What’s Inside...
Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Deputy Public Affairs Officer Briana Baglini Leading Chief Petty Officer
Guiding Junior Sailors
MCC(SW/AW) Ben Farone
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Editor MC3(SW) Jacob Smith Skywriter Staff MC3 (SW) Jacob Smith MC3 Olivier Clement Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka
Setting the Stage Page 10
Facebook.com/naf.atsugi Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi
Sweatin’ To the ‘Atsugies’
@NAFAtsugiJP
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ON THE COVER
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NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI’S BON ODORI DANCERS PERFORM AT THE BON ODORI CELEBRATION. DURING THE EVENT, VISITORS TO THE BASE SHARED MUSIC, FOOD AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE JAPANESE CULTURAL WITH MEMBERS OF THE NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMUNITY.
CMDCM CORNER With Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin
Shipmates,
We l c o m e b a c k t o C M C ’s C o r n e r. T h i s year September starts with the Labor D a y w e e k e n d a n d t h e u n o ff i c i a l e n d o f the summer season. Though we’re still in for some hot and humid days, the worst of the summer heat should be in the rear v i e w m i r r o r. Another familiar September ritual is the f a l l c y c l e o f N a v y Wi d e A d v a n c e m e n t E x a m s . T h i s y e a r, l i k e p r e v i o u s y e a r s , most exams will be held at the Club Tr i l o g y B a l l r o o m o n t h e f i r s t a n d s e c o n d Thursday for E6 and E5 candidates. For the E4 candidates, the exam will be on the third Thursday at the ACC. One change to the way we train and promote o u r l e a d e r s w a s o ff i c i a l l y i m p l e m e n t e d l a s t m o n t h i n N AVA D M I N 1 8 5 / 1 9 – N a v y Enlisted Leader Development (ELD). In years past, some commands scrambled t o t h r o w t o g e t h e r P e t t y O ff i c e r S e l e c t e e Leadership Courses (POSLC) either right before or right after an exam cycle which were a prerequisite for pinning on your crows and often lacked standardization across the fleet. The new ELD is designed to be a standard, continuous leader development from Seaman through MCPON. The new Enlisted Leader Development
September 3, 1782
continuum is outlined in Laying the Keel [ h t t p s : / / w w w. n a v y. mil/strategic/190701Laying_The_Keel.pdf] and consists of four P e t t y O ff i c e r s t u d e n t courses: • F o u n d a t i o n a l Leader Development for E3 and E4 • Intermediate Leader Development for E5 • Advanced for E6
Leader
• Chief Petty Development for E7
Development
O ff i c e r
Leader
These new courses replace the POSLC a n d f o c u s o n c h a r a c t e r, e t h i c s , s e l f awareness, decision making and feedback. The smaller class size will average 16 students and will create a more engaging environment involving case studies and group discussion. Details are still being worked out for N A FA’s f i r s t s e t o f E L D c o u r s e s s o stand by for a schedule announcement. 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!
September 24, 1943
The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the American Revolution. The United States is acknowledged as a sovereign and independent nation.
USS Cabrilla (SS 288) attacks three Japanese ships, a carrier, escort carrier and destroyer, northwest of Chichi Jima on the front between Toulon and Cannes.
Sailors and Marines from USS Denver (Cruiser #14) land in Havana at the request of the Cuban government to preserve order during a revolution.
The worlds first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN 571), is commissioned at Groton, Conn.
September 13, 1906
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September 30, 1954
Guiding Junior Sailors
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 JACOB SMITH/MC2 MICHAEL DOAN The first time a Sailor enlists can be jarring, a shake-up to lifestyle norms and change in location. Unfortunately, the stress of these changes can lead to unwise or uninformed decision making. To combat this, the Navy is working with Sailors to provide education and guidance during their early enlisted years.
similar missions: to assist junior and firstduty-station Sailors. “As JSA/ CSADD president I am responsible for maintaining the continuation of growth within our association,” said Naval Aircrewman Mechanical 2nd Class Dazjia Richardson. “Our mission is to help Sailors adapt when reaching their first command, maintain their morale, and assist their development into future leaders, both professionally and personally.”
The Junior Sailor Association (JSA) and Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), were both established with the intent to create a culture in which shipmates help shipmates to maintain a course of success by encouraging good decision While the association’s membership consists making among junior enlisted people. mainly of E-3 and below, leadership positions are held by 2nd and 3rd Class Petty Officers While initially separate entities, JSA and whose personal experience with the Navy CSADD have since combined due to their can help their junior Sailors gain a better 4
These feelings of comradery and a desire to grow are shared throughout the organization, including newly appointed Master-at-Arms of JSA/CSADD, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Aaron Lewis, from Wichita, KS., and the newly appointed Secretary, Air Traffic Controlman 3rd Class Stephen Marin, from Sacramento, Calif. “In my experience with JSA/CSADD in other locations, I feel that NAF Atsugi’s has better comradery hands down,” said Lewis. “I hope to see it continue to grow and I hope that we are able to keep fundraising so we can organize more events. I feel that they provide understanding of what is expected and what a really good opportunity to network and enhance the professional knowledge of our the future holds. junior Sailors.” “Sailors can use this program to network among various commands, meeting new people “These last six months have certainly been who can expand their personal knowledge in fun. I think Bon Odori has been my favorite and out of their rates,” said Richardson. “It memory so far; the whole day, while we were also provides a family environment where enjoying the festival, it also felt like a party individuals can enjoy events or activities in at our booth,” said Marin. “While I may have reliable and safe spaces. Senior and junior just become the Secretary, I hope to leave a Sailors within the association have the lasting impression and help form it into the opportunity to disseminate various resources best association on base, especially because and leadership opportunities allowing JSA/CSADD is such a new program. JSA is Sailors to develop themselves personally and great for people who are new to base or new to the Navy to get adjusted quickly. My goal professionally.” is have anyone with orders to NAF Atsugi The association holds meetings twice a month know about us before they even get here. to provide training, discuss upcoming events This way, they know that they already have and opportunities to volunteer and raise friends and a family waiting to meet them.” funds. A unique aspect of this organization is that all funds raised do not support annual events, but instead are reinvested into the Sailors themselves for professional and social opportunities. “What I love about the association is how quickly it becomes like a family,” said Richardson. “Everyone has a say, everyone plays a role, and we all work together. JSA/ CSADD has tripled its active member count and does more events than ever before. While I still would like to see us do more with the other organizations around Naval Air Facility Atsugi, I feel this organization has grown tremendously since I’ve been here.”
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CLIMBING THE RANKS STORY BY MC3 OLIVIER CLEMENT
For some enlisted Sailors, becoming an o ff i c e r i s t h e i r p r i m a r y c a r e e r g o a l . I f t h e y a r e s u c c e s s f u l , t h e y w i l l o ff i c i a l l y h a v e t h e title of Mustang, a person who has moved f r o m e n l i s t e d t o o ff i c e r. O f t e n i n f o r m a t i o n on the process can be scarce. To h e l p f i l l t h i s g a p S a i l o r 3 6 0 a t N a v a l Air Facility Atsugi holds periodic meetings for enlisted Sailors who are interested in b e c o m i n g o ff i c e r s . T h e s e m e e t i n g s n o t only provide all interested parties with i n f o r m a t i o n b u t a l s o o ff e r a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o 6
m e e t p r e v i o u s l y e n l i s t e d o ff i c e r s w h o a r e able and willing to answer any questions that may come up. “The main purpose of the meeting was first and foremost to introduce our Sailors who want to become Mustangs t o o ff i c e r s t h a t a r e i n a d e s i g n a t i o n t h e y might be interested in,” said Lt. Bekim A u s t i n , P S D O ff i c e r i n C h a rg e . “ We b r i n g r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s f r o m d i ff e r e n t p r o g r a m s to discuss those options and answer any questions.”
While some may have only come for the free donuts, all left with a wealth of information. The event is run as an open forum in which t h e o ff i c e r s c a n s h a r e t h e i r e x p e r i e n c e s a n d their tips on the process of becoming an o ff i c e r.
the best tool that can be provided to the Sailors.
S o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r, i t i s n o t t h e l a c k o f information that holds Sailors back from b e c o m i n g o ff i c e r s . M a n y S a i l o r s g e t c a u g h t up with their day-to-day responsibilities “The biggest note I took from the brief was and therefore lose the drive to pursue their t o r e m a i n c o m p e t i t i v e a n d r e m a i n e a g e r o ff i c e r p a c k a g e . for the program of your choosing,” said Av i a t i o n B o a t s w a i n ’s M a t e 3 r d c l a s s J o r d a n “ A l o t o f S a i l o r s t a l k a b o u t i t , b u t t h e y Yo u n g , w h o a t t e n d e d t h e e v e n t . “ I w a s n ’t a r e n ’t w i l l i n g t o g o t h r o u g h t h e p r o c e s s , ” even aware of one of the programs before said Austin. “I would like to see Sailors I w e n t t o t h e b r i e f , b u t n o w i t ’s a n o t h e r d o i n g t h e i r d u e d i l i g e n c e , g e t t i n g e x c i t e d option for me.” and starting the process. The Sailors really According to Austin, Mustangs will have have to take it from here, though.” insights that may assist others beginning their applications. The process may not be an easy one, but there are resources available and people “Inviting individuals who have successfully who have been through the process willing navigated this process is a great resource. to help. If you are interested in taking T h e y a r e a b l e t o g i v e i n f o r m a t i o n S a i l o r s a d v a n t a g e o f a n y o f t h e N a v y ’s o ff i c e r n e e d t o b e c o m e a n o ff i c e r, w h i c h i s c r i t i c a l p r o g r a m s , y o u c a n g e t h e l p b y r e a c h i n g b e c a u s e t h e t h i n g p e o p l e s t r u g g l e w i t h o u t t o t h e S a i l o r 3 6 0 p r o g r a m c o o r d i n a t o r, most is the mentorship aspect of it,” said who will get you in touch with Mustangs Lieutenant Austin. “The best way to develop currently located on Naval Air Facility that part I think, is for the Sailors to be able Atsugi. t o t a l k t o t h e o ff i c e r s i n a s e t t i n g l i k e t h i s . ” To g e t i n c o n t a c t w i t h C h i e f B r a c k m a n , The inspiration for this brief came from call 264-4261. Not only will he be able C h i e f I n f o r m a t i o n S y s t e m s Te c h n i c i a n t o a r r a n g e m e e t i n g s w i t h M u s t a n g s , h e Zebulon Brackman the Sailor 360 program will also be able to provide additional coordinator who believes information is information on the Sailor 360 program.
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Setting the Stage S T O R Y A N D P H O T O S B Y M C C B E N FA R O N E
“I saw Okamoto-san [Mr. Okamoto, the festival organizer] building the stage last year, almost by himself, and I told him if there was anything we could do for him, we would be more than happy too. So when the Chief selectees were looking for more COMREL events, I thought this would be a great opportunity. Plus the selectees were going to Fukushima on Aug. 24th so I thought this would be a great rehearsal,” said Maruyama.
Chief Petty Officers (CPO) and CPO selectees from Naval Air Facility Atsugi (NAFA) area commands lent a helping hand to the citizens of Yamato, Japan during their first community relations (COMREL) event of the FY-20 Chief Petty Officer season. The group gathered outside Yamato train station to assemble a stage to be used in the city’s annual summer festival the following day. Sumie Maruyama, NAF Atsugi Community Relations Specialist, organized the event on behalf of the NAFA CPO Mess.
Passersby expressed an equal amount of surprise and appreciation for the efforts put forth by the NAFA CPO Mess.
Familiar with the effort it took festival organizers in previous years, Maruyama thought this would be the perfect opportunity for the selectees to show their support for their host nation neighbors.
“This is something where the people of Yamato can see our efforts, when people walk by, they ask ‘Why 10
are American people doing this?’ ‘You are in the Navy and you work so hard, but you still try to help these people’” said Maruyama. For Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeremy Hines, from Wilmington, North Carolina, who has only been onboard NAFA for nine days, the relationship between Yamato city and the base has obvious roots. “Just from my fresh perspective, I can see this isn’t the first COMREL Atsugi has participated in with the local populace. This is my first time in Japan so I’m just taking it all in,” said Hines. Despite the heat of the Japanese summer, Hines enjoyed the event and is looking forward to participating in more over the course of his tour in Atsugi. “It’s been a great COMREL so far and I’m excited for the next one. I’ll be here for 3 more years so hopefully I’ll be able to take part in many more. It’s a great experience,” said Hines.
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Sweatin’ To the ‘Atsugies’
STORY BY MC3 JACOB SMITH AND PHOTOS BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT One of the core pillars to a successful Navy career is proper military bearing, this includes adherence to uniform regulations, commitment to the Navy’s Core Values, and maintaining physical fitness and appearance. Although maintaining physical fitness and a healthy diet may seem a cosmetic requirement, it is an operational necessity for the Navy and has significant impact on the health and well-being of every Sailor. Developing these positive habits can lead to longer, healthier lives even after leaving the service.
Keith Gitel, an Assistant Command Fitness Leader (ACFL), it came more naturally. Gitel has made fitness part of his lifestyle for the last 16 years and said he will continue to do so as he assists in leading those in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP).
“I feel it is important to maintain a fitness regimen, even if it is a light one, to keep your body and mind in a functional state,” said Gitel. “As you work out there are chemicals released from your brain that stimulate good moods and different benefits to your body, the opposite is also true if you are inactive Weight management and strength training can for too long.” be a significant challenge, more so for some, due to a variety of reasons including body type, According to Gitel, one bad habit people can discipline, or even entertainment choices. get into that can impact one’s fitness journey For others such as Quartermaster 2nd Class is ‘lifting with their ego,’ meaning that they 12
try to lift heavier weights while sacrificing good form to show off. This can lead to a serious injury if the Sailor ’s body is not ready, and can set them back months or even years depending on what they injured.
“Nutrition really is a significant part of maintaining a healthy weight,” said Gartner. “Foods now are not like they were years ago. They are specifically engineered and marketed to encourage overeating. I do think it is possible to eat more intuitively if one is eating less processed food.
“If you choose to use weights to work out make sure you start light and build excellent form while building up to a heavier weight. That will allow you to stay injury free and build more muscle faster.”
“The Galley has a system that allows Sailors to choose healthy foods based on a color system,” said Gartner. “Foods that are labeled red are to be limited, yellow foods enjoyed in moderation, and green foods being the most nutritious and best choice. The commissary in Atsugi provides a great deal of fruits and vegetables that have already been washed and cut.
Gitel also said another important factor to keep in mind is making sure your body is being properly nourished and hydrated. “Some Sailors do not eat enough food or drink enough water to properly fuel the muscles they’re tearing, which causes your body to eat through the fat you need to grow more muscle,” said Gitel. “This will eventually lead to your body eating the muscle you do have to feed itself.” It is equally important to consider what you’re putting into your body, and that ‘you cannot outrun your fork,’ according to NAF Atsugi’s Fitness Coordinator Stacy Gartner, from Hickory, NC. Gartner obtained her first gym membership at the age of 16 and has been hooked ever since, wanting to share all she has learned to help benefit others.
Lean meats are available that need little to no preparation and they’re all within walking distance of the barracks. I believe the biggest pitfall is choosing a way of eating that is not sustainable. If you love bread then a low carb diet is probably not for you. Eliminating food groups can be dangerous and cause deficiencies. Find a way to have the things you enjoy in moderation so that you can be healthy and still enjoy food. One of the things that I often tell CFLs is, if you would not feed a child a certain way, then you should apply that rule yourself.”
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Getting exercise and working out does not necessarily mean going to the gym or going for a run on the track. It can include any kind of physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, or any other of the hundreds of fun activities that involve being active and moving around. “Get outside and go off to enjoy the amazing culture and food of Japan,” said Gartner. “Remember, there is more to Japanese cuisine than just ramen and sushi! Try something new! There is everything from rock climbing to kayaking, aerial yoga, and even batting cages. Explore the mountains and take a hike. Fuji is not the only mountain in Japan and we are conveniently located near the Tanzawa Range which offers great day hikes all within 90 minutes of the base. While it may be hard to get started, getting into a routine of exercise and maintaining a proper diet will assist you on your path to a successful career in the Navy and can lead to an overall healthier life.
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