Skywriter- November, 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

Giving Back To Those We Serve

MCC(SW/AW) Ben Farone

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Editor MC3(SW) Jacob Smith Skywriter Staff MC3 (SW) Jacob Smith MC3 Olivier Clement

Raising Awareness on Domestic Violence Page 6

Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Ikumi Tanaka

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

Play Ball!

@NAFAtsugiJP

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAPTAIN’S CALL VIDEO

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ON THE COVER RDML

BRIAN

COMMANDER

FORT, CNFJ,

ARRIVES

ATSUGI

NAVY

THE

NAF BALL

CEREMONY.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) RDML BRIAN FORT, COMMANDER CNFJ, THE OLDEST ADN YOUNGEST SERVICE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE AND NAF ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICE CAPT. LLOYD B. MACK CUT THE CAKE AT THE NAVY BALL

CMDCM CORNER With Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin

Shipmates, priority E6 billets, here are the details you need t o k n o w.

We l c o m e b a c k t o C M C ’s C o r n e r. I c a n hardly believe its November! Summer has come and gone and we’re well into the f a l l s e a s o n . A s w i t h e v e r y y e a r, y o u c a n anticipate the results of the September N a v y - w i d e A d v a n c e m e n t E x a m ( N WA E ) to be released sometime around Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to pinning new crows on lots of our welldeserving shipmates here in a few weeks. For those PO1 candidates who PNA this exam and are in their detailing window t h e r e ’s a n o t h e r o p t i o n t o a d d t h a t t h i r d chevron.

Yo u m u s t b e i n y o u r detailing window AND have participated in the m o s t r e c e n t N WA E . Yo u m u s t b e q u a l i f i e d t o f i l l t h e b i l l e t y o u ’ r e a p p l y i n g f o r. T h e s e b i l l e t s w i l l be listed in the “Advance to Position” s e c t i o n o f C M S / I D . Ta l k t o y o u r detailer to confirm your eligibility if you’re unsure. Yo u c a n a p p l y t o a n y s e a d u t y b i l l e t , regardless of your current sea/shore f l o w. I f y o u ’ r e o n s h o r e a n d d u e t o rotate back to sea, you can only apply for sea billets. No back-to-back shore.

L a s t m o n t h t h e N a v y o ff i c i a l l y e x p a n d e d the Advancement-to-Position (A2P) pilot program for Recruiter and Recruit Division Commander billets into a permanent advancement fixture for a wide range of sea and shore billets. Adding this to the growth of the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) and increases in the Senior Enlisted A2P selection boards, it would appear our Navy is shifting how we promote and retain our best and brightest Sailors.

Final Multiple Score will be the primary deciding factor in selecting who fills these A2P billets. For more info on the A2P program, r e a d N AVA D M I N 2 3 0 / 1 9 t h e n t a l k t o y o u r C h i e f o r y o u r C a r e e r C o u n s e l o r. T h a t ’s i t f o r t h i s m o n t h , a n d a s a l w a y s , if you have any questions, ASK THE C H I E F.

F o r t h o s e h a r d - c h a rg i n g 2 n d C l a s s P e t t y O ff i c e r s i n t e r e s t e d i n f i l l i n g o n e o f t h e s e

November 5, 1775

November 15, 1943

USS Crevalle (SS 291) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Kyokko Maru off San Antonio, Zambales province, Philippines

Commodore Esek Hopkins is appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy.

November 9, 1863

During the Civil War, the side wheel steamer James Adger, commanded by Cmdr. Thomas H. Patterson, captures blockade runner Robert E. Lee off Cape Lookout, Shoals, N.C.

November 25, 1961

USS Enterprise (CVAN 65), the U.S. Navy’s first nuclearpowered aircraft carrier, is commissioned in Newport News, Va.

Giving Back To Those We Serve

STORY BY MC3 JACOB SMITH PHOTOS BY PSD

Lathrop. “PSD Atsugi is a strong advocate of giving back to the community, and our Sailors find a deep satisfaction in volunteer efforts, having been heavily involved in volunteer work since before I came here in 2016. We stress the importance of volunteering for the right reasons; doing it out of the kindness of your heart, and not for recognition. Senior leadership here promotes volunteer opportunities from the base and Sailor 360 program, allows for volunteering even during working hours, and are also actively involved in volunteering themselves.”

Volunteering is an excellent way for Sailors to spend their time outside of work and it allows them to give back to the community, build connections with other Sailors and those they help, or in the case of Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Personnel Support Detachment (PSD), sometimes even earn recognition for their selflessness. PSD was recently awarded with the 2019 President’s Volunteer Service Award (SILVER) for volunteering over 250 hours at various events and activities both within and outside of base.

The Sailors of PSD Atsugi volunteered at a “For such a small division, just 22 Sailors, variety of locations and events, including this is a great accomplishment,” said the Yamato Station Clean-up, NAF Atsugi Personnel Specialist 1st Class Michael Homeless Ministry’s “Feed the Homeless,” 4

the experience of helping others, completing a job that aids the community, and having opportunities to meet new people and the Japanese locals, which is my favorite part of it all.”

and Kanto Plain’s Special Olympics. The award was a credit to the whole detachment, the combined result of each individual efforts. While it is inevitable that some volunteer more than others, almost every Sailor at PSD volunteers at least once a month. There may not be a ribbon, medal or trophy for this award, but Sailors still benefit in their careers; the hours can be applied to the Volunteer Service Ribbon and will also be reflected in their evaluations.

Samuel feels both honored and humbled that he and the rest of PSD were able to earn such a distinctive award. This feeling is shared with his chain of command, including Commander Michael S. Hill, the executive officer of Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, who One of PSD’s Sailors who far surpassed his stated that none of his previous commands peers in volunteering is Personnel Specialist has earned such an award. 3rd Class Andrew Samuel, who has spent 17 of his 21 months in the Navy here at NAF NAF Atsugi’s Personnel Support Detachment Atsugi. He is setting the example for his has set a great example that other departments fellow Sailors by completing over 40 hours and bases can follow. If every Sailor gave just a bit of their time, it would go a long of volunteering. way in improving their community, building “I volunteer because I feel the need to help relations with others and demonstrating to out the local community, as well as make everyone how selfless and dedicated the U.S. it a better place for others,” said Samuel. Navy really is. “Sailors should volunteer so they can have

Raising Awareness on Domestic Violence

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT

During the month of October the Navy o b s e r v e d D o m e s t i c Vi o l e n c e Aw a r e n e s s Month and used it as an opportunity to inform Sailors and Navy spouses about d o m e s t i c v i o l e n c e p r e v e n t i o n e ff o r t s a s well as reporting options that are available for victims.

Domestic violence cuts across all age groups and social classes, it happens to Sailors as well as spouses; to men as well as women. Domestic violence also goes beyond physical abuse to include sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Whenever an individual is placed in physical danger or controlled by threat or use of physical force by their s p o u s e o r i n t i m a t e p a r t n e r, h e o r s h e h a s been abused. The risk for abuse is greatest when victims are separated from supportive networks. To s p r e a d a w a r e n e s s N a v a l A i r F a c i l i t y A t s u g i ( N A FA ) h o s t e d a p r o c l a m a t i o n s i g n i n g and also shared stories of domestic violence 6

v i c t i m s o n a d a i l y b a s i s . U n f o r t u n a t e l y, there are a lot of stigma associated with reporting domestic violence, this is m a g n i f i e d w i t h i n t h e m i l i t a r y c o m m u n i t y. “Statistically with a 48 percent substantiated case rate the military almost matches that of the civilian world which i s a b o u t 5 0 p e r c e n t , ” s a i d K a t i l y n n S n o w, o n e o f N A FA v i c t i m a d v o c a t e s . “ I t h i n k one of the biggest misconceptions with t h e m i l i t a r y i s t h a t i t ’s g o i n g t o h u r t m y s p o u s e ’s c a r e e r, ” s a i d S n o w. “ A n o t h e r o n e is that whoever is reporting is going to b e s e e n a s a v i c t i m a n d b e m a rg i n a l i z e d , which is not how the process works. When someone comes to see me nobody knows why and that information remains privileged.” Wi t h t h a t i n m i n d s h e t r i e s t o r e m i n d everyone that there are two types of reporting options, restricted and unrestricted. While restricted reports do

not involve military chain of command or law enforcement, unrestricted reports include some type of investigation by command and/or law enforcement. Both options give v i c t i m s a c c e s s t o a f u l l r a n g e o f a d v o c a c y, medical, and counseling services provided b y t h e N a v y. There are many factors that may contribute to domestic violence, fortunately advocates are always ready to sit down and listen to determine what exactly is taking place. Exploring those factors assists family advocates to create the best course of action to mitigate the problems “ We s e e a l o t a l c o h o l r e l a t e d i s s u e s . T h i s i s often compounded by the fact that the alleged o ff e n d e r u s u a l l y c o m e s f r o m a f a m i l y w i t h domestic violence, or has experienced child a b u s e , ” s a i d S n o w. “ We h a v e t o t e a s e t h i s o u t a n d f i g u r e o u t w h a t ’s g o i n g o n . T h a t w a y we can address the underlying issues with that person as well as look at the victims, see what is going on, assess them and get them back to a good place in their lives.” Professional services of licensed counselors a r e a v a i l a b l e f r e e o f c h a rg e a t F l e e t

and Family Support Centers. These are available to active duty and their family members - even Sailors who are u n m a r r i e d c a n h a v e c o u p l e ’s c o u n s e l i n g with their partners. A variety of courses that teach healthy relationship skills are also available at Fleet and Family Support Centers. These include anger management and conflict resolution. These are also free and available to both active duty military and spouses. “These services are available because the Navy believes so strongly in the importance of the prevention of a b u s i v e b e h a v i o r, ” S n o w s a i d . Snow also wants to remind everyone of s o m e k e y i t e m s ; “ We a r e h e r e a l l y e a r r o u n d to give the opportunity for individuals t o c o m e t a l k t o u s p r i v a t e l y, ” s a i d S n o w. “ We a l s o d o a l o t o f t e a c h i n g a n d t r a i n i n g s t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r. We a r e s i m p l y t r y i n g to make sure that families are safe.” She also the FFSC base and m o m e n t ’s

wants to remind everyone that number is posted everywhere on that they are here to help at a notice.

P L AY B A L L !

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 JACOB SMITH When discussing plans for the Navy Heritage Week, the week leading up to the Navy Ball, Marin proposed a match between the JSA and the Chiefs’ Mess, as a safe and fun way to foster friendly competition among the chain of command. It was decided the day before the ball, Oct 9th, would be the best time to host it.

While the Navy has many traditions that have spanned over the two centuries of sea-faring and dutiful service, a new tradition has been started for future generations here on Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi: an annual Junior Sailor Association and Chiefs’ Mess softball game to celebrate the Navy’s birthday. “After seeing stuff on the Armed Forces Network about how other bases hold events, I realized that NAF Atsugi didn’t have anything similar,” said Air Traffic Controlman 3rd Class Stephen Marin, the Secretary of JSA. “So, not only do we now have a new tradition established, but it goes beyond just JSA since we involved the Chiefs’ Mess.”

The game ended with a score of 10-8 and a win for the Junior Sailor Association. The prize including bragging rights for a year and a trophy, which is currently being held by the President of JSA, Aircrewman Mechanical 2nd Class Dazjia Richardson, until a proper display for it can be created.

“I definitely underestimated the Chiefs, they played amazingly,” said Aviation Administrationman 2nd Class William Guion, a member of JSA. “They really had us on our toes for the first few innings, but JSA banded together and scored a couple homeruns to earn us the victory. I knew this was going to be fun, especially because we got to show the higher-ups who’s boss! I really hope this will continue next year and the year after that, because this was a great time.” “Playing against the JSA was a wonderful experience,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Philip Hickman. “Being able to put aside work and have some fun at the command helps promote morale, it also shows the junior Sailors that senior leadership are not all about work.” The success of the game has spread throughout the base and has sparked the interest of other organizations. There is even a possibility of hosting a tournament in the spring with teams from other organizations and ranks.

“I will absolutely participate next year and hopefully we can get a tournament going on that will include not just the Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA) and the JSA, but the Wardroom and the First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA),” said Hickman. “I think events like this help promote unit cohesion and good morale at the command, help break away from the work mindset.”

It is in the perpetuation of these traditions that we maintain and celebrate camaraderie and goodwill across the base. Whether it is in the form of an annual baseball game, a chili cook-off between the CPOA and FCPOA, or a possible grill-off in the spring, the Navy tradition of healthy competition is alive and well.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Story By Commander Sophia Lawrence, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

S e p t e m b e r i s N a v y S u i c i d e P r e v e n t i o n Aw a r e n e s s M o n t h , b u t w h a t c a n w e do to prevent suicide and increase awareness NOT only during the month o f S e p t e m b e r, b u t e v e r y d a y ? We c a n a d v o c a t e a n d s u p p o r t s u i c i d e p r e v e n t i o n i n i t i a t i v e s 3 6 5 d a y s a y e a r. Wi t h t h e h o l i d a y s e a s o n f a s t a p p r o a c h i n g , t h e d a y s f o r m a n y c a n be very difficult. There is so much to do, attend and plan, which can bring up feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, and depressed. E q u a l l y, t h i s i s a l s o a t i m e w h e r e p e o p l e m a y f e e l a w a r e o f t h e v o i d l e f t by separation from loved ones, and their own personal loneliness which can further lead to suicidal thoughts. To t h o s e n o t i n t h e g r i p s o f s u i c i d a l d e p r e s s i o n a n d d e s p a i r, i t i s d i f f i c u l t to understand what drives so many individuals to take their own lives. But a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she sees no other option. 12

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Increase awareness and knowledge on what we can do to prevent suicide and save lives. Reach out: The act of showing you care and concern for someone who may be v u l n e r a b l e t o s u i c i d e c a n b e a g a m e c h a n g e r. L e t y o u r s h i p m a t e , c o - w o r k e r, staff, friend, and loved ones know that you are worried about them and want to support them. Allowing them to express their feelings can be cathartic and can help them take the first small step in getting the professional help they need. Listen: Extend a proactive, sympathetic, and non-judgmental ear – and pay attention to online conversations and post. Don’t judge and try not to act shocked. R e m e m b e r t o t a k e a n y a n d a l l p e r s o n c o n s i d e r i n g s u i c i d e s e r i o u s l y. Encourage Help: Although the support of friends and relatives is crucial for people who may be at risk for suicide, it is not enough. Often more formal help is also needed. Part of reaching out to a vulnerable individual is linking them to relevant services. (Chaplain, Mental Health, Military Crisis Line at 1-8002 7 3 - TA L K ) . If they won’t go for help or if you don’t think they will do so fast enough, tell s o m e o n e e l s e r i g h t a w a y. D o n ’ t k e e p i t a s e c r e t , e v e n i f h e o r s h e m a d e y o u promise - you could be saving his or her life. Now you know the warning signs for suicide and ways in which you can help - but don’t keep this important i n f o r m a t i o n t o y o u r s e l f . D u r i n g t h e m o n t h o f S e p t e m b e r, d u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s , a n d e v e r y d a y, m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e ! P r e v e n t i n g s u i c i d e i s a n “ A l l H a n d s ” e v o l u t i o n .

NAVY BALL

2019

Photos by MC3 Jacob Smith

Naval Air Facility Atusgi held its annual Navy Ball at the installation’s Club Triology Ballroom. This year celebrated the 244th birthday of the United States Navy with the theme “No Higher Honor.” Entertainment for the event was provided by the U.S. 7th Fleet Band and a Taiko performance by local Japanese high school students.