April 24 Gazette by GTMO PAO

April 24, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO.16• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090

NMCRS Committee Hosts Jail and Bail and Radiothon

QM2 Mark Farmer and QM2 Kevin Worley serve their time in jail during the Jail and Bail, April 15. The Jail and Bail and Radiothon raised $4,500 for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor

hroughout the past month, Sailors and Marines stationed at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay held a variety of events in support of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). The NMCRS is a nonprofit organization aimed at helping Sailors, Marines and dependents in times of need and emergencies. The NMCRS committee scheduled events that were a hit to base residents to include a “Jail and Bail” in which individuals could contribute money to lock someone up at the Navy Exchange atrium and a Radiothon that allowed people to call in and request a song for a small donation, or pledge more money to bump a song off the air. According to Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Nathan Coffey, NS Guantanamo Bay’s NMCRS Coordinator, the Naval Station team has done a great job at coordinating the events and recieved positive feedback. “I think the thing that I have enjoyed the most about all the events is watching all the different branches come out and support a singular good cause and the volunteer opportunities that are actually fun and interactive,” said Coffey. “The volunteers have been AMAZING!” Founded in 1904, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a private non-profit charitable organization that is sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates nearly 250 offices ashore and

afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the world. “The NMCRS is a huge deal for me personally because I have actually seen it help somebody half way across the world while on deployment. It helped to get them back home to be with his family in their time of desperate need when he couldn’t afford to do it on his own. From then on I knew I would fully support the NMCRS no matter what,” said Coffey. “I really enjoy the fact that here on NS Guantanamo Bay ALL branches can benefit from the NMCRS, so it’s not just limited to the Navy and Marine Corps.” The NMCRS also provides budget counseling and free inhome visits by registered nurses to Marines, Sailors and their family members who have been affected by combat and to all eligible families to assist with health issues and other concerns. Contributions to the Society are fully tax deductible as well. According to Master-at-Arms 1st Class Fabia Salazar who helped volunteer for the events the return on the events has been very profitable. “We did our annual NMCRS Radio-thon and Jail and Bail and we rose close to $4,500 to help out a great cause,” said Salazar. “The best thing about it was working with the volunteers at the radio station. Running back and forth chasing down music just to bump a song was a lot of fun. At the end, I got to see all the smiling faces in jail at the NEX. I can’t wait for next year.”

PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE

NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates MASN Bishop and MA3 Oakley on their selection as the Sailors of the Week.

MA3 RYAN OAKLEY

MA3 Oakley responded to a duress call involving Harbor Patrol Unit Four (HP4), which had impacted a fixed structure in the Northern Bay during a routine patrol. As the Coxswain of the responding vessel, MA3 Oakley’s ability and knowledge enabled him to respond with caution to a chaotic scene and display the courage needed to assist two severely injured Sailors. Upon arrival MA3 Oakley took control of the scene and ordered his crewmember, MASN Bishop, to assist the unconscious Sailor while he assisted the other injured Sailor and transported her onto his vessel where he provided basic first aid. Once determined that she was okay he assisted his crewmember in transporting the unconscious Sailor to his vessel and then transporting the injured Sailors to NAVSTA GTMO Hospital landing where medical representatives treated the injured Sailors. His swift and timely actions as the on-scene lead falls in direct line with CNIC directives and Harbor Patrol Unit Standard Operating Procedures. His ability and the confidence as a Coxswain played an instrumental role throughout his response and is a testament to him as a United States Naval and Security Department Sailor. VOL. 72 • NO.16

COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

MASN NATALIE BISHOP

MASN Bishop responded to a duress call involving Harbor Patrol Unit Four (HP4), which had impacted a fixed structure in the Northern Bay during a routine patrol. Upon arrival MASN Bishop displayed a tremendous amount of professionalism and knowledge when providing advanced first aid and trauma management to an HPU member who was unconscious. Once MASN Bishop checked the Airway, Breathing, and Circulation of one boat crew member she stabilized him and stopped the bleeding from his head, preventing further blood loss and injury. Once the bleeding was stopped, MASN Bishop and her Coxswain were able to transport the Sailor to the responding HPU vessel, by way of the buddy carry technique, and transported the injured Sailors to NAVSTA GTMO Hospital landing where medical representatives treated the injured Sailors. Her swift and timely actions was vital and contributed to the prevention of a possible loss of life to a fellow Sailor. Her understanding of HPU’s Pre-Planned Responses and Standard Operating Procedures is a testament to her ability and the confidence her chain of command has of her.

Guantanamo Bay Gazette

CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. AL ROSS CMDCM (SW) JEFFERY TIDWELL

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

KELLY WIRFEL 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 595.

House Defense Bill Backs Plan to Overhaul Military Retirement System

April 17, 2015• PAGE 3

Travis J. Tritten Stars and Stripes

ouse lawmakers said Tuesday they will unveil a defense budget this week that calls for overhauling the military retirement system by 2017. The measure is being supported by the leadership of the House Armed Services Committee as part of its version of the annual defense authorization act, according to committee leaders who sat down with Stars and Stripes. Meanwhile, the lawmakers said the committee will not pursue any changes to Tricare health insurance or commissaries in the defense bill. A blended 401(k)-style retirement system was suggested in January as part of a landmark study by the congressionally appointed Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission and has sparked wide-ranging debate among servicemember and veteran groups. “We think there is benefit in requesting the [Defense Department] come back to us probably within six to eight months with an implementation plan,” said Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., who is chairman of the Armed Services subcommittee on military personnel. Under the blended retirement system, the military would give all new servicemembers a Thrift Savings Plan account and provide matching contributions throughout their service. Troops who separate after 20 years would still get a pension but only 80 percent of what those already in the system today will get. Heck said the Armed Services committee will modify the compensation commission proposal by continuing the TSP contributions beyond 20 years for those who want to continue serving. The loss of contributions was a sticking point for some military groups. Servicemembers who are serving now would see no change or reduction to their retirements if they choose but could opt into the new system.

The bill will require the transition to the new retirement system be complete by October 2017, according to Heck, who will introduce the legislation Wednesday, and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, chairman of the Armed Services committee. The Senate Armed Services Committee signaled that it is also still considering the overhaul for the National Defense Authorization Act. Staff for Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who chairs the SASC, said he supports Heck and Thornberry. The Senate committee is “continuing to examine all options for modernizing the current system and providing greater value and choice to military servicemembers and their families,” McCain spokesman Dustin Walker wrote in an email to Stars and Stripes. Other key issues that will not make it into the committee’s defense bill: •The MCRM panel recommended replacing the Tricare system with a wider selection of private insurance plans similar to what is offered to federal employees, but Heck and Thornberry said the issue is too complex and there has not been enough time to study it and make changes. •The proposal to consolidate military grocery and exchange stores will be put on hold until a contractor can finish a study of the two systems ordered in last year’s defense authorization act. The Armed Services subcommittees will spend this week crafting various sections of the National Defense Authorization Act, and then the full committee is slated to pass a final version in a marathon session next week. The committee’s bill must pass the House and eventually be merged with the Senate’s version, but the work this week — including the retirement overhaul — will set the course for what eventually gets passed into law.

X-47B First to Complete Autonomous Aerial Refueling

From Naval Air Systems Command

The X-47B successfully conducted the first ever Autonomous Aerial Refueling (AAR) of an unmanned aircraft April 22, completing the final test objective under the Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration program. While flying off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, the X-47B connected to an Omega K-707 tanker aircraft and received over 4,000 pounds of fuel using the Navy’s probeand-drogue method. “What we accomplished today demonstrates a significant, groundbreaking step forward for the Navy,” said Capt. Beau Duarte, the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager. “The ability to autonomously transfer and receive fuel in flight will increase the range and flexibility of future unmanned aircraft platforms, ultimately extending carrier power projection.” During the test, the X-47B exchanged refueling messages with a government-designed Refueling Interface System (RIS) aboard the tanker. The aircraft autonomously maneuvered its fixed refueling probe into the tanker’s drogue, also known as the basket, the same way a Navy

pilot would refuel a manned aircraft. “In manned platforms, aerial refueling is a challenging maneuver because of the precision required by the pilot to engage the basket,” Duarte said. “Adding an autonomous functionality creates another layer of complexity.” This testing helps solidify the concept that future unmanned aircraft can perform standard missions like aerial refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing, he said. “This segment of the X-47B demonstration program allowed us to further mature AAR technologies and evaluate the government tanker RIS,” said Barbara Weathers, X-47B deputy program manager. “We used similar commandcontrol and navigation processes previously demonstrated during the X-47B landings aboard the aircraft carrier.” Over the last few years, the Navy accomplished several significant firsts with the X-47B that showcased the Navy’s commitment to unmanned carrier aviation. With the completion of this program, the service continues to develop its future unmanned carrier-based platform, known as UCLASS.

Kelly Wirfel Public Affairs Officer

aval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay held a change of command ceremony at the base chapel, April 17. Capt. David Culpepper relieved Capt. Scott Gray as NS Guantanamo Bay commanding officer. Military and civilian personnel from all services across the base attended the event to say farewell to Gray, who took command in January 2015. During his service as the Naval Station’s commanding officer, his immediate efforts improving quality of life initiatives on the Naval installation was evident in the success of a myriad of innovative projects and base appearance improvements, including preservation and maintenance of 28 facilities

and numerous repairs and corrective measures. Under his direction, NS Guantanamo Bay experienced a multitude of successes, both administrative and operational. Through professional dedication and inspirational leadership, Gray skillfully guided the base of nearly 6,000 residents to the highest level of efficiency. “There are so many people who enable this base to operate smoothly but I especially want to thank the Naval Station leadership and department heads. This is a place that challenges even the best leaders and everyone does a fantastic job day in and day out,” said Gray. “Your pride and professionalism is what makes this duty station one of the very best in the Navy.” Gray thanked many others to include tenant command leadership, the OMBUDSMAN, the Chief Petty Officer’s mess, enlisted personnel and the foreign nation employees for their continued dedication to the

base. “To the entire Naval Station Guantanamo Bay team, thank you. Your commitment, integrity, teamwork and many achievements have allowed this organization to thrive,” said Gray. “My short time at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay has been an exceptionally rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, and I will treasure and sustain the many relationships I have developed during my time here.” Upon his departure from NS Guantanamo Bay Gray will resume his duties as Chief of Staff for Navy Region Southeast where he will manage and oversee shore installation management support and execution for 18 installations within the Southeastern United States. The incoming commanding officer, Culpepper, recently completed a tour as the Director of Training

at Carrier Strike Group Four out of Norfolk, Va. Culpepper has accumulated more than 4,500 flight hours in the F-14 A-D, F/A-18 A-F and more than 900 arrested landings on eight different aircraft carriers. He is a 1992 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. The Naval Station supports the ability of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, along with allied nation ships to operate in the Caribbean area by providing fuel, supplies and vital logistical support for their operational commitments.

PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE

Chaplain’s Corner

Building on a Solid Foundation CDR Daniel L. Mode

NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain

“T

herefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock” MAT 7:24 What are you trying to build in your life? A relationship with God; a relationship with others; a career; a family; an education? No matter what you are trying to build in your life you always need to stick to the simple principle that your goal must be built on a solid foundation if it is to be sustained and grow. When I was the pastor of a parish in Alexandria, VA, I had the opportunity to build a large gym complex for our parish school. I was amazed that it took a year to plan, do the site survey and clear the ground, but it only took a few months to actually build. Most of the work was done before ever a brick was laid for the walls. Since this was the first time I was charged with oversight of a building project, I asked a lot of questions and learned a lot about the importance of the foundation. I learned three basic truths of construction that also apply to anything we want to “build” in our lives. 1. Test the soil and load-bearing capacity. Is the ground

you are building on strong enough to support the weight of what you want to build? In other words, have you taken the time to ask yourself what you really want in life; have you spent time in self-reflection. What are my desires and priorities in my life? 2. Foundations are only five percent of overall project costs, but time-intensive. Take the time to explore, grow, and foster your desire or goal. Things take time to grow, be patient. If you think that you have found your soulmate after a few weeks in a relationship—think again. While you may have found your soulmate, take the time to build this relationship so that the foundation of your future marriage will be strong and enduring. 3. Late changes on a site are cost-prohibitive, but foundations can be repaired. If you rush into a project or a goal without thinking it all the way through you then may have to modify your plans which can cost you more or delay your goal. As an example: changing your major half way through your work on a BA can delay the completion of your degree by a year or more and may cost you extra fees and tuition. There will always be challenges—rain and wind, but if you take the time to build on a strong and lasting foundation your goals and desires will stand-up to those challenges.

Don’t Stand by, Step up!

LCDR MeeDeessa Livingston, NC, USN USNH Guantanamo Bay

ilitary and civilian communities around the world will pause in the month of April to raise awareness about sexual violence and ways to prevent its occurrence in our communities. Each year almost 300,000 people are sexually assaulted in the United States. In 2013, the military reported 5,000 sexual assaults. The numbers are likely much higher because it is estimated that more than half of sexual assaults go unreported. There is no way someone can completely protect themselves and others from sexual assaults but the following actions can be taken to reduce your chances: - Attend social gatherings as a group. Come as a group and leave as a group. Check-in with group throughout the evening. - Do not leave a drink unattended. Take the drink with you or purchase new drink if you have to leave it unattended. - Do not accept drinks from people you do not know or trust. Do not drink from common open containers. - Watch out for friends. If a friend appears intoxicated, get him or her to a safe place. If someone thinks a friend has been drugged, seek immediate medical care.

- Step in. If someone sees someone who might be in danger, offer assistance. If it doesn’t look or feel right, step in. Bystander intervention can prevent assaults and create communities that prevent violence. If someone has been sexually assaulted, please seek help. There are many resources available locally and nationwide to helps victims deal with the psychological, emotional and physical effects of sexual assault. There are two types of reporting options available throughout the Department of Defense. The first is restricted reporting which is for victims who desire to disclose the sexual assault without triggering an official investigation but still desire to receive medical treatment, advocacy services, legal assistance, and counseling. The second option is nonrestricted reporting which is for victims of sexual assault who desire an official investigation of the crime, medical treatment, counseling, legal assistance and advocacy services. Helplines are also available for those who desire anonymous and confidential support and counseling. They are: - DOD Safe Helpline at 877-935-5247 - Base Duty SAPR at 84578 - Installation SARC at 84577 - USNH Emergency Room at 72690

GTMO SHOPPER

MOVIES

E-mail classified ad submissions to

PAO-CLASSIFIEDADS@ USNBGTMO.NAVY.MIL If sent to any other e-mail, it may not be published. Submit your ad NLT noon Wednesdays for that week’s Gazette. Ads are removed after two weeks. Re-submit the ad to re-publish. The Gazette staff and NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, page. The Public Affairs Office has final editorial discretion on all content. Call MCC Keith Bryska at 4520 with your questions or concerns. Please keep ads to a minimum of 5 items.

VEHICLE

MISC

1996 Maxima/Altima starter solenoid: $45.00 OBO, 1996 Maxima/Altima front rotor: $30.00 OBO, 88-92 Corolla Left side mirror manual: $30.00 OBO, One can of fiberglass bondo for a car or boat: $45.00 OBO, One large computer desk: $95.00 OBO, Please Call Sammy at 78742 or leave a message or Email: shearsam61@yahoo.com Local hire, seeks second job full-time, or very good paying part-time position. Background includes, DATA ENTRY, ARMED SECURITY, CORRECTIONS, LOGISTICS, QUALITY CONTROL. Prior Federal Government work. Superior rating. Hard worker. Local volunteer. Excellent physical shape, highly dedicated and self motivated. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Strong ref. Please email job opening/with job description, and contact number. Resume will be submitted upon verifying legitimacy of contact. Guantanamobay2015@gmail.com Attention email to: Job Seeker

GREAT DIVE/SNORKEL/FAMILY BOAT, +30 feet barrel boat with recently refurbished 90HP Johnson Ocean Pro and new barrels; inclined ladder for getting on the boat with dive equipment, plenty of deck space and storage, hold 10+ people comfortably, recently painted, nice speakers, head facility, COME FOR A TEST RIDE! HOUSEHOLD GOODS $4000 OBO, Contact Steven 55352 Double Bed, dark brown headboard or Otis 84988 with rails, NEW and still in box. $100 Call: 77548 (evenings), 9871 (days)

ELECTRONICS

SCSI Modem and a Belkin Router N600 both for $90.00, Link router only for $50.00, Please Call Sammy at 78742 or leave a message. Email: shearsam61@yahoo.com.

YARD SALE

Sunday April 26th 2015 7am- 10am at VL20A . Bunk bed for sale with mattress and sheets $65 If interested can call Brandi @ 75727. Women’s and toddler girl size clothes, Lowrance Elite-7X, With fish ID, children’s toys and household stuff New in box, has all cables, and are for sale. new transducer. Has never been installed in boat. $550.00 Call Tim Yard sale Saturday April 25, NH 24B (#84613). from 0700 until 1230. No early birds!

!!!!WATER RESTRICTIONS!!!! THE NAVAL STATION IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING WATER PRODUCTION LIMITATIONS. TO PREVENT A CATASTROPHIC LOSS IN SERVICE PLEASE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES: No lawn watering. No washing of sidewalks with potable water. No vehicle washing at residences. Limit plant watering. During working hours report possible leaks or violations to PWD at 5601 and after hours to 4375.

The

Scoop

April 17, 2015• PAGE 7

DOWNTOWN LYCEUM

FACILITIES Need to place a trouble call? FRIDAY Facilities has changed their 8 p.m.: Home PG number. It is now 3694 for all trouble calls. HOUSING The Housing Department has a couple important reminders to everyone. First lawn watering hours are Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1800 to 1900. Watering outside of these hours is prohibited per the Energy and Water Management Program. Secondly, family housing spent $536,298 in utility costs for the month of February. This was an increase in $6,000 from January. All residents are need to assist in conserving our energy and resources. Money saved on utilities can assist other projects to enhance our residential areas. For more information call 4174.

10 p.m.:

April 24

Furious 7 PG13

SATURDAY April 25 8 p.m.: The Gunman R

10 p.m.:

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel PG

SUNDAY April 26 Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 8 p.m.: PG

MONDAY 8 p.m.: Chappie

April 27

TUESDAY April 28 8 p.m.: Unfinished Business R

WEDNESDAY Get Hard 8 p.m.:

April 29

THURSDAY April 30 8 p.m.: Divergent Series: Insurgent PG13

CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880

April 17, 2015• PAGE 7