What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Courtney Pollock
Stress
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Leading Chief Petty Officer MCC Ben Farone Editor MC3 Matthew C. Duncker Skywriter Staff MC3 Jason C. Bawgus MC3 Matthew C. Duncker
Samurai Riders
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Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki
Facebook.com/naf.atsugi
Atsugi Gives Back
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ON THE COVER NAF ATSUGI
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SPOUSES POSE WITH FANS WHILE PRACTICING A JAPANESE DANCE FOR THE UPCOMING BASE BON ODORI FESTIVAL (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS MATTHEW C. DUNCKER/ RELEASED)
Turning the Page
A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.
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PHOTO BY MCC BEN FARONE
Left, a Japanese cultural teacher goes over activities with her students at Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s tatami living room at the cultural center in 1985. Below, NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey participates in a language exchange with a student from Terao Elementary School at the installtion’s NEX food court.
D E S S E STR OUT
STORY BY NAf Atsugi Public Affairs
“The only thing that is constant is change,” stated the Greek philosopher Hercalitus. This quote could be used by most active duty and their families to describe their daily life. Military life means relocating every few years to a new duty station and possibly country. While these changes can be exciting, there are many stressors associated with a new duty station. Stress such as new work environment, finding a home, enrolling children in school, making friends, and more. Steven Mourey, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Education Facilitator, reminds, “If stress starts to control your everyday life before you learn to control it, you could experience headaches, back pain, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and poor decision making. The more advanced cases of stress could lead to anxiety; now you have another issue to try and control.” Stress is an outside force or event that has an effect on one’s body and mind. Stress is not always negative. It can be caused by exciting positive events such as an exhilarating ride on a roller coaster or receiving a promotion. The two major types of stress are acute and chronic. Acute stress is caused by recent triggers or demands of the near future. It can be thrilling in small doses but continuous demands can become exhausting. Since acute stress tends to come from small events, it usually does not cause the extensive damage associated with long-term stress. Chronic stress accumulates and can begin to impact one’s overall health. The constant pressure
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of work and life demands begin to show physical and mental symptoms in headaches, problems sleeping and a myriad of other issues. These early signs can lead to greater health issues such as heart disease, obesity and depression if steps are not taken to begin countering the stress. To help manage and mitigate these stresses, the FFSC at NAF Atsugi offers classes on stress management, anger management, deployment fairs, and counseling. These classes and events are designed to help active duty and their families understand many of the unique challenges that they will face during deployments and reintegration, work demands, and living in a foreign culture. During the stress management class, participants learn how to plan for and alleviate stress. Mourey suggests, “doing deep breathing exercises as well as progressive muscle relaxation, listening to soothing music and even meditation” to counter stress. He also suggests laughing, crying, and saying “no” occasionally. Some other stress relieving activities include exercise, creating a to-do list and prioritizing it, eating healthy, relaxing with friends, reading a book, or any activity that helps you unwind from the demands around you. There are numerous resources available aboard NAF Atsugi to help you find your balance and counter the effects of stress. While military life will never been stress-free, with the right tools it may seem less daunting.
Here to help‌ Fleet & Family Support Center
264-3372 FFSC offers a variety of life skills classes such as anger and stress management, reintegration workshops, and counseling. FFSC also provides cultural classes to help engage and learn about the Japanese culture.
Command Religious Programs
264-3202 Chapel offers ongoing programs aimed at the spiritual growth of active duty and families. Chaplains are available to talk confidentially one-on-one regarding work, personal, or life issues.
Morale, Welfare & Recreation
www.navymwratsugi.com MWR provides fitness and recreational opportunities, hourly childcare, special events, and activities for service members and their families.
Ombudsman
Command ombudsmen provide communication between the command and families, serve as an information and referral source, and advocates family issues.
School Liaison Officer
264-4732 SLO assists families in transitioning children between bases and school systems. The program also provide information on off-base schooling options and oversees the youth sponsorship program.
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THE WAY OF THE MOTORCYCLE SSTORY BY MC3 MATTHEW C. DUNCKER
NAF Atsugi Public Affairs
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Samurai Riders mentorship program hosted its first meeting of the year to promote safety and awareness among both experienced and prospective motorcycle riders and improve morale and motorcycle skills. NAF Atsugi Safety Director Thomas Beck said that the aim of the club is to provide vital mentorship to promote rider education, safety, and training. “The program is here to prevent any motorcycle mishap that could occur,” said Beck. “The club is here to make available the collective knowledge, experience and influence to positively affect motorcycling on and off the installation.” Lt. Steven Ballaban, Atsugi’s command motorcycle safety representative, says the Samurai Riders club was also formed to pass on information to the Atsugi community and to those just arriving. “For many new arrivals, learning about riding conditions, licensing and purchasing and owning a bike can be challenging,” said Ballaban. “The club can be helpful to riders by supplying this information, as well as offering a constructive
way for riders to get together and share their passion for motorcycles and Japan.” In addition, Beck said that riders, either new or experienced, should make sure before riding to get all the information needed to ride safely. “I would tell riders first, whether new or experienced riders, to contact their command motorcycle safety representative for oversight, assistance and support,” said Beck. “The command motorcycle safety representative is the person managing command riders. Second, ensure all riders are aware of all Navy training and licensing requirements.” Furthermore, anyone interested in riding and wishing to do so should reach out and speak to a member of the Samurai Riders and get involved, said Ballaban. “I hope that riders become better at riding safely, and also have the chance to experience Japan in the unique way that motorcycles enhance any traveling experience,” said Ballaban. “I also hope that we are able to enhance partnerships between Americans and Japanese who share a passion for riding through joint rides and community engagement activities.” 6
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SSTORY BY MC3 JASON C. BAWGUS
NAF Atsugi Public Affairs
In today’s Navy even the most decorated Sailors can lose it all and put a black spot on an otherwise promising career. Sailors should always think ahead and the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment Atsugi has been working to make sure that their Sailors stand ready. CNATT recently celebrated three years without an Alcohol Related Incident (ARI) affecting their command by introducing their Sailors to alternatives to drinking as well as methods to manage social drinking. “We conduct professional and safety training weekly using Naval Safety Center messages, incidents statistics from Capt. John Bushey, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s commanding officer, and any relevant information received from NAF Safety Office, CNATT HQ Safety, CPO Mess meetings or Navy websites. Training is facilitated by CNATT personnel or by a subject matter expert including Fleet and Family Support Center or Safety Department personnel,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Norman Valentine, CNATT Detachment Atsugi Officer-In-Charge (OIC). “Our training forums are most often discussions to ensure that the most junior Sailor in the session understands. When the most junior Sailor in the command shares discussion topics, perspectives and information in the same training session with the most senior member of his command, the impact is powerful, so the OIC and all khakis are always present at training.”
By training their Sailors in a controlled environment, mistakes that are made can quickly be corrected with a discussion of alternative methods. “Every Friday as a part of our daily morning (All hands) Quarters, we include a safety brief and discuss at a minimum the following topics: DUI/ARI, Suicide, Sexual Assault, and Domestic Violence. These topics are discussed are presented by anyone (E1-E8) from the CNATT Team who is selected impromptu, including our command DAPA. They present their best explanation of the topic; how they would prevent being in a negative situation; and who to call within or outside the chain of command if any situation arises concerning the topics,” said Valentine. “A senior member normally closes out the brief reinforcing the key elements and showing how these topics could be more detrimental if combined with alcohol. I always do my best to have the final word and ask them to be good ambassadors and to make it back safely Monday morning.” The training has created a system of trust within CNATT where everyone, regardless of rank knows that if they are in trouble they can reach out, and ask for help regardless of the situation. “We really have worked hard to build and keep a family atmosphere here,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Jackie Andujar. “Everyone understands that people are going to mess up, but if you can prepare for those scenarios it is a lot easier to remember what to do in a situation.
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PREPARING FOR THE FESTIVITIES STORY BY MC3 JASON C. BAWGUS photos by Mc3 Matthew C. Duncker NAF Atsugi Public Affairs
With the fast- approaching annual Bon Odori Festival Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi hosts, Sailors and civilians alike have been taking part in the planning and practice necessary to promote positive relations between base residents and our host nation of Japan. NAF Atsugi’s Community Relations Specialist Sumie Maruyama said that Obon is a Japanese holiday celebrating family history and remembering one’s ancestors. Obon is typically held from either July 13-16 or in August depending on the region. Bon Odori represents dancing with ancestral spirits and is held in conjunction with the holiday of Obon, where Japanese citizens ceremoniously welcome back the spirits of their ancestors. The Bon dance is a folk-style dance with participants in single file line and loose ranks, moving together in choreographed fashion around an elevated stage.
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“As a Japanese citizen living and working on base I really appreciate the opportunity to spread our culture with the Americans who live here,” said Maruyama. “It’s very exciting to see all the volunteers that come out and are willing to learn something, a dance, or how to play the taiko drums to further the relationship between Atsugi and the local community.” Various leaders around NAF Atsugi are doing their part by learning dances and taiko drumming for both Bon Odori and Awa Dori events. “Both Capt. John Bushey, commanding officer of NAF Atsugi and Cmdr. Matthew Szoka, executive officer of NAF Atsugi, are learning taiko drumming and local dances,” said Maruyama. “Also members from Public Works, NAF Atsugi Chapel, and Carrier Air Wing 5 are going to participate.” Much like many American holidays, Obon can bring back many memories for our host nation residents from a time spent with family and close friends. “I remember as a small child getting the opportunity to visit my family’s resting place and welcoming our ancestors back into our home,” said Maruyama. “We take this time to remember those who have moved on and look forward to seeing them in the next life.” Bon Odori attendees can expect to see many traditional dances performed by Atsugi residents as well as Japanese community members and various NAF Atsugi organizations selling food and other memorabilia. “We will be returning the pom-pom dance this year for the Japanese guests,” said Maruyama. “With so many Japanese guests coming on base we wanted to add some more American culture into the event to help create a fun atmosphere of sharing for everyone.” This will be the 57th Bon Odori Festival at NAF Atsugi since the base was established in 1950. NAF Atsugi will host the annual Bon Odori August 20th at 5:30 pm. (Rain date: 21 Aug) 9
NAF ATSUGI GIVES BACK
PHOTOS BY MCC BEN FARONE Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Sailors participated in a language exchange program with Terao Elementary School (left) and Yamato Station Clean-up (right) as part of the community outreach programs offered by the base to continue to foster our positive relationship with our Japanese neighbors.
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“THE GOAL OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IS NOT JUST FOR THE SAILORS TO DO GOOD DEEDS BUT TO PARTICIPATE AND BECOME PART OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY” - SUMIE MARUYAMA,
NAF ATSUGI HOST NATION RELATIONS
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ATSUGI MWR REACHES FOR THE STARS Story BY MWR MARKETING
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) department earned the calendar year 2016 five-star accreditation from Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) for excelling in the areas of financial and personnel management while meeting program standards and customer satisfaction. To be awarded a five-star accreditation, an installation must complete a four-day evaluation conducted by the (CNIC) MWR accreditation team, and must exemplify the highest standards of MWR programming, professionalism, financial performance and superior customer service. “The accreditation process is a complete review of everything we do and how we do it. The team comes here to look at our operations to compare findings with MWR standards for each of our 12
program areas. Some examples of standards include the use and quality of employee uniforms, staff knowledge of the MWR program, and even the number and quality of MWR tours and community events provided,” said Ken Misiaszek, NAF Atsugi’s Fleet Readiness Director. MWR has earned the bi-annual five-star accreditation for its second consecutive year. To date, of the 70 naval installations worldwide, NAF Atsugi was one of only 13 installations to achieve five-star accreditation. NAF Atsugi is continuing its plans to improve the customer’s experience by building a new $12 million, 31,000-square foot community recreation center, which will feature a state-of-the-art movie theater and new bowling, recreation and Tours & Travel facilities.
PHOTO BY MC3 MATTHEW C. DUNCKER
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON C. BAWGUS
PHOTO BY MC3 MATTHEW C. DUNC
PUBLIC WORKS WINS CNO ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD Assessment Review (PEAR) process and tool. PEAR enabled the review of more than 50,000 environmental requirements for 80 construction and service contracts in 2014 and 2015. Every construction, maintenance and repair project goes through a rigorous review process for applicable natural resource requirements. Another program highlight was the recent completion of an updated Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan based upon numerous surveys including plant, insect, fish, bird, reptile and amphibian studies. One particular survey focused on nocturnal mammal habits and utilized baited infrared cameras to capture the presence of wildlife over a one month period. Atsugi’s Public Works Environmental division strives to assist all residents and tenant commands with continuing to protect, manage and enhance the natural resources at NAF Atsugi. 13
PHOTO BY MCSN JAMAAL LIDDELL
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Environmental division recently received the Fiscal Year 2015 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Environmental Award for Natural Resources Conservation. The installation’s Natural Resource Program, managed by Stephan Lee, promotes natural resource stewardship through innovative management and survey practices and by partnering with host nation government officials to identify and protect valuable natural resources for future generations. Of Lee’s accomplishments, most noteworthy was his innovative solution to a common pest control problem. He collaborated with the local community to relocate bee hives from the installation to a local honey bee farm, at no cost to the government. This initiative helped advance President Obama’s Presidential Memorandum to promote the health of the declining honey bee population. Additionally, the Environmental division developed a first-inthe-Navy lifecycle Preliminary Environmental
PHOTO BY MC2 JAMES MULLEN
SBY NAF ATSUGI PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON C. BAWGUS
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
command photo at all hands call on July 6
Naval Air Facility Atsugi How do you describe your department’s primary -The base is jointly managed by both the U.S.Navy (49 percent) and JMSDF(51 percent). mission? Most NAF Atsugi’s residents know NAF Atsugi’s mission: to support the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5); Commander, Fleet Air Forward (CFAF), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and some 30 more tenant commands and units assigned to the Western Pacific as well as to provide logistic support, coordination and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific. Equally, to provide for the health, welfare and quality of life for all personnel while enhancing community relationships through respect, fellowship, and charitable events throughout the local communities.
-It was in 1972 that the U.S. and Japanese governments agreed to share ownership of the base. -The Imperial Japanese Navy constructed the base in 1938 to house the Japanese 302 Naval Aviation Corps, one of Japan’s most formidable fighter squadrons during World War II. - General Douglas MacArthur arrived at Atsugi on August 30, 1945, to accept terms to end the war during a ceremony aboard USS Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945.
- Immediately following the Great Japan Earthquake March 11, 2011, NAF Atsugi’s current XO, But here some fascinating facts about NAF Atsugi of Cmdr. Matt Szoka, assigned to HS-14, was mission you may not know: commander for the first airborne transportation of -Despite its name, NAF Atsugi is 4 nautical miles humanitarian aid to Japan’s Tohoku Region as NAF (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) east northeast from the city of Atsugi became the shore-based hub for U.S. Navy Atsugi, and is not adjacent to the city at all. Naval support to victims of the earthquake and subsequent Air Facility Atsugi is actually located in the cities tsunami. of Yamato and Ayase here in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is the largest United States Navy air base in - CVW-5 shares the base with the Headquarters Fleet Air Force and Fleet Air Wing 4, Japan Maritime the Pacific Ocean. Self-Defense Force. 14
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO THE YAMATO STATION CLEANUP DURING THE MONTH OF JULY.
CWO5 VALENTINE
AWR2 BLASCZYK
PSC CHING
AS2 BORROMEO
AOC GRANDPRE
PS2 COUSINS
AOC LEWIS
CS2 DOSSETT
CPO O’CONNELL
LS2 FUENTESRODRIGUEZ
AZC SALAS PSC SALIBA ACC VINCENT CS1 BALAGA LS1 CHIDI AD1 GALVEZ LS1 HAMMAR AZ1 HARRISON
Flight Line News Briefs are compiled monthly news reports from squadrons, tenant commands, departments and command groups aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
VFA-27
On July 13, Cmdr. Daniel D. Cochran relieved Cmdr. Adrian T. Calder as the commanding officer of VFA-27. The airborne change of command took place in the air over USS Ronald Reagan while deployed to the South China Sea to help enforce freedom of navigation.
On July 27, Cmdr. Sonya N. Waters relieved Cmdr. Eskinder “Alex” Dagnachew as officer-in-charge of Branch Health Clinic Atsugi during a change of charge ceremony held at NAF Atsugi’ Club Trilogy Ballroom.
Public Works
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 held a change of command ceremony on July 28 aboard NAF Atsugi. Cmdr. Carey F. Castelein relieved Cmdr. Stephen M. Froehlich during a ceremony in their Hanger at NAF Atsugi.
Public Works saw the retirement of four employees who dedicated CS2 GYABAAH decades of unparalleled service LS2 HERRING to NAF Atsugi. They are painter LS2 HICKEY Shoujirou SAITOU (29 years), LS2 INEBB painter Jouji ISHIGAMI (22 years), LS2 INGRAM carpenter Katsutoshi NOMURA (33 AD2 KRENXAVIER years), and electrical lineman Fumio IWATA (23 years). PS2 MENDOZA PS2 GILREATH
PR1 HURICKS
ABH2 NAVAL
LS1 JIN
LS2 STRICKHOUSER
AM1 MADRID
LS2 SUMILANG
AT1 MOORE
AM2 TALAMPAS
PS1 NAVARAVATN
YN3 AGUILA
AM1 RAMBHARACK
MC3 DUNCKER
AC1 ROBERTS
AT3 KRIVOS
AM1 ROSSEL
AM3 PORTILLOBONILLA
LS1 TURNER
LSSN CODAY
CE1 VALDRIZ
ADAN JOHNSON
LS1 YOUNG
PSSN THOMAS
ABH2 CHEAMPONG
YNSA GONZALEZ
AWF2 ANDUJAR
YNSA ZERTUCHE
THANK YOU!
Branch Health Clinic
NAVSUP FLCY Site Atsugi Rear Adm. James McNeal, Commander, NAVSUP Global Logistics Support visited NAVSUP FLCY Site Atsugi on July 15 as part of a scheduled tour of the region. During his visit, McNeal held an all hands call and awards ceremony where he presented Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals, certificates for Sailor of the Quarter, and command coins to both Sailors and Master Labor Contractors.
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HSM-51
VFA-195
On July 14, the Secretary of the Navy announced that Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 was awarded the Safety Excellence Award for Fiscal Year 2015. Each year, the Secretary of the Navy recognizes a single aviation squadron throughout the entire Navy and Marine Corps team that has set the standard for a culture of safety excellence and commitment to mission accomplishment.This award is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and culture of safety the Dambuster team has implemented throughout the year.
“It is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war,” - General Douglas MacAruthur
PURPLE HEART APPRECIATION DAY A U G U S T 7 , 2 0 1 6