Summer 2013 Volume 2, Issue 2

A Word from your Skipper

Points of Interest:
Please take a moment to join the HSL-49 Ombudsman group on facebook! Greetings SCORPION Family and Friends, Spring is always a busy time of year at home and it is no different at HSL-49. Coming out of the winter months, the SCORPIONS found themselves quickly getting back to the business of training, preparing, and deploying mission-ready expeditionary SH-60B helicopter detachments. The men and women who comprise the SCORPION Team continue to improve themselves and the team at every turn and are the reason we continue to be the best squadron in Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific. Recently we saw the return of HSL-49 Detachment SIX, the TROJANs, who deployed to the FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility embarked USS GRIDLEY. Welcome home to HSL-49 Detachment THREE, the DOUBLE D's, who deployed to FOURTH Fleet Area of Responsibility embarked USS GARY and completed a successful CounterTransnational Organized Crime (C-TOC) deployment in the Western Pacific. Also welcome home to HSL-49 Detachment TWO, the HIT SQUAD, embarked USS THACH who also deployed south to conduct C-TOC operations. Although the HIT SQUAD's deployment was shortened, they stand ready to re-deploy should we be called upon to meet our Nation's call to duty. The adaptability and responsiveness of the SCORPIONS enabled HSL49 Detachment FOUR, the HARD CHARGERS, to complete successful deployment preparations and qualifications onboard USS RENTZ. Upon cancellation of the RENTZ' deployment, the HARD CHARGERS stepped up and successfully executed a short-notice surge deployment embarked USS PREBLE. Fair winds and following seas as you continue to sail westward

HSL-49 Ombudsman Newsletter

and support operations in the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Responsibility. We are already eager for your safe return. At home, the SCORPIONS continue to excel on all fronts. HSL-49 Detachment FIVE successfully completed all pre-deployment milestones and is fully qualified. They are the first SCORPION detachment in several years to complete the complex myriad of qualifications, certifications, and inspections in a 60 day period prior to their deployment date. This is a result of the hard work, dedication, and coordination of the entire SCORPION Team. Additionally, HSL-49 Detachment SIX is coming out of the maintenance phase early in anticipation of a fall deployment. The squadron also successfully completed the Commander, Naval Air Forces NATOPS Unit Evaluation with all programs On Track and test scores well above fleet average. CONTINUED PAGE 2

Air Crew member Haycen Casson Runs in honor of his father page 6 Join me for Scorpion Coffee!

Individual Highlights:
CO Contin. FFSC OPSEC Key Resources Picnic Celebrations Scorpion Kids 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Phone Numbers 9

Upcoming Scorpion Events

Command Picnic
June 21, 2013 See page 6 for more information

Scorpion Coffee
(Held Monthly) July Date TBA 9:30 am Please email
Hsl49ombudsman@gmail.com

for more information

Ombudsman Newsletter

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A Word from your Skipper

The uncertainty regarding our deployment schedules over the last several months has normalized somewhat but still remains very dynamic. We continue to see the schedules change significantly on a near daily basis as our Fleet Commanders assess the need and the feasibility of our support to operational requirements. In today's fiscal environment, we must be judicious in the use of our resources and that often entails detailed analysis leading to a deployment order with little notice. Our best strategy in the face of ever shifting requirements is to continue to plan and prepare for the redeployment of Detachment TWO and the early deployment of Detachment SIX. For now, Detachment THREE will make preparations to support the squadron's commitments in the spring of 2014. As events at home and in the world change, they may significantly influence our schedule. We stand ready to support our Nation's tasking. We are able to do this because of the love, support, and understanding of the fantastic SCORPION Family & Friends. Your patience and encouragement makes the success of your Sailor possible. An effort to mitigate the uncertainty of our operational deployments is the institution of our fixed working hours. With few exceptions, gone are the days of endless work days and uncertainty of working weekends. We implemented a plan that gives your SCORPION a known start and stop to their shift to include dedicated periods for exercise and professional training while overall reducing the working hours during the week. When there are times we must shift the working hours for a squadron supported event such as the Helicopter Advanced Readiness Period (HARP), I will endeavor to make sure your SCORPION knows well enough in advance to plan accordingly. We eliminated the watch standing requirements when the squadron is manned and typically maintain three shifts during the work week. We maintain a four section duty rotation and leverage duty section personnel on Saturday to close out unfinished maintenance from the previous week or prepare for the next week's events. We quickly realized positive results both in productivity and morale. This plan is my contract with your SCORPION. I am committed to it and this will remain in place provided we are able to continue to sustain sufficient technical qualifications across our three shifts to meet our operational tasking. SCORPIONS who are behind on their qualification attainment will be required to invest additional time on Saturdays to get caught up; however, this aspect has only been implemented on a handful of occasions. Some of you may be asking, "Well since this program started, my Sailor still works long days and late nights, Why?" The answer is simple - your SCORPION is a dedicated professional. The men and women who comprise this squadron are committed to excellence and at certain periods this demands more time to ensure the job is done right. I am exceptionally proud of the continued pursuit of excellence by each and every SCORPION. Of course, it hasn't been all hard work and no play for the SCORPIONS. Thank you to our dedicated MWR Team for an outstanding Easter Party/Open House. Each year this event gets bigger and it's great to see so many families participate in the fun. Additionally, your SCORPIONS joined in Naval Base Coronado's Stomp Out Sexual Assault Awareness campaign by participating in a 5K run/walk along the San Diego Bay. It was a fantastic showing and the SCORPIONS by far had the largest command presence. As we look forward to the summer months, our MWR Team is already planning for an outstanding command picnic. I strongly encourage everyone who can to come out and enjoy the fun, friendship, and games. As we move forward, we will continue to adapt to the changes in our schedule and where and when possible, ensure our SCORPION Family and Friends are informed through the fantastic work of our Command Ombudsman, Ms. Sarra Suazo. Thank you again for all the support each you provides your loved one. It is an honor and privilege to serve with your SCORPION. All the best, CDR Bill Sherrod

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Ombudsman Newsletter A Word from your Ombudsman

Summer is upon us! School is out soon, for those in traditional schedule schools that is. Be sure to check out the Blue Star Museums article. There are many museums in the San Diego Area participating this year, and you as a military family, get in free! The next issue of the newsletter will be all about disaster prep, if you have anything you would like to see, please email me! Also, if you have any questions you would like the Skipper to address, email them and he will answer those questions in the next newsletter! I look forward to seeing you all at the Scorpion family picnic on June 21! I will be giving away 5 CBTL Coffee Makers and kids prizes, donated by Operation Homefront! If I have not met you yet, I look forward to meeting you there! I hope you all have a wonderful summer, filled with exciting adventures and memories! Please remember you can contact me anytime, via text or call at 505-948-0837 or email me at
hsl49ombudsman@gmail.com

My job is to provide you, the

command families, with information, resources and referrals that will help improve your life as a military family.

Sarra Suazo HSL-49 Ombudsman

Organization in the Spotlight

Fleet and Family Support Center provides programs and services to help improve your life as a military member and family at no cost to you!

Fleet and Family Support Programs (FFSP) support individual and family readiness through a full array of programs and resources which help Navy families to be resilient, well-informed and adaptable to the Navy

environment. Programs include: Deployment Support for Sailors and their Families Personal and Family Wellness Education and Counseling Emergency Preparedness and Response Crisis Intervention and Response

Military and Personal Career Development Financial Education and Counseling Relocation Assistance Transition Assistance Spouse Employment

Looking for fun things to do in San ThereDiego? are so many events in our area each month that it would be too hard

Find FFSC on Facebook, or call to schedule an appointment ofr see what services they can provide you! NASNI FFSC-

for me to list them. From festivals, to concerts, free museum days, Base MWR events and so much more! Be sure to take some time to check out the following websites when looking for fun events this summer!
navylifesw.com/sandiego www.sandiego.org www.balboapark.org www.utsandiego.com www.Sandiego.com

Ombudsman Newsletter Loose Lips Sink Ships

If you have attended any of the Det Nights or Scorpion Coffees, you have heard me refer to OPSEC (Operational Security) numerous times. I cannot express to you all enough the importance of maintaining OPSEC. We live in the age of technology, smart phones, computers, tablets, all granting us access to the World Wide Web. Also granting others access to information about ourselves, information you may not want others to have. Social media amplifies OPSEC risks because it enables a greater volume and increased speed of information shared publicly. Protect yourself and your family, and your sailor. Avoid providing details about yourself, especially related to a current or upcoming deployment. Avoid providing details about your family. Do NOT Post: ~Dates and times ships leave or return ~Dates ships pull into ports or are in ports. ~Do not tag locations of you or your sailor if visiting them at a port. ~Information about the Det or command is often privileged, meaning it is not for everyone to know. Did you know that many photos taken with smart phones automatically geotag your location? So, please wait to upload photos from your visit with your sailor until after you both have left that port. Ask yourself, What could the wrong person do with this information when posting on social media sites. If you are ever uncertain if your post violates OPSEC, please message me or email me and ask!

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Blue Star Museums

The 2013 season of Blue Star Museums is going to be the best yet with more than 2,000 art centers, museums, and exhibits offering FREE entrance for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are many museums throughout the country, check http://www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums for other locations! Here is the list of local (San Diego area) Museums participating in the program this summer! Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Escondido History Center Gaslamp Museum at the William Heath Davis House Japanese Friendship Garden Mingei International Museum Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Downtown Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, La Jolla Museum of Photographic Arts The New Children's Museum San Diego Archaeological Center San Diego Childrens Discovery Museum San Diego Chinese Historical Museum San Diego Botanic Garden The San Diego Museum of Art Veterans Museum and Memorial Center Visions Art Museum: Contemporary Quilts + Textiles

Page 5 of 9 Key Resources

Ombudsman Newsletter

Food, Clothing, Household Items and More! Navy- Marine Corps relief Society (NMCRS) NMCRS provides financial counseling, thrift shops, the Budget for Baby workshop, the Visiting Nurse Program, scholarships, and financial assistance to qualifying individuals. Schedule a free budget review! NMCRS offers nointerest loans and support to those who qualify. Purchase low-cost uniforms, clothing and household items at thrift store locations. Call (619) 556-8283 or visit www.nmcrs.org Military One Source Access a free 24 hour line for information and resources throughout the world, on virtually every topic. Call (800) 342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.com 211 Visit www.211sandiego.org call 2-1-1 from a landline or dial (858) 300-1211 from a cell phone to access information and resources, open 24 hours a day. 2-1-1 San Diego is a resource and information hub that connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free confidential phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of the County. Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program WIC provides vouchers, consulting, nutritional advice, and support to pregnant and new moms and children 5 and under. Eligibility is based on income. Call (800) 500-6411 or visit www.sandiegowic.org Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) ASYMCA provides in-home social work visits, emergency food, Virtual food Pantry, and other outreach programs. Call (858) 751-5755 or visit www.militaryymca.com USO FREE Tuesday Night Dinners!! Open to active duty and families. USO also offers other programs and resources. Call (619) 235-6503 or visit www.usosandiego.org San Diego Food Bank Call (866) 350-3663 or visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org for information about the Commodities Supplemental Food Program, the Emergency Assistance Program and more. Food Stamp Program by Health & Human Services For enrollment, call (866) 262-9881 or visit www.cdss.ca.gov/foodstamps San Diego Military Outreach Ministries (SD MOM) Call (619) 461-4164 or visit www.sandiegomom.org for free services, including gently-used furniture/household items, childrens items, weekly food and bread distribution, and more. The furniture warehouse is located at 6755 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123. Hours Vary, restrictions may apply. Operation Homefront Qualifying military families can access assistance with car repair, computers, moving cost, childcare cost, and commissary vouchers when available. Certain restrictions apply. Call (866) 424-5210 or visit www.operationhomefront.net Treasure Box $80 worth of food for only $32. Go to www.thetreasurebox.org

Ombudsman Newsletter

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Help Support One of our Own!

Fellow Scorpions, upon return from deployment this past December, I learned that my father had been diagnosed with Leukemia. After a day of preparing for what was to come, we began making the daily trip to the Miami VA hospital for Chemotherapy treatments. After the first week, everything seemed to be ok. We enjoyed our time together and I returned to San Diego. Not five days later my father was admitted into the ICU. I flew out that night, the battle was on. He was fighting cancer, diabetes, congestive heart failure, kidney failure and the list goes on. Most of the ailments were a result of exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He passed away after a five day battle, but hours before I told him that he was my hero and I would continue to make him proud. Early that same day I decided to do something extreme, so other fathers and sons in our position would have a better chance at fighting blood cancer. After a call to Team in Training I was signed up to run my first marathon and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society I am raising funds on behalf of my father, Bill Casson, who passed away due to complications of Leukemia (30Jan2013). His life was dedicated to helping others, specifically the youth of our country through Boyscouts and sports. He will forever be my hero. Every day I train to honor his legacy I will ask myself the question he often proposed, "Did you do your best to be the best today?" Please join me in honoring my father's legacy by making a donation; support my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures. Here is the link to my page: Http://pages.teamintraining.org/sd/rnr13/wcasson - Hayden Casson

Page 7 of 9 Ombudsman Newsletter Scorpion Family Events and News

PromotionsAM2 Candelaria James AWR2 Heath, Alon LS2 Palis, Cherrilyn LS3 Brooks, Michael AWR3 Cline, Nicholas AZ3 Haines, Tyler AE3 Kreatschman, Caleb AE3 Miles, Benjamin LS3 Nelson, Jazmin AD3 Schuh, Brandon AD3 Vavala, James AZ3 Ward, Brandon AT3 Wilkey, Joshua AMAN Beechler, Brittney AMAN Busby, William AZAN Ciaccio, Sean ADAN Eiland, Hunter AMAN Oquendo, Benjamin ADAN Orr, Garret AZAN Regan, Jennifer LSSN Roberson, Harry AMAN Thibodeau, Arthur

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Blake

Mr. & Mrs. Rochad Jones

Weddings, Babies, Awards and Promotions!

Send your announcements and photos to hsl49ombudsman@gm

Scorpion Kids- Our Everyday Heroes! Scorpion Kids- Our Everyday Heroes!

Page 9 of 9
Sarra Suazo HSL-49 Ombudsma
PHONE: (505) 948-0837

Ombudsman Newsletter Phone Numbers to Know

;
Chaplain Child Development Centers North Isalnd NBSD Murphy Canyon Naval Medical Center Chollas Heights Miramar Family Housing Department Fleet & Family Service Center Scheduling Information, Tickets & travel (ITT) North Island Bayside Village (NAB) Admiral Robinson Rec Center Waterfront Rec Center Pierside Caf (NBSD) NEX (32nd Street) Liberty Station Maxi Mart Legal Lincoln Housing Maintenance (toll free) Navy Gateway Inn North Island NBSD Navy Lodge North Island NBSD Navy Marine Corps Relief Society North Island NBSD MCRD Miramar Personnel Support Detachment School Liason Officer Tricare Appointment Line Veteranary Treatment Facility MCAS Miramar VTF NB Point Loma VTF (619) 767-7143 (619) 545-0259 (619) 556-3522 (619) 556-0031 (619) 532-7977 (619) 556-0540 (858) 577-4144 (619) 556-8443 (866) 923-6478 (619) 545-9576 (619) 437-3018 (619) 556-2180 (619) 556-2174 Not listed (619) 556-7498 (619) 221-1005 (619) 545-6437 (888) 578-4141 (619) 545-9551 (619) 556-8672 (619) 435-0191 (619) 234-6142 (619) 545-4477 (619) 238-1587/1589 (619) 524-5734 (858) 577-1807/1811 (619) 545-7917 (619) 532-4251 (619) 532-8225 (858) 577-6552 (619) 553-8582

E-MAIL: hsl49ombudsman@gmail.com Facebook Group Page: www.facebook.com/groups/HSL 49Ombudsman/

Commanding Officer (CO): CDR W.A. Sherrod (619) 545-0333 Executive Officer (XO): CDR J. Rimmer (619) 545-0333 Command Master Chief (CMC): CMDCM K. Blake (619) 545-0337 HSL-49 Quarterdeck (619) 545-0300

Command website: http://www.hsl49.navy.mil/

HSL-49 OMBUDSMAN P.O. Box 357135 San Diego, CA 92135-7090