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What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Samuelson
Find The Next ‘It’ Book at the Library See page 4
Assistant Public Affairs Officer and Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Editor MC3 Ryan G. Greene Skywriter Staff MC2 Kegan E. Kay MC3 Ryan G. Greene
Seabees Cut Out the Confusion with New Dirll
Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka See page 6 Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki
Changes to Command Ball Cap Policy See page 8
Let's Learn Nihongo The NAFAtsugi Spolight Happy Birthday! O tanjobi omedeto!
Contributors MWR Marketing Fleet and Family Support Center Commissary Public Affairs Navy Exchange Public Affairs NAF Atsugi Tenant Commands
When is your birthday? Anata no o tanjobi wa itsu desu ka? How old are you now? Ima nansai desu ka? I’m 25 years old. Watashi wa nijugo sai desu. What do you want for your birthday? O tanjobi presento wa nani ga ii desu ka.
ON THE COVER
Looking for some peace and quiet? Let the NAF Atsugi Library be your second home. The library is located on the second floor of Bldg. 949 and is open seven days a week, so be sure to stop on by for the next big read. 2
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. answers a question before leaving the Naval Air Facility Atsugi Air Terminal. Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene.
Pacific Fleet Commander Pays Visit to NAF Atsugi From NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Harry B. Harris recently paid a visit to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi as part of a familiarization tour of shore installations in the 7th fleet area of responsibility (AOR). During the brief visit, Harris met with Sailors and held an all-hands call to speak about upcoming changes to deployments and the USS Ronald Regan’s home port change to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Harris also spoke about the continued partnerships between the U.S. and its host countries within the 7th fleet AOR. “Maintaining stability, peace and prosperity is what the U.S. rebalance to the Pacific is all about,” he said. “A key component to that policy is strengthening our regional alliances and partnerships.” Briefly following his remarks, Harris held a question and answer session with the crowd, which was eager to know about details regarding topics like the Navy’s future involvement in the Philippines, and possible changes to Commander, 7th Fleet’s current liberty policy. Also during his visit, Harris took a brief tour of the installation just before heading to Tokyo to meet with Japanese government officials. “I am committed to deepening the maritime element of our defense relationships with all of our regional allies and partners,” he said. “There are three great ships that sail the high seas… friendships, partnerships and leadership.”
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NAF Atsugi Library Provide Living on Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi is often busy and noisy. Between the day-to-day operations of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) FIVE and the other commands, NAF Atsugi is a hive of activity. The NAF Atsugi library, on the second floor of the headquarters building, offers a quiet place for community members to relax and participate in various activities of their choosing. “The first place you spend the most time is your home and the second place is your job,” said NAF Atsugi Library Director Maria Cutler, “We want the library to be your third place. We want it to be a community resource, a safe place to learn and to grow and explore.” The Atsugi library offers the traditional means of books and magazines but also provides movies, music CDs, audio books available in two formats and eBooks. Culter said being in Japan allows the Atsugi library to link with the Yokosuka and Sasebo libraries. If the book the customer is looking for is not in this library, they can have it sent to them from the other libraries and then the customer can check it here in Atsugi. A change made by Commander, Naval Region Japan has impacted the installation and the strengthened the library’s purpose of assisting people. “Working with various companies like Netflix and Hulu, we have been able to take our bases off the “blocked” list,” said Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Terry Kraft. “That means you can now stream those sites without a US VPN address.” In response, the installation has closed Softland Video and removed the Redbox movie rental making the library the only place to check out movies and TV shows, with the bonus of doing so for free. The library even offers Netflix originals like “Orange is the New Black” series one on blue-ray, allowing community members a chance to see a new series without the need of paying for a Netflix subscription. These are not the changes that are impacting the library, with the Navy releasing NeRDs (Navy eReading Devices) the NAF Atsugi Library is part of a pilot program in trying out the benefits of releasing NeRDs to Navy Installations. 4
“This is really fun for Atsugi because normally they are going to they are ship libraries,” said Cutler. “Because they were designed for the submarines they are not Wi-Fi enable but there is about 500 books that are just loaded on to it. “Commander, Navy Installations Command is constantly looking for innovative ways and leverage the latest technologies to provide our Sailors and their families around the world with new tools and resources that can enrich their lives,” said Nellie Moffitt, CNIC’s Navy General Library program manager. “NeRD addresses this goal head-on, with a library of digital titles in a convenient and secure package that circumvents longstanding NGLP challenges in content storage.” The NeRDs go hand in hand with the Libraries’ online content where people can use their own eReaders to check out eBooks, audio books and other digital content after creating an account opening up to new audiences who prefer a digital output rather than paper. The library provides opportunities to join up with other community members with an adult book club, a children’s story time, and Japanese craft classes. Cutler said that book clubs, reading programs and classes allow members to make friends with people who share their interests and talk about books and relax. “The best thing about a book club is that you get to be introduced to new books, new genres,” Said Culter. “Things that you wouldn’t necessarily pick up by yourself but that are still fun.” “I want [members] to enjoy Japan and each customer has their own interest in Japanese culture and that makes me excited,” said NAF Atsugi Librarian Supervisor Yukihiro Kii. “Please come here and please ask questions. We really like for everyone to enjoy and stay in Japan.” The craft classes include Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), Oshi-e (pictures created from raised cloth giving a 3D appearance), Chigiri-e (Japanese art from using torn colored paper to create
im (Ja “ the yo ma or W W cla for “ thi fam str T up Lib the pa ca he he
es Haven Within its Pages Story by MC2 Kegan E. Kay
mages that look like a water-color painting), and Shodou apanese calligraphy). “What’s great about this is that you pay a small fee for e class and supplies and then you can actually take our project home with you,” said Cutler. “It akes it perfect for gifts for family members for decorating your home on a budget.” With other services such as public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning and available ass rooms the library is a provider r a variety of community needs. “The library is a place where strange ings become familiar and miliar things become range,” said Cutler. To keep up with the latest pdates from the brary, check out eir Facebook age and book atalog ere and ere.
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Seabees Carve Up the
With our newest tool, the CSS Shark Routing System, the NAF Atsugi Public Works Self-Help department can now craft artisian works on wood for farewell gifts or other special occassions. The new system allows us to construct these pieces with greater accuracy than could be done by hand, and allows for a faster turn around time, resulting in faster services for the customers. Currently, the Shark is only available to NAF Atsugi departments and tenant commands. If your command is interested in utilizing the new equipment, be sure to stop on by Bldg. 150 and speak with the Operations Manager who can help you fill out any necessary paperwork or call Self-Help at 264 - 0115. All we need to get started is a photo of what you’d like imprinted and we can get started right away. -Self-Help LCPO BUC Jeff Schutz
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e Work in Self-Help
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Wearing Ball Caps: What You Need to Know To sign up for any FFSC Class, Call 264 - 3372 Fri., Nov. 7: ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (216) Pregnancy Class: 1 - 3 p.m. (129) Mon., Nov. 10: Scream-Free Parenting: 10 a.m. - Noon (217) Tues., Nov. 11: Veterans Day: No Classes Wed., Nov. 12: Sponsorship Class: 9 - 11 a.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) SAPR and DV Training: 9 - 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. (Conf. Room) Thurs., Nov. 13: Spouse Orientation: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Navy Lodge) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129) Fri., Nov. 14: SAPR POC Training: 8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room) SAPR DCC Training: 1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room) Mon., Nov. 17: AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Scream-Free Parenting: 10 a.m. - Noon (216) Tues., Nov. 18: NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Wed., Nov. 19: NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Thurs., Nov. 20: Ombudsman Assembly Meeting: 5 - 6 p.m. (216)
Story by Chief of Personnel Public Affairs Office
Optional wear of the Navy and command ball caps was authorized Sept. 1 with Navy Working Uniforms (NSU) (Type I, II and III) as well as with flight suits, coveralls, Flame Resistant Variant (FRV) coveralls and the Navy physical training uniform. The Uniform Matters Office continues to receive a large number of questions and plenty of feedback on the optional wear of the Navy and command ball caps. Based on your questions, here are the top five things you need to know about wearing ball caps: 1. The Navy ball cap is a seabag-issued item first received by Sailors at boot camp. Replacements can be purchased using the annual clothing replacement allowance for enlisted E1-E6 personnel. It is considered the property of the Sailor upon purchase. 2. The command ball cap is organizational clothing procured by the command (meaning that the supply officer buys them using operating target (OPTAR) funds) and issued to the Sailor by their assigned command. Sailors may purchase command ball caps with their personal funds, just as they purchase command badges, patches, belt buckles, and other permissible uniform items. However, since the command ball cap is not a seabag item, Sailors cannot be required to purchase it. 8
3. If a Sailor is authorized to wear NWUs out in town, he or she may wear the Navy or command ball cap. Ball caps may be worn with civilian clothes provided they do not have rank insignia or command titles reflected (i.e. CO, XO, CMC, CHENG, OPS, DECK LCPO, etc.). Command ball caps may substitute the Navy logo with the command name and logo and a Sailor’s last name can be embroidered centered on the back of the cap in command colors. The ball cap is made of standard navy blue wool, synthetic, or blended fabric. 4. Commands may prescribe the eight-point cover with the NWUs for Sailors in formation at a ceremony or formal occasion. In this case, the ball cap shouldn’t be worn. 5. The Navy and command ball caps may be worn with the NWU, Navy flight suits, navy blue coveralls, flame resistant coveralls, and the Navy physical training uniform. For more information on uniform regulations and a list of FAQs relating to the ball caps, visit the Uniform Matters Office website here. Or email umo_cmc@navy.mil for feedback on uniform matters and usnpeople@gmail.com for feedback on other personnel matters. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit the website here.
Main & Home Store Hours: Sunday & Holidays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Minimart Store Hours: Sunday & holidays: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
NEX Gives Back to Students with its A-OK Rewards Story by Kristine M. Sturkie
NEXCOM Public Affairs
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has been offering students a chance to help pay for college through its A-OK Student Reward Program since 1997. The A-OK Student Reward Program offers all qualified students to participate in a quarterly drawing for monetary awards of $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or $500 for a total of $5,500 per quarter. The next drawing will be held at the end of November 2014. Any eligible full-time student that has a B-grade point average equivalent or better, as determined by their school system, may enter the drawing. Homeschooled students can also qualify with acknowledgement that the student has a “B” average or equivalent record of accomplishment. Eligible students include dependent children of active duty military members, reservists and military retirees enrolled in 1st through 12th grade. Dependent children without an individual Dependent Identification Card must be accompanied by their sponsor to submit their entry. Each student may enter only once each grading period and must re-enter with each qualifying report card. To enter the drawing, stop by any NEX with a current report card or progress report and have a NEX associate verify the eligibility. Then fill out an entry card and obtain an A-OK ID which entitles the student to19 discount coupons for NEX products and services. Along with the award, each winner will receive a lapel pin, certificate and medallion ribbon “In Honor of Academic Excellence.” Since the program’s inception, NEXCOM has awarded over $640,000 to students with
Photo Courtesy of the Navy Exchange
the help of its generous vendor partners. For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit here. The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) oversees 100 Navy Exchange facilities and nearly 300 stores worldwide; 39 Navy Lodges; ship stores; Uniform Program Management Office; the Navy Clothing Textile and Research Facility and the Telecommunications Program Office. NEXCOM’s mission is to provide authorized customers quality goods and services at a savings and to support quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families. NEXs and Navy Lodges operate primarily as a non-appropriated fund (NAF) business instrumentality. NEX revenues generated are used to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. In FY13, $2.7 billion in sales were generated with $51.9 million in dividends provided to Navy MWR programs. 9
Liberty Center Hours: Sunday & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - Midnight Ranger & Halsey Gym Hours: Sunday & Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Family Passport Promo
Throughout the month of November MWR is celebrating Military Family Appreciation Month. The Family Passport offers Atsugi families a chance to play and win $25 MWR gift cards by participating in base activities and events. Look for the free passports and details at Cinema 77, Ranger Gym or the Library. For any questions, call MWR at 264-3574.
Veterans Day Special
On Tues., Nov. 11 from 1 - 9 p.m. at Atsugi Lanes all U.S. active duty and retired military bowl two games for the price of one and get free rental shoes. Must present I.D. card to receive discount (discount is per I.D. holder). This event is Family Passport Promotion eligible! For more information on this and other great MWR specials, be sure to stop by the MWR ITT and Tours Offices today to sign up, or call MWR at 264 - 3574.
ITT Photo Contest
Wanted: Tour Guides
George Wallace
NAF Atsugi Tours office is looking for enthusiastic, well-experienced Japan tour guides. Call 264-3786 or stop by our offices located in Bldg. 978 for more info on how to sign up today.
If you’ve been on an MWR trip while stationed here at NAF Atsugi, then we’re looking for your photo! Call MWR at 264 - 3770 to submit your photo and enter to win a $25 tours gift certificate! Stand-up comedian George Wallace, who has headlined at the Flamingo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for over 10 years, is coming to NAF Atsugi Sat., Nov. 8 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the ACC. This is a free all-hands, adults-only (ages 18+) event.
Late Night Liberty Movie Madness
E1-E4 Sailors get a free movie ticket and mini snack combo for the 10 p.m. show every Friday and Saturday. Sign up at the Corner Pocket Cash Cage or call 264-4750 with questions.
Kids Go Running Club
This 12-week program equips kids ages 7-16 with the physical training and goal-setting mentality needed to accomplish their running goals and push themselves in ways they never knew possible. The group meets twice a week to help kids train to be able to participate in the Trick or Treat 5K and Turkey Trot 5K runs. Call 264-3826 for more info. 10
Replay Tuesdays
Come to Skymasters Lounge on Tuesday evenings to enjoy Huddle Menu specials, draft beer and Monday Night Football 6 - 9 p.m.!
Christmas Flea Market
Come on out Sat., Nov. 20 for the annual Before Christmas Flea Market and Craft Fair. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Sell items you no longer need or items you’ve made at the MWR Flea Market. The cost for a table is $7, and it’s 50¢ per chair. Sign up at the Corner Pocket Cash Cage.
NAF Atsugi Commissary
Observes Veterans Day with Exclusive Savings Story by Kevin L. Robinson DeCA Public Affairs
Commissaries worldwide are offering exclusive savings events leading up to Veterans Day. During what’s billed as the “Support Your Veterans Day Sales Event,” stores are collaborating with their industry partners to offer exclusive savings through instore sales promotions including high-value coupons and other discounts beyond the everyday 30 percent or more savings. Stores are also offering product samplings, demonstrations and giveaways. “At the Defense Commissary Agency, we recognize the service and sacrifices our military have made throughout our nation’s history to safeguard our freedom,” said DeCA Sales Director Tracie Russ. “We honor their commitment by delivering the best commissary benefit possible.” In some instances, commissaries are holding Veterans Day commemoration events. Patrons are asked to check their store for any locally scheduled events. They can also check the DeCA website at www.commissaries.com, select the “Shopping” link and click on “Sales & Events” tab for the latest in promotional information. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions: The Comforts from Home Project. When commissary customers enter a code online from specially marked packages of Marie
Callender’s meals or desserts, Marie Callender’s will make a donation of 50 cents per unit to the USO for a maximum contribution of $250,000. In a nationally televised event, “A Hero’s Welcome,” the Comforts from Home Project will also welcome home a soldier from overseas to a completely renovated house. This show, hosted by actor Gary Sinise, will air Nov. 11 across a range of TV networks: HGTV, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country. “Patriot Perks.” In observance of Veterans Day, several commissary vendors are offering “free perks” on the purchase of at least $15 worth of participating products in stateside commissaries. Patrons can visit the “Sales & Events” tab on www. commissaries.com for details on submitting their commissary receipt to qualify for a free perk of their choice. “Believe in Heroes!” Acosta and its participating brand products are offering 300,000 flyers with high-value coupons. During the sale, most participating brands will provide donations to the Wounded Warrior Project foundation. See store displays for details. Commissary patrons are also reminded to continually check the DeCA website here, select the “Shopping” link and click on “Sales & Events” tab for the latest in promotional information. The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure 11
shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save an average of 30 percent or more on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country. Visit here to learn more about the Defense Commissary Agency: check out the latest news, find a store near you, see what’s on sale, create a shopping list, learn of food and product recalls, scan employment opportunities, read frequently asked questions, submit a customer comment form online through DeCA’s Your Action Line. Store Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Mondays Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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