What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer
Greg Kuntz Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Courtney Pollock Editor -in-Chief
Things to watch MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Skywriter Staff this summer MC2 Kegan Kay MC3 Ryan G. Greene
Summer water safety tips
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
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Let's Learn
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
Important phrases to know when you head out the gate: I’m going to see a movie this weekend. Konshumatuni eigawo miru yotei desu. That’s fun, which movie? Omoshiro so desu ne. Dono ega desu ka?
It’s a science fiction movie. Esu Efu eiga desu. What other kinds of movies do you like? Don na eiga ga suki desuka? Action and romance. Akushon Eiga, Ren-ai Eiga. 2
ON THE COVER
The Torii Gate stands as the entrance to Station 8 at 3, 250 meters and signals the beginning of the steepest part of the climb. Mount Fuji is the most visited, and climbed mountain with roughly half a million visitors each year. Photo by AG3 McArthur Albert II.
Chief of Naval Operations and Japanese Prime Minister Discuss Maritime Cooperation
Photo by MCC Peter D. Lawlor
Story by Chief of Naval Operations Pentagon
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, May 27 in Abe’s office to discuss regional security and maritime partnership opportunities between the United States and Japan. The meeting between Japan’s political leader and the U.S. Navy service chief underscored the importance each nation places on maintaining their strong maritime relationship to achieve strength and stability in the region through cooperative efforts. “Given the increasingly severe security environment in the AsiaPacific region the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance has become even greater than ever,” Abe said. “Through your visit I understand that we’ll see further collaboration between the [Japan] Maritime SelfDefense Force (JMSDF) as well as the U.S. Navy and that would mean of course the alliance between Japan and the United States. I believe that would have a positive impact on the
peace and stability of the entire AsiaPacific region.” During the meeting, Abe explained that Japan’s political leadership has been examining the relationship between their constitution and the right of collective self-defense and other issues that would enable Japan to more swiftly and efficiently contribute to regional and global peace and stability. Japan’s consideration and debate of exercising the right of collective self-defense has been followed with interest by Greenert. He stated from his viewpoint collective self-defense provides greater opportunity for more effective operational cooperation among critical allies, which is key to maintaining the security of Northeast Asia. On another topic, Abe stated that following President Barack Obama’s visit to Tokyo in April Obama’s public reaffirmation of the United States’ position to uphold an existing defense treaty with Japan was meaningful to promoting stability in the region and bringing the two ally nations closer together. 3
Greenert, having lived and served in Japan, said he understands the significance of the Asia-Pacific, the partnerships there and the significance of the alliance between the United States and Japan. Greenert added that as the CNO for nearly the past three years he has enjoyed a close relationship with his counterpart in the JMSDF, Chief of Staff Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, and that the two will continue to bring their navies together while he is at the helm. “I commit to you and the Kaijo Jieitai [JMSDF] and to Japan that through the remainder of my tour I will work as hard as possible to make the alliance even that much more stronger,” Greenert said. Statements like that backed by action are what earned Greenert Japan’s Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun medal, which he was presented a day earlier by Japan’s Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera during a series of office calls with Japanese political and military leaders at the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Greenert said he humbly accepted the honor on behalf of the great men and women who make up the Navy for it is they who are the lifeblood and spirit of the organization. Greenert is in Japan at the invitation of Kawano for a counterpart visit to enhance cooperation between the two Navies. While in Japan Greenert will also meet with service members during two fleet engagement activities at Yokosuka Naval Base and Naval Air Facility Atsugi where he will have a chance to talk to and hear from Sailors, civilians and family members during all-hands calls at each location.
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Working in an excessively hot environment can be difficult – and even fatal. Heat can create a number of safety problems and illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. These illnesses caused by too much heat are called hyperthermia. Heat can also cause you to become inattentive, short-tempered, dizzy, and slow. All of these conditions can cause you to work in an unsafe manner. Hot conditions can be caused by the weather or by the work situation itself, such as a laundry-room or a foundry. When the atmosphere is humid, the effects of the heat are compounded. Here are the warning signals of heat illness: Heat cramps affects muscles such as those in the arms, legs and abdomen – the muscles which have been used while working. These cramps may occur after work, when the person is resting. Heat cramps are a signal that the body has lost too much salt through sweating. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that needs immediate attention. It may have any or all of these symptoms: A feeling of exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, pale and clammy skin, quick pulse, and low blood pressure. Heat exhaustion is also a warning that the mechanism which controls heat for the body has become seriously overtaxed. Heat stroke may follow if heat exhaustion is not treated. Heat stroke is a serious matter and it can be fatal. It occurs when the body’s heat control mechanism simply shuts down. Perspiration stops and the body temperature rises. The heart pounds and the skin becomes flushed and hot. This condition is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. Here are some tips for preventing heat illness: Get used to working in the heat gradually. For example, if the weather suddenly turns hot or you are transferred to a hot environment, take it easy until you are accustomed to the temperature. Drink water often to avoid dehydration. The body loses water through perspiration, so you need to replenish it frequently. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or caffeinated beverages because they will cause you to lose even more water and salt. Take frequent rest breaks when working in hot conditions. These breaks can consist of moving to a
cooler area or switching to lighter work for awhile. Get a physician’s advice before replacing salt, particularly if your salt intake is restricted for medical reasons such as circulatory problems. The use of salt tablets is not recommended. Eating lightly salted food – before entering the work environment – may be a better idea. Also available are special drinks which are intended to replace the body’s fluid and mineral levels. Dress lightly, in layers so that you can subtract or add clothing as the temperature changes. Be sure to shade the skin against the sun. It is important that you remain alert to the signs of heat illness in yourself and in your co-workers. If signs of heat illness develop, move the victim to a cool place and cool him off as quickly as possible. If you have any reason to suspect that the person may be suffering from heat stroke, call for medical help immediately. 5
Things to bring when you climb Mount Fuji: • • • • • • •
Yen Warm jacket Long sleeve shirt Heavy socks (wool) Hat (with a visor) and beanie Cotton gloves Small towel
• • • • • • •
Toilet paper (tissue) Headache medicine Comfortable shoes (boots) Rain gear (jacket and pants) Flashlight First aid kit Sun glasses
Mt. Fuji official climbing season is quickly approaching! Conquering this peak is on many people’s must do list for Japan but don’t let the number of people who tackle this mountain each year fool you. Mt. Fuji is still a mountain and proper planning is necessary for a safe climb.
• • • • • •
Water (two liters minimum) Nutritious snack food Sunscreen Chapstick Gaitors for descent Camera
vomiting, loss of appetite, or dizziness, you should immediately descend the mountain. The other major concern while climbing Mt. Fuji is weather. Due to its high elevation, the weather conditions can change quickly and drastically. It is best to be prepared with several layers of clothing that you can put on, or shed, as needed. Items such as a long sleeve shirt, transition pants (pants to shorts), hat, gloves, beanie and rain shell/jacket. Hikers should avoid heavy cotton clothing as it does not dry quickly. On a clear day, the sun on Mt. Fuji can be brutal. Take steps to protect your skin by applying sunscreen routinely throughout the day, wearing a hat, drinking plenty of water, and even wearing a long sleeve shirt to protect your arms. With some preparation, you too can conquer Mt. Fuji. Be sure to pack: Sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, sun hat, sturdy boots/shoes, extra socks, jacket, pain reliever for altitude sickness or soreness, and hiking poles/Mt. Fuji stick.
“Don’t forget to bring extra yen for the bathrooms and gifts at the summit.” - MWR Recreation Director Thomas Durning Mt. Fuji rises 3,776m (12,388ft) above sea level causing many people to experience some level of altitude sickness. While symptoms vary from person to person, some common ailments include headache, tiredness and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop and rest for 30 minutes before proceeding. Pain relievers and plenty of liquids can help with reducing the headache. If you experience extreme symptoms such as severe headache, vertigo, 6
CPSC Calls All Families to Take Pool Safety Pledge
Story Courtesy of Pool Safely Washington D.C.
New reports released today from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that nearly 400 pool and spa drownings occur each year in the United States that involve children younger than 15 years old, with more than 75 percent involving children younger than 5. Government data also indicate that the majority of the fatalities involving children younger than 15 occurred at a residence, while residential locations also dominated incidents involving victims younger than 5 (50 percent for injuries and 85 percent for fatalities). “Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4,” said Acting CPSC Chairman Robert Adler. “Most of these incidents happen at home, and all of these tragedies are preventable. I urge all parents and caregivers to teach children to swim or sign them up for swim classes, put a fence around all pools, and always watch children in and around the water.” “Summer is a terrific time to learn how to swim — for both adults and children — and I am pleased to support the CPSC’s efforts to promote pool safety,” said Katie
Ledecky, Olympic gold medalist and World Record Holder. “This summer, I encourage all parents to find ways to teach their children how to swim and to be safe in and around the water. Swimming is not only a lifelong and fun sport, but also an important survival skill.” With these important tips in mind, CPSC’s Pool Safely campaign has launched the Pool Safely Pledge, a checklist that adults can use to commit to a safe swim season. Specifically, the pledge calls for adults to designate a water watcher every single time children in their care are in or near the water; make sure kids in their care know how to swim; learn CPR; and ensure that all pools have a proper fence, gate, and safe drain covers. In addition to the adults’ pledge, CPSC has issued a Pool Safely pledge for children so that children can be involved in their own water safety. The kids’ pledge states that they will never swim alone, will ask their parents to sign them up for swimming lessons, and promise to stay away from drains in pools and hot tubs. Memorial Day weekend represents the traditional start of the summer swim season, and once again, the Pool Safely campaign is focusing 7
on populations most at risk of drowning: children between the ages of 1 and 3 represent 67 percent of reported fatalities and 64 percent of injuries, according to CPSC. African American children between the ages of 5 and 19 are 5.5 times more likely to drown in pools than white children that age, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disparity in swimming ability is greatest at 11−12 years; at these ages, African American children drown in pools at 10 times the rate of white children, according to the CDC. CPSC’s 2014 Pool and Spa Submersions: Estimated Injuries and Reported Fatalities Report shows annual averages of: 390 pool- or spa-related drownings for children younger than 15, with 76 percent (296) of the victims being younger than 5; 4,900 pool- or spa-related emergency department-treated submersion injuries for children younger than 15, with 78 percent (4,000) of the injured being younger than 5. Residential locations dominated incidents involving victims younger than 5 years old; 85 percent of the fatalities occurred at residential pools or spas. For more on this story, click here.
Story by MCC David Rush
a rider can then develop effective risk management practices. Risk management is an essential part of safe riding and lessons learned from motorcycle mishaps highlight this fact. Riders must recognize their skill level and develop a ride plan that limits themselves to within their safe operating limits.” All Sailors know how to implement Operational Risk Management, or O.R.M, to their jobs at sea and shore. The same applies to risk management when riding a motorcycle. “This limit might be daytime group rides only or not riding on highways, or some other self-imposed limitation on when, where, and how a rider will ride,” said Murphy. “Understanding your limitations and determining the risks you are willing to accept will define safe riding and should be done before you get on a motorcycle. The use of sound risk management practices, rider vigilance, and training reduces the probability of motorcycle mishaps.” Although military personnel receive training, obey the rules of the road, and wear PPE, that doesn’t necessarily mean that others on the road will have the same level of alertness. According to Murphy, when we’re behind the wheel of motor vehicles, everyone needs to pay attention to what’s around them. “In Hawaii we call that “Aloha Spirit.” It means for other four wheel vehicles to be careful and look out for motorcycles to help keep the roads safer for them. It’s sharing the road, slowing down, and not falling into lazy habits like not using turn signals. Recognize that mirrors in a car still allow for blind spots and to ensure a space is clear best practice is to turn your head and look into the blind spot.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen and it leads to life ending consequences. “Tragically, two fatal motorcycle mishaps occurred when the drivers failed to see and turned into the rider. Changing the driving habits of motorists and motorcyclists alike will help decrease the number of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are reminded to make sure that they are visible to motorists, and that they strictly follow the rules of the road,” said Murphy. For more on motorcycle safety, check out more here.
NPASE West, Detachment Hawaii
Although great strides have been made in motorcycle safety gear and training programs in recent years, Sailors and Marines continue to incur injuries and, in extreme cases, lose their lives while riding motorcycles. According to the Navy Safety Center, motorcycle injuries and deaths have decreased in the last five years, but there is still room for improvement. In 2013, there were 17 Sailor motorcycle fatalities, a dramatic decrease from the 33 fatalities in 2008. Nonetheless, one fatality is too many according to Cmdr. Leo Murphy, Commander, Pacific Fleet safety officer. “Even when riders wear the proper safety equipment and complete the mandatory training and refresher courses, motorcycle riding remains an inherently dangerous mode of transportation,” said Murphy. “Riding motorcycles is a high risk activity. The risks are inherent to riding and cannot be feasibly eliminated. The best preventative measure that a rider can take is to increase their riding skill level. That is best accomplished through training provided by professional instructors. Statistically, there is a direct correlation with the training the Navy provides and a reduction in motorcycle mishaps.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and proficiency in order to avoid becoming a statistic. “Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bike, it is better to learn the necessary skills to safely handle a motorcycle on a designated road course, than learning through “trial by fire” on public streets,” Murphy said. “Preventive training pays, especially for inexperienced riders who are most at risk during the first year of riding. Rider skills training is the best tool we have in preventing motorcycle mishaps” In addition to increasing the necessary skills needed to get safely to and from your destination, being in positive control regardless of level of experience and type of motorcycle is vital, according to Murphy. “First those who choose to ride must understand the risks they are assuming. Once that fact is acknowledged, 8
Around the Community Fri., June 6:
ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)
Mon., June 9:
AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Capstone 1/2: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)
Tues., June 10:
ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Capstone 2/2: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Welcome Coffee: 10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge)
Wed., June 11: Photo Courtesy of Kina Andrews
Zama American High School (ZAMS) Seniors pose for a class photo around the Zama High Z. The seniors are scheduled to graduate on Sat., June 7 at 10 a.m. on Reid Field, all are welcome. Rain location, Cinema 77 by ticket only.
10 Steps to Federal Employment: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)
Thurs., June 12:
SAPR Bystander Intervention: 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Chapel) Resume Writing: 9:45 - 11:45 a.m. (216)
Fri., June 13:
Teen AOB/ICR: 1 - 4 p.m. (129)
Mon., June 16:
Premarital Seminar: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (216) Breast feeding Support: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. (220)
Tues., June 17:
DV Victim Advocate Training: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (AIMD) Tummy Time: 9 - 9:30 a.m. (220)
Wed., June 18:
DV Victim Advocate Training: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (AIMD) PCS/Smooth Move Workshop: 1 - 2:30 p.m. (216)
Thurs., June 19: CDO FAP/SAPR PQS Training: Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Security Officer Lt. Griffin Lotson (Conf. Room) Ombudsman Assembly: congratulates Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Ryan Blanton after being frocked 1:30 - 3 p.m. (216) in the base theater. NAF Atsugi frocked seven 3rd classes, four 2nd classes, Anger Management Class III: and five first classes during the ceremony. 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room) 9
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
Corner Pocket will be closed for painting June 9 - 12. Movie Corner Pocket Refresh The ticket sales will be available at the Cinema 77 Concession area. & individual summer pool passes are now available at the Summer Pool Passes Family Outdoor Pool! Family passes are $100 and individual passes are $40. The Outdoor Pool is open 12 – 7 p.m. on weekends until Jun 13 when it opens for daily operations.
dad to Atsugi Lanes on Sun., June 15 from 11 a.m. – 11 Father’s Day Specials Bring p.m. where he can bowl for $1 a game with $1 shoe rental! at CYP Central Registration (bldg. 3250) 2014 Summer Swim Lessons Register for summer swim lessons. There will be free swim level screenings available from Jun 17 – 20 at the Outdoor Pool from 2 – 5 p.m. For more information please call 264-3588.
New Theme Cuisine at the Golf Course Restaurant
Join us for lunch or dinner at the Golf Course to try our new Theme Cuisine specials. Each week will offer a different type of dish for lunch and dinner, customized at our chef station to be made especially for you! These dishes will be served for Lunch Mon. – Fri. and Dinner Mon. – Thurs. Check our Facebook page for the June 2014 schedule!
is currently conducting two Customer Satisfaction What’s on your Mind? MWR Surveys in Atsugi. ‘Paper’ Surveys are conducted locally at most MWR Facilities now and in July, while DOD- sponsored ‘Email’ Surveys are sent directly to some customers. Thank you for your participation!
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NAF Atsugi Commissary 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
Prepare for the Unexpected at the Commissary
Story by Kevin L. Robinson DECA Public Affairs
On May 20, 2013, Moore, Okla., home to 50,000 people on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, was struck by an F5 scale tornado, with winds in excess of 200 mph. Fourteen years earlier, Moore had also been the destination of an epic F5 tornado May 3, 1999, this one going down in history clocking winds of 318 mph – highest ever recorded. Natural and man-made disasters can strike anywhere at any time. And with the start of the U.S. Atlantic hurricane season June 1, the Defense Commissary Agency is reminding its patrons that they can save money by visiting their local commissary for the items they need in their survival package. “You should always be prepared for power outages, disruption of water or the possibility of an evacuation connected with a natural storm or man-made crisis,” said Randy Chandler, DeCA’s director of sales. “We want our patrons to know that the commissary has partnered with its industry suppliers to
offer savings for their emergency supplies.” Since April 1, an assortment of items has been reduced in price as part of DeCA’s severe weather preparedness promotional package that runs until Oct. 31. The package includes the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy duty shipper and duct), first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles and hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes Specific promotional items may vary from store to store. This preparedness emphasis parallels the peak activity for both tornadoes and hurricanes in the United States. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, covering the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Tornado season runs from April to July. In 2013, there were 261 weatherrelated disasters worldwide according to the Climate Central 11
website, which you can find here, of which 41 events each resulted in more than $1 billion in damage. The No. 1 weather event was flooding. On May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a less-active season with a 70 percent chance for about eight to 13 named storms, three to six of which could become hurricanes; and one to two are expected to be major hurricanes. However, the NOAA’s predictions cannot pinpoint a hurricane’s potential landfall – if at all – weeks or months in advance, according to their website, here. “Unfortunately, disasters rarely come with an exact schedule of when and where they will occur,” Chandler said. “So, it’s prudent to be prepared for any emergency.” For more information about preparing for emergencies, visit the following websites: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, here; the Centers for Disease Control, here; the Red Cross, here; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, here.