What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Courtney Pollock Leading Chief Petty Officer MCC(SW) Ben Farone
Capt. Bushey’s Departing Words Page 4
Editor MC2 Michael Doan Skywriter Staff MC2(SW) Michael Doan MC2 Matthew Duncker Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka
CPO Pride Run Page 9
Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki
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Awa Odori Page 13
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ON THE COVER SKYWRITER’S MC2 DOAN INTERVIEWS CAPT. BUSHEY PRIOR TO HIS CHANGE OF COMMAND AND COMPLETION OF HIS TOUR AS NAFA COMMANDING OFFICER. (PHOTO BY MC2 MATTHEW DUNCKER)
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Turning the Page
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Left, Chidori Ren dancers perform during an open base event on Aug. 1978. Below, Chidori Ren dancers perform a traditional Japanese dance during Yamato City’s Awa Odori Festival parade, July 29.
JULY 2017
AUGUST 1978
A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.
C A P TA I N
JOHN BUSHEY DEPARTING WORDS
INTERVIEW BY MC2 MICHAEL DOAN
PHOTOS BY NAFA PUBLIC AFFAIRS
This was your third tour here in Atsugi, one as a junior officer, one as a Det. OIC and now as the Skipper of the base. How has your view of our partnership with the Japanese evolved as you’ve progressed through your career? This tour definitely bears the statesmanship type of thing. We have an off base relationship that needs to be fostered and nurtured. It’s a function of the position that I am in that had the opportunity to go and do that with our host nation allies. Its not just about partnering with the JMSDF but partnering with our local communities.
What is your most memorable moment as NAFA Skipper?
So, the one that I think is the coolest is,
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we were doing the Christmas tree lighting my first year here and I had been here for maybe six months. I was standing out in front of Halsey Gym and somebody was talking to me. I felt a little tug on my finger and I looked down and here was a little boy who got lost and didn’t know where he mom was. He was maybe three or four and I looked down and there was a little tear coming down. I asked him “are you lost?” He nodded. I asked “what’s your mom’s name?” He said “mommy.” I said “ok, let’s find mommy.” And so, I took his hand and we walked around the crowd and we found mommy and that was really cool. I don’t think that would happen in the U.S. I think we have a very good sense of community. We definitely take care of each other. We definitely have a sense of
responsibility not just with our community but our family and ourselves.
What’s your favorite memory from the open base events?
I think the nicest one we have is Spring Fest. We have luckily had good weather on all three of them. I think the last one was the most memorable because the weather was awesome. The sky was a stunning blue. To see the local citizenry, our host nation members coming on board is really neat. I just find it interesting how much people enjoy interacting with the American culture. We definitely showcase America and the base when we have that open base event. I think it is a good partnering with the communities and our local neighbors.
I think it’s safe to call you a “regular” at some of our community service projects such as the monthly Yamato Station Clean Up and Terao Elementary School language exchange. Other than the satisfaction you get from helping others, what is the significance of fostering these ties with the off base community?
what you would do in the states. You give part of yourself to the next generation and you give part of yourself back to the community. Whether it is picking up trash I don’t see it being any different than or pulling weeds. For some of the people that I do these events with, it is their first time to reach out and to really volunteer for something. Hopefully it has taught them that they can go back and be more engrossed, more supportive of community events that are back in the U.S.
What, if any, of the experiences gained through your COMREL efforts will you take with you to your next command?
Seeing what I can do with the local schools. I have volunteered a couple times at schools with reading programs and things like that. I would like to do more with education.
What did you learn from the Japanese that you hope to incorporate into your daily life back in the States?
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Patience. Civility. In America we tend to rush to answer everything and get to the conclusion. Many times things are not just yes or no or black and white. There
is usually is something deeper, something that you need to understand. Why decisions are being made or why an action is being taken. So, ask all the questions and reflect on it a little bit and don’t be in such a rush to get the job done.
tickled pink if you will, for how the Atsugi staff supported the Vice President and his entire entourage. They were very happy with how “plug and play” Atsugi was and how we were able to coordinate things that other bases have not been able to. I think that really put Atsugi a very good step forward. I think that was the most significant. It was nice to meet the Vice President, its’ something I will remember for a long time. But because their staff was so tickled by how they were received by the rest of our staff and how accommodating we were, I think that spoke volumes for Atsugi.
Being so closely intertwined with the JMSDF, what were some of the favorite things you had a chance to work on with them?
I think the biggest thing that we did was, we had a joint discussion of our installation development plans. We committed that next year when we update in January, we are going to have a full joint IDP. We shared what our ideas are which are similar to what Japan wants to do with JMSDF. I think that has us going in the same direction as a joint base because we are NAF Atsugi but also Atsugi Air Base for the JMSDF.
What advice would you give to those of us who are continuing on here in Atsugi in regards to the challenges of day-to-day operations in the FDNF?
You have had plenty of VIP’s come through Atsugi during your time here. Who was a memorable visitor for you?
The Vice President. His staff was really
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Stay focused on the fact that we are here to support this nation and our own. We are here as U.S. military members preserving our constitution and doing the will of our government. That is what we are charged with doing. We are also here as alliance partners for the treaty of mutual cooperation
that we signed back in 1960. We are here to defend Japan as well. We have to make sure we understand what the mission is and that people don’t forget that we are not just serving in Japan for no reason. There are real world requirements for us to be here. There are necessities from our own nation as well as supporting Japan. The mission is paramount. The mission is why we are here. While you are here, you have a great opportunity to learn about Japan and to learn about this culture but I always tell people in AOB ICR that they also have the opportunity to reflect on their own country back in the U.S. and think about our constitution, our rights and our freedoms because Japan doesn’t have all of those same freedoms that we have in the states. So, I hope they can reflect and grow on that and be a better citizen when they go back to the states because they have had the chance to look from the outside in. It provides a unique perspective.
and resources we had with the time and circumstance.
So, after three years back stateside, how would Rear Adm. John Bushey, Commander, Naval Forces Japan sound to you?
If it happens, that’s great. But, you never hold your breath with a promotion with something like that. That is a huge step.
Is there anything you’d care to add, sir?
I would encourage everybody to experience Japan, contribute to the base, be good neighbors both on and off base, and be focused on what the mission is and understand what our mission is. Sometimes the mission is here being a good statesman and being an ambassador, sometimes the mission is being at sea and supporting those people at sea. I would ask everybody to patient as the base steps out over the next couple of years because DPRI is still very much alive and under consideration for whats going to happen in the next years for Atsugi.
What do you hope others will remember from your time here?
I will leave that up to them. Some people talk about leaving a legacy. I tried to do the best I could do with what funding
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CPO 365 Pride Run
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY MCC BEN FARONE
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amakura, a small city on the west coast of the Miura peninsula, is a popular first destination for newcomers setting out to explore their new surroundings upon arriving in Japan. From the temples to the shrines, beaches and Buddhas, it’s easy to see why Kamakura tops the list of popular day trips for Sailors and their families beginning their tour in Japan. I was no different – Kamakura was the first place I
visited when I reported to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as a young Seaman Recruit 15 years ago in 2002. Sitting more than forty feet tall and weighing an impressive 90 tons, the bronze statue of the Amida Daibutsu is the number one destination for visitors to Kamakura. Built in 1252 and originally housed in a temple, it’s the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan. Subsequent typhoons 10
and a tidal wave washed away the temple, but the Buddha has remained in the same seated location for more than 765 years. The entrance to the site is a 5-10 minute walk from Hase station on the Enoden line, just three stops from Kamakura. Visitors can tour Kotoku-in Temple from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily for just 200 yen, and for a few yen more, can walk up a narrow, winding staircase to view the Buddha from the inside.
Kamakura well worth the visit is Hokokuji. Located a 10 minute bus ride from Kamakura station to the Jomyoji stop, the temple looks like many others in Japan, but the real draw is the bamboo forest directly behind the temple. More than 2,000 towering stalks of bamboo surround a tea house where, for 500 yen, you can enjoy a frothy cup of matcha tea. Finally, though not technically in Kamakura city, Enoshima island is another must-see
On the walk back from visiting the Buddha, be sure to stop off at Hasedera. With caves, statues, a temple and a koi pond, Hasedera packs plenty into a small area. Just inside the gates, visitors can purchase an “omikuji” or fortune paper. Some fortunes are good, while others, not so much. No worries if you get a bad one, just tie it to the wire with the rest and continue on your journey. Be sure to take a good one with you. Another small, unassuming temple in
destination on any trip to Kamakura. With some of the area’s most popular beaches, an aquarium and stunning views of Mt. Fuji with cooperative weather, Enoshima boasts enough to be the sole destination for the day. If you chose to visit the entire island, be sure to bring your walking shoes and be ready to climb some stairs! This has been just a sampling of all that Kamakura has to offer. check it out for yourself and don’t forget your camera!
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aval Air Facility Atsugi command leadership,Atsugi Bon Odori dancers and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force personnel participated in the city of Yamato’s Awa Odori Festival parade on July 29. The assembled groups performed traditional Japanese dances for the festival goers in attendance.
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PHOTO BY MC2 MICHAEL DOAN
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Naval Air Facility Atsugi
American Red Cross HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY MISSION? The American Red Cross serves and supports members of the military, veterans, and their families, providing needed comfort and care in military and veteran’s hospitals, support for military families with vital social services, and providing emergency communications to keep families connected when they need it most.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR DEPARTMENT THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW? We are the Oldest Congressionally chartered non-profit military service organization, originally established to care for our war wounded, and disabled veterans, and reconnect military families with their loved ones after armed conflict. We have a consistent presence on military bases around the world, including conflict zones.
WHAT PRIMARY SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE AND WHO ARE YOUR PRIMARY CUSTOMERS? Emergency communication and Information & Referral Services, health & safety classes to include CPR, First Aid, AED and Babysitter Certification, disaster preparedness outreach and education, Dental Assistant Program and Medical and Dental volunteer opportunities in partnership with BHC, volunteer services, and resiliency workshops.
SOMETHING SPECIAL... We welcome everyone to volunteer with us. We understand that many dependents put their careers and education on hold while stationed OCONUS (outside continental U.S.), and that active duty members are in need of volunteer opportunities. No matter your area of expertise. We have something for everyone, with expanding programs and comprehensive training to support your efforts.
HOW DO THE SERVICES YOU PROVIDE SUPPORT THE COMMAND’S MISSION? Red Cross Emergency Communication Messages are required for emergency leave and travel. We provide Health and Safety certification courses for base personnel as required for their positions, babysitter courses for youth, and Learn-to-Swim and Lifeguarding in partnership with MWR. Our Disaster Action Team is well-trained, prepared to offer financial and material assistance in case of disaster of any type and size, at the request of the command.
HOW CAN YOUR CUSTOMERS REACH YOU? Our office is in Bldg. 71, open from 0800 – 1700 Monday through Friday. Call us: 264-6794 DSN / 0467-63-6794. Check out our Facebook page: @ RedCrossAtsugi has up-to-date information on classes and events. For Emergency Message Services, the Hero Care Center number is (877) 272-7337 or e-mail us at Atsugi@redcross.org 14
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO THE YAMATO STATION CLEANUP DURING THE MONTH OF JULY.
CAPT Bushey LTJG Perrin ADCS Patterson PSCS Ching EOC Humes PRC Jaramillo HM1 Articulo CS1 Balaga CS1 Geconcillo CS1 Hale LS1 Hammar PR1 Huricks PS1 Lujan PS1 Panavaravatn CS1 Tenchavez LS1 Welch LS2 Abraham ABE2 Adorno LS2 Anderson AO2 Cange QM2 Chimenti ABE2 Clarete MC2 Doan HM2 Duong IT2 Franco AO2 Gordillo CS2 Laster PS2 Parrotina LS2 Rielle LS2 Strickhouser LS2 Sumilang YN3 Aguila BU3 Laguesse HM3 Tanaquin YN3 Zertuche HN Mcelhannon Sam Samuelson
THANK YOU!
Flight Line News Briefs are compiled monthly news reports from squadrons, tenant commands, departments and command groups onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
HSM-77
VFA-102
The Saberhawks of HSM-77 embarked on the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) for a three day detachment to enhance the surface search and anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the joint U.S. and Australian Expeditionary Strike Group during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber is a U.S.Australia bilateral exercise held biennially off the coast of Australia meant to achieve interoperability and strengthen the U.S.-Australia Alliance. The Saberhawks enjoyed the opportunity to experience the daily operations and integrate into the mission of the Expeditionary Strike Group.
The VFA-102 Diamondbacks, aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), made a port call in Singapore. This was a break from ops in and around the Pacific which included dual carrier ops with USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). During dual carrier ops, VFA-102 executed a flyover of USS Ronald Reagan in formation with F-15’s from the JSDF’s 306th Tactical Fighter Squadron based out of Komatsu AFB. From July 8 to July 21, VFA-102 also participated in Talisman Saber 2017, a biennial joint exercise with Australian naval, air, and land forces.
Public Works
VFA-115
The 2017 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report has been released by the NAF Atsugi Installation Water Quality Board. It outlines the NAFA Drinking Water System and the measures taken to ensure NAFA residents have safe potable water. The Public Works Department Utilities Management Branch works tirelessly to ensure that water on base is of the highest standard. Additionally, participants in blind taste tests often prefer NAFA water over both bottled water and water off base. Read the report at https://www.cnic.navy. mil/content/dam/cnic/cnrj/naf_ atsugi/pdfs/NAVFAC/NAF%20 Atsugi%202017%20CCR.PDF 15
The “Eagles” of VFA-115 achieved a major safety milestone by surpassing 100,000 Class “A” mishap-free flight hours on July 3. A Class “A” mishap is defined as an accident that results in loss of life or permanent disability, or damage to an aircraft exceeding $2,000,000. The accomplishment was logged while the squadron was conducting operations from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Coral Sea.