What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Mrs. Natalie Stamey
Adm. Swift’s All Hands Call
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Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Editor MC3 Jason C. Bawgus
Honoring the Fallen on 9/11
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Skywriter Staff MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley MC3 Ryan G. Greene MC3 Jason C. Bawgus Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki
Atsugi welcomes newest Chief Petty Officers
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FFSC Service Provider Video
Facebook.com/naf.atsugi Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi
@NAFAtsugiJP
ONLINE
ON THE COVER Have you been curious about the programs offered at FFSC? Then look no further. Each week we’ll be putting out a video on each of the NAF Atsugi FFSC service providers. To watch this and more visit us at www.youtube.com/NAFAtsugi. 2
NAVAL AIR CREWMAN (HELICOPTER) 1ST CLASS CHRIS MILLER, OF HELICOPTER MARITIME STRIKE (HSM) SQUADRON 51, WATCHES FOR INBOUND HELICOPTERS DURING THE BIG KANAGAWA RESCUE EXERCISE. (PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE)
Turning the Page
A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.
February 20, 1970, Marines from Marine Air Group (MAG) 36 conduct a pre-flight inspection of their CH-46 Sea Knight “Phrog” helicopter. The MAG-36 Detachment was once based aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Atsugi to provide logistics flights and medevacs for Marines stationed at nearby Camp Fuji.
PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY
August 25, 2015, Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (VMM) 262, provide details about the MV22 Osprey to a tour group on Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s flight line. The Ch-46 was replaced by the MV22 Osprey in Marine Corps operational responsibilities and was recently retired by the Marine Corps in a formal ceremony. 3
PACFLT VISITS ATSUGI
Swift. “It’s my job to make sure that those people are resourced to get the job done with the right NAF Atsugi Public Affairs training and tools.” Following his opening remarks, Swift addressed The Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. a variety of questions on topics including sexual Swift held an all hands call for Sailors aboard Naval assault, domestic violence, fleet readiness, Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, September 8. the pacific pivot, the upcoming relocation of Before addressing the crowd he was introduced by several of NAF Atsugi’s tenant commands and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, Rear Admiral congratulating NAF Atsugi’s Chief Petty Officer Matthew J. Carter. Selectees on their upcoming promotion. “Our most important resource is our people,” said “Everyone in the Navy is important, but what makes the Navy special is the Chief ’s Mess,” said Swift. “They are the communication line from the deck plate to the Commanding Officer.” A large portion of the audience consisted of personnel attached to tenant commands aboard NAF Atsugi. This made the topic of relocating some of those commands to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, a hot topic during the question and answer portion. Specifically, one concern that arose from the audience was what affect a unit relocation would have on co-located active duty spouses. “Nobody in the Navy is irreplaceable,” said Swift. “If we have to move someone to keep a family together the Navy will still go on. We have to put our people first and begin building trust because if we aren’t building it, we are breaking it down.” Swift was also joined by U.S. Pacific Fleet Force Master Chief Susan Whitman, who took the opportunity to praise Sailors stationed not only in Atsugi, but all of Japan, for their resilience in the fight against destructive behaviors. “Japan is down in every destructive behavior since last year,” said Whitman. “Sexual Assault, Suicides, and Domestic Violence have all gone down and I think that is a direct reflection on all of you and the leadership here at NAF Atsugi.” Swift also asked everyone in the room if they felt they had a direct impact on helping stabilize the region today. “By being here and providing a presence, you are helping stabilize the region,” said Swift. “You have to be able to look past the day to day Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. Swift greets grind and realize that your efforts are directly Sailors after arriving at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi Air affecting our ability to maintain a presence in Terminal. the region.” 4 PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
Story by MC3 Jason C. BAwgus
PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. Swift helps his wife Trisha tighten her float-coat before flying for the first time with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12.
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. Swift and Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey discuss the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Five move from NAF Atsugi to Iwakuni, Japan.
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. Swift, left, and Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi tenant command leadership discuss military operations while eating lunch at the NAF Atsugi Far East Café.
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PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Kenya McCarty, of Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) Atsugi, asks a question during an allhands call held by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott H. Swift at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s theater.
U.S. Pacific Fleet Force Master Chief Susan Whitman answers a question during an all-hands call at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s theater.
NAF ATSUGI REMEMBERS 9/11
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
“The twin towers were international places of trade,” said NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey. “More than 90 countries lost people during the attacks, many countries were affected by the attack and I think seeing this today in Japan just shows the impact of the events that happened that day.” Firefighters from Ayase city and Yamato city fire stations attended as well as Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ) Fire Department Atsugi and more than 30 volunteers from around the base. “There is a special relationship that only a few professions in the world can claim to have, not everyone goes into work not knowing if they are going to come back home or not,” said (CNRJ) Fire Department Atsugi, Fire Chief Pete Sorenson. “Much Story by MC3 Jason C. BAwgus NAF Atsugi Public Affairs like the bond that many military members share, firefighters have a very similar bond. The firefighters that Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi hosted a 9/11 ran into those buildings 14 years ago could just as easily memorial stair climb on Sept 11. 2015 to pay have been anyone of the firefighters that you see here, it’s remembrance to those lost in the terrorist attacks that a part of the job.” took place in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. 2,977 lives were lost that day, of that number 343 were Participants were asked to climb nine flights of firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 55 military stairs 14 times to represent the climb many emergency personnel. responders in an effort to save as many lives as possible. “Seeing the amount of volunteers we had turn out
A Firefighter from the Ayase City Fire Department reaches the eighth floor stairwell during the 9/11 remembrance stair climb on Naval Air Facility Atsugi. 6
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
today is really an eye opener to the lasting affect that day has had on everyone,” said Bushey. “This isn’t your average remembrance run, it can be pretty grueling towards the end and you will see people digging deep to honor those that ran into a smoke filled staircase without any regard for their own safety.” Firefighters from all 3 departments made the climb in full gear which ends up adding about another 70lbs to their bodyweight. “With the addition of the gear it really does become a test of how much you are willing to take,” said Sorenson. “Seeing these firefighters step up to the challenge on their off day really shows how the bond between firefighters goes deep enough to transcend borders and language barriers, it is their way of letting those who have fallen in the line of duty know that they will never be forgotten.”
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SMOKE DETECTORS
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
A SOUND YOU CAN LIVE WITH
Naval Air Facilty (NAF) Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey signs the proclamation declaring 4-10 Oct. as Fire Prevention Week aboard NAF Atsugi. Story by Fire Chief Pete Sorensen COMMANDER NAVY REGION JAPAN FIRE DEPARTMENT ATSUGI Each year since 1922, America emphasizes fire prevention and safety through a campaign called Fire Prevention Week. Its purpose is to provide education to all citizens so that overall fire safety is improved, fewer people are injured or killed by fire, and less property is damaged. Many people participate in Fire Prevention Week activities, but few know why this tradition started. Spoiler alert…the cow did it…maybe. According to popular legend, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 broke out after a cow, belonging to Mrs. O’Leary, kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn and then the whole city on fire. The tragic fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned over 2,000 acres. There have been other theories about the origins of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 including: boys
smoking cigarettes, an angry neighbor and even a meteorite. However the fire started (the cow is still the best story), the death and damage it caused made city officials take notice of fire safety issues. Those who survived the fire forced changes in building construction standards, spacing between buildings, safer construction methods and many other advancements that continue to make our communities much fire safer than in the past. This year’s theme, “Hear the beep where you sleep: every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm,” reflects one of the fire safety improvements that can be traced back to its bovine roots: the smoke detector. Smoke detectors are everywhere now, but should not be taken for granted. They need to be installed correctly, tested and maintained well, and most importantly, listened to. Smoke detectors provide early indication of a fire while residents still have time to escape the flames. Your family’s safety may depend on them. 8
FIRE PREVENTION MONTH EVENTS Smoke Alarms Fire Safety Class Shirley Lanham E.S.
1 - 8 OCT, All Ages
Kick-Off Event
Shirley Lanham E.S. Courtyard
2 OCT, 1430 - 1700
Smoke Tent Demo
Shirley Lanham E.S. Courtyard
8 OCT, All Day
Drawing Contest Awards Shirley Lanham E.S.
9 OCT, 0945 - 1015
Yamato City Fire Safety Event Yamato City Fire Dept
25 OCT, 1000 - 1500 *Fire station tours are available for organizations upon request *Organizations setting up holiday displays should contact Fire Prevention office to coordinate briefing/inspection/ approvals
at Home
Smoke alarmS are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
SAFETY TIPS
KKK Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. KKK Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. KKK It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
• !
KKK Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. KKK There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home. KKK A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• !
FACTS Smoke alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection. Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working.
KKK People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers. KKK Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Your Source for SAFETY Information NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169
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www.nfpa.org/education
Name of Organization Here Contact Information Here
Growing the
Photos By: MC3 Ryan G. Greene and MC3 Jason C. Bawgus
The rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) has been around for more than 122 years in the U.S. Navy. First class petty officers Navy-wide participate in a program called CPO 365 Phase I, a year-round training initiative that the Chiefs’ Mess takes on to prepare first classes to become chiefs. Phase II of CPO 365 begins when the chief petty officer selection board results are released. Though this time-honored tradition is mostly a secret to the general public, it is widely known throughout the Navy that this process is the final stages in molding men and women into CPOs. This year 19 selectees were pinned during a ceremony at Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Cinema 77 marking the end of their six-week CPO 365 Phase II process, and beginning of their journey as chief petty officers.
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Goat Locker
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BIG KANAGAWA PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
RESCUE PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Chris Miller, of Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 51, checks the on-board fast-rope before the Big Kanagawa Rescue exercise.
PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Lt. Samantha Nelson, left, of U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, discusses the flight pattern with Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Chris Miller, of Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 51, during the Big Kanagawa Rescue exercise.
Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Chris Miller, of Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 51, watches the tail rotor during a descent into a local field during the Big Kanagawa Rescue exercise.
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY: MC3 RYAN GREENE
Each year since the Great East Japan earthquake of 2011, both the Government of Japan and U.S. military have participated in disaster preparedness and emergency response drills to ensure a swifter and stronger response to future natural disasters. During the Big Kanagawa Rescue exercise hosted by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government and, conducted around the Kanagawa prefecture on Aug., 31, U.S. Navy Sailors stationed at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi lent their expertise to the practice efforts. Pilots and aircrew from Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 51 coordinated a joint effort to fly HSM-51 helicopters from NAF Atsugi to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) to transport medical personnel around the prefecture for simulated medical care and treatment. “This is the first time I’ve been able to participate in a drill like this,” said U.S. Navy HSM-51 Pilot Lt. Alex Stone. “Having the opportunity to engage with our host nation and learn to operate alongside them has been an incredible asset, not only to me, but to our whole squadron.” Throughout the drill, the Sailors were tasked with navigating simulated obstacles and difficulties in an attempt to reflect real life scenarios such as downed power lines and gas and propane tank explosions. “Just being out there doing non-standard operations is mutually beneficial and we want to be good guests in our host nation,” HSM-51 Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Chris Miller said. “The time we spend now practicing, is helping us to be better prepared to respond to any call.” HSM-51 routinely participates in evacuation and disaster relief drills hosted by both the Government of Japan and the Japan Self-Defense Force, in addition to all exercises conducted by the U.S. Navy in Japan.
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Naval Air Facility Atsugi
Commander Navy Region Japan Fire & Emergency Services What can you tell us about your department/group that others may not know?
How do you describe your department’s primary mission?
We protect those who defend America. Our mission is to help prevent (primarily fire-related) injury to personnel or damage to equipment and if/when things go wrong, to swiftly stop the damage from getting worse. The cornerstone of our mission is near-constant training in many disciplines to hone our skills in order to protect NAF Atsugi’s people and missions. Firefighting is a people profession. It takes many people to do it safely, and we do it to help other people.
CNRJ Fire & Emergency Services has an extensive community outreach program, and NAF Atsugi firefighters participate in dozens of events, both on-and-off-base each year. We regularly train with firefighters from Ayase City, Yamato City, and JMSDF. We also attend community functions with the cities and JMSDF personnel throughout the year. We engage with the Yokohama Fire Bureau and Tokyo Fire Department with their disaster prevention exercises and public relations events. We work with the South Kanto Defense Bureau and the Kanagawa Prefectural Government offices on bi-lateral exercises each year. We also have strong relationships with Yokota Air Base, Camp Zama, and Camp Fuji fire departments.
What primary services do you provide and who are your primary customers?
Just as the primary mission of the base revolves around the airfield, so does our fire protection mission. Along with our JMSDF partners, we train for and respond to all manner of aircraft emergencies. But, we train for and respond to other emergency situations also, such as medical assistance, hazardous materials, confined space rescue, vehicle rescue, technical rescue, and natural disaster response. We test fire hydrants for NAVFAC, coordinate AEDs on base, and provide Fire Warden training. Our personnel also deploy to Iwo-To in support of the air wing. Our primary customers are the commands and families aboard NAF Atsugi.
Something special...
Annually, we host a huge dinner event in Tokyo where American and Japanese government and fire department officials come together to renew relationships and celebrate friendships. Ambassador Kennedy, who has a part in the program, said that this event represents one of the best examples of our US/Japan Alliance in action.
How do the services you provide support the command’s mission?
A professional fire department such as ours can be thought of as insurance. When something bad happens, we try to make it better. Having a fire department is an investment in future mission accomplishment by minimizing adverse effects of current bad situations. By ensuring fire safe practices are followed, and efficiently responding when things go awry, we enable Atsugi personnel to concentrate on performing their mission knowing we are there supporting and protecting them. Our firefighters do many things that the public does not see, but benefit from nonetheless.
“NAF Atsugi’s Federal Fire Department consists of a joint USJapan team of highly trained professionals devoted to the safety and protection of our residents and workforce. “Fed Fire” personnel serve a critical role providing essential life-saving techniques on the airfield and across the installation. They also entwine seamlessly providing mutual support operations offbase with nine surrounding Japanese communities, Capt. John F. Bushey serving as Ambassadors in our partnership for peace.”
CO, NAF Atsugi
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COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
SAVED ROUNDS
PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE NAF ATSUGI COMMUNITY
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO CLEAN YAMATO STATION DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AIMD: AS2 CHRISTIAN DAN BORROMEO ASD: LSC ANH LE LS2 ACEY MAYO LS2 SCOTT REBENNACK LS2 ROMMEL RODRIGUEZ AT2 MATTHEW CLARK
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Emergency Responders apply first aid techniques during an active shooter drill held at the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) Atsugi building.
PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
CNATT CWO5 NORMAN VALENTINE LS1 JEREMAINE YOUNG AZ1 MICHAEL HARRISON CVW-5 PR1 ROBERT HURICKS MS. MA. PERPETUAL HURICKS HQ CAPT JOHN BUSHEY MR. HOWARD SAMUELSON
10 year-old Brenda Christiansen and members of the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Smart Girls #ThinkPositive team write uplifting messages to post around the installation. The smart girl program began as a way to reach out to school age girls and teach them positive lessons about their bodies and lives.
HSM-51 AWR2 JESSICA MCCARTHY AM1 LAURA BELKO
THANK YOU!
PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE
NAVSUP FLC ABF1 JUNNEL L. CARANDANG LS1JUN LS3 WILLIAM B. HICKEY ABF2 PETER J. LUMAWAG ABF1 RYAN A. MOORE LSSN ALAN R. PRYOR CRISTOPHER G. DELEON
Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Ombudsmen pose before cutting the celebratory cake during a ceremony honoring Ombudsmen Appreciation Day, 14 Sep. 15