Skywriter-February 2021

NAF Atsugi

February 2021

NAF Atsugi’s

New CPOs

Initiated Into The Mess

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Deputy Public Affairs Officer Greg Mitchell

Get the Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccination Page 04

Editor Greg Mitchell Skywriter Staff MC3 Olivier Clement MCSN Rafael Avelar Public Affairs Staff Ikumi Tanaka Maika Fujisaki

Black History Month Observance

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Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi @NAFAtsugiJP

New CPO’s at NAF Atsugi Initiated Into The Mess

www.issuu.com/nafatsugi

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ONLINE

On The

Cover

Front Cover: Photo of CPO Pinning Ceremony held at cinema 77 by MCSN Rafael Avelar Back Cover: Graphic by MCSN Rafael Avelar

CMDCM CORNER With Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin Shipmates, Welcome back to this edition of the NAF Atsugi Skywriter. This issue is a little unique as we typically do not talk about the Navy’s newest Chief Petty Officers this time of the year. But, due to COVID-19, last month we had the great opportunity to welcome and pin 25 Chief Petty Officers from across the installation! The pinning ceremony was not your typical ceremony due to the COVID-19 mitigations we had to plan around, but nonetheless it was an awesome ceremony for all those involved.

This past CPO initiation season was like none other before, but the entire team came together and had a well put together plan. Thank you to the entire community and those that rolled up their sleeves and made it happen.

Congratulations again to our newest Chief Petty Officers!!

Another great part to this edition is the opportunity we have to celebrate this month’s observance which is African American / Black History Month. The observance of African American / Black History Month was established by Public Law 99-244. This observance runs through the month of February and celebrates the contributions of African Americans to our nation.

This is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time to recognize their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as African American / Black History Month. Stay tuned for more information throughout the month.

That’s it for this month. Thank you for all you do. Remember, if you have any questions ASK THE CHIEF!

February 20, 1962

February 7, 1984 Naval Aviator/Astronaut Bruce McCandless II makes the first untethered spacewalk as he flies some 300 feet from the Space Shuttle Challenger in the first test of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU).

Lt. Colonel John Glenn, USMC, becomes the first American to orbit the Earth. Recovery is by USS Noa (DD-841).

February 12, 1950 U.S. Sixth Fleet is established. The area of responsibility encompasses 105 countries with a combined population of more than 1 billion people, and more than 20 million square nautical miles of ocean encompassing more than 67 percent of the Earth’s coastline.

February 28, 1844

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An experimental 12-inch gun explodes on board USS Princeton, killing Secretary of State (former Secretary of the Navy) Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Gilmer, and five other dignitaries and injuring 20 people.

Get the Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccination The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, has launched a program to provide COVID-19 vaccines to service members, retirees, and their families. Under this program, the DoD will distribute the vaccines through a series of phases.

Who is getting the vaccine first?

The first supply of the vaccine is limited.

The first vaccines will be given in phases.

The first phases will be for: • Individuals providing direct medical care • Individuals maintaining essential installation functions • Deploying forces • Individuals at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19 • Adults age 75 and older Vaccines will be offered to other TRICARE beneficiaries as more vaccines are available and after priority individuals have been vaccinated. Learn more about the first phases of DoD COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Why should I get the vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool in stopping the pandemic. It may be an effective way to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. And it may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do catch the virus. Getting vaccinated also protects the health of the people around you—especially those who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Where will I get the vaccine when offered?

The availability of the vaccine may vary by location. The DHA is developing several options to assist military hospitals and clinics in reaching out to you. You can also visit your military hospital’s website, news media, or social media to stay informed about vaccine updates. You should contact your local military hospital or clinic for their vaccination process and

availability. The vaccines will be more broadly available in the coming months.

When can I get the vaccine?

Once the initial phases of the vaccine distribution are completed, the vaccines will be more broadly available.

You’ll eventually be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at: • Your local military hospital or clinic.

• Your civilian provider.

• TRICARE network pharmacies.

• TRICARE non-network providers or TRICARE non-network pharmacies.

The vaccine itself is offered at no cost, but there may be a cost based on your plan for an office visit or if you require followon care. Wherever you eventually receive your vaccination, please remember you need to check availability before showing up.

COVID Vaccine Safety (Red letters)

The Pfizer, Moderna, and other COVID-19 vaccines in development prevent infection from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if COVID-19 enters our bodies.

• • •

mRNA vaccines:

Don’t contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. You can’t get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Don’t affect or interact with our DNA in any way.

Have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines produced through

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the years. There is a system in place that allows the CDC to watch for safety issues and make sure the vaccines stay safe.

Are there risks?

The vaccines may cause side effects in some people, like sore muscles, feeling tired, or mild fever. For most people, these side effects will last no more than a day or two. Having these side effects doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. If you have questions about how you’re feeling after your shot, contact your provider or call the MHS Nurse Advice Line. It’s rare, but if you have a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the vaccine.

Have you received your vaccine?

If you’ve already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can sign up for v-safe. V-safe is a smart-phone based tool developed by the CDC, that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. V-safe will also remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one.

Be Ready and Informed

We want you to be ready when you’re offered the vaccine. Sign up for email alerts to get the latest TRICARE news and information. We’ll provide more information here as it becomes available.

Website information:

www.tricare.mil/COVIDVaccine

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In 1976,

President Gerald Ford issued the first African-American History Month proclamation, calling upon Americans to celebrate this observance each February. Since that time, each of the nation’s presidents have issued proclamations to pay tribute to African Americans.

A

frican American/Black History Month is an annual observance aimed at recognizing the significant roles African Americans have contributed in our nation’s history, through their contributions in arts, entertainment, law, politics, sciences, sports and so much more.

The history of African American/Black History Month traces back to 1915, when the “Father of Black History Month,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which

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is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

Through their diligence and commitment to African American citizens, Dr. Woodson and the ASALH introduced the first Negro History Week in February 1926.

Additionally, February was chosen for this grand gesture of recognition to align with the birthdays of two celebrated supporters of African American citizens, Abraham Lincoln - the 16th President of the United States, and Frederick Douglass - an orator, writer, and abolitionist.

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New CPO’s at NAF Atsugi Initiated Into The Mess NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office January 30, 2021

ATSUGI, Japan - Twentyfive Sailors assigned to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, to include tenant commands NAF Atsugi Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) and Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific (CFWP), were advanced to chief petty officer during a ceremony conducted at the base Cinema 77 Theater, Jan. 30.

The chief pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition celebrating the history and new responsibilities of chief petty officers as they enter the Mess. Viewed on Facebook Live, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions of social distancing, only speciallyU.S. Navy photos by MCSN Rafael Avelar selected participants were able to A group of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan’s newest Chief Petty Officers pose physically attend. for a group photo after a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony held onboard the Command Master Chief Daniel installation.

Irwin presided over the ceremony, The advancement to chief is not the paygrade. which saw the reading of the “Fouled end of the road for Atsugi’s newest Chief Petty Officers follow the Anchor” by Chief Air Traffic inductees to the mess. As they adjust CPO creed, which outlines the Controlman Nicole Robinson and to their new responsibilities they expectations and responsibilities of the reading of the Chief’s Creed by continue to learn and grow as leaders, chief petty officers throughout the Chief Information System Technician with the hopes to advance to the next Navy.

Zebulon Brackman.

According to the CPO creed, “It is

required that you be the fountain of wisdom, the ambassador of good will, the authority in personal relations as well as in technical applications.

‘Ask the Chief’ is a household phrase in and out of the Navy.

“You are the chief. The exalted position you have achieved, and the word ‘exalted’ is used advisedly, exists because of the performance of the chiefs before you. It shall exist only as long as you and your fellow chiefs maintain these standards.”

Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin, Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Command Master Chief, delivers his remarks during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony held at the base theater.

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FACT SHEET FEBRUARY 2021 Emergency Public Information (EPI)

NAF Atsugi has various forms of communication to ensure you have the most updated and accurate information in case of emergencies. When possible, try to verify information through two or more sources.

CDNS: Command Desktop Notification System (also

Naval Security Forces: Base sentries and

known as AtHoc) is an electronic mass notification system. It is used to reach all personnel enrolled with immediate notification of emergencies via phone, text, and e-mail; this is our most viable mass notification capability. Due to COVID-19, AOB classes are now virtual, because of this, it is very important to contact your unit EM Coordinator or Emergency Management to sign up.

Giant Voice/Internal Voice: This notification system is good primarily for personnel located on the installation during emergency announcements.

Radio AFN Eagle 810 AM: An excellent resource for information within the region.

Base Information Channel (BIC): Good for short messages or important details; must be on base and have television service to get the BIC.

patrols can pass information at the gates and through mobile PA systems.

Social networks: Excellent for passing information quickly to personnel, but is limited to connectivity. Please ONLY USE NAFA’s official Facebook page, other bases information does not necessarily apply to NAFA. Billboards: This allows us to provide quick and short messages. There are two on base, one in front of Mini-Mart and another in front of HSM51 (East side).

Ombudsmen: A direct representative between families and the command. You should always feel free to contact your Ombudsman with questions on directives, current situations, or rumors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE ATSUGI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE AT: (DSN) 264-4184 or 0467-63-4184.

(February 2021) Due to the large amount of Oil and Hazardous Substances (OHS) on base, there is always the potential for a spill to occur. An OHS has the potential to inflict damage or injury to people, property, or the environment. Immediate reporting will assist responders in ensuring effective responce actions.

If a spill is discovered, call the numbers provided. Based on the information given to dispatch, Environmental, Fire Department and any other applicable responders will be contacted depending on the severity of the spill.

FOR ANY SPILL:

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FROM CELL PHONE:

CALL 911

046-763-0911

MWR Atsugi’s New

Virtual Community Attracts Fitness Fans

T

he MWR Atsugi Fitness Facebook Group opened its virtual doors to followers on November 2, 2021, connecting fitness enthusiasts online to a community of like-minded, health-centric followers.

Managed and moderated by MWR Atsugi fitness instructors, the group aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by offering motivational and instructional posts, nutrition and diet tips, trainer/instructor spotlights, and virtual classes patrons may view live or at their leisure.

“We’re direct marketing to our target market and the Facebook Group helps us reach people better,” said Stacy Gartner, fitness coordinator at MWR Atsugi. “Our upcoming ‘Heart Crusher’ virtual Valentine’s Day weekend event is a great example: we will post demonstrations of movements using graphics, photos, and videos. But the group allows us to share additional information, too – things like recipes and nutrition tips.”

In three months, the MWR Fitness Facebook Group has grown to 245 followers with frequent weekly posts from MWR Atsugi trainers and instructors, as well as from community members. Members can also expect to see heart-pumping swimming and interval workouts and may offer their own suggestions for fitness class schedules and future programming.

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“It’s great, because, with COVID restrictions in place, there’s a need for virtual classes,” says Gartner. “As a program manager, I feel like my stuff doesn’t get lost, plus the group makes it easier to recruit personal trainers; I can now tag and engage them directly. Overall, I’m just happy that we’re able to give our patrons a personalized, online fitness experience.”

Join the public MWR Atsugi Fitness Facebook Group anytime by searching “Atsugi Fitness” and requesting membership. The rules are simple: no sharing personal info, no personal advertising, and be respectful. Once you’ve joined, introduce yourself to the group and share your knowledge.

The New Year is still young, and it’s never too late to start on a new path to health and wellness – a journey you can share with a fun and lively online community.

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Branch Health Clinic Atsugi For Appointments: 264-3311 or 0467-63-3311

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The Final Word WITH NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICER

CAPT. J. M. MONTAGNET NAFA team and community, We can be cautiously optimistic that some of the most severely affected cities nearby - specifically Tokyo - have recorded a reduction in cases to numbers they haven’t recorded since mid-December.

NAF Atsugi has remained at relatively lower numbers, and as of this writing, we’re actually down 94 percent from our January high of 32. We have looked carefully at these trends and recently expanded some movement opportunities in some cities in the neighboring prefecture of Shizuoka.but, once again. we have been here before - and our relatively low case-load - as always - really is a mix of both fate and discipline, to be honest, which is proof of the personal and group discipline component.

We maintain the drum-beat that the idea of fewer cases, the pending vaccine, and terms like “flattening the curve,” don’t lead to complacency. The greater government of Japan is also doing everything it can to ensure its communities remain safe pending the vaccine and a reduction in cases. The Japanese government just recently expanded the current state of emergency out to March 7. To be sure, within the guidance of the PHE, and where sanctioned by competent medical and operational authority - we will continue to look for opportunities that still allow social engagement as well.

With this in mind, more than any other group, the youngest, most earnest and eager among us - our junior sailors - are bearing a disproportionate level of stress. I think is likely true among all services where our young enlisted members are serving. In this light, my ask of everyone is simple: let’s look after each other - and engage with those who you believe might need help. If something does not look right, follow your instinct and engage. Be the bystander for someone who may not know they need one.

Lastly, let me take the time to acknowledge our unique CPO initiation season, which culminated in our CPO pinning ceremony held recently. I would like to sincerely congratulate all 25 new members of the mess - to include their families - and also send a sincere bravo-zulu to all those who conducted all of the behindthe-scenes work to enable our newly promoted chief petty officers to walk down the isles and recieve their anchors.

Meanwhile, I do appreciate the challenge this environment is for everyone - but, this is a commitment we can all get behind so that - eventually - we can get the virus behind us. Again, I would like to emphasize that our continued determination and commitment as a cohesive group is vital in our future success against this deadly virus. We must all continue to challenge ourselves, our families, as well as our friends and colleagues, to remain committed to staying the course. So, my continued thanks to the base community!

CAPT John M. Montagnet Commanding Officer U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan

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do your part,

WEAR A MASK.