Skywriter – February 2023

Front: Master-at-Arms 1st Class Toucheleak Mael poses for a photo with her military working dog at the NAF Atsugi kennel trainng grounds.(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Rafael Avelar)

Back: Naval Air Facility Atsugi's tori gate is covered in snow during a storm affecting the area. (Photo by MC2 Ange Olivier Clement)

CMDCM CORNER

With Command Master Chief Weba Roberts

Shipmates, February is Black History Month, which is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

It began as a way of remembering important individuals and events in the history of the dispersion of people of African descent. Originally called 'Negro History Week', it officially became 'Black History Month in 1976 when then President Gerald R. Ford declared it so, while calling on the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

This years' national 2023 Black History Month theme is "Black Resistance," which explores how African Americans have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantage and oppression, as evidenced by recent events.

The US Navy remains at the forefront of embracing the spirit of Black History Month year round by supporting and practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion. These are some of the key components to making our Navy the successful organization that it has come to be and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

February 4, 1779

February 6, 1922

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

February 14, 1998

Capt. John Paul Jones takes command of Bonhomme Richard (formerly Duc de Duras)

Worldpowers sign the Washington Naval Treaty providing for limitation of naval armament

Guided Missile Destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) is commissioned.

Far East Café Celebrates Black History Month

The Golden Thirteen

The Golden Thirteen were 13 enlisted Sailors who became the first African American commissioned and warrant officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II

NAF Atsugi Security Active Shooter Drill

NAF Atsugi Security conducts an active shooter drill at base security.

NAF Atsugi Security and medical gives care to injured personnel during an active shooter drill .at base security.

Fleet and Family Atsugi Recognize Their ICR Passport Hall of Famers

Story by Jim Reynolds

Many who are sent to Japan by the US Government look forward to experiencing the sites and culture of their host country. Of course, some start with trepidation as they learn to trust the local nationals, modes of transportation, and gain confidence in themselves. The Inter-cultural Relations (ICR) program at the Fleet and Family Support Center, Atsugi provides information and training for service members, contractors, government employees, and their family members to help smooth the transition.

The ICR class gives the attendees an opportunity to learn about cultural history, social traditions and courtesies. Attendees learn helpful Japanese phrases and get pointers on using the many modes of transportation. It is goal of the program that newly reported personnel soon feel comfortable in their new surrounding and fully embrace this exciting, and perhaps, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve overseas.

To encourage cultural immersion and inspire adventure, the ICR sponsors the "ICR Passport" program. Participants are issued a locally designed and printed passport book of which can be used to record notes from adventures taken. The participant can then report to the ICR instructor with details of the excursion and earn points.

Exploring Japan requires a balance between seeking adventure and attending to work and family life commitments. Most do this well and some people excel at it. Such is the case of Pamela and Bradley Stair. This couple spent the past seven years making it a life-focus to get out to see and do. So much so that these two have broken every

record in the Passport Program. They have been such an inspiration to the staff and ICR attendees that Mr. and Mrs. Stair have been inducted into the Center's unofficial "ICR Passport Hall of Fame."

Pamela and Bradley have provided in-person testimony of their adventures to successive ICR classes, sharing recommendations for starter day trips and providing travel bestpractices. These engagements have encouraged newcomers to kindle their own sense of adventure. They have visited hundreds of landmarks and attractions; festivals, shrines and temples, monuments, forests, lakes and rivers.

Topping the list of favorite adventures include climbing Mt. Fuji -- twice. Once from station 5 to the summit and then from station zero to the summit. They have recounted the details of life-

changing events that are but the dreams of even the most aggressive tourists. They attended the historic last message of Emperor Akihito when he abdicated and witnessed the first message delivered by Emperor Naruhito. They journeyed to near and far regions to not only enjoy sites, traditions, the food and history, but to engage with people -getting a true flavor of the country they feel so privileged to have lived and worked in.

The Fleet and Family Support Center bid them farewell during an induction ceremony which was attended by leadership, friends and their Navy family. As they prepared to move back to the states, Pamela and Bradley asked the group who gathered to take the time to build the courage to get out and enjoy this beautiful country.

The Fleet and Family Support Center Atsugi wishes the very best to the Stairs on their next adventure.

Capt. Manning Montagnet presents a certificate to Bradley and Pamela Stair for the completion of the FFSC Atsugi ICR Passport Program and induction their "Hall of Fame".

Photo by Atsugi Fleet and Family Service Center

(NAFA SARC – Shacquanda Clark)

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Welcome to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Naval Air Facility Atsugi's installation chapel, the most distinctly Japanese-style building on the installation. Please take a moment to review some of the programs and services the Command Religious Program (CRP) has to offer for Sailors and the community.

Worship services are held in the Chapel, Bldg. 79, on the corner of Sherman Ave. and Oriskany St. Our Administrative offices are located in NAFA HQ, Bldg. 949's first deck, accross from the Atsugi Fleet and Family Support Center. Our Office hours are Monday - Friday 0730-1630

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Praise & Worship Teams

• Youth & Children's Programs

• Various Charity Support

• Operation Feed the Homeless

• Operation Taste of Home

• Operation Care Package

RELIGIOUS MINISTRY TEAM

COMMAND CHAPLAIN

LCDR J. D. Rozendaal (Evangelical)

RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALISTS

RP1 (FMF/IW/SW/AW) K. L. Castaneda

RP2 (FMF) T. P. Bellagamba

CREDO WORKSHOPS/ TRAINING

• Marriage Enrichment

• Relationship Enhancement

• Personal Growth

• Resiliency

• Suicide Prevention

• Suicide Intervention

• Personality Assessment

• Self-Awareness Asssessment

Need to talk..?

Our Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Rozendaal, has an open door policy. Please feel free to stop by any time. You can also schedule an appointment by calling 264-3202, or by speaking with a chapel staff member. if you have emergent needs after hours, please call the Duty Chaplain at 080-5026-6358 for assistance.

"Here

What does Black History Month Mean to you?

"The leaders of our past have paved the way for us to not have the same struggles that they faced in their time. We have better opportunities to be successful because of their contributions. They fought for what was right so that we wouldn't have to and future generations may continue to be great."

"The Navy of today is a very diverse place. I believe this benefits everyone in every way Everyone has the opportunity to gain the same skills and progress, taking away any barriers, allowing people to be great."

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Toucheleak Mael, from New Orleans, La., Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi security forces military working dog (MWD) handler, poses for a photo with her MWD at NAF Atsugi’s kennel training grounds.

(U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Avelar)

- MA1 Toucheleak Mael

Military working dogs and their handlers are an integral part of Naval Security Forces, providing unique capabilities to defend installations and resources, and assisting to enforce military laws and regulations.

Welcome Aboard, Commander Miyano!

The Final Word

WITH NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT. J. M. MONTAGNET

NAFA Community,

Recently, changes within the Bureau of Navy Medicine and the Defense Health Agency have sparked concerns with how medical care is received by our service members, contractors, government civilians, families, and retirees. These concerns are valid, and they have gone up the Chain of Command to Washington.

To understand how these changes are affecting all of us in Region Japan, the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Gilbert Cisneros Jr., the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Seileen Mullen, and the Defense Health Agency’s Indo-Pacific Region Director, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Heck, traveled to Japan and conducted town hall events at the major hospitals on our bases. They went to Yokosuka, Yokota, Iwakuni, Camp Zama, and Okinawa. They did not come here to Atsugi, as our Branch Health Clinic is a part of the hospital aboard Yokosuka.

The town hall event that affects us here in Atsugi the most was the one conducted aboard CFAY. Again, the CFAY hospital is the command that directs policy for our clinic here aboard NAFA. The panel arrived and were present to field questions and listen to the concerns of those in attendance.

For those who were unable to attend, a video produced by CNFJ Public Affairs is available for viewing, and it is posted here on NAFA’s Facebook page. I highly recommend that everyone take a moment to watch the video. There were many questions posed that will need to be addressed.

Not one of us have the same health challenge. Each is unique, and here at NAFA’s Branch Health Clinic, they are committed to providing the best healthcare that they can under the circumstances. Further, they have updated SpaceAvailable opportunities for health care. In an effort to inform our Space-Available population of available access, the clinic is sharing a daily Facebook post which will list the number and times of open appointment slots available for booking as a same-day appointment.

Please take a look and take advantage of this opportunity. The NAFA clinic is providing the following information and asks that you contact the appointment line no earlier than 1000 on the day in need by dialing 264-3958 or 264-3959 to schedule a Space-A “same day” appointment while available. The goal here is to be as transparent as possible to our population.

Please be aware that Space-A care is for episodic (non-recurring) healthcare for acute (sudden-onset) conditions only. Treatment on a space available basis does not allow for continuous management of chronic health conditions. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and other major ailments must be managed carefully by a primary care manager for continuity of care and patient safety.

Please ensure that as a first-time patient you have visited Medical Records help desk to be entered into the registration system prior to booking any appointments. Also, please remember that there is no Emergency Room or Urgent Care provided at the clinic. If an emergency situation arises, immediately dial on-base DSN 264-0911 or off-base 119. The NAFA clinic staff works with off base facilities to provide the most appropriate and prompt care available in the Kanto Plain area.

For those who want to inquire about host nation facilities who provide healthcare in English, please go to the TriCare website: (https://www.tricareonline.com/.../prel.../desktopIndex.xhtml) and look for the international section. For those who have questions or concerns, please feel free to call 264- 2639.

Please remember that each and every one of us here at NAF Atsugi is a valued and respected part of our entire community. YOU make NAFA great. Thank you for what you do.