorship for the evening is matical equations - what the to playing it). Through the
glass to take home. A light a la provided by Shipyard Brewing enemy’s level was, divided eyes of Ramza Beoluve, you
carte menu will also be avail- Company. by a certain number, to the will appreciate and recognize
able. For more information, visit power of something else, one of the greatest video game
Tickets are $30 ($25 for mem- www.mysticseaport.org. multiplied by the number of masterpieces of all time.

4H ...
Continued from page 1
farm animals and food supply.
That is why, Gray said, the 4H
National Youth Science Day is
so important because it helps
people understand that “it’s not
just cows and canning.”
Though in all honesty, there
were still cows at the SFLM, albeit
one inch tall and plastic. They
were part of two watershed land-
scapes on display which helped
show the children the effects of
storm water runoff. Using red and
lime Kool-Aid powder, to represent
fertilizer and pesticides, or coco for
manure, children lined up for their
chance to sprinkle the powder on
factory rooftops and farmland and
then watch the movement of their
sprayed “rain” to the river on their
micro landscape.
Water conservation was the
theme at this year’s event, with
tables showing not only the
effects of runoff, but also how oil
in the ocean can affect an animal,
or in the demonstration’s case, a
feather.
But not every table dealt with
water. Some injected humor into
the children, literally.
Retired Master Diver Rick
Donlon helped Tatiama and Nicky
Baez put on scuba regulators and
then instructed them to inhale
deeply. After a few breathes of
Heliox, a helium and oxygen mix-
ture used for dives greater than
100 feet, each child found a new
voice and strange laughter.
As Donlon explained, Heliox
is great for reducing the narcotic
effects of Nitrogen at great depth,
but has its drawbacks.
“You have a hard time commu-
nicating,” Donlon said. “Everyone
sounds like Donald Duck.”
For those children not inclined
to sound like cartoon characters,
they could simply see how a fuel
cell worked, create finger-sized
molecular structures out of sugar
gumdrops and toothpicks, or
watch Fitch High School’s FIRST
Robotics team, the “Aluminum
Falcons,” show off their soccer-
ball-kicking machine on wheels.
Naval Submarine Base New
London (SUBASE) Police
Department provided an exhibit to
explain fingerprinting, drug tests,
and evidence collection while
SUBASE Fire Department also
gave tours of fire engine, C15, and
their new ambulance, C200.
Although it took some time to
clean up the corn starch droplets,
Lisa Marcinkowski said all in all,
the event was successful and was
Photo by ET3 Timothy Walter
happy to see so many children
excited to learn. GROTON, Conn. – Richard Conant (left) from Naval Submarine Base New London Environmental Division shows Teancum
“If you do it in a fun way, (middle) and Topher Gauruder (right) the effects of rainwater runoff on the watershed at the Submarine Force Library and
kids will be much more inter- Museum, Oct. 6. Part of the third annual 4H National Youth Science Day, this exhibit was one of the most popular among the
ested in the subject mat- dozen different displays, which included a small fuel cell, a soccer-ball-kicking robot, and other water conservation exhibits.
ter,” Marcinkowski said.
8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 9
10 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 14, 2010
Groton, Conn. – Volunteers, vendors, and residents peruse the tents at the 5th annual Groton Fall Festival, held at Poquonnock Plains Park, Oct.
9. More than 100 vendors from the local communities participated in the event, as well as an array of firetrucks from local fire departments.
Groton holds 5th annual Fall Festival
By SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – More than 20 Naval Submarine Base
New London Sailors volunteered to spend their sunny
Saturday morning putting up tents, directing traffic, and
off-loading supplies for the Town of Groton’s 5th annual
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – Mackenzie Ackley, a student of Cutler Middle School,
sings the national anthem next to Town of Groton Mayor, Jim Streeter
(right), during the Groton Fall Festival, at Poquonnock Plains Park, Oct. 9.
all
estival
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
Fall Festival, held at Poquonnock Plains Park, Oct. 9. The
town-wide event promotes business in Groton, and cre-
ates a greater sense of community among local residents.
The net proceeds of which are used to support the Groton
Business Association events and projects throughout the
year.
The festival brought together more than 100 vendors
from the local community: providing food and drink, acu-
puncture and massage, toys and trinkets, fragrant candles
and wintery snow globes, jams and jellies, and all sorts of
information and displays.
Opening remarks thanking everyone who came to pro-
vide and participate came from Town of Groton’s own,
Mayor Jim Streeter. Accompanying him on stage was a
student from Cutler Middle School, Mackenzie Ackley,
proceeded to sing the National Anthem.
Sitting in the middle of Poquonnock Plains Park laid a
metal bird, courtesy of the United States Army. The bulky
Blackhawk helicopter, flown in by Warrant Officer Jeremy
Newman, 1st Lieutenant Kevin Ouelette, and Staff Sergent
Ira Misenheimer, received a gaggle of onlookers that
flocked to the open cockpit and seating area.
Music was provided by the band “9Teen”, a Karate
demonstration was given by Gabriele’s Martial Arts, and a
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
bout of 17th century combat from the Society of Creative
Anachronism, Inc. Local firefighters were also out in GROTON, Conn. – Charles Green III looks out the window of a Blackhawk Helicopter on display
force, trucks from the SUBASE Fire Department, as well as during the 5th annual Groton Fall Festival, at Poquonnock Plains Park, Oct. 9. The helicopter was
support from Noank, Mystic, Groton Town, City, Center, flown in by United States Army Warrant Officer Jeremy Newman, 1st Lieutenant Kevin Ouelette,
and other local fire departments were also present. and Staff Sergeant Ira Misenheimer.