Skywriter- July 1, 2019 by Naval Air Facility Atsugi

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Deputy Public Affairs Officer Briana Baglini Leading Chief Petty Officer

Vacations

MCC(SW/AW) Ben Farone

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Editor MC3(SW) Jacob Smith Skywriter Staff MC2(SW) Michael Doan MC3 (SW) Jacob Smith MC3 Olivier Clement

Summer Safety

Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka

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Facebook.com/naf.atsugi Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi

Job Seekers

@NAFAtsugiJP

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAPTAIN’S CALL VIDEO

www.issuu.com/nafatsugi

ONLINE

ON THE COVER

CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY FOR COMMANDER TASK FORCE 72, COMMANDER FLEET AIR WESTERN PACIFIC ABOARD NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI(U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT)

CMDCM CORNER With Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin

Shipmates, We l c o m e b a c k t o C M D C M ’s C o r n e r. Summer is here and the Chief Petty O ff i c e r q u o t a s a r e o n t h e s t r e e t s ! I ’ m looking forward to seeing lots of familiar names on the list in a few short months. As the Navy continues to look for more ways to reward our top performing Sailors, we get another billet-based promotion program. This one is the Enlisted Advancement to Position Program. The purpose of this initiative is to fill priority b i l l e t s a t R e c r u i t Tr a i n i n g C o m m a n d , select Navy Recruiting Districts and N a v y Ta l e n t A c q u i s i t i o n G r o u p l o c a t i o n s . S a i l o r s s e l e c t e d f o r t h e s e h i g h v i s i b i l i t y, high optempo jobs will be advanced t o P e t t y O ff i c e r F i r s t C l a s s w i t h a l l the pay and benefits associated with the promotion upon completion of any requisite “C” Schools. There are a few specific requirements f o r t h o s e h a r d c h a rg i n g E 5 s w h o w a n t t o a p p l y, s o m a k e s u r e y o u ’ r e f a m i l i a r i z i n g y o u r s e l f w i t h N AVA D M I N 1 2 2 / 1 9 b e f o r e moving forward. As someone who has done a tour at Great Lakes myself, I can say without a doubt that it will be one of the most professionally rewarding experiences

o f y o u r c a r e e r. I f y o u have any questions, ask your LCPO or Career C o u n s e l o r. A s m a n y o f y o u k n o w, I recently returned from a very fruitful trip to Millington with XO, Air Boatswain and AW V 1 – s o o n t o b e N C 1 – S c h u l z . I m e t with most of your detailers and many of them had the same advice for Sailors i n t h e i r n e g o t i a t i n g w i n d o w. H e r e ’s what they had to say: 1 . Ta l k t o y o u r D e t a i l e r. 2. Have updated personal information in CMS-ID (i.e. phone #, duty preference, etc). 3 . A l w a y s r e a d t h e l a t e s t N AVA D M I N S / M P M s i n c l u d i n g t h e n e w e s t N AVA D M I N 231/17. 4. Always apply for up to 5 jobs in the CMS-ID. 5 . F o l l o w - u p w i t h t h e d e t a i l e r. T h a t ’s a l l f o r t h i s m o n t h . T h a n k y o u f o r a l l y o u d o , a n d r e m e m b e r, i f y o u have any questions, ASK THE CHIEF!

July 7, 1798

July 1, 1972

Congress rescinds treaties with France, and the Quasi War begins.

Rear Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Jr. becomes the first AfricanAmerican to achieve flag rank in the U.S. Navy.

July 15, 1942

July 25, 1998

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is commissioned at Norfolk Naval Base, Va. The eighth aircraft carrier of the Nimitz-class is the first to be named after the 33rd president of the United States.

USS Grunion (SS 216) sinks the Japanese submarine chasers (25 and 26) off Kiska, Aleutian Islands.

A Getaway Portal

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STORY BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT

Many think of a summer vacation as a chance to get away, visit a distant locale, or venture far into parts unknown. Naval Air Facility Atsugi (NAFA) offers a number of recreation activities and destinations overseas or just down the road.

“We advise people to try to book 30 days out,” said Keith Hileman, NAFA MWR Tour and Travel Manager.” “For an August trip they can start signing up July 1st because the spaces fill up really quickly.”

The majority of individuals who sign up tend to be One of the best resources personnel can use when families but MWR wants to remind Sailors that they choosing recreational activities is the Morale, Welfare always have a few spots open for single Sailors and the and Recreation (MWR) office located on any military cost of the trip is cheaper for them. installation. “We try to provide seats for as many single Sailors that Navy MWR administers a varied selection of trips want to sign up,” said Hileman. “We’ll let them sign up locally that Sailors and their families stationed in Atsugi and they get a 20 percent discount. So normally let’s can take advantage of. Those trips vary from different say we have a tour of, on average 27 people, three on parks where people can relax during the summer, to average will join the tour.” ski and snow board trips and visits to the unique Japan snow monkeys in winter. In addition to MWR offering local trips, if individuals are looking to travel overseas, NAFA also has the IACE These trips tend to be quite popular and based on that, it travel agency located on base to assist with plans. The is recommended to sign up early. agency offers a lot of international destinations for all 4

who want to take advantage of being in the eastern The biggest benefits of using the programs are the hemisphere. information as well as some amazing deals that are not normally available for the average civilian. Discounted “Bali was the top decision destination for a little while tickets, day trips and vouchers for hotel stays in select but currently it is Seoul for travelers because it is cheap areas are just the tip of the iceberg. right now,” said Kimiko Nagai, the NAFA IACE office Section Chief. “We have a lot of special deals, such as In addition, if an individual prefers to arrange everything our Independence Day special and the next one will be on their own there is also an option for that. After a Labor Day special.” preparing the itinerary, they can visit a supporting Information, Ticket and Reservation (ITR) office or As Hileman stated, Nagai also recommends that people Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) office to finalize sign up early to save on the cost of the trips and also give the booking, confirm arrangements and pay for the themselves enough time to process all the paperwork vacation. that may be required. These are just a few examples of the recreational “We ask you to come to us as soon as possible,” said activities available for Sailors and their families stationed Nagai. “The price of the package itself depends on how here in Atsugi. early you book your trip, but also it takes time for some countries to get the paperwork in order. This is especially For more information on what upcoming trips and true if someone is trying to visit China. It can take up to events , are available and how to sign up, visit the Navy two weeks for a visa.” MWR Atusgi website.

MINIMIZING RISK FOR MAXIMUM FUN

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 JACOB SMITH

The 101 days between Memorial Day and L a b o r D a y, w h i c h a c t a s t h e u n o ff i c i a l s t a r t and end date of summertime, can be the m o s t f u n , o r m o s t p a i n f u l , d a y s o f a S a i l o r ’s y e a r, d e p e n d i n g o n s a f e t y.

Wa r m w e a t h e r a l l o w s f o r a v a r i e t y o f activities that are not as easily accomplished in the autumn or winter months, such as swimming, boating and hiking to name a f e w. W h i l e a l l a c t i v i t i e s c a r r y s o m e s m a l l a m o u n t o f r i s k , i f a S a i l o r a c t s a c c o r d i n g l y, s m a r t l y a n d s a f e l y, t h e y c a n m i n i m i z e t h a t risk. A c c o r d i n g t o N A F A t s u g i ’s A c t i n g S a f e t y D i r e c t o r, S e n i o r C h i e f Av i a t i o n B o a t s w a i n ’s Mate (Handling) Alan Libungan, one of the l a rg e s t r i s k f a c t o r s t h a t p l a y i n t o i n c i d e n t s 6

and injuries is a lack of situational awareness. Whether it is from being too focused on the activity at hand, being too tired to notice something dangerous, or b e i n g o v e r c o n f i d e n t i n o n e ’s a b i l i t y, b e i n g distracted leads or contributes to 80 to 90 percent of all serious injuries. Another factor is performing activities in a n u n s a f e m a n n e r. T h i s c a n b e e n g a g i n g i n activities in which the service member is inexperienced and untrained, overexerting themselves in something they may not be physically adept to or strong enough to perform, and not using the correct p r o t e c t i v e g e a r f o r t h e p r e s c r i b e d a c t i v i t y. It is important that Sailors are mindful of the requirements for their recreation and take all necessary precautions beforehand

so they are not put in a dangerous situation. “ W h e n w e t e l l S a i l o r s t o b e s a f e w h i l e o ff d u t y, w e a r e r e a l l y i m p a r t i n g o n t h e m t o assess and manage risk,” said Libungan. “ A l l s u m m e r o ff - d u t y a c t i v i t i e s c o m e w i t h d i ff e r e n t d e g r e e s o f r i s k a n d i f S a i l o r s d o n o t assess and manage the risks that come with whatever they are doing (heed to training/ knowledge they receive and/or already have combined with knowing not what to get negatively involved in) they may fall prey to an incident/mishap.”

DUI cases so far) this number is still far a b o v e t h e g o a l s s e t b y t h e U . S . N a v y.

“ A s t h e C o m m a n d D A PA ( D r u g a n d Alcohol Programs Advisor), I have to first take a look at all the surrounding factors involving the Sailor or Marine and their struggle, if they have one, w i t h a l c o h o l , ” s a i d C h i e f M a s t e r- a t Arms Orlando Morin. “My priority is to get them the help they need, not look at the punishment. Although, that may be the consequence. My obligation to the member is to provide the best While it may be most often seen in junior guidance and mentorship and pave the Sailors between the ages of 18-25, alcohol road to treatment for them so they can u s e o f t e n l e a d t o t r o u b l e f o r t h e n e w e s t b e s u c c e s s f u l i n t h e i r c a r e e r. ” seaman, fresh out of boot camp, to the most s e a s o n e d o ff i c e r. I n t o x i c a t i o n c a n l e a d t o P u n i s h m e n t f o r a n A R I c a n i n c l u d e i m p a i r e d j u d g e m e n t , b o d i l y f u n c t i o n a n d r e s t r i c t i o n , l o s s o f p a y, s u s p e n s i o n o f r e a c t i o n t i m e , w h i c h c a n r e s u l t i n i n j u r y, o r a d v a n c e m e n t a n d s u s p e n s i o n / l o s s o f w o r s e , d u r i n g p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y. W h i l e t h o s e s e c u r i t y c l e a r a n c e , w h i c h c a n b e a c r i t i c a l w h o a r e o f a g e a r e f r e e t o e n j o y a l c o h o l , i t s t r i k e t o o n e ’s c a r e e r i n s o m e c a s e s . should always be used responsibly lest it lead A Sailor can also be administratively t o c a r e e r- b r e a k i n g a l c o h o l - r e l a t e d i n c i d e n t s s e p a r a t e d f o r h a v i n g t w o D U I / D W I cases, and a second related alcohol a n d i n j u r y. incident in a career after a period of In fiscal year 2018 there were 1,460 alcohol- treatment, unless a waiver is submitted r e l a t e d i n c i d e n t s ( A R I s ) , w h i c h r a n g e d a n d a p p r o v e d a t t h e O P N AV l e v e l . from a multitude of issues such as fighting, trespassing and public intoxication, to 1,016 There are plenty of activities for all driving under the influence (DUI) and driving service members and their families w h i l e i n t o x i c a t e d ( D W I ) c a s e s i n t h e N a v y. t o e n j o y h e r e i n J a p a n d u r i n g t h e While fiscal year 2019 is looking to have a summertime. Be safe and responsible l o w e r c o u n t o f i n c i d e n t s , ( 7 8 5 A R I a n d 5 2 6 d u r i n g t h e s e 1 0 1 d a y s o f s u m m e r.

Relocation Adjustments S T O R Y B Y M C 3 S M I T H P H O T O S B Y M C 3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT

Moving to a new location always carries some level of stress, and for Sailors who might have left the United States for the first time to come to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, they may encounter an environment opposite to anything they’ve ever experienced on the opposite side of the world.

five-day period by members of NAF A t s u g i ’s F l e e t F a m i l y S e r v i c e C e n t e r (FFSC).

“I’m the first person everyone sees before getting introduced to the many faces and services of the base, so I try to make a good first impression to help people feel welcomed,” said Shawn J a p a n i s q u i t e d i f f e r e n t f r o m t h e U n i t e d B a r k e r, F F S C ’s s o c i a l s e r v i c e s a s s i s t a n t . States in multiple ways, due to the “A lot of effort goes into making sure culture, the societal structure and of our information is up to date to meet c o u r s e , t h e l a n g u a g e s p o k e n . To h e l p t h e e v e r c h a n g i n g n e e d s . We h a v e both Sailors and their family members’ received many compliments from those transition to life here in Japan, one of who have been to other commands in the first things they do upon arrival Japan on how great our class is, and is attend the Area Orientation Brief/ just recently on our critique sheets Intercultural Relations (AOB/ICR) someone left the comment, ‘Overall the AOB/ICR class is one of the best in the class. Pacific Fleet. NAF Atsugi AOB/ICR is The AOB/ICR class is taught over a the type of indoc (indoctrination class) 10

that other installations should strive to h a v e . ’ S o i t ’s s a f e t o s a y w e t a k e a l o t of pride in what we do.”

over backwards for the Sailors,” said B a r k e r. “ T h e i r c o m m i t m e n t t o h e l p i n g the Sailor doesn’t end once class does, they are often asked to assist with translations for things as simple as a c o n c e r t p o s t e r, t o m o r e p r e s s i n g m a t t e r s such as billings for those who live out in town, even going as far as to call and communicate with the billers to make sure the service member isn’t falling behind due to communication errors. They serve well as coordinators and hopefully with their help the program remains as solid as it is now because others have praised how amazing it is and I would hate for others to not get the same experience they have.”

The rest of the week is intercultural relations class, taught by Naoko Koyama a n d Yu j i i O g u r a . B o t h i n s t r u c t o r s are Japanese citizens and have been serving in their positions for more than 15 years. Their classes cover a variety of topics that aim to make living in Japan and interacting with their new neighbors e a s i e r. T h e m o s t p r e v a l e n t o f t h e s e a r e language, where the students are taught basic phrases and words that can assist in many situations, with a non-English speaking volunteer brought in for the Sailors to practice with. They also teach Japanese customs, to explain the ways the people act that may seem strange or foreign to someone who has never been in the area before. They also explain the importance of behaviors,and how situations may end up in confusion or offense to Japanese citizens.According t o B a r k e r, K o y a m a a n d O g u r a a r e t h e c o m m a n d ’s m o s t e x p e r i e n c e d a t p a i r i n g two cultures.

The impact made by all the instructors can be felt throughout the command. Their assistance in helping Sailors and fmailies transition to Japanese life, and helping Sailors feel able to go out and enjoy their time here in the Far East by e a s i n g c u l t u r a l a n x i e t y. “I was really worried about getting by over here when I first came to the command, that I wouldn’t be able to c o m m u n i c a t e o r g e t b y i n t h i s c o u n t r y, ” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Z h a o M u l i n g . “ H o w e v e r, I ’ v e l e a r n e d most citizens can speak a bit of English a n d G o o g l e Tr a n s l a t e h a s b e e n a m a j o r h e l p f o r m e . N o w, I ’ v e b e e n l i v i n g i n town and going out to grocery shop for o v e r a y e a r. M y b i g g e s t a d v i c e i s t o g o explore, be outgoing, don’t be afraid to get lost because someone will help you get home. Go experience the culture while you’re here.”

“I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing the jobs they do; they really bend

Being in a new country may be challenging at first, but Japan is a country rich with history and culture and can provide a valuable experience t o g o o u t a n d e n j o y.

Assisting Job Seekers land the perfect opportunity

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STORY BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT

Employment opportunities are a very important consideration for Sailors and their families transitioning from one duty station to another or processing out the Navy. At Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) offers assistance for those going through that process.

Once an individual has contacted FFSC and has been informed on the type of jobs available they are offered more help to facilitate their employment search and the steps that come along with the job search. “We then help applicants with their application packages tailoring the resume, run interview skills classes, and for those people that are looking to get a federal job we provide specialized training in developing a federal resume because it’s very different from a typical private sector resume.” Said Brassfield.

“We are a resource for people who are seeking jobs,” said Melanie Brassfield, the FFSC Family Employment Readiness Program liaison. “For family members who come to Atsugi, whether spouses looking for permanent employment or teenagers who are looking for summer The classes are meant to assist job jobs, what we do is provide assistance in seekers from all different walks of life what types of jobs are available here.” and different levels of experience. The 12

majority of individuals in their classes tend to be military spouses but they greatly encourage teenagers looking for their first job to speak to them.

period for federal jobs, however probably slightly shorter for the non-appropriated funds jobs, through Morale Welfare and Recreation.”

“We have many spouses who are returning to work after years out of the workforce,” said Brassfield. “Or, newly married, left college and never had a job, so we get sort of the whole spectrum there.”

FFSC also offers assistance to Sailors transitioning out of the service either by way of retirement or separation. “I would say preparation is key if someone follows the guidance,” said Freddie London, the transition assistance manager at FFSC. “Start attending the workshops at a minimum of 12 months before separating from active duty, or for retirees, 24 months from retiring from active duty. If someone does that I would say it makes for a smooth, easy transition.”

Finding jobs while overseas is not always easy, therefore FFSC recommends that people really keep an eye on government websites such as USAJOBS.gov because sometimes the process can be long and arduous. “We’ll work with them for a six month period or sometimes even longer and it may take them that long to get their first job,” said Brassfield. “From the application to getting hired, usually it can be a two to three month additional

One of the reason they recommend early preparation for the transition is based on the fact that duties in the military sometimes do not translate as easily to a civilian resume.

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“The average rough draft is probably going to take someone a week then another two weeks for a fully polished version to be ready to be sent out,” said London. “This gives you time to make changes, and have someone look at it but also allocates the time to research the market that you’re going into and for which you are submitting resumes.” One of the things Sailors learn when they come to the workshop is that they can start applying for employment six months before separating or retiring from active duty. So if they use that six months of preparation correctly, it can lead to employment right after the transition. Based on that, London recommends not to the job search process duty and transition to the civilian workforce. “Do not take a two month or three month gap,” said London. Service members should want to be able to say I left active duty. I went on terminal leave and started work. I don’t want to say I use my terminal leave and then started job searching. I want to have something lined up for me.” With that in mind the FFSC here at Atsugi is available for Sailors and civilians alike to assist with their employment search, may it be a first time job, to one while living in Japan, or a new career as you transition from the service. For more information regarding employment opportunities and resources, contact Melanie Brassfield at her email Melanie.Brassfield@ fe.navy.mil, DSN: 264-3241, or at the FFSC front desk, DSN: 264-3372. Stock photo 14