Naval Support Activity Philadelphia

05/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this inaugural installation-wide talent show May 20 and to all of the participants who shared their incredible talents on stage. The event showcased the creativity, diversity, and spirit of our workforce community across the installation.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

🥇 First Place: Jay Ko, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) — for an impressive performance reciting the Declaration of Independence while juggling.

🥈 Second Place: Lily Heinemann, DLA Troop Support Medical — for a captivating Irish dance performance.

🥉 Third Place: Sharon Boyle, NSA Child & Youth Programs — for a memorable and entertaining vocal performance inspired by a Jersey Shore seagull.

🎤 Fourth Place: Kadeem Dwyer, DLA Troop Support Capital Equipment — for a standout comedy routine.

The first-place winner received a $200 prize in tickets of their choice from the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Ticket Office.

Events like this highlight the talent, camaraderie, and strong sense of community that make NSA Philadelphia such a special place to work and serve.

Congratulations again to all participants, and thank you to MWR for putting it on and everyone who helped make the first NSA Philadelphia’s Got Talent a success.

Now is the time to start prepping your routine, because we’re already looking forward to next year’s show!

📷: Courtesy of Kathleen McKenney

05/28/2026

Earlier this month, at the beginning of a Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Public Works Department Pennsylvania (PWD-PA) safety day, Michael McVey, Michael Szostek, Keith Esbensen, and Nicholas Buccieri Jr. were presented the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for their life-saving actions during a medical emergency at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia. Buccieri could not be present for the ceremony but was recognized before his peers.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in the midst of the city’s first major snow event of the season, NAVFAC crews were conducting snow-clearing operations to ensure the installation would be safe and mission ready for employees arriving Monday morning when one of their own, Russ Taylor, experienced a sudden medical emergency.

What happened next was immediate.

Crew members recognized something was wrong and sprang into action without hesitation. One employee ran for an automated external defibrillator (AED) while others began rendering aid, calling 911, and coordinating emergency response efforts. Working together under pressure, the team rotated through CPR and chest compressions while administering shocks with the AED until first responders arrived on scene.

According to the award citations, the employees’ “rapid recognition of an unusual health emergency event, immediate engagement and activation of necessary resources” directly contributed to “a successful discharge from the hospital, and a life saved.”

The citations also noted that the men’s actions reflected their “commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our most valuable resources – our people.”

Though recovery has taken time, Taylor was back with his team May 6 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, smiling as he personally presented the awards alongside Public Works Officer Lt. Cdr. JJ Kwasny.

After embracing each recipient, Taylor told the crowd, “If I had been anywhere else on the planet this wouldn’t have worked. I’m here today because of all of you.”

The ceremony served as both a recognition of heroism and a reminder of the importance of training, teamwork, and looking out for one another which represent values that remain central to the Navy team both on and off the job.

During the ceremony, several members of the workforce were also recognized for their years of federal service. Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Lt. Cdr. Jesse An presented Matthew McGovern with a 15-year service award and Kleisley Sime with a 10-year service award. Kwasny presented John Ciurlino and John Janda with 15-year service awards, as well as Robert Pettinelli and Donald Weidman with 10-year service awards.

05/15/2026

Base personnel gathered at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia for the annual Armed Forces 5K May 13, recognizing the continued service and commitment of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Events like the Armed Forces 5K reinforce the importance of physical readiness, resilience, and teamwork across the force while bringing the installation community together in support of those who serve.

Thank you to everyone who participated and thanks to MWR for putting on the successful event. 🇺🇸

📷: Courtesy of Kathleen McKenney

05/01/2026

Mark your calendars for this free opportunity to learn about how to support your military child's academics through moves and transitions.

Please tag or share this with those who might benefit!

School Liaison Virtual Lunch & Learn for Military Families: What is the Military Interstate Children’s Compact?

Who: Military families of all branches to include Guard and Reserve
Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm Eastern

Register and submit questions in advance to be answered during the webinar.

04/28/2026

Naval Support Activity Philadelphia welcomed military and civilian families for Take Your Child to Work Day April 23, offering young visitors an opportunity to learn more about the people, missions, and teamwork that support the installation every day.

Through hands-on activities and interactive displays, children had the chance to engage with different parts of the installation community while gaining a closer look at careers that contribute to mission readiness. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation hosted activities at the pavilion and outdoor basketball court, including an obstacle course and recreational opportunities for families to enjoy together.

Navy Security Forces provided children an opportunity to meet officers, explore a patrol vehicle, and learn more about training and force protection, including a demonstration featuring protective training equipment. NAVFAC personnel also supported the event with static vehicle displays and a “touch-a-truck” experience, giving participants a closer look at the equipment and expertise that help sustain installation operations.

Events like Take Your Child to Work Day help strengthen connections between the workplace and families, while offering young people a better understanding of public service, teamwork, and the many roles that support the Navy mission. They also reflect the installation’s continued commitment to supporting families as an important part of overall readiness.

Thank you to all of the teams who helped make the day engaging and meaningful for participating children and families.

📷: courtesy of Maj. James Murray and Lt. j.g. Alex Corona

04/23/2026

Service members and civilians from across Naval Support Activity Philadelphia came together yesterday for a basewide Earth Day cleanup, supporting installation readiness through environmental stewardship and shared responsibility.

The weather was damp and chilly, but volunteers braved the elements and spread out with gloves, bags, and safety vests. Participants worked together to remove debris, improve the installation, and help protect the environment that supports our mission.

The effort underscored that stewardship and readiness go hand in hand. A clean, well-maintained installation contributes to safety, resilience, and mission effectiveness, while reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to responsible environmental practices.

Support from Civilian Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, which provided water and pretzels, added to the day’s collaborative spirit.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. Plans are underway for another installation-wide cleanup later this year, continuing a shared commitment to sustaining the spaces where we live, work, and support the fleet.

📷: Kathleen McKenney

04/21/2026

NSA Philadelphia came together on April 15 to celebrate the strength and resilience of our youngest heroes during a Purple Up Parade hosted by the Child Development Center.

Held in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, the parade brought our community together in a visible show of support for children in military families. Participants lined the sidewalk near the airplanes wearing purple, the official color representing all branches of service, to honor the unique experiences and sacrifices these children make as part of the military community.

Military children demonstrate resilience through frequent moves, new schools, and time apart from loved ones, all while continuing to thrive and support their families’ service. Events like this reinforce our shared commitment to recognizing their contributions and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and valued.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event meaningful for our military children and their families.

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📷: Courtesy of NSA Philadelphia CDC

04/08/2026

At Naval Support Activity Philadelphia and Mechanicsburg, Command Master Chief Scott Reed was promoted to his current rank by Commanding Officer Capt. Geno Dawson last month in a ceremony that reflected both his Navy career and his connection to his hometown city that launched his Navy career.

A Philadelphia native, Reed held his promotion at the Lincoln Financial Field, joined by more than 50 friends, family members, and colleagues. The ceremony itself was held in the Eagles’ locker room, in the shadow of their two Vince Lombardi Trophies on display for the occasion. Over the course of his career, Reed has served and deployed around the world, bringing that experience back to support Sailors and the mission across NSA Philadelphia and Mechanicsburg.

Command Master Chiefs play a critical role in maintaining standards, strengthening command climate, and ensuring Sailors are trained, ready, and equipped to meet mission requirements - Master Chief Reed’s impact on the installation has certainly upheld that expectation.

Reed’s promotion reflects a continued commitment to leadership and readiness, grounded in years of service at home and abroad.

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04/01/2026

At Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, Sailors are actively supporting the mission every day while preparing for the next chapter in their service.

Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class Martin Delrio, a native of Los Angeles, California, recently reenlisted at The Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park, choosing to continue his service in the United States Navy.

Reenlisted by Commanding Officer Capt. Geno Dawson and joined by his wife and two daughters, Delrio’s ceremony also recognized the strength and support of his family. He will soon transfer to Norfolk, Virginia, where he will report to the USS George H.W. Bush, which got underway March 31.

From installations to the fleet, our Sailors are trained and ready with the skills, tools, and mindset to support the mission wherever they are needed. 🇺🇸⚓️

03/25/2026