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Capt. Mack Interview Page 8
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ON THE COVER NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT. LLOYD B. MACK DELIVERS HIS REMARKS DURING NAFA’S BON ODORI FESTIVAL. (PHOTO BY MC2 MATTHEW DUNCKER)
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Turning the Page
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Left, children play inside the hangar of the “World Watchers” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 Oct. 1970. Below, children hold up signs as the “Dambusters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 return to Atsugi, Aug. 7.
AUGUST 2017
OCTOBER 1970
A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC2 MICHAEL DOAN
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in a bustling city on the west coast of the United States. The area was part of a large urban renewal project from the 80’s and features museums, shopping centers and restaurants. Whether you live near Atsugi or Yokosuka, Yokohama Station is a fairly quick train ride and from there, Minato Mirai Station is only two stops away. It is an excellent place to step out into Japan to explore without having the
inato Mirai 21 is a large suburb in Yokohama that offers plenty of popular sites to explore for first timers and returning visitors alike. Minato Mirai 21 translates to “Port of the Future in the 21st Century.” You might find that a lot of the architecture in Minato Mirai steps away from traditional Japanese architecture and has a more modern and western feel to it. As I walked the streets, I couldn’t help but feel like I was 4
worrying burden of traveling for hours. While I was in Minato Mirai, I made a stop by Osanbashi pier which by itself is a site to see. With its unique design from wavy wooden decks and observation areas that overlook a huge portion of the bay and many of the attractions that Minato Mirai has to offer. From Osanbashi pier you can see Landmark Tower which dominates the horizon with its stature of 73 floors equaling a height of 972 feet putting it at the second tallest building in Japan. The tower itself could be described as a vertical mall with shops, restaurants and an observation deck on the 69th floor where on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji. But Landmark Tower probably won’t be the only thing that catches your eyes in Minato Mirai. Standing tall is a huge Ferris wheel known as the
Cosmo Clock that once held the title of largest Ferris wheel in the world. One ride takes roughly 15 minutes for a full rotation which is sure to give you the chance to take in some sights with its height being 354 feet. And, if you are determined enough to go see it at night, you will be amazed with the light display the Ferris wheel emits. Yokohama’s Chinatown is a treat in itself. From the amazing architecture and colors of the designs on the buildings and gates that inhabit Chinatown to the shops and stands that sell dumplings, ramen and other small bite size treats. Chinatown has something for everyone. The area was officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1955 and is the largest Chinatown in Japan. Don’t let your time in Japan fade away with normalcy by staying within your comfort zone. Get out and explore! 5
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aval Air Facility Atsugi held its annual open base festival, Bon Odori ,on August 19. During the event, visitors to the base shared music, food, traditional Japanese dancing, carrying of the Mikoshi Shinto shrine and other aspects of the Japanese culture with members of the Naval Air Facility Atsugi community, Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force and local communities.
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C A P TA I N
LLOYD B. MACK
I N T E R V I E W
INTERVIEW BY MC2 MICHAEL DOAN
PHOTOS BY NAFA PUBLIC AFFAIRS
What are some things in Japan I am still working on my mission that you are looking forward to statement, but I am still going to follow the pattern that Capt. Bushey set, but experiencing?
with an emphasis on accountability, care, and excellence. Those are key elements of honor, courage and commitment. If you are accountable, you hold yourself to a higher standard and you care, which should lead to excellence in all you do. So they are all combined with honor, courage and commitment.
Learning the language. That’s kind of on the top of the list. Experiencing the food and seeing some of the architecture that exists here. When you look at some of the old style Japanese buildings, they are absolutely beautiful and I look forward to getting out and seeing the wonder that they exhibit with the bright colors. The structures are so profound. I really like seeing that kind of stuff. Actually getting out and seeing it and touching it.
How did you earn your call sign?
How did I get my call sign ‘Chilly’? Everyone thinks about Chili Mac, but of Do you have a mission statement or course my call sign is not “Chili”, it is list of priorities that you would like “Chilly” as in cold. When I was serving aboard the George Washington, I was an to share with our readers? 8
aircraft launch and recovery officer, also known as a shooter. We were out in the Persian Gulf launching and recovering aircraft and it gets hot out there. On the flight deck I would wear my flight jacket underneath my float coat along with my long sleeve turtleneck and cranial. It is well above 90 degrees. Everyone else just wore their float coat and jersey. People would look at me and ask, “Aren’t you hot?” So they started calling me “Chilly” and, of course, it stuck.
What are some leadership traits that you like to stress for both junior officers and enlisted Sailors?
One of the most important leader traits in my opinion is to be able to listen. If you are not listening then you are not hearing what is going on around you. You don’t know what steps to take toward some of the actions that you plan in your day-today mission. Of course, every leader is supposed to be directive, decisive and positive example. Honorable, truthful caring. That’s a huge part of it. Being and committed – those three basic core courageous and strong and setting a values that we always talk about. Every leader brings something different, whether it’s their personality or how genuine they are. Every leader has to be accountable. They have to shoulder the brunt of anything that occurs. So they should be willing to stand up and take risks for their Sailors and stand up for what is right. That takes a lot of courage.
How do you feel about commanding a base in the FDNF?
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It’s an honor and a unique experience. It is certainly different from commanding a base in the states. You have some of the same challenges. It’s a unique opportunity. For me, I have never been to Japan before. I have had some dealings within the PACOM AOR (Pacific Command Area of Responsibility) as I had time on the PACOM staff. There are some unique challenges, especially when it comes to culture and figuring out what you can and cannot do to make sure you
are respectful to the community that you serve as well as ensuring that you meet the mission of your home nation. It’s a delicate dance to not embarrass the United States and show the utmost respect to your host nation.
There were five of us on the submarine, three of us were third class midshipmen and two were first class midshipmen. We third class midshipmen worked together and earned our dolphins.
A final message to add?
Can you tell me how you earned We are all diplomats from the U.S. here in you’re your enlisted submarine Japan and we must carry ourselves in the warfare pin? utmost respectful manner and remember I was a third class midshipman and if you are not too familiar with the whole midshipmen cruise process, as a new midshipman they send you out to pick something to do for the summer. I had the honor to be part of a submarine crew (USS Baton Rouge) and when I got aboard, I was assigned a running mate. His name was MM1 (Machinist Mate 1st Class) Pugsley. I kind of looked him up and I believe he is a retired master chief now. When I met him, the first words out of his mouth were ‘Hi. I am MM1 Pugsley and I am going to get you qualified’.
that we represent the United States. We need to show that we are good neighbors and great partners. That’s from the top down. We all have to hold each other accountable. Like I said before, you have to care about this stuff and when you do, you are going to be excellent. That is my mantra, accountability, care and excellence. As long as you hold to those values, the other things will fall into place along with that honor, courage and commitment. I hope I can get every Sailor to feel the same way.
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CHIEF SELECTEES SUMMIT SULFUR ISLAND
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MCC BEN FARONE
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hief petty officers (CPO) and CPO selectees from Naval Air Facility Atsugi completed a climb to the top of Mt. Suribachi on the Japanese island of Iwo To, formerly known as Iwo Jima, or Sulfur Island, Aug.16. The group took the trek as a chance to see firsthand the site of one of fiercest battles of WWII. During the 36-day battle, more than 27,000 Marines were killed or wounded as they fought to secure the island’s airstrip to support U.S. B-29 bombers. The grandson of one of those Marines who were part of the initial invasion force,
Chief Master-at-Arms Levi Woodley, from Houston, made the trip to walk in his grandfather ’s footsteps. “It was especially satisfying for me, because my grandfather came out here when he was in the [Marine] Corps,” said Woodley. While Woodley felt a personal connection to the history of the island, he also noted the overall role of the chief petty officer in preserving the past. “In the Navy, the chiefs are the gatekeepers of history. We hold fast the history and traditions and make sure the Navy as a whole is steadfast and doesn’t overlook anything
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blowing to think of how the thousands of Marines and Japanese forces walked these same paths with all their gear, being shot at, all while being scared and away from their home. It’s really inspiring. It was really a great honor to come here,” said Breault. “We were all very excited for this trip. I think that we all just want to get where were going and we all want to get there and reflect at the top together.” Miller echoed those feelings, saying his biggest lesson for the day was the importance of unit cohesion within the ranks. “The biggest take away from this experience is that it’s all about being in one [CPO] Mess, where we’re all brothers and sisters pushing for one common goal, supporting each other. That’s what we had to do for all of us to get up there,” Miller said. or let the traditions go by the wayside,” Woodley added. Learning the history of the Feb. 19, 1945 battle and following the actual path to the summit of Mt. Suribachi where five Marines and a Navy Corpsman planted the American flag are two different experiences, according to Claxton, Ga., native Yeoman 1st Class Akaiya Miller. “I thought it was awesome. After doing all the research, of course I saw all the movies, but it doesn’t really do it justice. It’s really somber when you get here and go up [Mt. Suribachi] and feel what actually transpired,” said Miller. The day’s events held a similar gravity for Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Stephanie Breault, from Dracut, Mass. “Totally blown away. It’s just so mind
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PHOTO BY
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Naval Air Facility Atsugi
THE “EAGLES” OF STRIKE FIGHTER SQUADRON (VFA) 115
Describe the changes you anticipate after How is the command climate with respect to moving to Iwakuni? you transition to Iwakuni.
One major change is that Iwakuni will be Many squadron personnel are looking forward home to more tactical jet squadrons than Atsugi to the new, larger facilities that we will be and will give us the opportunity to work more operating from in Iwakuni. For most, the move will also be an opportunity to discover a closely with our Marine counterparts. new part of Japan.
Do you see the services you provide the Navy changing? What have been some of the commands Regardless of whether the squadron is based biggest accomplishments during its time at Atsugi or Iwakuni, our mission will remain in Atsugi?
the same: to conduct carrier-based anti-air, On January 17, 1991, the squadron, then anti-surface, and strike warfare operations in designated VA-115, took part in the opening support of U.S. national security objectives airstrikes of Operation Desert Storm. Flying around the world. A-6E Intruders from USS Midway (CV 41), flew 453 combat sorties and delivered What can you tell us about your VA-115 724,000 pounds of ordnance during the department that others might not know? conflict. Out of the initial cadre of Carrier Air Wing 5 Another major accomplishment was more squadrons that were originally based at Atsugi recent: on July 3, 2017, VFA-115 surpassed in 1973, VFA-115 is the only one remaining. 100,000 Class “A” mishap-free flight hours. The squadron was based at Atsugi from 1973 The remarkable achievement was logged to 1996 and from 2009 to 2017. over the course of 23 years of continuous flight operations utilizing the A-6E Intruder, F/A18C Hornet, and F/A-18E Super Hornet. 14
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO THE YAMATO STATION CLEANUP DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST.
CWO5 Valentine PSCS Ching AZC Salas HM1 Articulo AWF1 Coccio LS1 Concha AM1 Dionido AM1 Eliseev LS1 Hammar AZ1 McClelland AZ1 Monico LS1 Narvaez PS1 Panavaravatn AC1 Roberts LS1 Welch LS2 Abraham AZ2 Campbell AT2 Domingo AT2 Douangdara HM2 Duong AZ2 Garrison PS2 Khanh AM2 Mayor PS2 Ortiz PS2 Parrotina LS2 Rielle HM2 Quindoy AWV2 Schulz AM2 Tabije HM3 Fahey HM3 Tanaquin HN Moscoso Sam Samuelson
THANK YOU!
Flight Line News Briefs are compiled monthly news reports from squadrons, tenant commands, departments and command groups onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
VFA-102
In early August, following a brief port call in Brisbane, Australia, the VFA-102 Diamondbacks set sail for Yokosuka, Japan to resupply and take a mid-cruise break. Enroute, VFA-102 welcomed a new pilot, Lt. Thomas Shirley, to the Diamondbacks to replace Lt. Peter Devine. Lt. Devine transferred to the Naval Academy to work as an instructor and speech writer. At home, aircrew flew a limited schedule, concentrating on aircrew qualifications and currency. In late August, the Diamondbacks held a community town hall to discuss the upcoming move to MCAS Iwakuni. Finally, the Diamondbacks finished off August with a squadron MWR trip to Mt. Fuji.
BHC Atsugi
The BHC Atsugi Dental and Medical Clinics were recipients of the American Red Cross “Good Neighbor Award.” The Dental Clinic supports the Red Cross by providing an opportunity for registered dental hygienists and assistants to work alongside the active duty members as volunteers in the clinic. Once a year, the dental clinic also hosts a Dental Assisting Program for members from the base community to learn about dental assisting and to become clinic volunteers. Red Cross also volunteers in the Primary Care Department. Their skill sets range from nurses, medical assistants, and front desk clerks. The volunteers are intertwined with the healthcare team to provide high-quality patient care. This unique opportunity allows volunteers meet the critical mission to maximize readiness, health, and well-being of active duty forces and their families in Japan. 15
MWR
MWR Atsugi held their annual family pool party at the Outdoor Pool Aug. 5. The event featured Hula dancers, island-style music by a live band, and a solo performance by Ryan HalfHawaiian, who played a traditional Hawaiian instrument called the “ukulele.” The family friendly event also included free food, games and activities provided by Child Development Center staff, and a dive-in movie. Atsugi Red Cross staff was also present and handed out summer safety information. Professional magician Garry Carson, along with his wife and assistant Janine Carson, performed a family friendly magic show Aug. 10. The event was sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment and attracted more than 250 MWR patrons at Cinema 77. The Carson team skillfully interacted with the audience while creating fascinating illusions that dazzled the human eye. After the show, families received autographs and took pictures with the entertainers.
CVW-5
The U.S. Navy announced Aug. 18 that the first jet squadrons from Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) will relocate to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni (MCASI) later this fall. Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 115 and 195, along with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 will relocate to MCASI at the conclusion of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group’s (CSG 5) fall patrol.