THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 8, 1997 TAG: 9701080509
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 60 lines
FIRST ``TR'' BABY OF '97: Joseph T. Mahachek III - 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 18 3/4 inches long - joined the list of the carrier Theodore Roosevelt's dependents at 2:07 a.m. (EST) Jan. 1, becoming the first of the crew's children born in the new year. Born at Bayside Hospital in Virginia Beach, ``JT'' is the son of Ensign Joseph T. Mahachek Jr., weapons department elevator officer aboard the Mediterranean Sea-deployed carrier, who said by telephone Tuesday that he was watching a fireworks display in Naples, Italy, when the New Year rang in. His wife, Silvia, was a bit busier, and probably will remain so, taking care as well of the couple's 15-month old daughter, Christina. ``Just tell them I love them, and miss them and would love to hold him,'' Mahachek said. ``Tell him the pictures and a video are in the mail,'' said Silvia.
SHIP TOURS: Two Navy ships will be open to visitors from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For updates contact the Tour and Information Center at 444-7637.
Oiler Artic - Norfolk Naval Station. Visitors should enter through Gate 2.
Tank dock landing ship Lamoure County - Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. Enter through Gate 1.
FIRST PHASE OF AVENUE PROJECT COMPLETE: Phase I of the Maryland Avenue road project at Norfolk Naval Base has been completed, opening the revamped northbound lanes three months ahead of schedule. The project ``on the main artery. . . represents a major upgrade in our attempts to recapitalize an aging base infrastructure,'' said Rear Adm. Robert Cole, commander of Naval Shore Activities for the Atlantic Fleet. The renovations were designed by the Navy Public Works Center in Norfolk, and constructed by PWC's Facilities Support Contracting Department and Asphalt Roads and Materials, Inc.
BONE MARROW DONOR DRIVE: Atlantic Fleet is sponsoring a bone marrow donor drive at the Norfolk Navy Exchange Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No appointments are necessary. The procedure requires the taking of a small blood sample. The Department of Defense has a goal to put at least 50,000 people on the national registry every year. For more information, contact Ens. C. Campbell aboard the carrier John C. Stennis at 445-6402.
PROGRAMS AT FORT MONROE: Two programs will be held at Fort Monroe in Hampton in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday; theme is ``It's Still a Journey.'' One observance is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 14 at the post theater, Building 42. A luncheon, beginning at 11:30 a.m., is scheduled for Jan. 15 at the Fort Monroe Club; tickets are $5.75 per person and should be purchased by Jan. 14. Call 727-3500 for more information.
CHANGE OF COMMAND
Cmdr. Roland J. Mulligan relieves Cmdr. Douglas A. Block as commanding officer of the guided missile frigate Simpson, currently at Marine Hydraulics International Inc., in Norfolk. Mulligan comes from a tour as chief of staff of Destroyer Squadron 22. Block is reporting to the carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower as reactors officer. The Simpson is completing an overhaul and will return to duty at the end of January.
Lionel ``Lee'' D. Eatroff, executive director of the Coast Guard's Facilities Design and Construction Center Atlantic in Norfolk - and the facility's highest-ranking civilian - retired Jan. 2 after 35 years with the service. He is to receive the Coast Guard Commandant's Distinguished Career Service Award at a ceremony Thursday.