What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer
Greg Kuntz Editor -in-Chief
Sports &Friendship
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New Plans for Religious Ministry
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Traveling Abroad?
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The NAFAtsugi Spolight
MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley
Skywriter Staff MC2 Kegan Kay PS3 Vivian Blakley MC3 Ryan G. Greene Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki Contributors
MWR Marketing Fleet and Family Support Center Commissary Public Affairs Navy Exchange Public Affairs NAF Atsugi Tenant Commands
We want to spotlight people who are doing good things for NAF Atsugi, if you have someone you’d like to recommend or to submit a photo, please e-mail: at-pao@fe.navy.mil Or click the links below!
Click the images to watch the videos!
ON THE COVER:
View the trailer for the documentary that follows two NAF Atsugi Intercultural Relations Course instructors, and their week-long journey to help more than 30 students (each new to the area) get acquainted with Japan. Coming in March!
Fathers and daughters celebrated the 3rd annual Father Daughter Ball held at the Atsugi Convention Center. The ball is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the relationship between a father and daughter.
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Shirley Lanham Elementary School 6th Grader Logan Campe comes down a slide at a local park during the recent blizzard. The storm was the worst the Kanagawa Prefecture had seen in almost 45 years. Photo courtesy of Lisa Campe.
Navy E-Learning Offers Direct Access
Photo By Ed Barker
Story by Ed Barker NETC Public Affairs Office
Delivering on their goal of providing access to Navy training anytime, anyplace, the Navy Education and Training Command and the Sea Warrior Program Office announced Feb. 13 the availability of direct Internet access to Navy e-Learning (NeL) content. “Most Navy Learners were previously accessing NeL through Navy Knowledge Online,” said Hank Reeves, NeL project director. “That was a multi-step process that is now significantly streamlined with the ability to access courses directly, without going through NKO.” Using the direct NeL link here will take you directly to the ‘My Learning’ and ‘Course Catalog’ tabs of the NeL learning management system after login. “Going directly to NeL will make searching for their desired content much easier,” said Brenda McCreary, NKO service desk manager. “If you enter through NKO and use the NKO search engine looking for courses, you may
get numerous returns that aren’t very helpful. Going directly to NeL lets you use their search engine and that gets you strictly learningrelated returns, streamlining finding the course you are looking for.” Although direct access to NeL is available through the Internet, a Common Access Card (CAC) is still required for NeL login. Courses on NeL have been standardized to run using the Internet Explorer (IE) browser. “Many of our courses take advantage of the latest in multimedia content to improve the learning experience,” Reeves added. “In order to ensure compatibility with these courses, NeL provides configuration guides for many of the latest versions of IE. NeL also provides a plug-in analyzer to help customers confirm they are able to access and run the multi-media content, and both of these services are on one page. To access them, customers may simply click on the ‘Browser Configuration’ link, located in the NeL Help section, on the right-hand side of the ‘My Learning’ page.” -3-
According to Reeves, NeL is the world’s largest learning management system in terms of volume. “Virtually every Sailor, government civilian and contractor uses NeL to keep current with required General Military Training, including the newly-updated Department of Defense Cyber Awareness Challenge Course,” said Reeves. “Last year, the Cyber Awareness Challenge course had more than 232,000 completions, and last year we had more than four million completions for all courses.” “From the beginning, it was a goal as we implemented our new Learning Management System to offer direct access to our NeL users in addition to access through NKO,” added Reeves. “Although NKO was designed as a one-stopshop portal for the lion’s share of Navy electronic content, allowing access options for our customers only makes sense.” Since 2001, Sailors have depended on Navy e-Learning (NeL) to help advance their careers and stay current with training requirements. Courses range from Privacy and Personally Identifiable Information Awareness Training - required of all Sailors, Marines, civilians, and contractors - to specific training for individual units. Trainees using NeL complete between four and five million online courses annually from an offering of more than 8,700 courses. The Naval Education and Training Command relies on NeL for use in schoolhouses for individual skills and skill refresher training.
Sports Festival Ties U.S., Japan Together student who participated in the baseball game. “It promotes inter-cultural relations and helps you to experience the world.” The inter-cultural mingling didn’t end there, due to the cold weather and even a short burst of snow flurries, Americans and Japanese alike were found warming themselves inside tents set up by the SKDB, or enjoying a hot cup of tea while watching NAF Atsugi community members conduct a traditional tea ceremony. “I think it is great because it allows community interaction and gives us a chance to Photo By MC2 Kegan E. Kay Story by MC2 Kegan E. Kay do something fun with NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office the Japanese,” said Noelle Hale, a NAF Atsugi tea Last Sunday, Feb. 23, community members from ceremony performer. “The tea ceremony gives us a Yamato, Ayase and Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi chance to show that we are interested in learning about gathered at Ayase Sports Park for the first Japan-U.S. Japanese culture, and is a lot of fun.” The sports festival took a long time in planning and Friendship Sports Festival. The event, hosted by the South Kanto Defense Bureau coordination, requiring a lot of hard work on behalf of (SKDB), was geared towards friendly competition the performers, officials, planners and coordinators. between children from the communities in baseball The NAF Atsugi kid taiko drummers and tea ceremony and soccer games, and featured performances by performers practiced for months to showcase their Raffines Dance Entertainment team, NAF Atsugi kid skills in front of their audiences. By the afternoon, their taiko drummers and a tea ceremony conducted by NAF hard work paid off with a bit of sun and applause as the performers and athletes completed their work. Atsugi community members. “There is a lot to like,” said Mangrum. “I guess it is The highlight of the event however was the opportunity for U.S. and Japanese nationals to enjoy camaraderie the friendliness and getting to make new acquaintances. Don’t waste your time out here in Japan. You never through competition and inter-cultural exchanges. “We get to know our friends and our community a know when you’ll be in another country again.” The event ended with a food exchange of rice balls, lot better,” said NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Wieman. “We rely on the community so miso soup, hamburgers, an award ceremony and closing much for support so it is very import that we continue remarks. “I hope we get to do this again sometime,” said developing our friendships. That is why [this event] is Wieman. “I hope that our young children get to meet important to us.” The baseball and soccer games were played by teams a few Japanese friends and remember this as a life of both U.S. and Japanese children ages 13 through 18. long memory. As for the parents, I hope they take “[The event] will tell you a lot about their culture these memories back to the U.S. with them and have a and how they play sports in comparison to the U.S.,” wonderful image of Japan and serving in the U.S. Navy said Wesley Mangrum, a Zama American High School overseas.” -4-
Chaplain’s Corps Talks New Plan for Religious Ministry Story by Christine M. Witten Chief of Chaplains Public Affairs
Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd announced the release of the Department of the Navy’s Strategic Plan for Religious Ministry 2014-2019, Feb. 10. “Chaplains play a vital role for our Navy and Marine Corps team, providing counsel, building hope, and increasing the resilience of our force,” Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus states in the strategic plan. Navy chaplains and religious program specialists operate across a broad spectrum of environments to fulfill the mission of the Chaplain Corps: to inspire hope and strengthen spiritual wellbeing through the delivery and coordination of effective religious ministry at sea and ashore. The Department of the Navy (DoN) Strategic Plan for Religious Ministry 2014-2019 was carefully designed to support the priorities of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Commandant of the Coast Guard. The plan also advances Professional Naval Chaplaincy and expands on the goals of the previous strategic plan released in 2008, Tidd said. “Part of ‘Be Ready’ is having the opportunity to practice one’s faith wherever our Shipmates serve. Whether at home or operating forward, our Navy chaplains play a vital role in ensuring our Sailors, Civilians, and families have the resilience to meet every challenge they face,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert states in the strategic plan. Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant
of the Marine Corps, also remarked in the strategic plan that “chaplains are invaluable when it comes to ensuring we keep faith with our Marines, our Sailors, and our families.” Navy chaplains support the religious freedom of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, DoN Civilians, and families as well as support commanders as they carry out their charge of command by; providing and facilitating religious ministry, caring for all with complete confidentiality, dignity, respect, and compassion, advising commanding officers on the accommodation of religious needs; the spiritual well-being of service members and families; a moral and ethical command climate; and religious matters that affect the command’s mission. The strategic plan will focus on leveraging these core capabilities to meet three strategic goals: serve our people, engage with leadership, and meet professional standards, Tidd explained. “When professional religious ministry is delivered effectively, chaplains can help inspire hope, strengthen spiritual well-being, increase personal resilience, and enhance mission readiness across the Naval Service,” Tidd added. The strategic plan will serve as the foundation for policy and programming for the professional delivery of religious ministry across -5-
Official U.S. Navy File Photo
the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It will also inform and shape the development of professional standards for chaplains and religious program specialists. “Every chaplain oversees a command religious program which can address health of force issues that impact resilience and readiness in a meaningful, substantive way,” he added. “Each chaplain has a role to play in aligning their command religious program to support the commander’s mission and intent as well as the DoN Strategic Plan for Religious Ministry 2014-2019,” Tidd said. The Navy Chaplains Corps is currently comprised of 1,056 chaplains in both the active and reserve components, representing more than 100 different faith groups and religious organizations.
Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press
Process for OCONUS Leave Made Easy Story by MC2 Kegan E. Kay
NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office
Being stationed in Japan provides an easy opportunity to travel to other pacific region countries for leave. However, before going on leave to a foreign country service members must follow a specific process to ensure a smooth and successful trip. Throughout the process service members will need to get in contact with their command Individual AntiTerrorism Plan (IATP) Personnel clearance coordinator (leave coordinator), Isolated Personnel Report (ISOPREP) manager, medical personnel, and possibly Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) personnel. The first step is talking to the command IATP/ Personnel clearance coordinator. Giving the leave coordinator early notification, in regards to leave travel dates and the country of destination, eases the process of conducting the series of clearance checks required before travel. The lead-time needed for the clearance process is based on the destination country. Some require a special area clearance approval from the Department of State (DOS) through the Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS) in advance with the country’s required lead-time. It is important to talk to the leave coordinator first so they can inform the service member of the necessary lead-time and clearances needed for the country of leave choice. Next service members will need to complete two online trainings, Level 1 Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) Awareness Training and a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) 100.1 Level A Code of Conduct training. -6-
“The ATFP Awareness training is designed to increase awareness of terrorism and improve ability to apply personal protective measures,” said NAF Atsugi Training and Readiness Leading Petty Officer, Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) 1st Class Jason Calata. “The Level A Code of Conduct provides every military service member the legal way of how to behave if captured by hostile forces.” The ATFP Awareness training is valid for one year and should be completed annually by military members. The Level A Code of Conduct training is valid for two years, and though it is not mandatory, it is still a good idea to complete the training even when not going on leave. Level 1 ATFP Awareness can be found online here, and Level A Code of Conduct can be found under the Navy E-Learning section of Navy Knowledge Online. This training is listed as lasting a duration of 15 hours, so leave adequate time to complete the required training and leave process. The completion certificates for each course should be printed out and kept as they will be needed later to complete your pre-travel requirements. This is a good time to create a pre-travel file to keep all the paperwork together in one place. As part of the leave process service members will also need a medical brief. “It is a vital part of the process because it is the part where we give them medical information pertaining to the country they are going,” explained Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joey Mei of Preventive Medicine department at Branch Health Clinic Atsugi. “Some things we discuss are physical hazards, diseases that are epidemic to the area and how to mainly protect
themselves from water borne, food borne and more importantly infected borne diseases from insects like mosquitoes and flies that are over there.” Mei said the hospital corpsman provides literature on the destination country as well as gives pertinent information that is necessary for travel during the brief. If service members and any family members traveling need vaccines or immunizations before their trip they will be informed during their medical brief. At the end of the brief the service member will receive a certificate to add to their pre-travel file. For the next step in the process service members will need to fill out their ISOPREP and have it validated by the command ISOPREP manager. “The purpose of the ISOPREP is to provide details about one’s appearance and characteristics if one should ever become Missing in Action,” said NAF Atsugi command ISOPREP manager, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Eleuterio Santana. “The ISOPREP is also designed to contain contact information about one’s family, so that family members can be notified in the case of personnel becoming Missing in Action.” Since the ISOPREP contains sensitive and personal data it is important that it is hand carried to the command ISOPREP manager. An ISOPREP needs to be updated and validated every six months based on the previous validation date. Once all those steps are finished a Travel Tracker or an IATP can then be completed. It is recommended to wait until after completing this step before purchasing a ticket for leave in the event that clearance is denied. For the Travel Tracker or IATP, create an account here. Once there select, the”account” page to start. Next, click on “submit travel” to input travel information and make sure to select the right command name provided by the command leave coordinator. This will ensure the travel tracker or IATP is forwarded to the correct coordinator. While inputting travel information, service members also need to have the training certificates and medical brief certificates on hand to enter in the date completed and certificate number for each. Once a Travel Tracker or IATP is completed, the next step is to submit an E-Leave request through here. Keep in mind that certain countries and theaters require additional briefs such as Human Rights training and Naval Criminal Investigative Service Foreign Threat brief. Check with the leave coordinator for a list -7-
of all the training and briefs needed for each destination country. After filling out the e-leave, an Area of Responsibility Location Specific brief should be set up with the leave coordinator. Make sure to bring all the required certificates and passports of all travelers. If a flight itinerary is available then bring it. The leave coordinator will submit a Personnel Clearance Request and receive an approval or disapproval status through APACS. Once the approval is received and the leave request has been signed off, the last recommended step is to self-register with the U.S. Embassy in the country of destination through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) on the State Department’s travel registration website which can be accessed at here. STEP also allows service members to subscribe to e-mails regarding their country of destination to help stay informed of any updates to travel warnings and alerts. Before leaving, make sure to have all relevant paperwork for travel placed together as it may prove useful while on leave. Though the pre-travel process is lengthy and requires some running around to visit various personnel, it is well worth it once on leave.
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Upcoming FFSC & MWR Events 3 AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)
10 AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Breastfeeding Support Class: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. (216)
4 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)
ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)
ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)
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17 AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Baby & Toddler Massage: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (220)
AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Baby & Toddler Massage: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (220)
18 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Welcome Coffee: 10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge)
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ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Anger Managment: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)
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ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Early Pregnancy Class: 2 - 4:30 p.m. (Conf. Room)
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ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129/217) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)
ICR: 8:30 - 9 a.m. (129)
ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129) Stress Management: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (Conf. Room) Prepared Childbirth Class: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (216)
19 ICR: 8:30 - 9 a.m. (129)
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Baby & Toddler Massage: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (216) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) Anger Management: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)
26 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)
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Baby & Toddler Massage: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (216) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) Anger Management: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)
ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Sponsorship Class: 9 - 11 a.m. (216)
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ICR: 8 - 9 a.m. p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) Anger Management: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)
ICR: 8:30 - 9 a.m. (129)
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Anger Management: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) Volunteer Orientation: 1 - 3 p.m. (TBD)
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ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129) Communication Skills: 2 - 3 p.m. (216) Newborn Care Class: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (216)
28 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) SAPR POC Training: 8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room) SAPR DCC Training: 1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)
NAF Atsugi
Morale, Welfare, & Recreation
Ranger & Halsey Hours: Sunday & Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Liberty Center Hours: Sunday & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - Midnight Be on the lookout for the new “E4 & below Blue Jacket Liberty Seal”. Special Discounts at various MWR facilities, free trips and much more! Be sure to “like” NAF Atsugi Liberty here!
E4 & Below
Sign up for MWR’s 8-week weight training, conditioning and nutrition program (March 8 - April 26 at Ranger Gym) the program is open to all adults and is free! Be sure to register at the Liberty Lounge by Wednesday, March 5 to reserve your spot!
Beach Body Prep
Travel Fair 2014
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi will be hosting the annual Travel Fair March 8 begining at noon and running until 4 p.m. at the Atsugi Convention Center. Luch will be served at 11 a.m. with hula dancers, bounce house and live music!
Half Marathon or 10K
Be sure to register for the half marathon or 10K by Tue., March 4 at Halsey or Ranger Gym! The run will be Sat., March 8, be sure to come out and
support all your friends! For details be sure to check out NAF Atsugi’s MWR Facebook page here!
March Midnight Madness
Be sure to come out to Ranger Gym March 14 and 15 at 6 p.m. Team Rosters are due by Tue., March 7 and the prizes range from
$50 - $200 in Navy Exchange Gift Cards. MWR Recreation Division is looking for motivated and outgoing individuals to volunteer in upcoming community events. Open to SOFA sponsored and active duty personnel. Must be 18 years old or older. If you, or someone you know is interested, please email kris.atsuginaf@gmail.com for more information!
Volunteer Opportunities
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NAF Atsugi Commmissary Store Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Clean Audit Confirms Commissaries’ Fiscal Excellence
Story by Kevin L. Robinson DeCA Public Affairs Specialist
The Defense Commissary Agency’s fiscal 2013 financial statements have received a clean audit opinion from independent auditors, an evaluation that certifies the credibility of the benefit for its patrons, the agency’s director said. “Receiving a clean audit opinion validates the hard work of our DeCA team in delivering a commissary benefit while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA director and CEO. “This is the 12th straight year that DeCA’s financial statements have received this level of certification.” A clean or “unqualified” audit opinion is the highest possible ruling and reflects the agency’s use of appropriated funds to deliver the commissary benefit. The agency generates nearly $6 billion in annual sales and receives $1.4 billion in appropriated funding. During fiscal 2013, DeCA processed nearly 94 million transactions in its stores and delivered nearly $2.6 billion in savings to its customers. Commissaries also redeemed nearly 100 million coupons in fiscal
2013 for customer savings of about $91 million. “This type of independent and objective examination increases the value and credibility of the agency’s financial statements,” said Larry Bands, DeCA’s chief financial executive. “It demonstrates to our stakeholders and patrons that our reports are presented fairly, and that we’re accountable for all financial transactions.” The road to DeCA’s clean audit opinion began in January 2013 as the agency and the auditing firm laid the groundwork for a process that ended in December, said DeCA’s director of accounting, Cynthia Morgan. “Preparing for the audit is an ongoing and continuous effort,” said Morgan of actions that include monthly meetings of DeCA’s financial audit advisory committee agency, a group that keeps the agency on course by working closely with the auditor, internal directorates, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the DOD IG. “To be truly successful, you must have cooperation and commitment from all levels of your organization.” During quarterly reporting -11-
periods, agency accountants prepare for the annual audit by collecting financial data. Auditors from CliftonLarsonAllen, one of the 10 largest CPA firms in the country, later review DeCA’s financial statements along with internal controls over financial processes. The auditors check DeCA’s reports for efficiency and accuracy in the following key areas: Disbursements for accounts payable and undelivered orders, Funds balance with treasury, payroll, property, revenue accounts, appropriations and budgetary accounts as well as the financial reporting and compilation process, Compliance with laws and regulations, Time and attendance, Annual inventories of resale stocks, equipment inventories, property accountability, Information technology that support financial information, “Each year brings about its own unique set of challenges; but through it all, the DeCA team manages to put the agency’s best financial foot forward,” Morgan said. “As part of delivering an efficient commissary benefit, we are charged with being fiscally responsible. This clean audit puts a stamp on that effort.”