What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Courtney Pollock
Ice Comments
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Leading Chief Petty Officer MCC Ben Farone Editor MC3 Jason C. Bawgus Skywriter Staff MC3 Jason C. Bawgus MC3 Matthew Duncker
CPO 365 Helps Out
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Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki
Facebook.com/naf.atsugi
Atsugi Hosts NEO Night Out
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CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAPTAIN’S CALL VIDEO
Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi
@NAFAtsugiJP www.issuu.com/nafatsugi
ONLINE
ON THE COVER A MEMBER
OF THE NAF ATSUGI COLOR GUARD POSES WITH THEIR RIFLE FOR A PHOTOSHOOT. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS JASON C. BAWGUS/ RELEASED)
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Turning the Page
A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.
Left, Naval Air Facility Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey presents Masterat-Arms 2nd Class Jordan Gebele with a frocking letter during her promotion to Second Class Petty Officer. Pictured below, Sailors attached to Naval Air Facility Atsugi prepare to receive their promotion to the next paygrade at the Atsugi Parade Field in 1967.
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Building A Better Community
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Story and photo by mc3 matthew duncker NAF Atsugi Public Affairs
Customer feedback is an important information tool that allows businesses to modify or overhaul the services they provide to meet consumer satisfaction. The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system is an electronic avenue that allows individuals to leave feedback about departments, establishments or businesses located on military facilities. “The ICE utility web site provides employees, Sailors and their families an open, direct line of communication to managers and leadership, not only to express appreciation or comments about services, but also to address real concerns,” said NAF Atsugi Executive Officer, Cmdr. Matt Szoka. “We ask for and use this information to build and sustain best practices, provide better quality service or, if necessary, change or fix processes that aren’t working.” ICE is formatted similarly to an online survey, there are six questions inquiring about the experience the customer had and the service they received. The answers are based on a five-point scale, ranging from excellent to awful.
There’s also a section for participants to leave constructive criticism or suggestions as to how base services, facilities and establishments can be improved. “ICE comments provide immediate feedback to service providers,” said Morale, Welfare and Recreation Atsugi Site Manager Tom Durning. “Service providers receive the feedback in such a manner, they can promptly respond, whether it is a Bravo Zulu for an employee or a change in customer service.” NAF Atsugi Housing Director Ron Singer said that ICE comments provide a new medium of communication with the residents on the installation. “ICE gives me an opportunity to hear the thoughts and concerns throughout the base,” said Singer. “It’s a program that I think can effect change in a positive manner.” In fact, many of the suggestions for improvement can lead to changes in programs and departments to meet customer satisfaction. “MWR has had many positive changes that we’ve been able to act on after receiving constructive ICE comments,” said Durning. “Examples include the 5
expansion of the family fitness room, which used to be half the current size. We’ve also received great feedback on everything from suggestions for tours to the meals that are provided at the various MWR food establishments.” Facility patrons are encouraged to continue submitting helpful feedback so that issues can be resolved and suggestions can at least be tested and see if a permanent change could be made for a better community. “The ICE system is definitely a quality of life tool at the disposal of the community. It’s an opportunity for community members to provide constructive criticism to make Atsugi the best possible place to live,” said Durning. Although it’s optional, those leaving ICE comments are highly encouraged to leave contact information to allow for better dialogue between the customer and the service provider on base. “I always prefer a point of contact to direct the comment that is sent to us,” said Singer. “By leaving a name and phone number we can create a dialogue to facilitate a change of service that better suits the customer’s needs.” To leave an ICE comment, simply go to http:/www.ice.
CPO 365 PLANTS MORE THAN JUST FLOWERS
Story and photos by mcc ben farone
NAF Atsugi Public Affairs
First Class and Chief Petty Officers from commands across Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi spent a wet and windy Monday, June 13th planting flowers at Sagamino station. The event, sponsored by Zama area business and civic organizations, saw Atsugi’s chapter of CPO 365 work alongside students from Minami Junior High School to complete the project. This is the third year of CPO 365 involvement in what is becoming a bi-annual event and gave participants a chance to interact with our host nation in true lead from the front fashion. So what is CPO 365? CPO 365 is a year-round training and development program for First Class Petty Officers to prepare them for their future role in the Chief’s Mess. The training is broken down into two phases and builds on the tenants of good order and discipline, Navy Core Values and the Navy Ethos. Phase One begins following the CPO Pinning in September and concludes with the release of the NAVADMIN announcing the CPO Selection Board results. Phase Two then takes over and training continues with the same timehonored traditions that have made the Chief Petty Officer’s mess what it is today. Phase two culminates with the donning of the gold fouled
anchors and combination cover. CPO 365 challenges First Class Petty Officers both physically and intellectually and provides the skillset needed to mentor and train the next generation of Sailors while upholding the 123 year legacy of the Chief Petty Officer.
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PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER
A TRADITION OF
EXCELLENCE
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PHOTOS AND STORY BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
P
arading the colors is a time-honored practice as sacred as the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Color guard members are the personification of military bearing and poise. It takes a dedicated, proud and squared-away Sailor to be deemed worthy enough to parade the country’s colors and honor those who have served in defense of America. Aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi (NAF) these standards are no different. “Being in the Color Guard you are held to a much higher standard specifically in appearance in uniform. Maintaining an outstanding uniform takes work but is possible,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Raymond Mccloud, assigned to Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Division Atsugi. “We also have to practice a lot. We practice at every opportunity including showing up two hours prior to the event just to practice.” Even though the standards are high and sometimes the practices can be long Mccloud says that joining the color guard can be easier than you think. “Joining the Color Guard is easy. All you have to do is make it to one event to meet the team and introduce yourself and then route a request through your chain of command,” said Mccloud. “After it is approved you just have to make it to as many events as you can. We are always looking for motivated Sailors to join our team.” However once on the team, being a member of the color guard is no easy task, as one must have impeccable military bearing and be able to endure countless hours of drilling. “It’s more than just carrying a flag and marching in formation,” said Hospitalman Evelyn Williams, assigned to NAF Atsugi Branch Health Clinic. “There’s attention to detail, uniformity, flexibility and pride. Each of us have our own role to play and without those four qualities our performances wouldn’t be as sharp or as highly respected as they are.” For members of NAF Atsugi’s color guard, however, this is exactly the reason they join this team.
“I joined because I love wearing my uniform and representing something bigger than myself,” said Williams. “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be a part of a milestone in their careers or in their lives.” Being a part of a ceremonial color guard members get the chance to take part in many different kind of events, including some of the ones that not everyone likes to think about. “I will not say it is my favorite memory but it is one I will never forget. When I was part of the Naval Air Station Lemoore Ceremonial Unit I was tasked with presenting the American flag to a deceased Sailor’s next of kin,” said Mccloud. “It required me to recite a speech while staring directly into the face of the next of kin while placing their loved ones flag in their hands, I then stood up and gave a ceremonious salute while TAPS was played. It was by far one of the hardest and most humbling experiences I have ever had.”
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ARE YOU
READY?
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NEO NIGHT OUT
single location. Not just passports. We’re talking Census cards, NEO cards, pay and allowance, travel, personal property and repatriation documents – prepared well in advance and always updated to make the evacuation process as smooth and rapid as possible.” Everyone can visit the NAF Atsugi Emergency Management web page for a complete list of documents and preparation necessary to remain prepared at http:// www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/installations/naf_atsugi. html Click on “Emergency Management: under Operation and Management at the top of the page. “If the Department of State orders an evacuation, time will be short,” said Wise. “Some folks may remember the Great Japan Earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. Once Fukushima was inundated, evacuations from the Kanto Plain were directed very rapidly. A lot of families were caught flat-footed. We want to stamp that out, so to speak.” Is there anything folks can do now? “Absolutely!” Wise said. “Start by assembling a ‘ready kit’ in your home; you can get a list of suggested items on our web site. Then – at the same time – not later, make sure all your documents are assembled, up-to-date and in order. Don’t wait.”
STORY BY H. SAM SAMUELSON NAF Atsugi Public Affairs
If Greg Wise could leverage his last name, he would be more than happy to school every family onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi that, when it comes to “fight or flight” decisions, in the face of a mass evacuation, the answer is “flight.” Wise is NAF Atsugi’s Emergency Management Manager. “My number one, and this command’s number one focus, is a 100 percent resilient Atsugi community,” said Wise. “By resilient, we mean preparing every individual on this base, leadership, Sailors and families to be ready for a catastrophe. Where it is a power failure, earthquake, volcano activity or even human act of war, we all need to have the confidence that our residents and families are ready. Any of these conditions can result in separation, displacement and in severe cases – evacuation.” Wise sees his primary responsibility to unveil and lay bare the mystery and complexities of mass evacuation. “Mass evacuation are a complex process, but it starts with individual readiness,” Wise said. “It is paramount that everyone assembles their primary and always-updated documents for themselves, their families and pets in a 11
Summer Swimming and Safety Tips Overview
From 2005-2014 there was an average of 3,536 unintentional drownings occurred in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tragically, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of American children ages 1 to 19, and most of those deaths occur in residential pools, reports the CDC. Many deaths from drowning are preventable by following basic safety rules for swimming in pools and natural bodies of water.
Do Not Swim During Thunderstorms
Never swim during a thunderstorm. Follow lifeguard instructions for exiting the pool. If swimming in a residential pool, exit the water immediately when you hear thunder. Lightning often strikes water and water conducts electricity. If you swim and lightning strikes, you risk serious injury or death.
Avoid Diving Headfirst
Do not dive headfirst into shallow or murky water, or water of uncertain depth. Diving in shallow water Learn How to Swim can cause injuries and drowning. Diving into murky The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses formal swimming instruction for most children ages 4 years and water such as ponds, quarries or lakes without older. Teens and adults who don’t know how to swim knowing the depth or underwater environment is should learn to do so and restrict wading or bathing to dangerous. Rocks and other objects in the water pose hazards. It is best to enter the water feetfirst. shallow water only and in the presence of a lifeguard.
Supervise Children
Children should never be allowed to swim unsupervised by adults anywhere. MedlinePlus reports that drowning can happen quickly and silently in as little as 2 inches of water. The CDC reports that most accidental drownings of children ages 1 to 4 occur in residential pools and most of those victims were reported seen within the home less than five minutes prior while in the care of at least one parent. Adults who are supervising children should remain alert, vigilant and never turn away or get distracted, not even for a moment.
Refrain From Horseplay in the Water
As fun as it is to swim with friends or family, refrain from horseplay such as dunking, hanging on to someone or allowing them to hang on to you while in the water. Horseplay can lead to injury while in the water, thus increasing the risk of drowning.
Use Proper Flotation Devices
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that inflatable toys, rafts, air mattresses and water wings should never be used as lifesaving devices Do Not Swim Under the Influence of for children and that only life jackets and life Drugs or Alcohol preservers approved by the U.S. Coast Guard should Even strong swimmers can succumb to the effects of be used. Always wear an approved life jacket when alcohol and drugs while in the water. Being under the boating, even close to land. influence of either or both seriously impairs judgment and coordination and increases the risk of injury or drowning. First Aid, CPR and Pool Fences It is a good idea for adults, especially those Never Swim Alone who are parents or who care for children, to As tempting as it may be to catch some time alone in learn basic first aid and CPR. Rescue measures the backyard pool, deserted lake or ocean, do not do can mean the difference between life and death, it. Accidents happen even to young, strong, healthy especially for families with residential pools. The individuals who are good swimmers. Always swim CDC recommends four-sided pool fences at least with a buddy in a residential pool and with a lifeguard 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates unreachable by children and that open outward. present in any other pool or body of water. 12
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PHOTO BY MC3 ELLEN HILKOWSKI
WHAT’S HAPPENING
PHOTO BY MC2 JAMES MULLEN
MH-60S Sea Hawk Helicopters, assigned to the “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, transfer stores from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE-8) to the forward–deployed Nimitz-class aircraft USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a vertical replenishment.
PHOTO BY MCSN JAMAAL LIDDELL
An MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to the Island Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 brings supplies to the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a vertical replenishment.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 lands on the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). 13
PHOTO BY MCSN MATTHEW DUNCKER
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Naval Air Facility Atsugi
MWR Community Recreation
How do you describe your department’s primary traveling with detached personnel to provide Sailors with free rentals of bicycles, golf clubs, horseshoes, mission?
fishing poles, Frisbee and more. Free movies, books, magazines and self-guided hiking info are also offered. Additionally, if your command is hosting an official BBQ or function at Atsugi, rental grills, tents, toys and more are available for free at Gear Rental. Park reservations are free as well.
Maybe you’ve noticed that some MWR facilities around base seem to have new names — the sign outside Outdoor Recreation now says Gear Rental. ITT is now called Tours & Travel. The Corner Pocket has been renamed the Community Recreation Center. Wondering what’s behind the changes? Atsugi MWR is starting to roll out a new CNIC program called Navy Community Recreation. It’s designed to be an umbrella for multiple existing MWR programs so that each facility can be a one-stop shop for trips, rentals, reservations and more. We’re now able to offer online movie ticket purchases, and we’re moving toward online tours reservations as well.
Something special...
Don’t miss MWR’s Mt. Fuji climbing trips this summer! One big advantage of a Tours & Travel climbing trip is that you don’t have to worry about how to get to Fuji or how to get home afterward when you’re tired. You can also stop by Gear Rental to rent How do the services you provide support the hiking poles and backpacks. 30-minute climbing safety briefs will take place at Cinema 77 at noon command’s mission? The goal of Community Recreation is to increase on Jul 6 and 20, as well as Aug 10 and 24; you must quality of life for the NAF Atsugi community by attend one brief to climb with MWR. turning MWR facilities into one-stop shops for HOW CAN YOUR CUSTOMERS REACH YOU? customers’ recreational needs. For questions about Community Recreation What can you tell us about your department/group programs, call 264-4652.
that others may not know?
Gear Rental professionals support the air wing whenever it sends a detachment to Iwo To by
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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.
THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT VOLUNTEER SUPPORT: CFAF
LS1 TURNER LS1 PALAD LS1 HAMMAR LS2 RAZICK LS2 SUMILANG LS2 MATEO YN3 MCCLINTOCK
AIMD
AO2 SMITH
HSM-51
AWR2 GRIFFIN IS2 JACOBS AT2 LOPEZ AM1 BELKO
CNATT
NAFA
VRC-30
BHC
CWO5 VALENTINE SAM SAMUELSON AZC SALAS AZ1 HARRISON YNSA ZERTUCHE PUBLIC WORKS CE1 VALDRIZ AD2 SNEDEKER BU2 MILLER ADC LOZADA SW2 COLE UT2 BUNDANG CVW-5 BU3 LAGUESSE AT2 WILSON AA NIEVESTORRES EO2 ADHIKARI PR1 HURICKS
AWF1 GOTTENBOS HN TOOMBS HN FREDERICKSON NAVSUP FLC ABH2 NAVAL ABH2 SERRANO
THANK YOU!
Flight Line News Briefs are compiled monthly news reports from squadrons, tenant commands, departments and command groups aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
NASA Visit
Previous VFA-195 “Dambuster” CDR Victor “IKE” Glover spoke to NAF Atsugi children and community about his experience as a NASA astronaut. Glover was selected as one of eight members of the 21st NASA astronaut class in 2013 and completed Astronaut Candidate Training in 2015. He is now qualified for future assignments and working in the Exploration branch.
CNATT
BRAVO ZULU to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Detachment Atsugi, for recently going over 1,050 days free of an Alcohol Related Incident. By focusing on the CNO’s four leadership attributes which are integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness CNATT has shown that by changing the cultural misconceptions and behaviors about alcohol any command can begin to have an ARI free workspace.
VFA-195
VFA-195’s Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decision (CSADD) hosted a flag football tournament on May 29 aboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi. 15
Twenty participants from four separate NAF Atsugi tenant commands joined forces to encourage positive choices and competitive play among service members. VFA-195’s CSADD looks forward to hosting other events to provide promote personal and professional growth for younger Sailors.
Branch Health Clinic
CONGRATULATIONS to Branch Health Clinic Atsugi as they were awarded National Certification Level 3 in Patient Centered Medical Home from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This achievement is the highest level of recognition and validates the clinic’s success in improving quality and enhancing the patient experience. NCQA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of health care that can be translated into lives saved, illnesses avoided, improved coordination of care, an enriched patient experience and reduced costs. Bravo Zulu to BHC Atsugi for your outstanding work and continued success, we are all fortunate and grateful to have amazing access to this wonderful clinic.