Co’S Holiday Message Happy Holidays! I want to wish everyone on board Naval Air Facility Atsugi a safe, happy, and memorable season as you celebrate with family and friends. I hope you enjoy this special holiday edition of the Skywriter and reflect on this “year-in-review” and the great accomplishments we all shared through 2015 supporting the Fleet, Fighter, and Family whether here on base or deployed throughout the Pacific Area of Operations. I’m honored to have completed more than a year as the commanding officer of NAF Atsugi, and for the privilege not only of working with such a great team of professionals, but residing and interacting with so many of our tenants, residents, and families. In 2015 our goals were Quality Customer Service; Long-Range Planning and Communication; Oversight and Ownership of Facilities and Processes; and Professional Development and Promotion of our Sailors and Employees. As you review the pages of this special Skywriter, you’ll see a great visual representation as we committed ourselves to achieve these goals. Being ideally situated in the middle of the Kanto Plain, NAF Atsugi saw a wide variety of operations and events. Emergency management and preparedness were hallmarks of the year, as the security, protection, and safety of the installation, tenant commands, residents, and employees were key focal points during daily operations. We welcomed numerous high-profile leaders and inspection teams who scrutinized operations and services resulting in well-deserved recognition for the exceptional services our Sailors provide. We served as United States Ambassadors by hosting nearly 100,000 Japanese neighbors on base during our spring and summer festivals, not to mention many more Japanese guests through our close professional and personal relationships – one of the most important ways we all enhance the strong ties between our great nations. While it is hard to capture all the year’s accomplishments, it is not hard to recall and recognize that everyone on base contributed to a safe, successful and banner year for NAF Atsugi. Bravo Zulu for your hard work and dedication! As we welcome 2016, let’s all return well-rested and ready to tackle the new year with the same devotion and zeal to continue to deliver the crucial products, services, and support to our squadrons and tenant commands, while providing quality of life and quality of service to our Sailors and families.
Public Affairs Officer Howard Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Natalie Stamey Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Editor MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley 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 Facebook.com/naf.atsugi Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi
@NAFAtsugiJP
ONLINE
ON THE COVER
SKYWRITER HAS HAD SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT CHANGES THIS YEAR, FROM TRANSITIONING TO A MAGAZINESTYLE DESIGN, TO PUBLISHING ONCE MONTHLY, AND FINALLY INTO A PRINT PUBLICATION. THIS COVER FEATURES A COLLECTION OF FRONT PAGES FROM 2015. (GRAPHIC BY MC1(SW/AW) BARRY RILEY)
CMC’s Holiday Message As 2015 comes to a close, I want to wish our Sailors and their families a safe and happy holiday season and best wishes for a Happy New Year. I’m a big fan of the new look of our command magazine, Skywriter, especially the full-color printed editions. This magazine truly captures the events and achievements of our Sailors. This “Year-In-Review” edition of Skywriter is a special tribute to a year of success as we are reminded of the memorable moments that defined 2015. Once again, our Sailors have reason to be proud of the support they provided our primary customers out there on the flight line and you’ll see that depicted in the pages of this special edition. The truth is, there aren’t enough pages in any magazine that can cover the many events, achievements and successes for which our Sailors deserve praise. As many of you are aware, we hosted many training and operational inspections throughout the year, including a pinnacle inspection by our ultimate headquarters, Commander Naval Installations Command. We have certainly proven our mettle with respect to our support of the war fighter as well as base tenants and residents. I ’m also proud of the intangible but invaluable level of support our Sailors and their families lend to the communities outside our gates. Through countless volunteer and community outreach efforts, this year our Sailors have stepped up, stepped out and built great ties to the communities outside our gates. Whether they participate in organized volunteer efforts, or actively help in other community events – such as orphanage support, beautifying the community, or helping local students who want to learn English, our Sailors form the firmest and most sincere foundation that defines our commitment to the close relationship we share with our host country. Let me close with leadership. Throughout the year, I have been gratified, as has our commanding officer and executive officer, by the collective devotion to responsible leadership and accountability our Sailors demonstrate at work, in the community and at home. Thank you to all our Sailors as they continue to exhibit so many individual and collective examples of leadership by always doing the right, safe and responsible thing in their professional and personal lives. May 2016 bring all of us continued success, responsibility and accountability!
January January marked a new calendar year and several notable changes at NAF Atsugi. Along with new resolutions, Skywriter took on an updated, more modern and magazine style look. While January and a new calendar year can sometimes bring a slower work schedule as people return from the holidays and settle into the swing of things, the operational tempo didn’t miss a beat at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi. As can be seen on the front cover of the January issue, the focus was primarily on readiness. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 spent most of the new year gearing up for the much anticipated hull swap between the Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carriers USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Prior to getting underway, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Commanding Officer Capt. Gregory Fenton visited NAF Atsugi for his final flight as a naval aviator. Fenton completed his last flight with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195. As is reflected in most of the photos from throughout the month, a steady tempo of maintenance and flight operations was conducted and then repeated many times over. Also in January, Shirley Lanham Elementary School Students toured the Commander, Navy Region Japan Fire Station as part of an annual field trip to teach the children about fire safety.
THROUGH
FEBRUARY February brought cold temps to the Kanto Plain but winter weather did not deter the volunteer efforts of the CPO 365 Sailors. Monthly clean-ups along the installation fence perimeter were carried out for the beautification of the local area and continuation of goodwill with the host nation of Japan. Culinary Specialists at the Galley cooked up a special meal in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and fed hundreds of Sailors, civilians and guests during the event. NAF Atsugi kicked off the Personal Readiness Summit with a discussion panel of experts speaking on suicide prevention and crisis intervention. The summit culminated with comedian Bernie McGrenahan, who presented his popular “Happy Hour� program, which used humor to address topics such as responsible alcohol usage and sexual assault prevention. In ongoing emergency readiness efforts, NAF Atsugi participated in a joint drill with the Kanagawa Prefectural Police (KPP) to simulate an aircraft mishap and response on the installation flight line. Crews from the NAF Atsugi Fire Department and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Fire Department responded during the exercise. Tokyo Control, a cover band with members from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, performed a benefit concert raising money and support for homeless outreach. Coordinated through the Religious Ministries Office, the homeless outreach conducts monthly visits to the homeless in the surrounding communities and Yokohama to distribute rice and tuna to those in need.
MARCH Skywriter featured one of NAF Atsugi’s finest firefighters in March with the announcement of the Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) 2014 Navy Fire and Emergency Services Awards. Firefighter Kazuyuki Ogasawara was named the Navy Civilian Firefighter of the Year for his accomplishments leading the training exercises and crews for the Atsugi Fire Department. Spring 2015 brought a grand opening of the NAF Atsugi tea ceremony room where formal training is conducted in the art of the tea ceremony. Each year, a small group of American spouses are chosen to learn the intricacies of the ceremony and perform this age-old tradition at the Friendship Festival and various host nation events. The newly renovated room features a traditional tatami mat floor which was installed by the Seabees of NAF Atsugi. The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka (NAVSUP) Detachment Atsugi kept the aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fueled and flying, as part of their daily mission. The Atsugi fuel farm owns eight JP-5 refuelling trucks holding 5,000 gallons each, and an on-site facility which maintains five JP-5 tanks, storing a combined total of 2.2 million gallons of fuel. The Junior Sailor Association (JSA) elected new cabinet leaders who shared their vision for the future in a Skywriter feature. Runners from various commands sported their green gear for the St. Patrick’s Day 5K. In a solemn ceremony, the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) honored a fallen comrade with formal funeral detail on the flight line.
APRIL Emergency preparedness jump-started the month of April with NAF Atsugi’s annual Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) drill. Active duty personnel and families participated in the drill to simulate a mandatory evacuation in the event of a natural disaster. Translators were on hand to assist residents, including Operations Specialist 1st Class Andrea Vollmuth, who communicated in sign language with a resident during the exercise. The Naval College Office held a graduation ceremony for Sailors and civilians stationed at NAF Atsugi in the base chapel. The graduation recognized students who had received their postsecondary education degree in the past twelve months. Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 77 showcased their latest technology at the squadron’s hangar at NAF Atsugi. Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Heath Mcardle demonstrated the Mantis SHH, which was being tested to be used in place of current on-board aircraft transportation methods while underway. Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 51 Commanding Officer Stephen Froehlich delivered his first speech as squadron commander during the HSM 51 change-of-command. The Chief Petter Officer (CPO) rank celebrated its 122nd birthday in 2015. CPOs from NAF Atsugi commemorated the anniversary with a group photo at Alliance Park. Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) Rear Adm. Matthew Carter, visited NAF Atsugi’s Air Terminal on a return flight from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni and was greeted by the Commanding Officer of NAF Atsugi, Capt. John Bushey.
MAY Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 prepared for its annual deployment by conducting Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) at Iwo To (formerly Iwo Jima). Landing Signal Officers looked on as a jet made a practice landing on the island’s air field. NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer, Capt. John Bushey greeted Shirley Lanham Elementary School students during a predeployment fair held for service members and their families. The annual event was hosted by the Fleet and Family Support Center. Commander, Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Matthew Carter and Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard toured NAF Atsugi’s flight line during Howard’s brief refueling stop through NAF Atsugi en route to her next destination. The annual open-base event, Spring Friendship Festival, hosted a record-setting crowd of more than 60,000 guests. Visitors viewed static displays of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 aircraft during the event. The Spring Festival is held annually to promote goodwill between personnel of NAF Atsugi and the Japanese community. NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey had the pleasure of advancing 16 sailors to their next highest pay grade at a frocking ceremony in the base’s Cinema 77. May ended with the observance of Memorial Day. Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Chief Livel Clark, of NAF Atsugi’s Air Operations, received an American Flag during the reading of Olde Glory at the installation Memorial Day Ceremony held in Cinema 77.
PHOTO BY MC1 (SW/AW) BARRY RILEY
PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS
JUNE Newly-arrived NAF Atsugi Executive Officer, Cmdr. Matt Szoka, appeared on the June cover of Skywriter which featured a Q&A session with Szoka. NAF Atsugi Sailors continued to enhance community relations through English tutoring. Yeoman 3rd Class Jackie Lewis, of Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Detachment Atsugi, practiced English conversation with a Japanese student from Terao Elementary School, as part of a quarterly outreach event. In anticipation of the August Obon season, NAF Atsugi spouses began instruction in the traditional Bon Odori (Bon dance) to be performed at local Obon festivals. Sensei Hisae Hamada taught participants various dances during weekly rehearsals at Halsey gym. Leaders from NAF Atsugi and several tenant commands also studied traditional Taiko drumming in preparation for a performance at NAF Atsugi’s annual open-base Bon Odori Festival held in August. As part of the base beautification project, Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Juniel Daniel of Air Operations cleaned the welcome gate at the entrance to NAF Atsugi. The volunteer project takes place annually in June and includes personnel from various commands aboard the installation.
JULY
The Military Working Dogs (MWD) of NAF Atsugi took the front cover of the July edition of Skywriter. MWDs play an integral role in the safety and security of NAF Atsugi and its personnel. Master-atArms 2nd Class Luke Alvarez demonstrated the skills of his MWD Sita during a training exercise. Commander, Fleet Air Forward (CFAF) Commodore Capt. Rich Prest was piped aboard during a change of command ceremony on NAF Atsugi. Outgoing CFAF Commodore Capt. Michael Parker was relieved by Prest as CFAF’s 15th Commanding Officer. Summer sports were in full swing with Captain’s Cup events and games. OS2 Ramone Sanders from NAF Atsugi’s Air Operations Department stood on first base as his team competed in an intramural softball game. District Commander of the Japan Engineer District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. John Hurley and Commanding Officer of Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka Capt. Ray Bichard, visited NAF Atsugi to celebrate the newly renovated government gas station. The remodeling project took six months and cost two million dollars. NAF Atsugi’s Command Master Chief Michael Wilkins welcomed Master Chief Petty Officer of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), Toshiaki Miyamae, in his office. Miyamae visited NAF Atsugi while on a tour of Fleet Air Wing Four. Members of the NAF Atsugi Bon Odori dance team, perform to Chidori Ren, a traditional Japanese dance during the annual Awa Odori summer festival. During the summer event, NAF Atsugi leadership along with Atsugi spouse association members paraded through the streets of Yamato with local Japanese citizens performing various traditional dances.
AUGUST August marked the beginning of the Obon Season, a time in Japanese culture to honor one’s ancestors. NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey and tenant command leaders performed traditional Taiko drumming at the Atsugi Bon Odori Festival. In addition, NAF Atsugi spouse associations joined in the festivities by learning and performing traditional Japanese dances. Members of the surrounding communities were welcomed on base for the event and the Japanese Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, Mr. Akira Amari, attended the festival as a special guest. NAF Atsugi held the annual National Night Out celebration, to promote neighborhood safety and awareness. NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey and Crime Dog McGruff posed for a photo during the event. NAF Atsugi’s Military Working Dog (MWD) Leading Petty Officer Master-at-Arms 1st Class Rob Garcia demonstrated the skills of his MWD Chucky, at National Night Out. The Atsugi Branch Health Clinic (BHC) held a grand re-opening following an 11 month renovation and upgrade. NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey and BHC leadership cut the official ribbon at the ceremony. Members of the Atsugi Smart Girl #ThinkPositive team wrote and posted uplifting messages around the installation. The Smart Girl program teaches school age girls positive lessons about their bodies and lives.
SEPTEMBER Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Scott Swift and is greeted by NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey upon Swift’s arrival to the flight line. Swift visited NAF Atsugi during a familiarization tour of shore installations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. September was a memorable month for the 18 Chief Petty Officer selectees who received their anchors during a pinning ceremony held at Cinema 77. Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Teyronn Jackson of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, hugs his wife Joytonia Jackson after receiving his anchors. The Emergency Management Office (EMO) team ensured all personnel and base residents were prepared to disasters. Damage Controlman 3rd Class Kimberly Hammond from the EMO assisted Nettie Crandal in signing up for the Computer Desktop Notification System (CDNS) in order to receive future emergency messages. The 14th anniversary of the September 11th attacks was observed at NAF Atsugi with a memorial stair climb in honor of the fallen firefighters and emergency responders. Firefighters from local communities joined the NAF Atsugi Fire Department to climb the stairs of housing tower 3069. Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 Phase One and Phase Two Sailors participated in a formation 5k run as part of the September 11th observances aboard NAF Atsugi. Members of NAF Atsugi’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) cut a cake celebrating the launch of the initiative with NAF Atsugi Command Master Chief Michael Wilkins.
OCTOBER NAF Atsugi hosted a wealth of distinguished visitors during the month of October. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited NAF Atsugi en route to welcome the Nimitz-class Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan to its new homeport in Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Mabus was greeted on the flight line by NAF Atsugi Sailors and personnel. Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken also arrived to the Atsugi Air Terminal, greeted by NAF Atsugi Executive Officer Cmdr. Matt Szoka. Blinken was traveling from the United States on a routine diplomatic mission. A largest group of visitors were the personnel of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, who arrived back to Atsugi on a mid-cruise “port call” for a brief break while the Nimitz-class Aircraft Carrier USS Ronald Reagan pulled into its new homeport for the first time. Sailors returning by bus to NAF Atsugi were greeted by squadrons and families in front of Cinema 77. Daisuke Midorikawa, assigned to Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ) Fire Department, participated in a joint drill at Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific Support Equipment Rework Facility. The evolution improved interoperability between firefighters from CNRJ Regional, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Yamato City and Ayase City. The Branch Health Clinic (BHC) Atsugi, conducted a decontamination drill in the BHC medical bay. The annual certification exercise trained Sailors in the U.S. Navy’s chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive attack response.
NOVEMBER Veteran’s Day was the hallmark of November and was observed with a special ceremony at the remote island of Iwo To (Iwo Jima). NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey led a group of personnel to the island to raise American flags and lay wreaths to honor the holiday. A fuel farm, run by a tenant command of NAF Atsugi, is located on Iwo To to support military flight operations in and out of Japan. The island is also utilized by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 during Field Carrier Landing Practices. Spouses of CVW 5 participated in the annual “BADGIRL” week, a series of team building events and challenges meant to foster camaraderie among spouses during deployment. The BADGIRL Field Day included a flour-bobbing challenge and other tests of mental and physical skill. November was also Military Family Appreciation Month, which was recognized on NAF Atsugi with multiple family-friendly gatherings, including an ice cream social at Club Trilogy. In continued training and education, the Sailors of NAF Atsugi gathered for a general military training on Sexual Assault Awareness and Response skills. NAF Atsugi is committed to equipping the installation Sailors and personnel with the best resources available in preventing and responding to sexual assault.
BEST OF THE BEST
THE SKYWRITER STAFF SHOWCASE THEIR FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM 2015
MC1(SW/AW) BARRY RILEY
I chose this photo simply for the fact that I think it is one of my most well thought out, and well executed photos. I shot this during a filming of my “Release” video series, in which former Fleet and Family Support Center Clinical Educator Sabrina Dela Dingco talked about ballet and how it was a big stress reliever for her. I feel it really captured Sabrina in her element, and gave a great description of the video without having to use words to explain what viewers were going to see. The full video can be seen at www.youtube.com/NAFAtsugi.
MC3 JASON BAWGUS The reason I chose this photo of Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Casey Clarke is because of the moment it captures. He almost has a look of relief on his face that he has finally made it. You can see the struggle of maintaining military bearing, while also wanting to give in to the emotional moment taking place. This is the part of my job that I really enjoy. I get the opportunity to capture moments that are huge milestones in people’s lives whether it be a promotion, reenlistment or a retirement.
MC3 RYAN GREENE I’ve had the opportunity to visit Iwo To (Iwo Jima) twice. Both times I’ve noticed that the island’s beauty, is matched only by its solemnity. In the photo NAF Atsugi Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Eugene Trelles follows the path down to Invasion Beach to gather sand for his friends and family. The island still bears the memory of two powerful nations, once at war, that have found prosperity in peace. Iwo To also serves to remind those who visit, of the cost at which our alliance was bought.
2016