What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Editor MC3 Jason C. Bawgus
Artifacts on Atsugi
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Skywriter Staff MC3 Jason C. Bawgus MC3 Ryan G. Greene MCSN Matthew Duncker Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura
April is Sexual Assault Awareness
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Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki Facebook.com/naf.atsugi
JMSDF Visits Atsugi
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ON THE COVER A WELDER
WORKS ON A PIPE FITTING FOR THE UPCOMING RENOVATIONS TO NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI’S HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM WHICH IS TAKING PLACE FROM APRIL THROUGH JULY AND IS BEING HEADED BY NAVFAC FAR EAST. (PHOTO BY MC3 JASON C. BAWGUS
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Turning the Page
Pictured above is a formal Japanese tea ceremony at a meeting of the EM Wives club here at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi in 1967, pictured right Members of the Atsugi Wives Association tie a kimono to Sophia Parente during a fitting at the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Fleet Air Wing 4 terminal. Parente was fitted for the kimono in preparation for Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s annual spring festival. 3
PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER
A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.
BLAST FROM THE PAST Story By MCSN Matthew Duncker NAF Atsugi Public Affairs uried deep within the earth exist remnants of history that have long since passed. These physical slivers of time remind us of where we have been and how far we have come to today’s modern world. Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Public Works Department, as part of the installation’s environmental and cultural resources program, excavated an area on base and discovered earthenware and other archaeological artifacts dating from 40,000 B.C. to 1863. “I think it’s fascinating that in a place with a rich culture and history that we found something as remarkable as these artifacts,” said NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey. “Even more remarkable was that they were found here on base, where you wouldn’t think they would be found.” Valerie Curtis, regional cultural resource manager at Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East (NAVFAC FE), said that research and excavation of the site started in 2014 at NAF Atsugi. “This excavation was part of a larger overall project that was programmed in 2012,” said Curtis. “As part of this survey we identified the site where most of the artifacts
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were found and several other as well.” Artifacts discovered during the excavation of the site include earthenware from the Paleolithic and Neolithic period, a piece of a mortar bowl from the Suribachi era, a piece of a Buddhist memorial tablet from the Chusei period and coins from the Edo Period. “The artifacts are a tangible, physical example of history,” said Curtis. “When you learn about history, it’s usually through reading or listening about it, it’s mostly auditory but with these pieces, they are tactile, you can literally touch and feel the history of this area.” Furthermore Curtis said that this discovery also highlights the positive relationship with the Sailors at NAF Atsugi Sailors and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), who also share the instillation. “What’s significant is the excavation shows that we are being very responsible with the resources we have here and are very respectful of that,” said Curtis. “We want to share our discoveries with not just the American population of this base but the JMSDF, who we share a base with and the general population outside the fence line.” Through the discovery of these archaeological artifacts, NAF Atsugi and the JMSDF can look back upon the rich history of the area’s past as we move boldly into the future.
地球の奥深くに長い時を経た歴史の息吹が存在 します。時間のかけらという積み重ねは私達に 私達がどこにいたか、そして、私達がどれほど の時を経て今日の現世界に来たかを思い出させ ます。 米海軍厚木航空施設施設部が環境文化資源プロ グラムの一環として基地内を発掘したところ、 紀元前B.C. 40,000年ごろからA.D. 1,863年ま での土器の破片を含む歴史的遺物が発見されま した。 米海軍厚木施設司令官、ジョン・ブッシー大佐 は「豊かな文化と歴史を持つ場所でこのような 出土品が発掘されたことは大変注目すべきこと であると同時に、基地というともすればこのよ うな発見を想像し得ない場所で今回の発見がな されたことに大きな感銘を感じる」と語った。 ヴァレリー・カーティス（考古学者で米海軍施 設技術部隊極東地域本部文化資源担当）による と厚木基地での現地調査や発掘は２０１４年か ら開始されたそうです。 またカーティスは、「この発掘は２０１２年に 計画された大きなプロジェクトの一部でした」 「その調査の中でこの場所を特定し、そこで多
くの土器や遺物を確認しました」とも話した。 発掘現場で発見された出土品には旧石器時代 や新石器時代の品、中世期や江戸時代におけ る仏教の位牌やコインなどが含まれます。 「出土品は有形で触れられる歴史の例です」 とカーティスは言った。「歴史を学ぶ時、通 常は聴覚的に読んだり聞いたりしますが、こ れらの出土品を通してこの地域の歴史を実際 に触れ、感じることができるのです」と語っ た。 さらにカーティスは、この発掘は厚木基地の 米軍人と海上自衛隊との友好な関係を象徴し ているとも述べました。 更に「この発掘を通して、私達が尊重される べき資源に対する責任を大変重く受け止めて いる事をご理解頂ければと思います。私達は 米軍基地内の米国人だけでなく、海上自衛 隊、そして基地の外の皆さんともこの発掘を 共有したいと考えています」とも話しました。 これらの考古学的な発見を通じて、厚木基地 の米海軍と海上自衛隊は地域における過去の 豊かな歴史振り返ることができると共に未来 へ向かって前進します。 5
SAPR PREVIEW
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MORE THAN A RABBI STORY AND PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER
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o Sailor is immune from the stresses of deployment or being stationed far away from home; from a senior officer to a junior sailor, everyone faces personal challenges. Navy chaplains are one source Sailors can turn to for help. They counsel Sailors, travel to forward operating bases to provide support, offer a stress-free worship environment and hold classes to help enrich deployed Sailors’ lives. LT. Steve Ballaban, a Chaplain at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, is one of these individuals. Ballaban, an ordained Rabbi, has two master’s degrees in Hebrew letters and philosophy he also has a doctorate of philosophy in medieval intellectual history from Hebrew Union College Cincinnati. In addition, he is board certified in clinical therapy having worked in institutions in Bloomington, Ind. and Portland, Ore. As a Navy Chaplain, Ballaban says he is in a unique position since there are a limited number of religious officers who provide service to various uniformed military branches. “We wear rank as a commissioned officer but that is more of a matter of paygrade and access to senior leadership,” said Ballaban. “We are the only officers who are in comfortable positions to speak with enlisted Sailors as well as officers, we are here for everyone.” The standard outline of the Navy Chaplain Corps is to facilitate religious observance for all people, advising the command on morality and ethics, holding religious services, providing care for Sailors, and providing support during changes in their life, during the good times and the bad. “While offering and leading religious services is a large part of the job another important aspect is spiritual counseling,” said Ballaban. “I want to create a sense of wholeness and fulfillment in a Sailor’s life, creating a sense of integration of their life and their value system.” Another responsibility of the Chaplain Corps is that of being Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) advocates to Sailors and their families. “Chaplains offer absolute confidentiality; there are situations where people don’t want to disclose something that has happened to them, not even filing a restricted report,” said Ballaban. “Chaplains discuss with them the options they have and provide support and counseling throughout the process, the reasons for filing either a restricted report or an unrestricted report, helping them make the best choice possible.” With the responsibilities that can impact a Sailor’s life, Ballaban says that serving in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps is one of the greatest things he has ever done. “I wake up in the morning, I know I have a purpose in the world and I’m going to work with some remarkable people today,” said Ballaban. “I genuinely love what I’m doing and can’t think of anything more worthwhile than helping others.” 9
STRENGTH THROUGH TEAMWORK Story By MC3 Jason C. Bawgus NAF Atsugi Public Affairs ervice members stationed overseas have a host of responsibilities that are very different than those who are stationed in the United States. One of those responsibilities are working with the countries that we are allied with and trying to bridge as much of the cultural gap as possible. One way Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi bridges that gap is by providing tours, in correlation with Camp Zama’s CoOp program, to the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF). “The CoOp program is a cooperative program where U.S. Soldiers are paired with JGSDF soldiers,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Huffman, assigned to U.S Army Japan G-5 (Security Cooperation and Bilateral Affairs). “The partnership is designated to help increase and improve the interoperability between our armies.” A part of that program is showing the JGSDF soldiers that the branches of the U.S. Military, while different in many ways, can come together to complete a mission. “One of the things that makes our military so great is the ability that we have to work with each other regardless of what branch you joined,” said Huffman. “We want to show that interoperability to our counterparts in the JGSDF so that they can begin to build that same rapport with their counterparts in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).” The tours consist of several JGSDF soldiers traveling to NAF Atsugi with their Camp Zama liaison and receiving a brief overview of the capabilities of both Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and other commands stationed at NAF Atsugi. “We have several tours a year that we conduct with Japanese Soldiers,” said Huffman. “We show them the various facilities to demonstrate our capabilities so that as we conduct training exercises in the future we have a better understanding of how we can work together in our strengths.”
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Diary of a Drunk Driver An Officer’s Perspective
The following is a first hand testimonial of the effects that a DUI can have on your career regardless of rank or paygrade. “I am a 46 year old Naval Officer stationed in San Diego. I have been on active duty for 27 years including 16 years of service as enlisted. The following paragraphs lay out in detail, a chronological chain of events that completely changed my life from Halloween 2005 to Halloween 2006. Please take a few minutes to read this diary and hopefully what happened to me will never happen to you: I did not consume alcohol on a consistent basis. As a matter of fact, I only drank alcohol occasionally at home or at occasional social gatherings. I am an avid long distance runner and have completed two marathons (Rock and Roll here in San Diego and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.) and three of San Diego’s Half Marathons. I have two almost grown children and have very strong religious and moral beliefs. However, I am also an alcoholic. What happened to me can happen to anybody, anytime, anywhere if you are an alcohol user. I am not telling anyone not to use alcohol. I am saying however do not, do not, do not, consume alcohol of any amount and operate a motor vehicle. Take a taxi, call a friend, or walk home. Do not drink and drive. On 29 October 2005 at about 20:45 I was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Interstate 8 at the College Avenue exit. I had just left a social gathering where alcohol was served. While driving home, I was stopped by the San Diego Sheriff’s department because my driving was impaired by the alcohol and I crossed over the white lines that separated the lanes. I was issued a field sobriety test and failed. I was placed under arrest at the scene and transported to the
San Diego County jail. Don’t believe what you see on TV where the high priced lawyer comes and gets you out 15 minutes later, it will not happen. You will be there for a minimum of eight to 10 hours. You will be searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and then placed in a cell 20x20 with 40 of Your Best Friends that you never want to see again. The only thing in this room is a toilet in the corner. After the 8 to 10 hours and when processing was complete I was released. I walked out of the jail on the streets of San Diego at about 0800 in the morning and came face to face with at least 75 homeless people. And I thought I had a bad night. I had to attend a three month First Conviction Program at San Diego State University that included 12 One hour classes each week for 12 weeks and six two hour lectures for six weeks. I attended a mandatory Mothers Against Drunk Driving lecture in which three moms told the story of the loss of their children to drunk drivers. A very emotional and guilt ridden experience. I had to complete 10 days of community service picking up trash, cleaning parks, etc., for the city. I had to hire an attorney to represent me and contact my insurance company. I went to court and received a substantial fine. The combined costs of this was: First Conviction Program: $445 MADD: $25 Attorney: $1,700 Fine and Court Costs: $1,950 Total: $4,120 And I have not even talked about the insurance. It does not matter who your insurance company is, they will cancel you and you will have to obtain 11
a much less reputable insurance at a much higher price. It will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars over the years. Then comes the DMV, I lost my driver’s license completely for 30 days and had a restricted license for five more months. And this was before I ever went to court. The DMV will revoke and suspend your license without a conviction. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Just being cited is justification. And then you have to pay to get it back. $195 is the cost. I was selected for promotion to LCDR effective early 2006. My promotion was withdrawn and I was removed from the promotion listing. I was processed for administrative separation and will retire involuntarily within the next six months. The reason I talk about this is because if I had not been arrested, I would have continued on active duty for four more years and reached a 30 year retirement. If I lived for 20 more years which is very reasonable, the loss of this LCDR pay at 30 years vice LT pay at 26 years will end up being approximately $600,000 over 20 years. The monetary loss pales in comparison to the shame, emotional pain, grief and guilt that this will cause you, your family, your friends, your co-workers, and just about every person you come in contact with. It can completely destroy your life as you know it. It will have an adverse effect on every facet of your life. I am just thankful that I did not kill someone while driving under the influence of alcohol.
-ANONYMOUS
PHOTO CONTEST WINNER Our photo contest winner this month is LT. Ray Matoyama, to see your photo in the next edition of Skywriter please email submissions to Skywriteratsugi@gmail.com.
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PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Naval Air Facility Atsugi
CAG-5 Beach Detachment
What can you tell us about your department/group that others may not know?
How do you describe your department’s primary mission?
CAG-5 Beach Detachment is responsible for the Personnel/ Logistical Support for 8 Squadrons, 1 Detachment, and Staff throughout the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. CAG’s Cornerstone of operations ashore.
Manage, maintain, and operate Four Aviation Simulation Training Facilities and devices ensuring Squadron Aircrew are trained and ready to execute mission.
Something special...
How do the services you provide support the command’s mission?
Carrier Air Wing FIVE Shore detachment is a challenging and rewarding Shore Duty assignment that employs 12 Active Duty and 5 Contractor Personnel, all ready and willing to support the squadrons as needed.
We ensure squadron spaces are within standards and prepared for Homeport operations as well as providing on-time logistical support for personnel and material while deployed/detached from NAF Atsugi.
What primary services do you provide and who are your primary HOW CAN YOUR CUSTOMERS REACH YOU? DSN: 264-3795 customers? COM: 0467-63-2701
Movement of the Carrier Task Force, DESRON, and Airwing Personnel to and from Embark/Disembark areas as well as Detachment sites worldwide to accomplish mission and mission readiness. Family Readiness through the establishment of a Family Matters Assistance Team to serve primary family members on the beach to include; Permanent Change of Station, Pay, Administrative Issues. Provides facility maintenance, inspections, and upkeep of Airwing assigned spaces on NAF Atsugi. Host Nations relations responsibilities to Local area representatives and visitors on behalf of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE. IWO TO Facility Manager for CVW-5 Spaces as well as Defense Policy Review Initiative Management for MCAS Iwakuni.
The CAG 5 Beach Detachment is a vital link between the deployed, operating squadrons of the carrier air wing and it’s forward deployed home base here on board NAF Atsugi. In addition to the crucial operational and logistics support the Beach Det. provides, the responsibility for which they deserve great credit is their continuous support for families who rely on this elite “back-home” detachment to provide all the support they need during long-term absences of their deployed CAG 5 spouses.
Capt. John Enfield
CO, CAG-5
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COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO THE YAMATO STATION CLEANUP DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH.
THE VOLUNTEER GROUP THIS MONTH WAS GREATER THAN THE SPACE AVAILABLE TO LIST BY NAME. THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT VOLUNTEER SUPPORT: AIMD 5 SAILORS ASD 3 SAILORS CNATT 4 SAILORS CVW-5 3 SAILORS VRC-30 5 SAILORS HSM-77 12 SAILORS NAFA 2 SAILORS NAVSUP FLC 1 SAILORS PUBLIC WORKS 3 SAILOR BHC 1 SAILOR
THANK YOU!
Flight Line News Briefs are compiled monthly news reports from squadrons, tenant commands, departments and command groups onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi. EMO MOMENT OF SILENCE U.S. Bases throughout Japan as well as forward deployed ships in Yokosuka, Sasebo and other bases ceased routine operations and recognized a moment silence on the 5th anniversary of the Great Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011. NAF Atsugi observed silence from 2:43 pm to 2:50 pm throughout the base this year. In Yokosuka, the USS Ronald Reagan hosted full a remembrance ceremony for the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami victims broadcast over the ship’s announcement system. During the ceremony, the ship’s crew also observed a moment of silence to remember the lives lost during the natural disaster. - PAO regional reports
The NAF Atsugi Emergency Management Team is initiating a spring-time campaign to add all base personnel and residents to the command’s emergency notification system. Known as the Computer Desktop Notification System (CDNS) anyone with a One NET account can sign up and then add multiple commercial phone numbers and email addresses, so that all military, civilian and family members can be automatically notified of emergencies. See your unit emergency management coordinator for more information or contact the Emergency Management Office directly at 264-4184. - Greg Wise
VFA-115
There will be a number of events taking place throughout the month celebrating our military affiliated children. Shirley Lanham Elementary School is kicking off a monthlong celebration with a parade on the 1st of April. The school is also participating in the NAF Atsugi Command sponsored “Kid Fest” on April 2. During the month of April students are encouraged to wear “purple” every Friday in recognition of the event. We will end the month with our Annual Shirley Lanham Elementary School Culture Day on Friday, April 29. - Tim Erickson, Principal, SLES
The “Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 participated in the 2016 Singapore Airshow at the Changi Exhibition Centre Feb. 16-21. Two of the squadron’s F/A-18E Super Hornets made the 3,300-mile trek from their home base at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan to represent U.S. Navy tactical aviation as static displays at the biennial event, billed as the largest aerospace exhibition and trade show in Asia. This year’s show was attended by an estimated 130,000 visitors and more than 1,000 aerospace firms. - LTJG Eric Herold
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MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters of the “Golden Falcons” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 conducted extensive flight training and operations on and off the flight deck of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge is currently on patrol ensuring the safety and security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Ridge is currently on patrol ensuring the safety and security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. - U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
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Month of the Military Child
PWD
Public Works Atsugi is preparing for a crucial Navy Crane Center visit in April, when the base crane program will be audited on their procedures, maintenance, and documentation. You may see any of 58 “Category 3” cranes operating around the base at any given time. EO1 Charles Bily, the Load Test Director, and Tsuchiya Norihisa, the Certified Mechanical Inspector, are working to ensure all of these NAF Atsugi’s Cat-3 cranes are certified and load tested according to the Navy’s crane manual. - LT Allison Islin