Scan pattern.

Almost a year ago, 10 Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) sailors from the Combat Systems Department received a check for $5,000 for a beneficial suggestion. On 16 June they received another $5,000 check to split among themselves. The sailors received the awards for overhauling the AM-3729/SR amplifiers, LS-474/U speakers, Type G telephones, AN/BQH bathythermographs and electrical workbenches aboard Eisenhower, rather than sending them to contractors for overhaul or purchasing new equipment. The project saved the Navy hundreds of thousands of dollars. The first check was awarded by command authority, then the beneficial suggestion award recommendation was routed through the Naval Sea Systems Command, which determined the sailors would receive an additional $5,000 reward. The Department of the Navy Military Cash Award Program is designed to recognize employees or groups of employees for ideas that benefit the Navy or Marine Corps through cost avoidance or cost savings. Any employee or private citizen is eligible to submit a suggestion. An item submitted for review must outline a plan to correct a specific problem, improve upon the quality, or create a new approach or method.

NAES Lakehurst, N.J., became home to approximately 40 Army National Guard helicopters as their crews trained at adjacent Fort Dix prior to their deployment to Iraq in late September. About 700 soldiers and support contractors from the 42nd Infantry Division's Aviation Brigade reported to Lakehurst in June. This is one example of cooperative efforts among the Navy, Army and Air Force due to the unique joint agreement that exists among three central New Jersey military bases--Lakehurst, Fort Dix and McGuire AFB.