Jax Air News wins second place in Navy media competition

This is the third time the newspaper has placed in the awards competition since The Florida Times-Union began publishing the Jax Air News in November 2001.

Each year, the Navy holds the CHINFO Internal Media Award Competition to recognize outstanding achievements in internal print and broadcast products by Navy commands and individuals.

"The Jax Air News staff, led by Editor Kaylee LaRocque, is a truly dedicated, talented, hardworking crew who take their rolls as professional communicators very seriously. Assistant Editor MC1 Heather Ewton, is a former lithographer's mate, who has adapted to the role of writing, editing and layout to not only contribute greatly to the Jax Air News winning a CHINFO Award, but she won honorable mention in the feature article category," said NAS Jax Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Rick Crews.

"The Jax Air News staff members have made themselves available nights and weekends to cover events as well as guide tenant command collateral duty public affairs personnel contributing to the paper. It shows in winning this CHINFO award," he added. "I can truly say, the deputy PAO and I pretty much leave to base newspaper to them. They know what they are doing, they strive for excellence and they produce a quality product. You really, really appreciate a staff like them."

"MC2 Rebecca Kruck stepped up to the plate while Kaylee was on sick leave and MC1 Ewton was on maternity leave. She volunteered to come over from Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs to act as editor during that period. Since then, she has been a big, big part of the Jax Air News and NAS Jacksonville PAO team. Our newest member, MC1 Melissa Robertson-Leake, has also played a big role in the continued team effort to produce a quality, informative and readable newspaper for NAS Jax," he stated. Jax Air News which was originally established in 1940, became the first military publication for The Florida Times-Union when the contract was formally signed Nov. 7, 2001.

Today, the Florida Times-Union publishes three military papers in the area, the Jax Air News, Mayport Mirror and The Periscope at NSB Kings Bay, Ga. These three military papers fall under the realm of Specialty Publications Manager Joe DeSalvo at the Times-Union.

Creating an award winning publication while keeping the public informed and entertained takes a lot of skill, creativity and communication from the readers. All staff members are professionally trained military and civilian journalists and photographers.

On the Times-Union side of the house, a professional graphic designer creates page after page of artistic layouts, advertising representatives sell the many ads that keep Jax Air News published, Advertising Customer Services designs these ads, Output Productions creates negatives and plates of each page once its completed, press operators ensure the paper is printed correctly and the distribution department delivers the finished product each Thursday morning.

With so many departments working together, communication is a must. This is where the military publications manager comes in to oversee the day-to-day operations.

"Winning this award was definitely a team effort between our military staff and our colleagues at The Florida Times-Union. As a retired chief journalist, I have worked on numerous newspapers including The Periscope, Airwinger at NAS Cecil Field, Mayport Mirror and Jax Air News. I've seen a lot of changes in newspaper production over the years and have to say this is the best partnership I've ever experienced," said Jax Air News Editor Kaylee LaRocque.

"I've been fortunate to have known our military publications manager, Ellen Rykert for many years. She is one of the most dedicated professional women I know and keeps an eye on all aspects of our paper's production. Graphic Designer George Atchley is truly a creative genius. He consistently comes up with new ideas to catch our reader's attention and keep our paper fresh. And, our sales team headed by Linda Edenfield is what keeps our newspaper afloat each week," added LaRocque. "And, of course, my team of highly qualified photojournalists and special contributors are the ones who are out there in the field bringing our readers the most current, informative and interesting news each week."

Although winning awards definitely proves the Jax Air News team members are dedicated to their professions, the staff's goal will always be to provide the NAS Jax community with the news, information and special features the readers benefit from each week.