THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 1994 TAG: 9409070503
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
SEA BAG COSTS RISE: The cost of a sailor's sea bag will go up Oct. 1 - 8 percent for women and 5 percent for men, the Navy Exchange Service Command said. Total price for a sea bag - a term for all the clothing a sailor is required to have - rises $74 for women and $39.95 for men with the beginning of the fiscal year. To soften the blow, the Virginia Beach-based command noted that for the first time, women's clothing will switch to civilian sizing standards so sailors will save on alteration costs. Up until now, military standards adopted in 1940 have been used. In addition, the Navy clothing is being designed to last longer - more metal zippers instead of plastic, for example.
WOMEN IN COPTER CREW: The cruiser Vella Gulf made history last week as the first Atlantic Fleet ship with a mixed-gender helicopter detachment aboard. The ship is on six weeks of counter-narcotics operations as air-warfare coordinator for Joint Task Force Four in the Caribbean. While no women are assigned to the cruiser's crew, Lt. j.g. Elizabeth Franklin and Lt. j.g. Lynn Stroth are helicopter pilots who are part of a five-officer detachment flying SH-60B Seahawks from its deck. They are from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 44, based in Mayport, Fla.
WHERRY IMPROVEMENTS: A Texas company has been awarded a $6.5 million contract to repair and improve the 273 units in Wherry Housing at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. The work also includes neighborhood improvements, such as replacing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, roads and stormwater drainage, and building new playgrounds. The work will be done during the next three years, beginning in January 1996. The units will be repaired as people move out, so no one will be displaced, the Navy said.
MILITARY APPRECIATION: The annual Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce's Portsmouth council will be Oct. 12 at Holiday Inn Portsmouth, on the Waterfront. This year the luncheon honors the Navy. The event is open to the public and tickets are $10. Call 397-3453.
- Staff report
COMINGS & GOINGS
ShipsActive-duty personnel
1990 5801993 Total526,391
1992 519
1993 464This weekTotal479,000
This week400
BY THE NUMBERS
Graphic
K. NEWMAN/Staff
WOMEN WITH WINGS
As the Navy opens up job opportunities for women, more of them are becoming pilots.
SOURCE: Navy Public Affairs Library
[This story is not available electronically. For complete text, please see microfilm.] by CNB