What’s INSIDE
October 6, 2017
Women’s Symposium to be held Oct. 17 See page B-5 Pearl Harbor welcomes USS Chicago to JBPHH See page A-2
FedFire to host Fire Prevention Week events See page A-3
Navy Birthday: Lone Sailor statue dedication See page B-5
www.issuu.com/navyregionhawaii www.hookelenews.com
Volume 8 Issue 39
U.S. Navy graphic
‘Energy action = mission success’
Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division Since 2012, October has been designated Energy Action Month, a celebration of energy as a pillar of the nation’s economy and a time to recognize the role individual Americans can play in reducing energy waste.
The Department of the Navy’s Energy Action Month theme for this year is, “Energy Action = Mission Success.” The theme makes the point that energy is integral to the sea service’s ability to maintain forward presence at sea, operate sensors that detect threats and help protect our forces, and conduct the full range
of missions from humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HADR) to high-end combat operations. “The decisions Sailors and civilians make about energy use on a daily basis can have a direct impact on how far we steam, how often we refuel, and
> See page A-3
Energy fair focuses on ways to conserve As part of Energy Action Month, the Navy Region Hawaii Energy team conducted an energy fair and building energy monitor training at the Ford Island Conference Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oct. 5. The free two-session event focused on ways to conserve energy and water, and reduce utility bills. Read the full story in next week’s issue. Throughout the month of October, Ho’okele will feature energy articles and tips to increase awareness.
PANEX begins flu shot season for 15th Wing Story and photos by 1st Lt. Avery Larkin 15th Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Andrews, 15th MDG mental health flight chief, and Staff Sgt. Edgar Corona, 15th MDG mental health technician, assist Tech. Sgt. Jason Patton-Orme, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, into Makai Recreation Center during PANEX, Sept. 26.
The 15th Wing held a pandemic response exercise (PANEX) Sept. 26-28 at the Makai Recreation Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to deliver flu shots and simulate response to an influenza outbreak. Volunteers participated in the exercise Sept. 26 by simulating symptoms for 15th Medical Group (MDG) personnel to diagnose while active duty service members completed their annual flu shot requirements. According to Maj. Duke Dargush, 15th MDG wing inspection team chief, the exercise is grounded in executing mission re-
quirements. “The goal of the PANEX is to enable the mission. If a bad strain of influenza hit, it would take a month or two to get everyone vaccinated using normal procedures,” he said. “During that time, there would be drawbacks to our mission. Essentially, the PANEX allows us to get two months of work done in a few days.” The Makai Recreation Center was open for active duty service members to get their flu shots during the PANEX. “In a real world scenario, these sites would be operating 24 hours a day to get everyone through,” Dargush said. “Holding this exercise at this time of year allows us to knock out our operational requirements for
flu shots and practice our readiness procedures.” Military family members and all other beneficiaries should plan to get flu shots at the 15th MDG immunizations clinic. The 15th MDG also urges pregnant women who may be hesitant to get their flu shot to consider vaccination. “Everyone over the age of six months should receive an annual influenza vaccination, including pregnant women during any trimester,” said Lt. Col. Katie Crowder, 15th MDG chief of medical staff. “The flu vaccine is not only safe, but highly encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists due to the potential negative out-
come of getting the flu while pregnant.” In addition to the flu shot, the CDC recommends the following actions to avoid getting sick: • Wa s h y o u r h a n d s with soap and water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water are not available. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after using it. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs. • When possible, avoid close contact with sick people. • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to avoid infecting them.
JBPHH proclaims Domestic Violence Awareness Month Story and photo by MC1 Jeffrey Troutman Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii A proclamation signing ceremony was held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Oct. 2. According to the proclamation, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is intended to inform and engage the local military community about preventing domestic violence throughout the Navy. Capt. James Jenks, chief of staff for Navy Region Hawaii, and Cmdr. Corey Hurd, chief staff officer for JBPHH, were present to sign the procla-
mation and give remarks to those in attendance. “As a community, we must speak out and become a part of the solution to stop the cycle of violence and end domestic violence,” Jenks said. “Today, we renew our commitment to educating our community, in an effort to break the cycle of violence. October is our month to recognize the victims who are living with, who have persevered through or tragically lost their lives to domestic violence, and we achieve this through increased community involvement and awareness.” During the event, a moment of silence was observed for both victims and survivors of domestic violence, accentuated
with a ceremonial ship’s bell tolling in honor of those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. “Your presence here today is an indication of your willingness to get involved, and to help reduce the incidence of abuse in our community,” said Kimika Louis, a Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Victim Advocate. “If you know someone who is in a potentially abusive relationship, know that there are resources available right here in this community, via your FAP victim advocates, who are available to assist you in confidentiality.” Hurd spoke of the importance of combating domestic violence as a community in his remarks at the event. “As a community, we
Capt. James Jenks, chief of staff, Navy Region Hawaii, signs his name to a Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation. must model an example for our youth to promote healthy and safe relationships and families, because safe and healthy families are the center of a healthy community,”
Hurd said. The Navy’s Family Advocacy Program has been available since 1992 providing aid in prevention and case management. It helps both the per-
petrators of domestic violence and the victims. FAP representatives are located at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC). The FAP investigates each report and performs actions to safeguard victims and provide supportive services. There is an option to make a restricted report through the Domestic Assault Victim Advocate, in which they receive services but is not a formal FAP. Anyone who suspects domestic violence may file a report by contacting their installation’s FFSC. For information about where to go for assistance, call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.thehotline.org/.