Ho'okele - December 2020 (Hawaii Navy and Air Force Magazine)

DECEMBER 2020

INSIDE:

Origin of the 21-Gun Salute

Freedom Tower:

USS Oklahoma Sailor laid to rest after 70 years

Past and Present

Pearl Harbor Remembering Dec. 7, 1941

Above and Beyond the Call

Pg. 8

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Director of Public Affairs, Navy Region Hawaii Lydia Robertson Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Navy Region Hawaii Mike Andrews Director of Public Affairs, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Chuck Anthony Director of Public Affairs, Pacific Missile Range Facility Tom Clements Managing Editor Anna Marie General Military Editor MC2 Charles Oki Contributing Staff Kathy Isobe David Hodge David Underwood, Jr. MC1 Erickson Magno

USS John Paul Jones conduct flight operations Sailors conduct flight quarters with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) in the Arabian Gulf Nov. 25. The John Paul Jones is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Aja Bleu Jackson)

Jim Neuman Elaine Phillips

Ho‘okele is a free publication.

All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office: 850 Ticonderoga, Suite 110, JBPHH, Hawaii, 968604884. Telephone: (808) 473-2888; fax (808) 473-2876. This is an authorized publication primarily for members of the uniformed military services and their families in Hawaii. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, and the military branch of services and do not imply endorsement thereof. A Hui Hou!

“What have you learned about Dec. 7, 1941 since you came to Hawaii?”

By MC1 Erickson Magno, MC2 Charles Oki and David D. Underwood, Jr.

Lt. j.g. Brendon Noto

Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific “Since arriving on Pearl Harbor a few weeks ago, just being on the base has given me a better understanding of the battlespace on Dec 7th.”

(Note: Photographers were 6 feet away from subject while social distancing.)

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Senior Master Sgt. Adrian Hall

Superintendent 15th Healthcare Operations Squadron “I learned that preparation and readiness is key to not being caught offguard. This is why the Air Force’s priority of ‘growing strong leaders and resilient families’ is huge. We have to own the National Defense Strategy lines of effort to uphold the international policies that resulted from the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II thereafter.”

Naval Air Crewman (Operator) 2nd Class Gordon Reilley Pacific Missile Range Facility

“Prior to being stationed at PMRF, I was stationed at Kaneohe Bay for three years and there I learned that it was actually attacked before Pearl Harbor. I thought this was interesting because when you think of Dec. 7, the only place I ever thought of was Pearl Harbor, when in fact, all the bases were affected on different scales.”

CONTENTS

Your Navy Team in Hawaii Commander, Navy Region Hawaii oversees two installations: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu and Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, on Kauai. As Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, we provide oversight for the ten surface ships homeported at JBPHH. Navy aircraft squadrons are also co-located at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, Oahu, and training is sometimes also conducted on other islands, but most Navy assets are located at JBPHH and PMRF. These two installations serve fleet, fighter and family under the direction of Commander, Navy Installations Command.

PEARL HARBOR DAY

- Admiral’s Commentary - Pearl Harbor: By the Numbers - Above and Beyond the Call: 79th anniversary

│6-11 HISTORY AND HERITAGE

- USS Oklahoma Sailor laid to rest after 70 years - Origin of the 21-Gun Salute - Freedom Tower: Past and Present

A guided-missile cruiser and destroyers of Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific deploy independently or as part of a group for Commander, U.S. Third Fleet and in the Seventh Fleet and Fifth Fleet areas of responsibility. The Navy, including your Navy team in Hawaii, builds partnerships and strengthens interoperability in the Pacific. Each year, Navy ships, submarines and aircraft from Hawaii participate in various training exercises with allies and friends in the Pacific and Indian Oceans to strengthen interoperability. Navy service members and civilians conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions in the South Pacific and in Asia. Working with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy in Hawaii provides drug interdiction and fisheries enforcement operations for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In even-numbered years Hawaii hosts the biennial summer Rim of the Pacific Exercise, the world’s largest military maritime exercise, featuring more than two dozen nations and 25,000 personnel.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

- Navy partners with Ma’o Organic Farms - MWR Holiday Events - Tips for Holiday Shipping

│20-23

Other Highlights:

02 Diverse Views 04 COVID-19: CDC Resource 05 CNO Message: Holiday Leave 18 Photo Highlights Commander Story Header │00 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

JBPHH includes the Pearl Harbor waterfront, Hickam flight line, Wahiawa annex and several other areas in West Oahu and provides a major logistics and other support hub for the military and military families. Supporting the nation’s ballistic missile defense initiative, the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the western coast of“The Garden Island,” is the world’s largest instrumented multidimensional testing and training missile range.

Navy Region Hawaii website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Hawaii

REAR ADM. ROBB CHADWICK

│12-17

The Navy family in Hawaii comprises around 50,000 people, most of whom are active duty service members and their families, and includes nearly 15,000 civilians and contractors as part of our workforce.

We provide services to the U.S. Pacific Command, one of DOD’s six geographic combatant commands, with an area of responsibility covering half the globe. We directly support two component commands whose headquarters are on JBPHH: Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander, U.S. Pacific Air Force. Close to our own Region/ MIDPAC headquarters command is Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. With 18 forward-deployable combat-ready U.S. Navy submarines, Pearl Harbor is home to the largest submarine presence in the Pacific. The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, on JBPHH, is the largest ship repair facility between the West Coast and the Far East. Within our region we support more than 100 tenant commands.

Commander Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific

CAPT. ERIK SPITZER

On the cover: An aerial view of the USS Arizona Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

(U.S. Navy file photo by MCCS John M. Hageman)

connect with us

Commanding Officer Pacific Missle Range Facility @NavRegHawaii @JointBasePHH

@NavyRegionHawaii @JBPHH @JBPHH @PacificMissileRangeFacility

CAPT. TIMOTHY YOUNG

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 3

This holiday season do what’s best for you and your loved ones Being away from family and friends during the holidays can be hard.

Hard choices to be apart this year may mean that you can spend many more years with your loved ones.

When you talk with your friends and family about plans, it’s ok if you decide to stay home and remain apart from others.

51 px

Doing what’s best for you includes eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep.

Do what is best for your health and the health of your loved ones. This year spend time with those in your own household.

Make time to take care of your body and stay active to lessen fatigue, anxiety, and sadness.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 321172-A

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cdc.gov/coronavirus

A Message from the CNO

during COVID-19

By Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations

S

hipmates, as your CNO I could not be more proud of how our Navy has resolutely stood the nation’s watch during this extraordinary time of COVID-19. When parts of the world shut down in response to COVID-19, our operational tempo did not decline. Together, we have rapidly developed and applied lessons learned so that our eet remains where we should be, forward deployed and ready for whatever challenge comes our way. No doubt, our success is due to the personal dedication and discipline of all Sailors – active and reserve, uniformed and civilian – and their families.

While I know that operating during COVID has been hard on you and your families, your health remains my number one priority. As the virus surges again across the nation, we cannot give in to fatigue and must exercise continued vigilance.

We must apply COVID-19 protocols at all times.

Our guard cannot come down, not even one inch.

During the holiday season, this will be even tougher. Force health protection remains our number one priority. While many of you may not be able to return home this holiday season as you normally would, develop a deliberate plan to recharge your batteries, strengthen your connections, build resiliency, and simply take a break where you can.

When developing holiday leave plans, I expect commanders to be mindful that our people

remain our number one asset and the physical and mental health and readiness of our Sailors is our top priority. Look for opportunities to expand leave windows to maximize options for your Sailors. Take a hands-on approach to find balanced solutions that allow everyone to take a well-deserved break. In cases where individual leave plans are not supportable, be fully transparent and completely engaged with aected Sailors to mitigate the impact as much as possible. If you are able to travel, carefully follow state, local and host nation COVID-19 regulations while on leave. Personnel executing a restriction of movement (ROM) are considered to be in a duty status and ROM periods will not be counted as annual leave.

Last, in the same way that we cannot aord to lose one Sailor to COVID-19, we cannot aord to lose one Sailor, or member of our Navy family, to suicide. Be bold in having hard discussions with those in your circle of inuence. Be humble in admitting when you are stretched beyond your ability to cope. Watch out for each other and be attune to the impact this pandemic and our OPTEMPO is having on our Sailors.

Safe, healthy, and ready is how we want to enter 2021. Together, we will make this happen.

For those who will remain forward deployed, defending our nation this holiday season, thank you and Godspeed. You and your families are in our collective thoughts and prayers.

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 5

Contemplating Service Above and Beyond the Call

Admiral’s Commentary:

A

s we approach the end of one of the most challenging years in our nation’s history, we arrive at a date that is all too familiar to those of us who live, serve and work here at Pearl Harbor.

Monday, Dec. 7 will mark the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This year’s ceremony will be commemorated from the area known as Contemplation Circle, on the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick Commander Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific

The vantage point of 79 years of history provides a unique opportunity to remember how they rose to the challenges of their day to defeat that enemy and secure the peace we enjoy today.

The example of perseverance and courage under fire that would lead to victory in the long war ahead was set by the heroes who endured the horrors of Dec. 7, 1941. It is the example we strive to follow each and every day.

If there was ever a time that we all needed to reach back and contemplate the lessons learned from a previous generation, surely that time is now.

I encourage everyone to watch the ceremony online and as you do, take a moment to contemplate the legacy of the Greatest Generation, who went above and beyond to answer the call when our nation was in need.

We find inspiration when we contemplate that generation’s response in the face of a stealthy and seemingly unstoppable enemy.

Let us continue to honor them well beyond Dec. 7 with our lives and with our service as the defenders of the values of liberty and peace that they fought to preserve 79 years ago.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s ceremony will be broadcast live to join the anniversary commemoration remotely.

Watch the live-stream event on

Navy Region Hawaii Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/NavyRegionHawaii/ or on www.pearlharborevents.com

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DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 7

COVER STORY

ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL

PEARL HARBOR DAY COMMEMORATION DAY EVENTS Story and photos by National Park Service

7:50 am | Ceremony Begins

(Layout by Elaine Phillips)

Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s Contemplation Circle

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Every year over a million visitors come to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites to see the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

On Dec. 7, the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Navy will host the 79th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemoration to honor the 2,390 American lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu on Dec. 7, 1941.

The ceremony will begin at 7:50 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s Contemplation Circle. A very small number of speakers will be in attendance at the site, with most of the ceremony taking place virtually.

Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, will deliver the keynote address.

A moment of silence will be observed at 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began. A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer will render pass-in-review honors to the USS Arizona and all World War II veterans. A missing man flyover will follow. Highlights of the ceremony will also include music by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, a Hawaiian blessing, wreath presentations, a rifle salute by the U.S. Marine Corps, a vintage aircraft flyover, and echo taps in recognition of the men and women who survived the attack and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

7:55 am | Moment of Silence

Pass in Review Honors

The exact moment the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor began

A U.S. Navy ship will render honors to all World War II veterans and the crew entombed at the USS Arizona Memorial

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 9

The event’s theme, Above and Beyond the Call, represents a milestone of its own, as the first Dec. 7 commemoration to follow the nationwide commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. This year’s ceremony will focus on Battlefield Oahu. Though the Japanese Empire focused on the destruction of the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, the attack encompassed the entire island with assaults on Army and Marine aviation bases as well as civilian facilities.

Japan-U.S. Joint Memorial Ceremony Koichi Ito, Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, gives his remarks at the 3rd annual Japan-US Joint Memorial Ceremony on Ford Island at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 6, 2018.

The Japan-US Joint Memorial Ceremony is held to promote reconciliation, friendship and peace in remembrance of the loss of life on Oahu during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. (U.S. Navy file photo by MC2 Jessica O. Blackwell)

The experiences of the soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Sailors defending Oahu, as well as the civilians caught in the crossfire, would exemplify courage under fire and perseverance. Their spirit at the beginning of the long crucible of war would frame the template for the securing of victory and peace.

“The veterans and civilians caught in the crossfire of the opening battle of the Pacific War will always be an inspiration to the fighting men and women of today,” said Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick, commander, Navy Region Hawaii. “We are inspired by their courage under fire and we look forward to honoring them and remembering their legacy.”

Consulate General of Japan and U.S. Navy wreaths are set out for display at the 3rd annual Japan-US Joint Memorial Ceremony on Ford Island at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 6, 2018.

The entire event will be live-streamed on Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s Facebook page and at www.pearlharborevents.com in partnership with Defense Media Activity.

In support of the county and state public health restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s festivities will not be open to the general public. Once the ceremony is complete, the park will open to the public.

(U.S. Navy file photo by MC2 Jessica O. Blackwell)

For more information about the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 79th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, please visit www.pearlharborevents.com

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Pearl Harbor Memorials The Pearl Harbor National Memorial, located adjacent to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, was designated a national landmark in 1964 for strategic importance related to the United States’ annexation of Hawaii, and for the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack during World War II. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial complex consists of three memorials, in addition to six officer bungalows, three mooring quays, and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Memorials USS Arizona Memorial Located on Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place which honors the 1,177 Sailors and Marines killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The hull is both a tomb for more than 900 Sailors who remain within and also serves as an artificial reef providing habitat for marine life. The memorial is accessible only by boat.

USS Oklahoma Memorial Located on the shores of Ford Island, next to the former berth of the Oklahoma, the USS Oklahoma Memorial stands to honor the 429 men who lost their lives aboard the Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941. The memorial’s black granite walls suggest the once formidable hull of the Oklahoma while the white marble standards represent its lost Sailors and Marines. Each perfectly aligned marble standard symbolizes an individual in pristine white dress uniform, inspired from the naval tradition of ‘manning the rails.’

USS Utah Memorial Located on Ford Island, the USS Utah Memorial honors the loss of the USS Utah (AG-16) and 58 of its crew. The USS Utah was the first ship torpedoed in the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Struck by two torpedoes, the ship capsized and sank within 12 minutes.

For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 11

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

O

n Nov. 6, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu, a small group of service members from the Defense POW MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) gathered to honor and lay to rest U.S. Navy Seaman 2nd Class James M. Flanagan, who had been killed almost 70 years prior.

Flanagan, of Jacksonville, Florida, was killed at the age of 22 during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. He was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The ship sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. More than 400 crewmen aboard the Oklahoma were killed, including Flanagan.

From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, who were subsequently interred as unknowns in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries prior to being moved to their final resting place, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Between June and November 2015, the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency disinterred these unknowns from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific for analysis. To identify Flanagan’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed

Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y chromosomal DNA (Y-STR) and autosomal STR DNA (auSTR) analysis.

Flanagan was officially accounted for on Nov. 19, 2019.

Flanagan’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, along with others who are missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

During the funeral service U.S. Navy Lt. Carson Pittman, chaplain at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, gave remarks.

“At the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the roll call for warriors who died on December seventh is long and distinguished,” Pittman said. “A grateful nation, a grateful Navy, and a grateful President are happy to add James to that list. Here he will rest alongside many other warriors who gave their lives for our freedom.”

Flanagan’s family was unable to attend the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are awaiting the U.S. flag that was dedicated to him and will be sent to them in Jacksonville, Florida.

USS OKLAHOMA SAILOR L A I D TO R E S T AF T E R 70 Y E ARS (Layout by Elaine Phillips)

DPAA Public Affairs

12 HO’OKELE • DECEMBER 2020

Sailors assigned to Navy Region Hawaii and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conduct a funeral for U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class James M. Flanagan at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Apryl Hall), including background photo

The Navy Region Hawaii firing team and bugler conduct a funeral for U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class James M. Flanagan at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu Nov. 6. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Apryl Hall)

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook. com/dodpaa or call (703) 699-1420/1193.

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 13

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Origin of the

21-Gun Sa

(Layout by Anna General)

A 21-Gun Salute was fired at Ford Island to honor veterans on Veterans Day.

14 HO’OKELE • DECEMBER 2020

alute Story and photo by David “Duna” Hodge JBPHH Public Affairs

A

lthough the military gun salute is a centuries old practice for rendering honors, the war department in 1810 defined the “national salute” as equal to the number of states in the union (at the time, 17). U.S. military installations fire the salute on special holidays and whenever the president visits an installation.

The Navy first prescribed the specific manner for rendering salutes in 1818, requiring that ships also fire a salute for presidential visits. The nation designated the 21-gun salute as the “presidential salute,” in 1842, and followed Britain in 1875 by adopting the 21-gun salute as its international salute.

Today, the 21-gun salute is fired in honor of a nation’s flag, the sovereign or chief of state of a foreign nation, a member of a reigning royal family, and the president, former presidents, and a president-elect of the United States.

Salutes are also fired at noon of the day of the funeral of a president, former presidents, or a president-elect; on Washington’s Birthday, Presidents Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Did you know? The first official salute by a foreign nation to the Stars and Stripes took place on Feb. 14, 1778, when the Continental Navy ship Ranger, commanded by Capt. John Paul Jones, fired 13 guns and received nine in return from the French fleet anchored in Quiberon Bay, France.

John Paul Jones is the namesake of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53).

For more information about the origins of the 21gun salute, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at https://www.history.navy.mil/ DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 15

Freedom Tower: Past and Present

By Victoria D’Andrea-Roy, JBPHH MWR

J

oint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is home to an abundance of historical memorials and buildings related to World War II. There are a variety of well-known sites, such as the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Courtyard of Heroes, just to name a few.

However, Freedom Tower is an example of one of the sites that is not so well known. The structure was actually built as a water tower in 1938. Capt Howard B. Nurse led the construction of the Moorish or European-style building for a total of $43,160.

The 166 ft. tower was able to store about 500,000 gallons of water for emergencies. One interesting fact is that above the steel water tank there’s a very small room, only 20 feet in diameter, which was used as a radio transmitter facility prior to and during World War II. Luckily, during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack, the Japanese didn’t bomb the tower. It is rumored that they believed the tower to be some sort of religious structure, causing them to fear and not bomb it.

Although it was never directly hit, the steel tank and the inner staircase became damaged. Due to the surrounding bombings on the base it was never reused as a water tower.

(Layout by MC2 Charles Oki)

On the 50th anniversary of Hickam Air Force Base, May 15, 1985, the water tower was officially dedicated and renamed as “Freedom Tower.”

On the front of the tower, above the entry door, a plaque was placed in dedication and reads: “To honor those who have served, and will serve, in the defense of our liberties, and to honor those who paid the ultimate price so that others might live in freedom.”

Today, the tower stands as a monumental landmark on the base.

Most historical information was gathered from the 15th Wing’s website at https://www.15wing.af.mil (Editor’s Note: Every year, MWR would normally host a Tower Lighting celebration in December to gather the JBPHH community for the holidays.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety of the community, a display of festive lights will beam from the ground up to the top of the Freedom Tower for patrons to drive by and see from Dec. 11 to Jan. 3 as part of the annual tradition.)

16 HO’OKELE • DECEMBER 2020

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 17

PHOTO HIGHLIG 1

4

(Layout by MC2 Charles Oki)

1

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility successfully undocked Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the shipyard and its partners remain open for business, executing a major milestone ahead of completing the ship’s Dry Docking Selected Restricted Availability. (Photo by Dave Amodo)

18 HO’OKELE • DECEMBER 2020

2

A group of active-duty U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warriors haul flags during a presentation for other Wounded Warriors at the Arizona Memorial Nov. 10. The visit was their first visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam since the beginning of the pandemic and is also in honor of the Marine Corps Birthday. (Photo by ET1 Nick Taylor)

3

Lt. Col. Steven Augugliaro, 154th Wing F-22 flight safety officer, works with members of the Federal Fire Department during a pilot extraction exercise Nov. 20, at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam. Augugliaro’s role during an emergency is to provide the necessary support to get the emergency aircraft back on the ground safely. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz)

GHTS 2

3

5

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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 15th Wing participate in Exercise Tropic Tempest at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 6. Tropic Tempest demonstrated the 15th Wing’s No. 1 priority, ready now, a key to sustaining operations through the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr. )

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Rear Adm. Blake Converse, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, participates in a small Veterans Day ceremony at the historic USS Parche Submarine Park and Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 11. The event honored submarine veterans past and present and paid a special tribute to submariners who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

(Photo by MCC Amanda R. Gray)

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Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith requests to come aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) Nov. 26. In an effort to bolster morale for those who are away from families during the holidays, MCPON Smith visited multiple ships inport to share his gratitude for those on watch during Thanksgiving. (U.S. Navy photo

by MC1 Devin M. Langer)

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 19

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Navy partners with Ma’o Organic Farms

By Kathy Isobe Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

B

uilding relationships with the community recently presented an opportunity for the Navy to help suport the local farmers.

(Layout by Anna General)

Through Navy Encroachment Partnering and the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program, the Navy contributed $1.1M towards the $3.2M acquisition price of a 236acre Palikea parcel in Lualualei with MA’O Organic Farms.

Capt. Erik Spitzer, commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and other personnel from JBPHH and its annexes, toured MA’O Farms Nov. 16. It was Capt.

Spitzer’s first time to see the organic farm, which borders the Navy’s Lualualei Annex in Waianae. (U.S. Navy photos by ET2 Kristen Ramillano)

20 HO’OKELE • DECEMBER 2020

Through this partnership, MA’O was able to secure ownership of the property, and in return, the Navy secured a vetted neighbor and gained a Restrictive Use Easement on MA’O’s property, which regulates the land use, activities, height restrictions, setbacks, use of drones, and use of the Navy road in perpetuity.

MA’O is a federally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to address the challenges of the local youth and community through the tool of sustainable agriculture.

MA’O is an acronym for Mala’Ai ‘Opio, which translates to “youth food garden.”

According to their website, “It is an affirmation of our belief that when we restore the relationship between youth and the ‘aina (land), we restore our ancestral connection to the land and foster an interdependence that returns abundance and prosperity to the community.” (see www.maoorganicfarms. org) The farm began with an initial five-acre plot leased in 2001. Over the years they acquired over 280 acres, including the 236-acre Navy partnership parcel, and grow over 80 tons of produce in 40 different varieties of fruits and vegetables.

Recently Capt. Erik Spitzer, commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, visited the farmlands and met with key MA’O Organic personnel.

“This is a great opportunity to start building our community relationship with our new neighbor and local farming organization,” said Spitzer. “We look forward to other activities and potential projects with MA’O Farms and establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with them,” he said.

12 Days of

FITNESS Holiday Challenge JBPHH Fitness Centers –

Dec. 1 24 for Active Duty Dec. 3, 4, 10 or 11 for all others Set of 12 Kettle Bell Swings

Ladder Speed Drills

Plank Positions

Minutes Rowing

Push Up Burpees

Ropes-a-Swinging

FREE

MWR Fitness is challenging YOU to keep fit during the holiday season!

Can you complete our 12 exercises in time?

Finish all 12 in time and earn a workout towel.

Active duty get 12 days to complete the challenge. All others get one (1) day.

Sets of Push-ups

Walking Lunges

Plyo Jumps

Squats-a-Squatting

Dumbbell Carries

Jacks-a-Jumping

For more info, call 448-2214, 471-2019 or 653-5542

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 21

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eed help finding ways to stay active, creative or having fun this holiday season? Check out the special activities lined up for December.

DECEMBER 2020 NowDec. 18

• Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Send us a collage of the before, during and after photos of you creating a gingerbread house. Use any material you want, gingerbread not required!

Tag us @greatlifehawaii on social media and be sure to use the hashtag #glhgingerbread. Go to jbphh.greatlifehawaii.com for more info.

Dec. 1-23

• Holiday Decorated Mask Contest Create a mask and decorate it in a holiday theme.

Post a photo of your mask on social media and include the hashtag #glhmask (be sure to make your post public) for a chance at fun prizes!

Dec. 1-24

• 12 Days of Fitness Holiday Challenge at JBPHH Fitness Centers Active duty members, complete 12 exercises within 6-12 workouts and you can win a workout towel. Other DoD ID cardholders can participate on Dec. 3, 4, 10 or 11. FREE, call 448-2214 or 471-2019 for more info.

Dec. 1-30 Dec. 3

Thursday

• Pick a Game from MWR Bowling Come in and pick a “gift” to see what you’ll pay for a game that day. Call 473-2574 for more info.

• Gallery Showcase Opening Reception 5:30 p.m. at the Hickam Arts & Crafts Center. FREE admission. Come see the talent of our military community on display. Call 448-9907 for more info.

• Virtual P.E. w/Youth Sports – “Pyramid Workout” Available on social media beginning Dec. 3.

Dec. 4

Friday

Dec. 5, 12, 19 Saturdays

• Kids Glass Fusion Ornament Class 2 – 3:30 p.m. at Arts & Crafts Center. $25/student, includes all materials. Each student will make 2 ornaments using soft fused glass and frit in this one-day class. Call 448-9907 for more info.

• Saturdays with Santa Enjoy Santa’s favorite stories, read by Santa himself! With a special Christmas Eve showing!

Posted on Facebook @ GreatLifeHawaii at 9am.

22 HO’OKELE • DECEMBER 2020

Dec. 9

Wednesday

Dec. 10 Thursday

Dec. 7-11

Dec. 17

Thursday

• Virtual Story Time w/the Library – “Holiday Fun” Available on social media beginning Dec. 9.

• Virtual P.E. w/Youth Sports – “Soccer” Available on social media beginning Dec. 10.

• Aquatics Holiday Relay Competition 5 p.m. at Scott Pool. FREE, 18 years and older. Gather your team (4 persons max) and join us for five days of fun relay races in the water! A different race each day, with daily prizes for the fastest teams. Call 473-0394 for more info.

• Virtual P.E. w/Youth Sports – “Elf Exercise” Available on social media beginning Dec. 17.

Dec. 18Jan. 3

• Holiday Break Youth Scavenger Hunt Here’s a fun activity your kids can do during the winter break. Get the details from Youth Sports at 473-0789.

Dec. 18

• Kids Glass Fusion Ornament Class 2 – 3:30 p.m. at Arts & Crafts Center. $25/student, includes all materials. Each student will make 2 ornaments using soft fused glass and frit in this one-day class. Call 448-9907 for more info.

Dec. 23

• Virtual Story Time w/the Library – “Christmas” Available on social media beginning Dec. 23.

Dec. 25

• Tradewinds Christmas Meals To Go 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Two options! Prime Rib Roast and the fixin’s (feeds 4) or pre-plated individual meals. Price to be announced. Call 306-7999 to place your order!

Friday

Wednesday Friday

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

3 tipsEnsuring FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING safe arrival of holiday packages Provided by NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor Three easy steps can help service members, as well as civilians, make sure the packages they ship arrive safely. With more boxes, parcels, and packages being shipped than ever before, it’s important for mailers to select boxes and packing materials that can withstand mechanical processing at post office facilities, transportation overseas and manual processing at servicing military post offices.

Remember these three important words when deciding to ship a package:

#1

BOX

#2

CUSHION

#3

Add plenty of cushioning to protect items and prevent them from shifting. This can be in the form of air packs, packing peanuts, or crumpled newspaper. When items bounce around in a box, there is an increased possibility they could be broken or damaged.

TAPE

Tape your box so it closes flat on all sides. Reinforce the flaps with 2-inch wide packing tape. Do not use cord, string, or twine because they can get caught in postal equipment.

(Layout by Anna General)

Use a sturdy box to safely fit what you’re sending. Automated and personnel handling of packages, long distance shipment, and other heavier packages may cause damage to items sent in inadequate boxes. Adequate packaging for all mailed parcels is important throughout the mail stream.

2020 Holiday Shipping Dates Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25: First-Class Mail - Dec. 15 Priority Mail - Dec. 15 Priority Mail Express - Dec. 21

For more information, visit the U.S. Postal Service website: https://www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm

DECEMBER 2020 • HO’OKELE 23