Ho'okele - December 16, 2019 (Pearl Harbor-Hickam Magazine)

DECEMBER 16, 2019

Pearl Harbor Remembered

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Flyover in honor of PACAF Air Chiefs Symposium A C-17 Globemaster and four F-22 Raptors conduct a flyover over the Pacific Air Forces Headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 5. The flyover was in honor of the 2019 Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium. The symposium touts an unprecedented number of air chiefs gathering from across the Indo-Pacific for dialogue and is intended to build mutual understanding of varied regional perspectives through bilateral engagements and multinational panels and meetings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, NAVY REGION HAWAII

AGNES TAUYAN

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, NAVY REGION HAWAII

LYDIA ROBERTSON

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM

CHUCK ANTHONY

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PACIFIC MISSLE RANGE FACILITY

TOM CLEMENTS EDITOR

ANNA MARIE GENERAL ASSIGNMENT EDITOR/MEDIA OPERATIONS OFFICER

MCCS (SW/AW) JACKEY SMITH LAYOUT ARTISTS:

@JointBasePHH

@JBPHH

@NavRegHawaii

@NavyRegionHawaii

@JBPHH

MC2 (EXW) CHARLES OKI GSE2 LEXIE PEREZ ELAINE PHILLIPS

@PacificMissleRangeFacility

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

ERIN HUGGINS SSGT. JASMONET JACKSON MC2 (SW) SARA TRUJILLO

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, 96860-4884. Telephone: (808) 473-2888; fax (808) 473-2876; e-mail address: newspaperjbphh@gmail.com World Wide Web address: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Hawaii/.

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!

CONTENTS

Your Navy Team in Hawaii Commander, Navy Region Hawaii oversees two installations: Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam 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.

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.

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.

4

Go Navy, Beat Army

6-7 Team Hickam Gathers in Remembrance of dec. 7th

8-9

USS Arizona Survivor Laid to Rest Among Shipmates

REAR ADM. ROBERT CHADWICK

10-11

78 Years Later, We Still Remember

12

A Symbol of Peace

13

Honoring The USS Utah

14-15

Remembering The Fallen

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.

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

COMMANDER, JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM CAPT. JEFF BERNARD

PLUS: 4

Diverse Views

5

Local Counseling Services

16-17 19

Photo Highlights Community Calendar COMMANDING OFFICER PACIFIC MISSLE RANGE FACILITY Cover photo by Erin Huggins

CAPT. TIMOTHY YOUNG

Diverse VIEWS

U.S. Naval Academy football team runs out to the field during the 120th Army-Navy football game held in Philadelphia. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Diana Quinlan)

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Submitted by MC2 Charles Oki and GSE2 Lexie Perez

Staff Sgt. Dora Saladee 8th Intelligence Squadron “Going to my grandma’s house and making tamales.”

Capt.

Lucas Rider Submarine Forces Pacific “Firing up the Yule log on Netflix and toasting a cold glass of martinelli’s apple cider with my wife.”

Machinery Repairman 1st Class Ryan Padgett USS Port Royal “Thanksgiving morning. All the kids would get together to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade while the adults started cooking.”

GO NAVY BEAT ARMY NAVY

31

AMERICA’S GAME The Army-Navy Game is a college football rivalry game between the Army Black Knights of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the Navy Midshipmen of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. The U.S. Naval Academy beat the Army with a 31-7 victory, Saturday, December 14.

ARMY

7

The U.S. Naval Academy honored victims of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and the Naval Air Station Pensacola during the 120th Army-Navy Game Saturday Dec. 14. (Photos courtesy of United States Naval Academy)

Yeoman 1st Class Jamon Jefferson Navy Region Hawaii “The best part had to be opening presents on Christmas morning.”

December16, 16,2019 2019/ /Ho’okele Ho’okele 4 / /December

WE ARE HERE

FOR YOU

Following the tragic event on Dec. 4, several counseling services are available for those who are in need of assistance.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Military and Family Support Center Emergency Family Assistance Center 4827 Bougainville Drive (Located at the Moanalua Shopping Center in the same building as PSD) Call (808) 474-1999

For calls after 5:30 p.m., please call

24 Hour Crisis Line:

(808) 590-7327

(866) 525-6676

Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program Representative Dayle-Ann Lee-Roche: (808)

471-3789

24/7 Line: 1-844-DONCEAP

(366-2327)

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Chaplains Chaplain and Counseling Services: Emergency Duty Chaplain:

(808) 285-7447

(808) 368-3142

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 /

5

Team Hickam gathers in remembrance of Dec. 7 attacks

By Senior Airman Orlando Corpuz, 154th Wing Public Affairs

This marks the 78th anniversary since a catastrophic attack, carried out by Japanese forces struck Hickam Air Field and five other military installations on Oahu.

The event opened with musical renditions performed by the Pacific Air Forces Band along with a soloist who sang the national anthem. As the 15th Wing Honor Guard slowly raised the U.S. flag to half-mast, it was followed by Hawaii Pono’i - the official song of the state of Hawaii.

Airmen from the 15th and 154th Wings, family members and honored guests observe the Hickam Field Dec. 7th Remembrance Ceremony at Atterbury Circle on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 7. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

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After an invocation by the 15th Wing Chaplains Office, Col. Dann S. Carlson, 154th Wing commander, stepped to the podium to officiate the ceremony.

This marked the first time a Hawaii Air National Guardsman led the annual event.

Carlson recognized several of the surviving family members who attended and remain affected to this day. He presented them with history books as a token of remembrance and shed light on Air Force heritage, sharing stories about historical landmarks that still bear wounds from the aerial attack.

“As you drive by the [Pacific Air Forces] headquarters building and see the divots in the side of the

building,” said Carlson, “that needs to remind us of the resolve that we need to maintain.”

Along with the educational commentary, spectators were provided a symbolic glimpse of Team Hickam’s state-of-the-art aircraft. A formation of four F-22 Raptors soared directly above the flagpole, demonstrating the installation’s heightened state of readiness, which has stemmed from the events of Dec. 7.

Within the grounds of Hickam Field, the attacks claimed the lives of 189 Army Air Corps Airmen and civilians, and injured 303 others.

(Layout by MC2 Charles Oki)

Airmen from the 15th and 154th Wings, along with family members and honored guests gathered at the historic Atterbury Circle on the morning of Dec. 7 to observe the Hickam Field Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Members of the 15th Wing Honor Guard raise the flag in preparation for the Hickam Field Dec. 7th Remembrance Ceremony at Atterbury Circle on JBPHH Dec. 7. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

Wreaths were placed on behalf of the men and women of Pacific Air Forces at the flagpole during the Hickam Field Dec. 7th Remembrance Ceremony at Atterbury Circle. The flagpole was bombed three times and strafed during the Dec. 7th attack, but never fell. Today, the flagpole stands as a tribute to those men who manned a .50-caliber water-cooled machine gun at the base. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

Operational capabilities were severely impacted as well, with nearly half of all aircraft being struck or completely destroyed by bombs and bullets.

The site of the ceremony holds historic significance, as bombs landed near the flagpole three times, along with a strafing of machine-gun fire. Somehow, the flagpole managed to see the battle through.

This tragic occasion was deemed “a date which will live in infamy,” by then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As leader of a shaken nation, Roosevelt responded with a call to arms on a national scale, declaring a state of war against Axis powers. Ultimately, this unmatched effort of military might led to the liberation of European and Asian populations who had been oppressed by conquest.

After Carlson delivered his closing remarks, representatives from various government and civilian organizations presented a wreath

and flower lei, and the honor guard team conducted a three-round volley.

While it has been nearly a lifetime since the historic attack, it wasn’t enough time to prevent tears and prolonged hugs amongst the emotion-filled audience.

The U.S. has only seen devastation within its territory at this scale only a handful of times.

For this reason, Carlson said it’s important for us to be reminded of events such as Dec. 7 and Sept.

11, as they are contributors to our country’s continuous resolve and readiness.

Airmen from the 15th and 154th Wings, family members and honored guests observe the Hickam Field Dec. 7th Remembrance Ceremony at Atterbury Circle on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 7. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 /

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USS Arizona Survivor laid to rest among shipmates

By MC1 Holly Herline Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det. Hawaii

T

he last glimmer of sunset has just fallen beneath the horizon on the shore. The yellow kiss from the sun has transformed to a white glow from the bulbs that illuminate the archways of the memorial. The faint sound of waves rhythmically lapping against the shores of Pearl Harbor are interrupted by scattered sniffles and the stirring of guests in their seats.

The silence is finally broken by the ring of a bell and the echo of one solitary voice, “DING… S.M Teslow, 1982”. The bell rings once for every name on the list being read. Finally the crowd hears “L. F. Bruner, 2019…DING”

Daniel Martinez, chief historian for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and Superintendent Jacqueline Ashwell unveiled Bruner’s name that has been added to the list of names etched into the memorial’s marble walls of the Shrine Room.

The wall displays more than 1,700 names of the Sailors entombed inside the ship and those who have been interred.

Lauren Bruner, the second to last Sailor to escape the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, was interred among the ship’s wreckage during a sunset ceremony held on the memorial Dec 7.

At 8:06 a.m. the Battleship Arizona was hit with a bomb from 10,000 feet. After crashing into the ship on the starboard side, the bomb made its way to the third deck powder magazine.

What ensued was nothing less than a horrific explosion.

The 98-year-old former Fire Controlman died Sept. 10 in California. Bruner’s passing leaves only three surviving crew members who were aboard the Arizona that fateful day: Don Stratton, 97; Lou Conter, 98; and Ken Potts, 98.

Bruner’s family, caretakers, friends and members of the Hawaii National Park Service (NPS) joined service members past and present to honor the legacy of and lay to rest the storied veteran.

Edward Hoeschen, neighbor and caretaker of Bruner, Kelsea Holbrook, NPS ranger, and others close to Bruner passed the ashes from the memorial platform to U.S. Navy divers waiting in the water. The deceased who have chosen interment on the sunken battleship get their urns placed in the well of gun turret four.

Only surviving Sailors that were crew members aboard the USS Arizona are given the honor to be interred within the ship once they pass.

Cmdr. Blaine Pitkin carries the ashes of USS Arizona survivor Lauren Bruner aboard the USS Arizona Memorial for his interment during a sunset ceremony as part of the 78th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration Dec. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Holly L. Herline)

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to his final resting place. He ultimately chose the memorial knowing that Americans would continue to visit him daily, learn the history of the historic site and never forget what happened.

Once the attacks started on the morning of Dec. 7, Bruner raced up to the ships main deck. He was shot in the back of the leg and wounded by the bullets of a Japanese fighter.

A Sailor from the nearby maintenance ship, USS Vestal, threw a rope over to the burning ship.

Bruner and his shipmates climbed hand over hand and made their way to safety to become part of the 337 Arizona survivors.

“The experience of the day left Bruner traumatized,” said Martinez. “He regularly suffered from nightmares, visions of dead bodies, and memories of the stench of human flesh.”

Bruner went through nearly eight months of care recovering from burns that ravaged more than 70% of his body. But, his fight was not over.

Martinez recalls the survivor saying, “At that moment in my life I chose to face the future and not let my past dictate what would be ahead.”

As of February 2018, 43 USS Arizona survivors had been interred within the ship, nested on the seafloor of Pearl Harbor. Bruner makes the 44th.

The remaining survivors intend to be buried with their families.

“I am a believer in the adage that adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it and that is what Lauren did on that day,” said Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “In the opening moments of World War II he and his shipmates set the standards that all of us, to try and emulate every day.”

There was much debate for Bruner when it came

Pearl Harbor was only the beginning of his

Sailors present flags to USS Arizona survivor Lauren Bruner’s family during a sunset interment ceremony as part of the 78th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration Dec. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Cole C. Pielop)

A routine participant of Pearl Harbor commemorations, Bruner was no stranger to the familiar faces of the service members and civilians that surround the harbor’s memorials. Retired Adm. Frank Ponds and Holbrook were two of those lucky enough to form a special bond with the survivor. Both offered personal accounts of their experiences with the honoree.

“Lauren never ran from his past, he actually ran towards it. He embraced it and he shared it with

others. And that’s what he did with me,” said Ponds.

“If there was one thing that Lauren looked forward to, or that he relied on and that he had faith in, it was family and the youth that don the cloak of our nation.

Lauren loved the Navy, and he loved his nation.”

When it comes to the history books, Bruner will be remembered and described as a veteran, survivor and Purple Heart recipient. But for those who know him best, he will be remembered as: someone with an unforgettable grin and smile; a man with guts, fight and toughness; and an American hero with a legacy worthy of the decades to come. There are many reasons to remember Pearl Harbor, but Bruner and his story gives a resounding reason to never forget.

(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

heroism. Bruner returned to the fight that spread across the Pacific Ocean, participating in eight more battles against the Japanese before seceding from the Navy.

Attendees salute the ashes of USS Arizona survivor Lauren Bruner as U.S. Navy divers prepare to inter his ashes within the battleship’s wreckage. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Holly L. Herline)

Edward Hoeschen, neighbor and caretaker of USS Arizona survivor Lauren Bruner, salutes the wall of names at the USS Arizona Memorial at the completion of Bruner’s sunset interment ceremony as part of the 78th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration Dec. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Holly L. Herline)

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 /

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78 years later : We still remember

By Staff Sgt. Jasmonet D. Jackson JBPHH Public Affairs

The National Park Service and United States Navy hosted the 78th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony on the ceremonial lawn at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Dec. 7.

As visitors, spectators, news outlets and family members poured into the historic venue, an immediate stillness came over the entire ceremony.

At 7:55 a.m., the exact moment of the first Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the crowd observed a moment of silence for those who perished during this day of infamy.

The theme of this year’s event was “Glimmers of Victory,” which is derived from a short phrase summarizing the successive and decisive Pacific War naval battles in 1941.

This year, the ceremony highlighted the USS William P. Lawrence rendering pass-in-review honors to the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor survivors, and the “missing man formation” flyover performed by the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons assigned to Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam. The “missing man formation” signifies an aerial salute performed as part of the memorial event in memory of all the lives lost during the attack.

The Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony also featured the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet band, a wreath presentation at the USS Arizona Memorial, a rifle salute by U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment; and the playing of Taps.

After almost eight decades, Pearl Harbor survivors and World War II veterans continue to make the journey to Pearl Harbor, from far and near, to show up for their fallen comrades.

On this day, Dec. 7, we will never forget and will forever keep the Pearl Harbor memory alive.

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Hawaii Gov. David Ige, pays tribute to fallen service members at USS Arizona Memorial on Dec. 7.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

(Layout by MC2 Charles Oki)

U.S. Marines perform the traditional 21-gun salute during the 78th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Aja B. Jackson)

Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), renders honors during the 78th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony on Dec. 7. The ceremony was held in remembrance of the 2,390 American casualties lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor and to reflect on the peace and prosperity forged by all who fought on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, greets Pearl Harbor survivor Tom Berg before the start of the 78th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony. The commemoration provided service members, veterans, family members, and the community a chance to honor the sacrifices made by those who were present Dec. 7, 1941.

Since the attacks, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jessica O. Blackwell)

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 / 11

A symbol of peace

By MC2 Jessica O. Blackwell Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det. Hawai

It was a time of war. The Dec. 7, 1941 attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor thrusted the United States into World War II. The U.S. was poised to fight back in the years to come and begin an unrelenting attack on Japan.

On June 20, 1945 I was on board a B-29 aircraft attached to the 314th Bombardment Wing of the U.S. Army Air Forces which would join 136 others that departed from the island of Guam. Our target was the Japanese city of Shizuoka. For this mission the wing was to continue America’s air raids of Japanese cities.

The hum and buzz of the aircraft engines roared throughout the bomber. We awaited the word to proceed over Shizuoka.

With the go ahead, the engine noise was interrupted by the sounds of bombs exploding on the earth below.

One by one the B-29’s dropped bombs over the city, over 13,000. As we executed our mission, there was a mishap. My bomber and another collided, falling from the air to the recently bombed ground below.

I laid in a field among the wreckage and the crew of both aircraft; all were deceased, 23 total. Townspeople drew near toward the wreckage.

Unable to move, I waited to be found. After a couple of days, I was discovered. What would happen now?

I was fortunate, for behind enemy territory I found a rescuer, Fukumatsu Itoh, a Shizuoka city councilman and a buddhist. He had survived the bombings to the city and sought out the wreckage which crashed onto his brother’s farm. All of us would be forever impacted by the tragic events and its effects permanently imprinted and scarred on my body. Itoh took me with him.

He believed all life is precious and stated, “Even enemy soldiers, when they lose their lives, their spirits become the same as anyone else.”

This 53-year-old Japanese man who collected me from the field where American planes had crashed, after just bombing his city, was now risking himself for his ideals which helped to benefit me. He saw to it that my 23 fallen crew members were honored with a burial and not just anywhere, right beside his estimated 2,000 departed countrymen. He decided to hold a ceremony to reverence all those who lost their lives that day, Japanese and American.

Some of his people showed great disdain and shunned him, but Itoh never gave in and upheld his principles and beliefs.

For years to come, Itoh and I would return to the crash site for a remembrance ceremony to honor all those laid to rest. As a vestige of the crash, I was entrusted with the bourbon whiskey that Itoh would pour on the ground as a tribute to those who perished. Some time later the ceremony was moved from his brother’s field to Sengen Hill where Itoh, now a monk, had two monuments erected, one for the over 2,000 Shizuoka citizens and the other for my 23 U.S. crew members.

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One day Itoh received a visit from Dr. Hiroya Sugano. Sugano had been hiking and came across the monuments stirring up emotions of what he experienced and witnessed on that fateful day at just 12 years of age. He shared some of the same beliefs as Itoh and wanted to learn more.

Sugano’s grandfather, who was a military doctor and treated the wounded enemy in a previous war, told him, “When the enemy is wounded or loses his life, he’s no longer the enemy, he’s just a man.”1 Itoh and Sugano formed a partnership and Sugano would now aid in the efforts and join the ceremonies. Sugano was in training to take Itoh’s place and in 1972 he assumed the full duties as ceremony host. He continued to press Itoh’s idea that we can forgive and heal if we allow ourselves and come together.

In time, formal invitations to the day of remembrance in Shizuoka were offered to the U.S. military and American family members of the B-29 crew. In 1991, Sugano even arranged a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial during the 50th anniversary commemoration of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. He thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share the ceremony held annually in Japan, in the U.S. Having been an essential part of the ceremonies from the beginning, I would be there for everyone to see. Though battered, worn, charred and with some deformity I would be presented as a representative of peace and friendship.

Sugano said, “It was Mr. Itoh’s wish to see the people of Japan and the United States together as one honoring his message of peace.”2 My first time back in the U.S. among fellow Americans, Sugano lifted me up and with a firm embrace, brought me over to the railing of the Arizona Memorial. Resting in Sugano’s hands he leaned me forward and from my old worn lip flowed the bourbon whiskey that had been poured for many years.

I am the Blackened Canteen.

Found over 74 years ago among the wreckage of two U.S. Army Air Force B-29s, I continue to stand as a symbol for peace, forgiveness, reconciliation and friendship. I stand as a testament that goodness can shine through a devastating event.

For over 28 years I have helped lead in honoring the fallen from both countries, traveling from Japan to the U.S. every year, sharing drinks with those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our countries.

My journey and story can indeed be a representation of how we can make an impact and be a positive force to change the world and bring people together.

(Layout by GSE2 Lexie Perez)

Honoring the USS Utah Story by MC3 Aja Jackson Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det. Hawaii Photo by MC2 Allen Amani

A

s prior and present service members are gathered for the public USS Utah Memorial Sunset Ceremony, there is one thing on everyone’s mind: remembrance. Remembering the bravery of the crew that was lost 78 years ago, remembering the honor possessed by each soul aboard and the legacy they left behind. Fifty-eight members of the USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16) crew were lost that day, but on Dec. 6 they were celebrated.

The capsizing of the USS Utah is honored every year on the eve of Dec 7. The former battleship,

that was once used for target and gunnery training, was the first ship to be struck by two torpedoes during the attack on the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7.

1941.

said Ashwell. “That somehow she is the forgotten ship of Pearl Harbor. It is obvious that the USS Utah is not the forgotten ship. We are all here to remember her and her crew.”

As the amber rays of the sunset reflected upon the island of Oahu, USS Utah survivor Warren Upton along with World War II veterans Roy Solt and Burk Waldron were greeted by applause from those attending the ceremony.

Ashwell recounted the memory of the late U.S. Navy Master Chief Jim Taylor, who served as a full time volunteer to Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office until his passing earlier this year. He served as a liaison for the survivors of Pearl Harbor and their families.

Jacqueline Ashwell, superintendent of the National Park Service, gave thanks to those that served and showed gratitude to everyone honoring the fallen ship.

“There’s often a phrase that is associated with the USS Utah,”

“He helped lay to rest many Pearl Harbor survivors who chose to come back and have their ashes spread in these waters around the Utah and for those who served on the Utah to be placed within the ship,” said Ashwell.

USS Utah Survivor Warren Upton was embraced by many families in attendance as he shook hands and gave hugs to those that thanked him for his service.

“This ceremony was very good,” said Upton. “I really miss Jim. He was a friend to all of the old Utah Sailors.”

The ocean breeze and the water washing up against the memorial site are the only sounds heard as Musician 1st Class Collin Reichow plays “Taps” upon his bugle.

Sailors of many different ranks render a salute as the melody flows from his instrument. The ceremony comes to an end as everyone is reminded to never forget USS Utah.

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 / 13

(Layout by MC2 Oki) Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Commander Capt. Gregory Burton and World War II survivor and former Signalman Second Class Petty Officer Burke Waldron, lay flowers at the USS Oklahoma Memorial in honor of those lost on December 7, 1941.

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Remembering the fallen Assistant SECNAV visits shipyard workers, honors USS Oklahoma Story and photos by MC1 Jeffrey Hanshaw SurgeMain Public Affairs

A

ssistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Greg Slavonic visited Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, to speak personally with shipyard workers at an all-hands call and make public remarks at the USS Oklahoma Memorial on the anniversary of the World War II bombing.

Slavonic’s visit is in the wake of the deaths of two Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility workers Dec. 5.

“The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard proved its tremendous spirit and resilience in the second World War when it responded to the tragic bombing....

“The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard proved its tremendous spirit and resilience in the second World War when it responded to the tragic bombing,” Slavonic said. “In a mighty and skillful effort, USS Oklahoma was righted and refloated. Sadly, tragedy is upon us again—and we are here to remember the fallen from the past and from the recent present.”

Slavonic is responsible for the overall supervision and oversight of manpower and reserve component affairs of the Department of the Navy including the development of programs and policy related to active, reserve, retired military personnel, their family members, and the civilian workforce; the tracking of the contractor workforce, and the oversight of human resources systems within the department.

With the recent deaths fresh in everyone’s mind, Secretary Slavonic addressed a crowd of USS Oklahoma family members, World War II veterans and others, speaking on how the heroes of Pearl Harbor, both past and present, have always showed great resolve in the face of trials.

“It’s hard to imagine what that day was like,” he said, referring to the attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that thrust the United States into World War II. A retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and Oklahoma native, Slavonic enlisted as a signalman, eventually entered the Navy Reserve, and then retired after serving 34 years. He acknowledged the presence of another Sailor and World War II veteran in attendance at the ceremony: Signalman 2nd Class Burke Waldron.

“I met a young man who is 96 years young and we have something in common,” Slavonic said, denoting their shared rating of signalman. “It was the bright spot of a difficult day.”

The memorial he stood before contains the names of those lost on the USS Oklahoma with each Sailor and Marine who perished represented by a marble pillar. Slavonic served on the committee that led the effort to build the memorial. He went on to describe how it is a visual representation of Sailors manning the rails, referring to how the erect marble pillars mirror sailors lining the deck of a ship to salute and render honors. “The greatest generation is recognized by this memorial,” he said, gesturing to the pillars.

“The men and women today, in uniform and out,” he said in closing, “embody the proud heritage and fighting spirit of the crew of Oklahoma and those who were determined to make her stand upright again. Their legacy lives on, their story will not die.”

...in a mighty and skillful effort, USS Oklahoma was righted and refloated. Sadly, tragedy is upon us again—and we are here to remember the fallen from the past and from the recent present.”

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Greg Slavonic addresses the crowd at the USS Oklahoma Memorial to commemorate the crew aboard who sacrificed their lives during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that propelled the United States into World War II.

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 / 15

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An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Easyriders” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, fly in formation around Oahu Nov. 26. HSM 37, stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, is the largest expeditionary squadron in the U.S. Navy and supports all Pearl Harbor based Arleigh Burke-class guided missle destroyers and Ticonderoga class guided-missle cruisers. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Aja B. Jackson)

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16 16 // December December 16, 16, 2019 2019 // Ho’okele Ho’okele

Pearl Harbor survivor Warren Upton, who was assigned to the USS Utah during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, salutes the USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) as it passes by the USS Utah Memorial.

(U.S. Navy photo by Jim Neuman)

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Donald Long, a retired U.S. Navy radio operator, observes a display case and reflects during his visit at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Dec. 5.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo

by Cpl. Matthew Kirk)

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U.S. Navy veterans arrive at Mokapu Elementary School during their visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Dec. 5. The Best Defense Foundation returned six World War II Pearl Harbor and Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay survivors to Hawaii for the 78th Commemoration of Pearl Harbor and Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay which is now MCBH. The heroes returned were Jack Holder (97) U.S. Navy - Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay; Tom Foreman (98) U.S. Navy - USS Cushing; Ira Schab (99) U.S. Navy - USS Dobbin; Stuart Hedley (98) U.S. Navy - USS West Virginia; Donald Long (98) U.S. Navy - Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay; and Chuck Kohler (96) U.S. Navy - USS Hornet. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew Kirk)

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Air chiefs stand in formation during the Honor Cordon Ceremony for the 2019 Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 5.

The theme “A Collaborative Approach to Regional Security,” focuses on building mutual understanding of varied regional perspectives through bilateral engagements and multinational panels and meetings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mikaley Kline)

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(Layout by GSE2 Perez)

HIGHLIGHTS

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U.S. Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Scott Mikkelson, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), mans the rails during a pass-inreview as part of the 78th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance Commemoration Dec. 7.

The commemoration provided service members, veterans, family members, and the community a chance to honor the sacrifices made by those who were present Dec. 7, 1941. Since the attacks, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace. (U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Molly M. Crawford)

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Pearl Harbor survivor Kenneth Stevens is greeted upon his arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Dec. 5 as part of the 78th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

(U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Charles Oki)

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Pearl Harbor Survivor Stuart Hedley bows his head in silence while looking down upon the wreckage of the USS Arizona Dec. 5. The U.S. Navy brought Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans and honored guests out to the USS Arizona Memorial for a small evening gathering. (U.S. Navy photo

by Erin Huggins)

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LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY

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kaiāulu (community) December Upcoming Events

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Storytime with Santa Dec. 17 - The Military and Family Support Center invite deployed and Exceptional Family Member Program families to listen to Santa and Mrs. Clause read classic and contemporary holiday stories at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam library from 4 to 7 p.m. Have a photo opportunity with Santa from 4 to 5 p.m. Register at www.greatlifehawaii.com. For more information, call 808-474-1999.

Family Night "Holiday Ornaments" Dec. 17 - Teens and their families can get crafty from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Teen Center. Hang out and make some Christmas ornaments. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments. For more information, call 808-448-1068.

Teen Hail and Farewell "Ugly Holiday Sweater Party" Dec. 20 - Come in your ugliest holiday sweater for a night of fun, games, food prizes at the Teen Center from 6 to 9 p.m. White Elephant gift exchange ($5 and under) too! This is a free event open to ages 13 to 18 years.

For more information, call 808-448-1068.

STEM in your season Dec. 20, 21, 23 and 24 - Decorate and light up your own paper circuit holiday card with four templates to choose from at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam library on Dec. 20, 21 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to ages 7 and up. For more information, call 808-449-8296.

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Leaarn abou Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Dec. 18 - Learn about the history, crafts, songs and foods of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam library from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 808-449-8296.

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Christmas Special Meal

Dec. 25 - is offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec 25 at Hale Aina Dining Facility. On this special occasion the DFAC is open to all DoD ID cardholders, including military retirees and DoD civilians. Price to be announced. For more information, call 808-449-1666.

31 New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31 - Say goodbye to 2019 beginning at 8:30 p.m. at the Country Bar in Club Pearl at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. We’re heading to 2020, so we’re going back a century to the Roaring 20s for this end of the year party. Dress in your best zoot suits and flappers The party is open to 18 and over and admission is free!

For more information, call 808-473-1473.

Holiday Display Trolley Shuttle

"Snow Days" at the NEX Dec. 21 - Put on your snow shoes, gloves, and jacket because it will be "snowing" at the NEX (near the flower shop entrance) from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a free event for authorized parons. For more information, call 808-4233287 or email Stephanie.Abdul@nexweb.org.

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Join MWR for a festive ride downtown to see holiday displays at Honolulu Hale. Tours take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec 16 to 24 for $15 per person and from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Dec 20 to 24 for $10 per person. For more information, call 808-473-0792.

Hickam Memorial Theater

Located at 7393 Ohana Nui Circle on the Hickam side of JBPHH.

Sharkey Theater

Located at Moore Street Bldg. 628 on the Pearl Harbor side of JBPHH.

Open to active-duty military and their family members, retirees, DoD civilians and their sponsored guests.

Thursday, Dec. 19

Saturday, Dec. 22

*Movie listings are subject to change. Visit www.greatlifehawaii.com for the complete movie listing.

• 7 p.m. Ford v. Ferrari (PG-13)

Friday, Dec. 20

• 1:30 p.m. Frozen II (3D) (PG) • 3:50 p.m. Last Christmas (PG-13) • 6 p.m. Midway (PG-13)

Sharkey Theater: 808-473-0726 Hickam Memorial Theater: 808-448-2297

• 7 p.m. Midway (PG-13)

Saturday, Dec. 21 • 2:30 p.m. Frozen II (PG) • 5 p.m. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG) • 7:20 p.m. Charlie's Angels (PG-13)

Thursday, Dec. 26 • 7 p.m. Ford v. Ferrari (PG-13)

Thursday, Dec. 19

Sunday, Dec. 22

• 6:30 p.m. Ford v. Ferrari (PG-13)

• 2 p.m. Frozen 2 (PG) • 5:30 p.m. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG)

Friday, Dec. 20 • 7 p.m. Frozen 2 (PG)

Saturday, Dec. 21 • 3 p.m. Frozen 2 (PG) • 6 p.m. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG)

(Layout by Elaine Phillips)

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Thursday, Dec. 26 • 6:30 p.m. 21 Bridges (R)

Friday, Dec. 27 • 7 p.m. 21 Bridges(R)

Ho’okele / December 16, 2019 / 19

3-4pm Clinic (Register online greatlifehawaii.com) JBPHH Fitness Center 4pm Meet & Greet For more info and to register for clinic, go to www.greatlifehawaii.com

Tue, Dec 17

FREE

Appearances and times subject to change without notice