Afloat Training Group

SPOKANE, Wash., Oct. 30, 2008 - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Miriam Verbarg, a boatswain's mate, watched over a young sailor as he sewed panels on a foul-weather hatch cover.

Known as a "dogshack," the small shelter was being made at the Navy Reserve Intermediate Maintenance Activity here to help protect fleet submarine watch standers from the elements.

While the group and what they do may be unfamiliar to many, the RIMA program provides products that have been used by thousands of sailors out in the fleet. RIMA shops manufacture items such as cofferdams, damage-control plugs, podiums, award plaques and bunk curtains to support fleet operations around the world and improve shipboard quality of life.

"The support from RIMA for manufacturing submarine rack curtains has allowed all Norfolk-area submarines to deploy with a full load of rack curtains in excellent repair," said Chief Petty Officer John W. Johnson, a fire control technician who helps to initiate RIMA projects.

One of the most successful RIMA products is a man-movable submarine brow with a counter-balance that allows it to be placed and removed without the aid of a crane. Eliminating crane dependency reduces costs, improves operational flexibility and saves valuable time required to place and remove brows during arrival or when getting underway.

Johnson added that RIMA sailors respond to the needs of the fleet and can change their products to meet those needs.

"RIMA personnel have been very flexible in customizing products such as dogshacks to meet the operational submarine force needs for a portable and rugged product," he said.

Although RIMAs usually support commands within the submarine force, they also can provide services to any fleet asset. The RIMAs charge the requesting command only for the cost of the production materials, while the balance is funded by Navy Reserve Force via Submarine Group 2.

This arrangement saves money on products and services while sustaining a high level of technical and production proficiency within the Navy Reserve. Occasionally, the RIMAs become the only source for repair parts and equipment that are no longer available in the military supply system.

Each activity is manned by reserve-component expeditionary maintenance detachment sailors who work on the projects during their monthly drill weekends. For that reason, projects that can be finished over several drill periods are best suited for RIMA support.

"The key to receiving a requested product within a desired timeframe is advanced planning and scheduling," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tony Marrero, Submarine Group 2 operational support officer.

In addition to the unit here, the RIMA program comprises maintenance activities in Washington, D.C.; Cincinnati; Denver; Great Lakes, Ill.; Eleanor, W.Va.; Louisville, Ky.; and Tucson, Ariz.

"The unit pulls together as a team to produce a final product that directly benefits the fleet," Verbarg said.

After it was finished, several RIMA sailors assembled the dogshack under the gray Spokane skies. Soon, it will protect submarine sailors from worse weather around the world.

(Navy Chief Petty Officer David Votroubek serves with Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific Detachment Northwest.)

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone for making this an extraordinary day and an extraordinary tour of duty," said Epperson.

Epperson assumed command of ATG MIDPAC in July 2005. As ATG MIDPAC commanding officer, Epperson supervised more than 1,000 shipboard assessments, led the efforts of standardizing the seven ATG sites worldwide, and assisted in the development of a formal command strategy.

As he leaves Hawaii, following 11 years at commands throughout the island, Epperson thanked the ATG MIDPAC Sailors he has commanded during this tour.

"Today, I have to say goodbye to what has truly been the best three years of my professional life," said Epperson. "The people I am most proud of serving with are the ATG MIDPAC Sailors standing in ranks."

Capt. Pete Morford, commodore of ATG, Pacific, commended Epperson for his leadership tactics during his time as ATG MIDPAC commanding officer.

"Whenever I talk to ATG Pacific Sailors, I always start and end with three words -- important, best and proud," said Morford. "Captain Epperson embodied those three words in everything he has done in his 39 months at ATG MIDPAC. I don't know how you did it all, but you set an aspiring example for the rest of us."

After assuming command, Polk discussed his future goals for ATG MIDPAC.

"Under my command, we will continue to work across the waterfront to create training solutions that serve warfighters and help make warships ready for tasking," said Polk. "I am blessed to lead these proud warriors, and I look forward to working with many of you as we continue to tap the potential of our collective resources to provide our nation with the best fighting force possible."

During the ceremony, Morford presented Epperson with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

Epperson will be reporting to Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., to serve as professor of naval science.

Polk previously served at the U.S. Naval Academy. As commanding officer of ATG MIDPAC, Polk will oversee comprehensive and detailed shipboard and classroom training and assessment to Pacific Fleet ships and other military units in order to maintain a high state of combat readiness.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.

Story Number: NNS081107-02 - Release Date: 11/7/2008 4:20:00 AM

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2008 - The National Military Family Association has announced the five recipients of its 2008 "Very Important Patriot" award, given for exceptional volunteerism.

"These volunteers have demonstrated outstanding service that contributes to improving the quality of life in their military and/or neighboring communities," said Michelle Joyner, National Military Family Association's communications director, in an NMFA news release. "Due to the challenges of the current pace of military operations, volunteers play a critical role in providing support and stability in their communities."

Recipients of the 2008 Very Important Patriot Award will receive a $1,000 prize and a trip for two to Washington, D.C., in November that will culminate in the presentation of the awards during a ceremony Nov. 18.

The Very Important Patriots are:

-- Navy Chief Petty Officer Benigno Adones, Afloat Training Group Western Pacific, Yokosuka, Japan. Among other volunteer services, Adones was a member of the Commander Fleet Activity Yokosuka's alcohol de-glamorization campaign program, "Clear Vision 2008." He assisted the community, sailors, and families in promoting alternatives to drinking in an effort to reduce and prevent alcohol-related incidents in the community.

-- Wesley Bauguess, Fort Bragg, N.C. Soon after Bauguess lost her husband, Army Maj. Larry J. Bauguess Jr., she became actively involved in the formation of the Wounded Warrior Committee, established within the 82nd Airborne Division to benefit paratroopers wounded in combat. She hosted special events for wounded soldiers, visited them in hospitals, and gave each one special gifts, notes of support, and phone cards to contact their loved ones.

-- Air Force Staff Sgt. Veronica Bird, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Bird has contributed countless volunteer hours and headed up multiple fundraisers to benefit both the civilian and military community around her. She has led volunteers to care for pets at the Gulfport Humane Society, was a key member for the squadron Halloween party and "deployed family night at the movies," led volunteers for "Make a Difference Day," mentored fellow airmen, and was a member of the "Toys for Tots."

-- Karen Driscoll, Vienna, Va. When Tricare ended coverage for at-home applied behavior analysis treatment for Driscoll's autistic son, she was determined to resolve this issue for all military families with autistic children. She established a network of families, then gained the support of key senior military leaders, prepared position papers, and briefed staff members on Capitol Hill. Driscoll urged Congress to support increased federal funding for autism ABA treatment for military families, and her efforts paid off when the legislation passed.

-- Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Phillip Harper, Sub Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, Honolulu. After learning of the pending cancellation of the physical education program at Lehua Elementary School because of budget reductions, Harper worked with the leadership of the school. Harper was able to solicit volunteers from the staff to provide a no-cost physical education program for more than 400 students.

NMFA also is recognizing 11 servicemembers and 19 family members with 2008 Awards of Merit. The recipients will receive a $100 commissary gift certificate.

A complete list of the Awards of Merit recipients is available on the National Military Family Association's Web site.