After a brief summer stand down, the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League is back in business and as busy as ever.
The September meeting was held Tuesday at the Officers’ Club on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, with nearly 100 members attending. Visitors included Island County commissioners Kelly Emerson and Angie Homola.
Intelligence briefing
The intelligence briefing was provided by Information Specialist Seaman Timothy Stinson, who discussed the Aug. 20 election of a new prime minister of Japan, Yoshihiko Noda; the current situation in Libya; the Chinese confrontation with an Indian Navy vessel; and an update on the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
According to Stinson, the actions by the Chinese on July 22, when one of its warships stopped the INS Airawat off the coast of Vietnam, raised some eyebrows.
“This is the first time China has confronted a country other than the United States or one of the countries touching the South China Sea,” Stinson said, adding that China claims the entire South China Sea, whereas most nations would regard the area of the confrontation as international waters.
Stinson said in terms of the drawdown of American troops in Iraq, the current deadline for withdrawal still stands.
Patrol and Reconnaissance mission Guest speaker for the luncheon Tuesday was CAPT. John Radka, Chief Staff Officer of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10. Due to the content of his address, we are waiting for final approval before publishing that portion of the story.
Military Appreciation Picnic
The Navy League’s annual military appreciation picnic will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. by the windmill at Windjammer Park in downtown Oak Harbor.
“This is a great event and a good way to get to know your neighbors,” said Navy League co-president and picnic organizer Beth Munns.
The menu will feature pulled pork sandwiches, hotdogs, coleslaw, chips, beverages and dessert. Live music will be provided by El Colonel Blues and Paid ‘N Full, plus there will be activities for children, lawn games and much more. Everyone is invited to attend, and those interested in helping are most welcome.
“Please come and help, whether it’s for 30 minutes or the whole time,” said Munns.
The picnic is sponsored by the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League, NAS Whidbey Island’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oak Harbor and members of the city’s business community.
