Capital Chapter Comes Together at Union Street Pub for Happy Hour

A last minute happy hour at the Union Street Pub in Old Town drew quite a crowd on Wednesday, 12 November. The social event was originally scheduled for 5 November but was postponed after the Senior Leader Symposium was cancelled due to the government shutdown. A nice cross-section of members — and prospective members — showed up, including some brand-new members. It was great to see several junior officers mingling among the crowd as well. Notably, there was a strong showing of 5-6 new Direct Commission Officers (DCOs) — future NIP members — thanks to Ensign Samantha Leung, who invited them. Many of the DCOs are going participate in the upcoming change of command on Saturday for Captain Kathleen Powell, who was also present. Captain Powell will be turning over command of NIFR REDCEN Washington DC to Captain Brian “Wookie” Kalamajka. 

NIP Chair Vice Admiral (Ret) Bob Sharp summed up the evening perfectly: “What a phenomenal event that brought together retirees, active duty and reservists, officers and enlisted, admirals and ensigns, uniformed and civilian Naval Intelligence professionals!” Even the bartender commented on what a great group was gathered together on Wednesday night.

It was hard to get everyone in the photo!

Tom Maloney, Phil Kosmacki, CAPT (Ret) Brian Nicholson and brand-new NIP member Chris Kasulaitis!

LT Mike Martenak and CDR Tim Cameron with the Himes and Tiefels

Reserve presence was led by CAPTs Kathleen Powell and Kathleen Hawk, standing next to new DCO ENS Chadd Dunn.

Dynamic Mother-daugher combo — ENS Samantha Leung and CAPT (Ret) Stephanie Leung — with CDR (Ret) Sue Himes