Deputy director of security to retire tomorrow

Newman, who was raised in a military family, joined the Navy in March 1959 In Kodiak, Alaska and completed basic training at NTC, San Diego. Newman has served in a variety of commands. His tours of duty included: USS Ammen (DD 527), USS Shelton (DD 790), USS Orleck (DD 886), USS Maddox (DD 731), U.S. Naval Magazine, Subic Bay, Philippines, Armed Forces Police Department, Olongapo, Philippines, USS Henry W. Tucker (DD 875), Task Force 117, River Assault Division 112 in Mekong Delta, Vietnam, Armed Forces Police Department, Brooklyn Navy Yard, USS Zellars (DD 777), USS John R. Pierce (DD 753), USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS 20), Shore Patrol Headquarters, La Maddalena, Italy and NAS Jax Security Department.

Newman retired from the Navy at NAS Jax in 1978 as a master-at-arms chief petty officer. He then joined the Clay County Sheriff's Office in Green Cove Springs, Fla. and served as a deputy sheriff.

In August 1983, Newman returned to the NAS Jax Security Department to serve as the station's chief of police. He was promoted to deputy director of security in 2003 and has served in that capacity until now.

"My most memorable experiences during my Navy career were going through basic training and completing a six-month Western Pacific cruise before my 18th birthday, having been in both Alaska and Hawaii before they became states, being on board USS Maddox during the Tonkin Gulf Incident in August 1964, reenlisting in full battle gear while on a combat mission inside the Rung Sat Special Zone in Vietnam by Lt. Cmdr. Dusty Rhodes and being a plankowner in the master-at-arms (MAA) rating after cross-rating from torpedoman's mate in 1973," said Newman.

During his career here, Newman has seen numerous changes on the base and within his department. "I've served under 13 different commanding officers with each having goals they wanted to fulfill during their term. Helping them reach their goals has been a rewarding experience. I've seen some wonderful changes especially the area of demolishing old and obsolete buildings to make room for building new and modern working and living spaces," stated Newman. "Some of the biggest changes have occurred in the area of enhanced security projects that, although largely transparent, have significantly helped to protect the station's assets and personnel. When stationed here in 1975, there were only 18 civilian police officers. I was the first rated MAA to serve in the department as a patrol officer. The security practices and equipment in use today were non-existent then."

"With the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the department grew to 350 civilian and military security officers. With the personnel growth, new monies because available to fight the war on terrorism. The department is now back to around 165 security officers. I am truly amazed at how all the military and civilian workers throughout the station tackle problems together, always as one unified team," he added.

So what will he miss the most after being part of the base security team for that past couple decades? "I'm going to miss my co-workers and the many daily challenges that come with managing a multi-faceted department. Most importantly, I will miss my many friends I've known for so many years. I am customer-service oriented and I truly enjoyed working with everyone and doing my part in providing a safe working and living environment," he continued.

Newman has other high aspirations for the near future. "I have other interests that I want to pursue and I feel that the opportunity is right for me to follow my dreams and still provide a service to the military and civilian community," he said. "I have filed my paperwork with the Clay County Supervisor of Elections and am now a candidate for the Office of Sheriff, Clay County. My three decades of experience in law enforcement and anti-terrorism procedures, linked with the ability to work with a diversified community as a proven team manager will prove to be beneficial to everyone."