April 22, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 14• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Divers Explore Waters With New Robotic Vehicle
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Divers conduct diagnostic work on their new SeaBotix Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Little Benthic Vehicle (vLBV) 300 at the Windjammer Pool, April 19. MC2 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
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ithin the clear waters of Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay’s Windjammer Pool, a black and lime green SeaBotix Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Little Benthic Vehicle (vLBV) 300 explores the pool. The vLBV 300 is newest member to the NS Guantanamo Bay Dive team. “It can be utilized to identify potential Unexploded Ordnance (UXO),” explained Chief Navy Diver David Diller, “This would eliminate putting personnel in danger.” Diller also explained that the new ROV could be used to help search small areas or damage ships or structures to get initial assessments. According to SeaBotix the vLBV 300 is “a highly capable vectored ROV offering a stable and powerful platform for a diverse range of applications.” “Our system has a 350 foot cable tether,” remarked Diller. “It has a grabber arm that has multiple attachments, video, sonar capabilities and GPS when software is installed. We also purchased a tracked crawler attachment allows the system to crawl with the tank like treads along flat vertical surfaces which can be utilized for searches and inspections.” The divers underwent a classroom instruction course and then heading out to the Windjammer Pool on April 19 allowed the Divers the chance to familiarize themselves with the system, run diagostics and perform troubleshooting.
“This is new equipment that we have limited experience with,” added Diller. “This course was designed to teach us the maintenance, proper start up and shut down procedures.” The divers took turns at the controls and had rings placed in the pool to test functionality of the grabber and practice handling the ROV’s various capabilities. “The capability of the robot will open up a tremendous amount of opportunities for different types of work that Naval Station Guantanamo Bay may require in the future,” added Navy Diver 1st Class Joshua Crowder. “As we become more proficient with the system, its benefits will multiply,” agreed Diller. “It gives us extra options on accomplishing missions.” Diller explained that one of the challenges they face is controlling the ROV while using a remote system, as its camera has a small view front. Training first in the pool waters and then later in the bay allows the divers to experience navigating the ROV in various environments and conditions. “It brings me pride and joy to see how in today’s world we are able to use advanced technology in adverse environments to accomplish missions for the Navy in a more efficient and safe fashion,” remarked Navy Diver 3rd Class Bryan Regan.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates HM2 Servin on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
HM2 EDUARDO SERVIN
■Job/Department: Dive Locker Medical Technician/ Command Medical Readiness PO ■Age: 31 ■Hometown: Houston, TX ■Hero(es): Sailors and Marines I’ve served with. ■Sports Team: Houston Rockets ■Movie: Braveheart ■Book: All is Quiet on the Western Front ■Hobby: Slaying fish with spear guns ■Favorite Quote: “Every man dies.... not every man lives.” ■Sailors of the Week Because: HM2 Servin was instrumental in the prompt examination of three divers who dove at the Slot and experienced trouble trying to get back to shore due to an increase in surf. Two divers were able to make it back to shore with some difficulty, while the third diver was unable to. Harbor Patrol was dispatched to a diver in distress. Due to initial reports that a diver may have exceeded dive tables or possible ascending after running out of air, it was deemed necessary to have all divers come to the Emergency Recompression Chamber for evaluation. HM2 Servin performed Neurological exams on all divers and found no abnormalities that would require treatment. These examinations were crucial in determining whether the divers had Arterial Gas Embolism or Decompression Sickness. VOL. 73 • NO. 14
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. AL ROSS CMDCM (SW/AW) RODD TOOKER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
JULIE RIPLEY MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MC2 KEGAN KAY
The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for members of the military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy, and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editorial content is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is printed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services with a circulation of 535.
Navy Training Launches New Course, App for LifeSkills
April 22, 2016• PAGE 3
Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
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aval Education and Training Command implemented a new four day LifeSkills course to address the Sailorization process and re-enforce everyday skills for Sailors beginning in April. Supplementing the class is a “Life Skills Reach Back” mobile app now available for download. “The class, coupled with the mobile app, increases its value and reinforces our dedication to training our Sailors,” said Rear Adm. Mike White, commander, Naval Education and Training Command. “It’s instrumental to be able to have these resources available to our Sailors and leaders.” Topics included in the both class and the mobile app are military pay and entitlements, banking and financial management, investment and savings, nutrition and physical readiness, healthy relationships, stress management, responsible alcohol and drug use, operational risk management, hazing and fraternization, sexual assault prevention and operational security. While the four-day class offers face-to-face interaction taught by naval military training instructors, the mobile app reinforces the classroom delivery and provides additional information for the Sailor at their convenience. Although the class is a requirement and taught to
all new accession Sailors who have completed Recruit Training, the app can be useful for any Sailor as well as a tool for Navy family members. “The LifeSkills app is a great way for Sailors to refresh their knowledge gained in the four-day course,” said NETC Director of Training Cmdr. Steven Bracket. “Officers and senior enlisted leaders can also benefit from the information and can use it to help mentor and support their Sailors with many of the personal challenges they face upon reaching the fleet.” The app is a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) tool designed to work on personal devices outside of the NMCI domain. Users can download the Life Skills Reach-Back app from both Google Play and iTunes app stores at no cost. The U.S. Navy Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) produced the app and Tracen Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in integrated mobile and web solutions, was the software developer. To find the free Navy Life Skills Reach-Back app, search “Life Skills” in app stores or in your web browser. For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website at https://www.netc.navy.mil. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
Navy Accepting STA-21 Applications Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs
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he Seaman-To-Admiral (STA-21) commissioning program, which provides an opportunity for qualified Sailors to receive college educations and Navy commissions, is soliciting applications for fiscal year 2017, as announced in NAVADMIN 078/16, March 29. The deadline for submitting application packages is July 1. “STA-21 is a full-time, undergraduate education and commissioning program open to enlisted personnel of all pay grades and ratings to receive a top-notch college education and become commissioned officers,” said Cathy Kempf, head of Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program selection and placement, and STA-21, at Naval Service Training Command’s Officer Development (OD) directorate in Pensacola, Florida. According to Mark Gough, deputy director of the NSTC’s OD program, the STA-21 program is one of the best officer commissioning programs the Navy has to offer. “STA-21 pays up to $10,000 per year for college costs such as tuition, books and fees,” said Gough. “All the while, Sailors draw their full pay and allowances for their current pay grade. Under the STA-21 program, Sailors have 36 months,
including summer semesters, to complete their bachelor’s degree requirements.” All STA-21 officer candidates attend the Naval Science Institute course at Officer Training Command, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, prior to beginning college studies at an NROTC affiliated college or university. NSI is an eight-week course of intense officer preparation and indoctrination. Course enrollment is timed to allow college entrance during summer or fall semesters/quarters after selection. The STA-21 program benefits Sailors as well as the Navy. The average candidate has at least two years and in most cases more than four years of observed performance which assists in the process of selecting the most qualified Sailors to receive a commission. Additionally, STA-21 candidates are on average older than most midshipmen, bringing a maturity directly reflected in the more than 90 percent completion rate STA-21 program candidates boast. Continued on Page 6
Helping Others to GT-FIT MC2 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
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eeing service members and civilians working out is usually the norm around Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay but on Wednesdays there is a particular group that gets together to help others meet their personal fitness goals. Guantanamo- Focused Intensive Training (GT-FIT) is available to people living here in Guantanamo Bay to help them achieve their goals whether it may be weight loss, gaining muscle mass or even just overall fitness and health. “GT-FIT encompasses a varity of things,” explained GT-FIT Coach, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Hector Diaz, Jr. “Fitness, nutrition, emotional stability and accountability. I say accountability because people have the tools right in front of them. It is up to the member to utilize them.” The coaches average about three members they individually train with an average of 10 members per each eight week training session. “I started GT-FIT to share the wealth of knowledge that we have in the military with the individuals that are struggling,” remarked GT-FIT Coach, Legalman 2nd Class Lorenzo Taylor. “I thought it to be a great idea to compile a pool of ‘fitness experts’ and pair them with struggling individuals on a one-on-one type basis.” Taylor said this helps members, especially the service members who feel a bit lost when it comes to command required physical training and meeting their goals to get the individual attention to match the right regimen to meet their goals. “The feeling I have when see members so excited that they are actually making this happen is second to none. It inspires me so much I cannot explain,” added Taylor. “At times I feel like I am more excited and happy then the member themselves.” GT-FIT is not without its challenges however for both the members and coaches. Members often face the same struggles that many people do when trying to meet fitness goals, especially eating habits. “People looking at the obvious,” explained Taylor. “Members not seeing immediate results and getting discouraged. My coaching energy is fed directly from the members enthusiasm and motivation level. The one payment we take as coaches is one hundred percent effort. If they give their all, we give our all.”
There is no one size fits all when it comes to the training conducted by GT-FIT as the coaches look to the individual member and their goals and try to match and work with their trainees to meet their goals in the safest and healthiest way possible. “Each coach has a different approach to fitness training,” remarked Diaz. “We have to adjust the workouts to suit the members. Our meeting times vary because of the member’s schedule. Sometimes we meet three times a week or we meet five times a week.” On Wednesdays the coaches try to gather their members together to do a group training day and periodic weigh-ins to gage how close the trainee is in meeting their goal. The coaches also face their own challenges whether it is assisting in keeping their trainees motivated or finding the time to meet their own fitness goals. Taylor is the recent winner of NS Guantanamo Bay Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)’s 2016 Male Fitness and Figure Competition. “I have been working out on a consistent basis for around 15 years,” explained Tyalor. “You can’t just quit. It is literally impossible.” “I work out six days a week. My work outs encompass, strength training, upper body and lower body splits, track work outs for cardiovascular conditioning and endurance,” added Diaz. “I love to be in the gym and more importantly, I will devote my time to help people begin their journey to achieve their goals.” Both Diaz and Taylor encourage people to join GTFIT but stress that members need to be dedicated and serious in meeting their goals. Diaz also recommends that people take the time to schedule an appointment to meet with the Nutritionist, Lt. Nelson Guadalupe, at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. MWR offers a variety of fitness classes from Cardio Kickboxing to Yoga but for those that think GT-FIT is right for them they can sign up at GT-FIT’s Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/guantanamofit). “First step, be serious and be motivated,” warned Taylor. “It is a long and tough ride but you cannot give up until you get your goal. Second step, team up with someone. It is much easier to do with a battle buddy, and this is battle.” “Physical Fitness is important in the Military but it is also life itself,” concluded Diaz.
STA-21 Continued...
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Additionally, many Sailors involved in the STA-21 program already have some college credit and some candidates finish ahead of the three years allotted to earn a degree. All of these factors - proven performance for better selection, maturity for higher completion rates, and previous college credit - save the Navy money while producing top-quality experienced Naval officers. According to NAVADMIN 078/16, the following target options and core are open for application for the FY-17 Selection Board: Surface Warfare (SWO), SWO/ED, Nuclear (Surface/Sub), Special Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Flight Officer, Pilot, Civil Engineering Corps, Nurse Corps, and Oceanography (OCEANO). The following target options have zero select opportunity for FY-17: Human Resources, Intelligence, Information Warfare, Information Professional, Medical Corps, Supply Corps, Surface Warfare Officer/Information Professional (SWO/IP), and SWO/OCEANO. The Nuclear (Surface/Sub) target option is now open to Sailors who are serving in the fleet and hold an active nuclear Navy enlisted classification (335X, 336X, 338X, or 339X). This option is a change to the previous year’s eligibility policy. Sailors who are serving as a staff member or student in the Navy Nuclear Power Training pipeline are also eligible, as they have been in previous years. All applicants must be able to begin their first day of class in the first semester of their course work prior to commencing their eighth year of service. See the Nuclear Program Authorization (PA150A) dated December 2015 for more specific information and all other requirements to apply for the program. Additionally, all applicants must receive conditional release, per reference (b) (of NAVADMIN 078/16), from the Nuclear Enlisted Community Manager (OPNAV N133D). In the STA-21 program, as it is in many competitive selection processes, it is often a candidate’s extra efforts which can result in selection. “Do your best in all your endeavors, college courses, and have superior performances on your Physical Fitness Assessments (PFA). With so many great sailors to choose from, selection boards often look for the tie breakers or the indicators of extra effort, potential and desire; in this regard the STA-21 program is no exception,” Kempf said. “As always, performance is the number one criteria. When given the chance to lead, take it. No matter how small the opportunity, step up and lead people, and lead them well. Also attend to your physical, as well as your professional, preparedness.” Reporting seniors who feel they have a sailor with the potential to be selected by STA-21 should comment on their leadership skills and potential in their performance evaluations early in their career. These comments are highly regarded by the boards, even in junior Sailors. Kempf reminded all Sailors that are applying for STA-21 to have an endorsing letter from their commanding officers and to include their Scholastic Aptitude Test/American College Test (SAT/ACT) scores in their packages. This year’s NAVADMIN includes numbers from last year. It states of the 423 applications received for FY-16, only 315 were board eligible. A total of 50 were selected to participate
in the FY-16 STA-21 program. Each year, packages are not considered due to non-qualifying SAT/ACT test scores, missing commanding officer endorsement/recommendation, recent non-judicial punishment, missing PFA cycles, missing or illegible submission of documents, and not meeting program age or PFA requirements. NAVADMIN 078/16 also states minimum eligibility requirements must be met before submitting an application. Applications should be mailed only when fully completed. Officer interview boards shall consist of three officers; the applicant’s commanding officer may not be a board member and should not submit an interview appraisal sheet. The commanding officer’s personal interview should be conducted only after the application is complete and the officer interview board has submitted their appraisals. The full picture of an applicant’s academic and officer potential can only be determined by reviewing the SAT/ACT scores, high school/ college transcripts, and a completed application package. Kempf echoed the NAVADMIN and said the commanding officer’s endorsement is extremely important, especially the ranking of the individual among his/her peers. The endorsement should contain specifics about the individual’s academic potential, commitment, leadership, service above self, and potential as a naval officer. Commanding officer comments should specify the primary option to which the individual is applying and address how the individual meets qualifications for that option. For junior Sailors with only schoolhouse evaluations, the CO must address this issue in his or her endorsement. Application packages must be postmarked on or before the July 1 deadline date. The deadline for submission of additional documentation to an applicant’s package is August 1. Selectees will be announced by NAVADMIN in the fall. Questions concerning this program should be directed to command career counselors or to the NSTC officer development directorate at (850) 452-9563. For more information about the STA-21 program, visit https://www.sta-21.navy.mil. Applicants can find NAVADMIN 078/16 on the Navy Personnel Command website at http:// www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/ Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2016/NAV16078.txt. Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, NSTC commander, headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, and his staff oversees the OD directorate and 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy, as well as the Navy’s Citizenship Development program. NSTC includes Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy’s only boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, NROTC at more than 160 colleges and universities, OTC at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide. For more information about NSTC, visit http://www.netc. navy.mil/nstc/ or visit the NSTC Facebook pages at https:// www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining/. For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes/.
MOVIES
The
Scoop
DEFY VOLUNTEERS DEFY is accepting applications for volunteers to assist in a twophase program that promotes team building, goal setting and increased self-confidence for our 9-12 year olds. Volunteer for a 5-day summer camp and bimonthly mentoring events through the school year. Summer Leadership Camp is August 1-5, 2016. Application deadline is April 30. Volunteer positions available are Administrative Assistant, Camp Photographer, and Mentors. For more information please contact MA1 Roberto Aguilar at Roberto.aguilar@ gtmo.navy.mil or 2460. OMEGA PSI PHI The Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity INC invite all members of the Divine 9 to fellowship the first Wednesday of each month at the 12:30 p.m. in the Gold Hill Galley (Left Side). Point of Contact is Deron Jenkins at 2209.
ADVENTURERS SOCIETY Guantanamo Bay’s only open role playing gaming group invites any one who is interested to attend on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Red Cross Building. New players are always welcome. For more information visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/709894019111373 or call NC1 McCormick at 78590. PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Calling all photographers the Guantanamo Bay Photography Club will be held Sun., April 24 in the Elementary School Library at 4 p.m. Come learn about the importance of lens selection, our next field trip and the challenge. Questions, comments or interested in joining? Contact photographyclub.GTMO@gmail. com SALSA/BACHATA LESSONS Every other Friday beginning April 22 in the Windjammer Ballroom there will be Salsa and Bachata lessons starting at 8 p.m. with Latin Night following at 10 p.m. Also looking for a Male instructor to assist with lessons. For more
information please contact Chelsea Garcia at 75033 or Wolgan Ramos as 9924/ 84608.
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM FILM FESTIVAL APR 22 W.T. Sampson High School FRIDAY The Huntsman: Winter’s is holding their inaugural Film 8 p.m.: War Festival and would like to invite PG13 everyone to come out and see. The event will take place at the 10 p.m.: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot R Downtown Lyceum on Fri., May 6 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. FILIPINO FOOD SALE The Filipino-American Cultural Association is hosting another Filipino Food Sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sun., May 8 at the NEX Atrium to support the 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration. They will be selling Lumpia, Steamed Rice, Pancit and Adobo for $5.
SATURDAY APR 23 8 p.m.: The Jungle Book
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP There will be a New Parent Support Group introductory meeting on April 26 at 1 p.m. in the FFSC Training Room. Meet other parents, discuss various topics and watch videos. For more info please call 4141.
MONDAY APR 25 The Divergent Series: 8 p.m.:
OMBUDSMAN CONTACT INFORMATION: NAVFAC: NAVSTA: Brittany Roley Laura McManus gtmopwdombudsman@gmail.com ombudsmangtmo@gmail.com Home: 78096 Cell: 84792 Home: 77182 Brittany Morrell nsgtmoombudsman@gmail.com Cell: 55268 Home: 77129
April 22, 2016• PAGE 7
Naval Hospital: Lauren LaBoy Usnh.gtmo.ombudsman@gmail.com Home: 75877
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
PG
10 p.m.:
The Perfect Match R
SUNDAY Zootopia 8 p.m.:
APR 24
PG
Allegiant PG13
TUESDAY APR 26 Barbershop: The Next 8 p.m.: Cut
PG13
WEDNESDAY APR 27 London Has Fallen 8 p.m.: R
THURSDAY APR 28 My Big Fat Greek 8 p.m.: Wedding 2 PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is hosting a Logo Design Contest for their 60th “Diamond” Anniversary The wining design will be painted in the Hospital’s Command Suite and used for fundraising events, including t-shirts, glassware and the limited edition Challenge Coin! Winner will also receive two tickets to the command celebration in September. All entries must be submitted by May 6. MEDIUM: Pencil/ink drawing, painting and graphic design. DIMENSIONS: Minimum- 8x10 Maximum- 24x36 Original artwork ONLY (no copyrighted material or PowerPoint slides) Please contact LCDR Susan Mojica for details by e-mailing her at susan.l.mojica.mil@mail.mil or calling 72150. The Guantanamo Bay community is invited to view and vote on their favorite entry on May 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the hospital’s fundraising event at the NEX.