Skywriter - July 1, 2017

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Courtney Pollock

PREPARING FOR THE CLIMB

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Leading Chief Petty Officer MCC(SW) Ben Farone Editor MC2 Michael Doan Skywriter Staff MC2(SW) Michael Doan MC2 Matthew Duncker

BILATERAL LEADERSHIP CONTINUUM

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Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki

Facebook.com/naf.atsugi

FLOWER PLANTING TRADITION

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAPTAIN’S CALL VIDEO

Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi

@NAFAtsugiJP www.issuu.com/nafatsugi

ONLINE

ON THE COVER TWO GRADUATES OF THE NCO LEADERSHIP CONTINUUM SHAKE HANDS DURING THEIR GRADUATION CEREMONY AT NAF ATSUGI’S CLUB TRILOGY BALLROOM (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MC2 MICHAEL DOAN)

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Turning the Page

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Left, a mother plays with her daughter in the base pool, July 1967. Below, parents and their children play in the toddler ’s section at the base pool.

JUNE 2017

JULY 1967

A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.

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here is a Japanese proverb that states “He who climbs Mt. Fuji is a wise man; he who climbs twice is a fool.” There should also be the caveat that you are also a fool to climb unprepared. While thousands climb Mt. Fuji each year giving the perception that it is an easy hike, it requires planning and preparations similar to any outdoor adventure.

Mt. Fuji, or Fujisan as the Japanese refer to it, protrudes from the surrounding plains to an elevation of 12,390 feet. For most of the year the mountain is covered in snow but during the months of July and August, thousands of hikers climb Fuji daily.

Reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji is an once-in-alifetime experience that everyone should experience while stationed in Japan. Being prepared, both physically and equipment-wise, will make for a pleasant experience that will become the highlight of your time in Japan.

The annual number of climbers is more than 300,000

each year during the short two-month climbing season, which can lead to one underestimating the trek.

Every year, there are injuries and sometimes deaths on Mt. Fuji due to lack of preparation and planning.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Community Recreation program holds mandatory Mt. Fuji briefs for all patrons on their tours. The brief is also open to anyone in the community who plans to hike Fuji.

“The goal is to help the hiker know what to anticipate, resources that are available, and how to prepare for the hike,” said Thomas Durning, MWR director at NAF Atsugi. “Our staff is always there to answer questions about climbing Fuji and we send along experienced guides to assist with issues on the trail.”

Weather on the mountain is severe and changes quickly. Hikers should bring a sun hat, cold weather beanie, gloves, rain jacket, and warmth layering clothes. Durning explains that essentially 4

hikers need to plan for both hot and cold weather on Fuji.

Footwear is also an important concern on Fuji.

The terrain is rocky with sharp volcanic rocks so boots or sturdy-soled shoes are necessary to protect your feet.

Some unique “only on Fuji” preparations are bringing yen change for food and toilets at the service huts. Food and drink is available on the mountain but the price seems to correlate with the elevation. Also if you also plan to purchase the ultimate souvenir, a Fuji stick, bring plenty of yen for the brands at each hut along the trail.

Another misconception is that a person does not need to be physically fit or train to climb Mt. Fuji because young and old are seen climbing the mountain each year.

“It does not require a specific training plan but a few key additions to your regular fitness plan can make it a lot easier,” said Durning speaking from experience as an avid hiker who has summited Mt. Fuji 10 times. “Focus on endurance and distance training. For strength, focus on your legs with lunges and squats.”

A concern on any mountain adventure is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a condition that most casual and avid hikers have never experienced unless they frequently hike high-altitude mountains.

Most hikers on Mt. Fuji experience a mild form of altitude sickness called acute mountain sickness (AMS) when reaching elevations of 8,000 feet and above. Common characteristics would be headache, nausea, and fatigue. AMS can be remedied by resting and allowing yourself to acclimatize to the current elevation, drinking plenty of water, and taking aspirin or ibuprofen.

As altitude sickness progresses, the person may begin to experience breathlessness even when sitting, fever, disorientation and uncharacteristic

behaviors such as laziness or anger. These symptoms could be lethal if not treated immediately. If you begin to recognize or experience these symptoms, descend as quickly and safely as possible. There are first aid centers on Mt. Fuji that you can contact if you feel you are unable to safely descend or require medical attention.

Many hikers will experience a mild form of altitude sickness but with taking the precautions mentioned above, you should be able to safely reach the summit.

With a little planning and training, hiking this popular and spiritual mountain can be one of the 5

YOUR AIRWING AT SEA

A MH-60S Sea Hawk, from the “Golden Falcons” of HSC-12, and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) patrol waters south of Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Nathan Burke)

Sailors, assigned to the “Saberhawks” of HSM-77, inspect a MH-60R Seahawk on the flight deck. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jamal McNeill)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Royal Maces” of VFA-27, launches from the flight deck.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Nathan Burke) 6

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DEEP THOUGHTS ON JMSDF, Sailors Share Views on Policies in Group

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POLICY

Story and Photos by MC2 Michael Doan

Discussions

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aval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi welcomed Sailors from commands across Japan, Soldiers from the U.S. Army and Sailors from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for the U.S./JMSDF Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Continuum at Club Trilogy June 5-7.

The continuum was the third in the series and consisted of 11 Sailors, 12 JMSDF service members, and one U.S. Army Soldier.

During the three-day class, the group talked about topics such as professional growth and development, family support, destructive behaviors, and women in the workplace.

Students in the class were challenged to talk openly about policies with their Japanese counterparts in an environment with five JMSDF and three U.S. Navy command master chiefs as facilitators.

“I think it is pretty easy to look at policy and be critical of policy,” said Commander, Naval Forces Japan Command Master Chief Joe Fahrney, one of the facilitators during the course. “But, it is a much more difficult conversation to look at how we behave in response to policy and what our own individual actions in our work centers and in our commands can do to contribute to the effectiveness of our mission.”

American service members and their Japanese counterparts sat side by side and conducted group discussions on policies in place in their respective service and how certain policies in the armed services on both the American and JMSDF side may reflect cultural views from their society.

“We obviously have a different intake and outtake on different issues,” said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Kunio Toyama, a JMSDF sailor from Air Patrol Squadron 3.

“I was able to talk about issues very freely with my American counterparts on issues that

have not really shown up in our society or we don’t think about on a daily basis.”

The facilitators designed the course to cover some civil rights in the workplace issues such as transgender implementation and the LGBT community in the armed services.

“I think that this is a real good opportunity for awareness,” said Fahrney. “So, as I listened to the groups as a facilitator while I am walking around, I am seeing folks just really don’t understand what they don’t know. So, by throwing out an idea and having somebody with just a little bit of willingness to push that idea a step further, we are learning much more about each other and in terms of capabilities, I think that makes the Sailors much more capable leaders.”

The class heavily revolved around the service members’ participation where they set the pace within their groups as to what topics were discussed more in depth than others.

“I didn’t think the class would be as interactive as it was,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Teresa Domingo, from Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Atsugi. “I thought it would be more senior leadership talking and saying ‘this is what you do’ and a few exercises here and there.”

All of the service members volunteered to have the opportunity to work closely with their Japanese counterparts in classroom environment to help build better relationships and a better understanding of our host nation

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and its service members.

“Many of these Sailors enjoy service in Japan, they’ve got Japanese nationals for spouses or close friends that are Japanese nationals,” said Fahrney. “But really have not been used at this kind of context, strategic level thinking to get after very complicated worldwide issues. They haven’t pushed that kind of thing. So, getting out of that comfort zone and pushing beyond self-imposed limitations is really what I want them to take away from this course.”

Being stationed overseas and working closely with our host nation exposes service members to a different culture that may come with different views.

“It is a continual learning process,” said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class James Venzella, from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo. “Especially since we are operating in their country, so to learn some of the things that they do or some of the things that they are doing, it could help us as a total force and help us understand what they do.

The class concluded with a graduation ceremony where service members were presented their certificates and two of those students were selected as the honor graduates.

From the JMSDF side Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Hiroshi Nakatsuru was selected and from the U.S. services side Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Teresa Domingo was selected.

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ith the summer months in Japan comes the festival season. In preparation for Yamato’s Awa Odori Festival and Naval Air Facility(NAF)Atsugi’s Bon Odori Festival in August, NAF Atsugi’s Bon Odori Dance Team have begun their weekly practices at the installation’s Hawlsey Gym with coach Sumie Maruyama to prepare for the upcoming festivities both on base and the local community.

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Growing Relationships

Story and Photos by MCC Ben Farone 12

CPO 365 Continues Flower Planting Tradition

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ifty Sailors from Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s CPO 365 joined 120 7th grade students from the Zama Minami Junior High School for a flower-planting event at Higashihara Community Center June 5.

The flower planting is a yearly event organized

by Atsugi’s CPO 365 which provides Atsugi’s Sailors a chance to volunteer in the local community as well as engage with their host nation neighbors.

In addition to the fellowship shared between the Sailors and their Japanese hosts, Chiefs and First Class Petty Officers (FCPO) took advantage of the chance to strengthen their professional relationships and share a bit of mentoring.

“As for the new First Classes, it is good for them to see how things operated and were set up” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Jack Morgan, from Seattle, Atsugi’s CPO 365 Phase 1 coordinator. “It also shows

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them that with good leadership and good manpower, anything can be accomplished.”

The day’s event also provided the first opportunity for some of Atsugi’s newly promoted FCPOs to join a CPO 356 event.

“It’s pretty rewarding. I enjoyed planting the flowers and getting to engage with the Japanese children here. It was a good time.

Getting to know the other First Classes and Chiefs outside of a working environment is pretty good. I feel it builds more camaraderie between the First Classes and the Chiefs” added Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Ronald Maman, from San Diego.

While some COMREL events give both sides a glimpse of the goodwill shared between the base and Japanese community, recurring events such as the flower planting offer an opportunity to reunite with familiar faces in the neighborhood where Atsugi’s Sailors live and work.

According to Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Raymond McCloud, a native of Tulsa, Okla., “It seems like a good opportunity to help the community and build camaraderie with your fellow First Classes. It builds a repertoire for the base and our messes. It is also a chance not just to meet someone one time, but you could meet a kid here, say hello, get their name, and next time see them again and see how they’re doing and how their English is coming along.”

The Higashihara Community Center flower planting event is currently in its 12th year.

PHOTO BY MC2 MATTHEW C. DUNCKER

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Personnel Support Detachment Det. Atsugi How would you describe your department’s What can you tell us about your department primary mission? that others may not know?

Our mission is to provide pay, personnel, and transportation services to military members and their families stationed at Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

We oversee a personnel support detachment in Singapore and support customers in various remote locations such as Nepal and Timor-Leste.

What primary services do you provide and Anything else you’d like to add? who are your primary customers?

Engage early and often with your command We provide ID card services, PCS and entitlement travel processing, official passport application submission, and pay and personnel support including administration of the Navy-wide advancement exam. We service primarily active duty personnel and their dependents, and also provide some services to civilians and reservists.

Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA) to ensure your entitlements are correct and to make your PCS move goes as smoothly as possible.

How can your customers reach you?

Customers can stop by Building 71 for inperson services. Operating hours are 08001530 Monday through Friday. Customer How do these services you provide support service phone number DSN is 315-264-3074 the command’s mission? or make a reservation online at https:// Our services are an important part of readiness rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil for the units we support. Sailors need to have their pay and personnel issues taken care of in order to focus on their mission.

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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 JUNE.

CAPT Bushey PSCS Ching PRC Jaramillo AZC Salas HM1 Aticulo UT1 Bundang AWF1 Coccio UT1 Gasper CS1 Hale LS1 Hammar CS2 Laster PS1 Lujan PO2 Manganaan LS1 Matel CS1 Tenchavez ABE2 Adorno PO2 Cange LS2 Concha HM2 Duong LS2 Ingram BU2 Miller IC2 Norman IT2 Prine LS2 Strickhouser LS2 Sumilang YN3 Aguila BU3 Laguesse YN3 Zertuche 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.

BHC Atsugi

The Navy Surgeon General released a message announcing the winners of the 2016 Blue H - Navy Surgeon General’s Health Promotion and Wellness award. This annual award which rewards medical commands for their efforts in promoting health in Navy and Marine Corps organizations is available at three levels: Bronze Anchor, Silver Eagle and Gold Star.

For a second consecutive year, Branch Health Clinic Atsugi has been awarded the Gold level, Health Promotion and Wellness Award. During the 2016 year, they coordinated several successful health promotion events including the Great American Smoke Out and the Turkey Trot run in support of Tobacco Cessation.

BHC Atsugi Health Promotion program offers Tobacco Cessation Courses, Ship Shape Courses, and provides resources to the NAF community.

For more information about the program, please stop by the Health Promotion Department.

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Fleet

& Family Support Center (FFSC)

On June 16, Sarah Devine-Powell and Yuji Ogura conducted an abbreviated AOB/ICR class at the MWR training room for 13 Camp Adventure Counselors who are here to support CYP’s programs during the summer months. These young men and women come from college campuses all over the United States to volunteer their time to military families.

VFA-115

On June 7, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew “Pojo” Dominick was selected for NASA astronaut class of 2017.

Dominick is currently serving with the “Eagles” of VFA-115.

CFAF

On June 26, Command, Fleet Air Forward (CFAF) held a change of command. Capt. Brian Erickson relieved Capt. Rich Prest as Commodore, CFAF / CTF-72 at hangar 183 on NAF Atsugi.

Save the Date!

NAF Atsugi’s American Fest Bon Odori Festival August 19 1400-2100 Rain Date: August 20

Check out the NAF Atsugi Facebook page for more details.