August 19, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 23• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Staying Prepared for the Unexpected
Sailors with Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Security Department are shown performing a room clearing mission during an emergency management exercise drill at the Bayview, Aug. 11. (Photo by SGT Natasha Price) MC1 Kegan E. Kay Gazette Editor
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aval Station Guantanamo Bay’s (NSGB) Integrated Training Team (ITT) conducted training exercises July 11 - August 3 in preparation for Regional Training Team (RTT) visit, Aug. 5-12. The ITT team planned, briefed, and preformed four exercise drills on unannounced intrusion alarm, active shooter and then cascading to an improvised explosives device scenario. The training prepares NSGB for potential security threats and how the installation will defeat such threats throughout the installation. The training involved over 127 players including first responders,, ITT Members, and personnel manning the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Conducted at the Bayview, first responders were dispatched to an active shooter scenario that then escalated into a “mysterious package” in which Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians would be called in to respond. Sailors with NSGB security department conducted a sweeping maneuver as they entered restaurant, searching for the active shooter and any causalities. Due to the location of such an event, the drill also required the logistics of evacuating personnel living at Deer Point and ensuring they were safe. At the onset of an incident, whether it is a natural disaster or an act of terror, the EOC will set up and manned by various departments. “The EOC is a central point of contact during emergencies,” explains NSGB Emergency Manager, Joe McCullough. “It allows for quick access to people and resources by the Incident Commander, or IC. The requirements to run an EOC vary by installation and group type, but as long as you have a room to use and the ability to contact an incident or accident scene and gather a rapid common operating picture, as well as be able to provide rapid support to the incident commander when they request resources, you have an EOC.”
The final exercise demonstrated to the RTT the installation’s readiness training level and how well NSGB personnel are able to respond and protect the base. According to NSBG Safety Officer Tim Proctor, Team building is crucial to meeting threats to our way of life and protecting the inhabitants of our installation and that the region’s review of the operations and programs is greatly appreciated. The region visit provides a second look at our base infrastructure providing insight to areas needing process improvement or overhaul. “The reason for conducting drill is for watch stander improvement and to see how and where we can improve their knowledge,” said NSBG Executive Officer, Cmdr. Dennis Mojica. “NSGB need to be prepared to respond to any situation we may have. Unlike any other Navy installation, we have to depend on organic resources, since we really can’t ask for local help for most of a situation that may arise here at NSGB.” Approximately 2,472 man hours were spent on this valuable training. Overall, training has been effective and safe with no injuries to personnel or K-9s. Training will continue for process improvement and watch teams’ training each month to improve capability. “During the drills, the EOC performed fantastically,” said McCullough. “However as with any drill, we found a few areas that we can improve to make information flow better as well as improving lines of communication.” The region visit provides a second look at the base’s infrastructure, providing insight to areas needing process improvement or overhaul and provides a path-way ahead in preparation for NSGB’s Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART) scheduled for March 2017 and for the unexpected should it occur.
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Projected High Speed Internet Setup Dates by Area: Family Housing: • Special account unique to Family Housing • Unlimited Devices • High Speed plans • Up to 75 Mbps
MWR/NGIS/NL: • MWR- Free Wi-Fi for patrons & facility guests. • NGIS- Free Wi-Fi coverage in each room. • NL- Free Wi-Fi coverage in each room. Unaccompanied Housing: • Use same login on any goWi-Fi network on Naval Bases worldwide. • Multiple speeds available.
Learn more at gowifinavy.com
VOL. 73 • NO. 23
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) RODD TOOKER
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER/EDITOR GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
JULIE RIPLEY MC1 KEGAN KAY ARMY SGT NATASHA PRICE
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.
NEW BLENDED RETIREMENT FOR ALL SERVICE MEMBERS August 19, 2016• PAGE 3
Mike Rivera (AFC/CCRR/CFS) Fleet and Family Support Center
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urrently the military retirement system is being over hauled and will take effect on 1 January 2018. According to the Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, “a blended retirement system is a key step in modernizing the department’s ability to recruit, retain and maintain the talent we require of our future force.” The new system has three components: a 401(k)-style component with Department of Defense (DOD) matching funds for entrylevel and other service members, a mid-career continuity bonus, and a retirement annuity similar to the one now in place for those completing 20 or more years of eligible service. As a Personal Financial Counselor and Educator, the question I hear most is “What is the best deal for me and what the benefits are?” For most, I remind them that they are grandfathered and will be allowed to remain in the current retirement system. However for those who have served for less than 12 years as of 31 December, 2017, will have to decide to continue in the current system or to opt into the new retirement plan, and those who enter service after the blended retirement rolls out will automatically be covered by the new retirement system. Under this new system, approximately 85% of Service members who enter the force will now receive some form of portable retirement benefit, as opposed to only 19% today who leave with a retirement benefit. I cannot stress the importance of crunch the numbers to our service members, since that opportunity to opt into the new blended retirement is irrevocable and final. The first step is to get our War Fighters educated concerning the programs provisions until it’s rollout on 1 January 2018. The aspects that make the plan “blended” are automatic and matching government contributions in the Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k) and transferable upon leaving service, for service members in the new retirement plan, and retaining lifetime
monthly retired pay for those who serve at least 20 years. The government will automatically contribute 1% of a member’s basic pay into the member’s TSP account even if the member contributes nothing. After 24 months of service, the government will match member contributions, dollar-for-dollar, up to the first 3% the member contributes and fifty cents per dollar for the next 2% the member contributes. If a member contributes 5% into the member’s TSP account, the government will contribute an additional 5% (1% automatic plus 4% matching). Members who serve at least 24 months and then separate will be able to keep the government contributions and transfer them to a new employer’s retirement plan. For service members that stay in the military for a full career of 20 years or more, the new plan continues to offer monthly retired pay similar to today’s system, although it will be computed based on a lengthof-service factor of 2% per year, vice the current 2.5% used now. A midcareer bonus is added to the TSP account and the 20year annuity modeled on the current plan. The Department of Defense will pay a bonus of at least two and a half months’ basic pay (one-half month for reserve and National Guard members not serving in a full-time capacity) to those members who have served 12 years and who agree to remain in uniform for four more years. Currently there is a Blended Retirement System (BRS) Leadership Course available at Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) and on DVD through the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DIMOC). There will be other courses available so that everyone eligible can familiarize themselves with each course as they become available. For copies of the current BRS, please use the order for located at: http://www.dimoc.mil/customer/contact. html. For more information look at the infographic found on page 6.
Summer Safety Isn’t Over Yet Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charlotte C. Oliver Defense Media Activity
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ummer is in full swing around the globe. From surfing the Pacific swells off the coast of Southern California to hiking across the lava flows of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, Sailors have endless ways to enjoy the summer weather. You most likely had a summer safety standdown right before Memorial Day weekend - we’re here to remind you that summer isn’t over yet. Maybe you just returned from deployment, or recently PCS’d to a new location or maybe you have finally bought that motorcycle you’ve always wanted. Remember, no matter your age, rank or skill, all Sailors and Marines who ride must take the Basic Rider Course. All sport bike riders must take the Military Sport Bike Rider Course 60 days after completing the basic course. In the months since the summer season started six Marines and four Sailors are no longer with us due motor
vehicle-related accidents. One of the leading causes of vehicle accidents is distracted driving. That text can wait and if you don’t have a handsfree headset or Bluetooth-compatible vehicle, safely pull over to use your phone. Last month a very popular mobile app, “Pokemon Go,” launched. As you hunt for that elusive Bulbasaur or Pikachu remember to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Visit the Naval Safety Center website for more information http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/ Pages/index.aspx Check out the links below to learn more about staying safe this summer. h t t p : / / w w w. n a v y. m i l / a h _ o n l i n e / d e p t S t o r y. asp?issue=3&dep=7&id=87258 h t t p : / / w w w. n a v y. m i l / a h _ o n l i n e / d e p t S t o r y. asp?issue=3&dep=2&id=94319.
USS Murtha Conducts First Port Call in Guantanamo Bay MC1 Kegan E. Kay Gazette Editor
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an Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) pulled into Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), Cuba, the only main operating base in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility, for an overnight port visit, August 17. According the ship’s webpage; she is named for John P. Murtha, a retired United States Marine Corps Reserve officer and member of the Pennsylvania House from 1969 to 1974. Murtha was also the first Vietnam War veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. John P. Murtha’s keel was laid down on June 6, 2012 at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was then launched on October 30, 2014, with her christening held on March 21, 2015 with Donna S. Murtha, the congressman’s daughter, as the ship’s sponsor. “We got underway from our building yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi on Aug. 11 and this is our very first stop on our maiden voyage,” said USS Murtha Operations Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Will Ashley. “This is my first pre-commissioned ship and to be able to see the progress from the building phase, to the trial phase and ultimately to crew the ship and take her out, is truly an honor.” USS Murtha provided tours throughout the day, presenting a unique opportunity for the residents of NSGB and Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay to see the Navy’s newest amphibious ship. More than 500 personnel were able to tour the ship, including NSGB’s Drug Education for Youth camp members. The tours included a look around the quarter deck, Pilot House, well deck, medical and dental areas, mess decks, hangar bay, the flight deck, common control system and a stop at the ship’s gift shop for souvenirs. After completing the tours and other work operations, the crew were able to enjoy a night of liberty on the installation before needing to depart the following morning.
The ship will carry more than 600 troops with a capacity up to 800 and will have the capability to transport and debark air cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (MV-22). USS Murtha’s visit is part of an ongoing maritime mission to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build partnerships with Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime forces. LPDs like USS Murtha, are able to support amphibious and expeditionary operations, serve as aviation platforms for amphibious ready groups, and be called on to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts if required which is especially useful during the active hurricane season. “The ship is built very well,” remarked Ashley. “The people at Ingalls Shipbuilding have done a phenomenal job. Getting underway you have a tendency to feel a little nervous being a brand new ship but we’ve put her through her paces and she has responded and performed flawlessly.” According to Ashley the crew is looking forward to continuing their maiden voyage and handling the missions and tasking U.S. Fourth Fleet has for them while they are in the area. “After we leave the U.S. Fourth Fleet Area of Operations we will head up the east coast of the U.S. and we’ll be the show ship for the International Seapower Symposium,” said Ashley. “We are really excited about that. It is put on by the Chief of Naval Operations and there are lots of foreign dignitaries and navies that will be out there showing casing.” After the symposium, USS Murtha will then head to Philadelphia to conduct their official commissioning ceremony, October 8, 2016. Upon commissioning, the ship will transit to her homeport of San Diego.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
MOVIES
THE CLASSIFIEDS
DANCE LESSONS To place an ad please send an e-mail to Interested in Salsa and Bachata PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL dance lessons? Come to the Community Center Fri., Aug. 19 and the Windjammer Ballroom Aug. 26 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a social dance after the lessons from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Come put on your dancing shoes and learn something new. For more ENERGY PSA As an attempt to conserve energy, information please contact Chelsea it is being asked of all tenants that Garcia at 75033 or 79065. when exiting your home or room for more than 4 hours, please raise STUDENT MEALS your thermometer approximately FARM Applications for the SY 16/17 10 degrees from your “at home” for free and reduced meals are now setting. This operational control available at the NEX Customer will lessen electricity demand, Service Counter. Full price meals generator operational hours, and are $2.50 for Elementary and $2.75 fuel costs... and thus, lowering for Middle/High School. electricity bills to our customers and the U.S. Government. Thank you SPLASH PAD PARTY The First Class Association will host for your assistance. a Back to School Splash Party at the Splash Pad, Sun., August 21 POST OFFICE NEWS Attention Postal Customers- if from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be you are mailing 2 or more TUFF free pizza, drinks, water balloons, boxes you are encouraged to squirt guns and music. make an appointment between 8 and 9 a.m. before the post office PASSPORT INFO opens. Making an appointment will Passport waiver letters will no longer prevent long waits in line during be issued. All civilian personnel regular hours of operation. Call LS3 travelling to/from Guantanamo are required to have a current/ Borromeo or Mr. Smith at 2156. non-expired passport. For more UNITED THROUGH READING information, contact the Legal office The JTF Chaplain’s Office would at 4834 or 4575. like to invite you to come in and record a video of yourself reading NOTICE a book to send home to your kids. The Leeward Community Bank Please contact their office at 2571 ATM will be down for maintenance Friday Aug. 19 and returning to for more information.
The
Scoop
OMBUDSMAN
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAVSTA: Jamie Yeich
Carrie McCormick Kendra Keesey E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 84792
NAVAL HOSPITAL: TC Bacon E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail.com Phone: 55379
service Monday Aug. 22. Please contact 75116 for questions.
August 19, 2016• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY FIRE WARDEN/WATCH A class will be held Sept. 1 in 8 p.m.: bldg. 2164. Fire Warden class will be at 10 a.m. and Fire Watch class will be at 11 a.m. 10 p.m.: Reservations are required, Please contact Fire Prevention SATURDAY at 4403, 4611 or 4178. 8 p.m.: INSTRUCTORS NEEDED Become a volunteer or contracted instructor for the 10 p.m.: Child and Youth Programs. Instructors are needed for Ballet, Dance, Cheer, Volleyball SUNDAY and Piano. Contact Karen 8 p.m.: Sloan at 2005 for more info.
AUG 19
Lights Out (NEW) PG13
Jason Bourne PG13
AUG 20
War Dogs (NEW) R
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates R
AUG 21
The Purge: Election Year (LS) R
BECOME AN UMPIRE MONDAY AUG 22 Make up to $75 a night or earn 8 p.m.: The BFG (LS) volunteer hours. No experience PG required. Call 2113 or 3006 for more information. TUESDAY AUG 23 Star Trek Beyond 8 p.m.: ADVENTURERS SOCIETY PG13 NSGB’s only open role playing gaming group. New players welcome! For events and WEDNESDAY AUG 24 location contact us on FB at 8 p.m.: The Legend of Tarzan Adventurers Society or sean. (LS) PG13 mccorm77@gmail.com or 78590. THURSDAY AUG 25 8 p.m.: The Secret Life of Pets OPEN HOUSE PG W.T. Sampspn will hold open house Sept. 1. Elementary School 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Middle/High School will be 6 CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fleet and Family Support Center
UPCOMING CLASSES
SMOOTH MOVE: Aug. 22, 0900-1000 at FFSC. For families and sailors PCS’ing within the next 4 months from NSGB. This workshop provides specific installation check-out information from housing, Personal Property, SCSI, and the hospital. CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: Aug. 23, 1300-1400 at FFSC. This workshop helps people to manage conflict situations: practice skills that prevent conflict from escalating, and working with others to solve problems allowing people to grow. DEBT & DELINQUENCY: DUMP THE DEBT: Aug. 24, 1400-1500 at FFSC. Learn how to avoid debt. Learn ways to avoid delinquency and the effects of being delinquent. NEW TO NS GUANTANAMO BAY: This orientation class provides new residents an introduction to key base personnel, a summary of base hisotry, an overview of installation rules, and a base tour to families. Join us Aug. 25, 0815-1130 at FFSC. HOME BUYING: Buying a Aug. 25, 1100-1230 at FFSC. Buying a house is the most significant purchase many people will ever make. This course is designed to increase the knowledge and comfort level of first-time home buyers and serve as a refresher for repeat home buyers. STRESS MANAGEMENT, SESSION 2 OF 4: Aug. 25, 1000-1200 at FFSC.
To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.
SGT Natasha Price Photojournalist
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ed Cross Regional Director Gerry Bailey has concluded his two year obligation at Guantanamo Bay as he retires after 30 years of service to the American Red Cross, Aug. 12. Bailey has dedicated himself to continuous changes to the Red Cross even with limited resources and said his goals were to expand the programs, increase volunteer opportunities for service members and others in the community, to establish a bigger and more convenient location and to start a respite center on the base. “I was able to accomplish all of those things,” added Bailey. One of Bailey’s proudest achievements is the respite center. The center is available 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week for anyone to come in and enjoy. It hosts a big screen TV, video games, a multi-purpose room for meetings, parties or gatherings and coming soon there will be WIFI service and multiple computers with internet access. “I wasn’t able to serve, so this is my way of serving the military and my mission here,” remarked Bailey. “It’s been a real pleasure to provide the services and work with the volunteers here at Guantanamo Bay.” Mr. Bailey will be replaced by Sharon Coganow, who was here previously from Oct. 2009 until Oct. 2012 and served in the same position. She will be here tentatively for the next two years. “Our job is to facilitate our volunteers so that they can fulfill our mission while we merely provide guidance and support,” said Bailey. Service members come and go due to rotations, but at any given time there are around 180 volunteers according to Bailey. Army Spc. Elisa McDonnell, a military police officer, has been a frequent Red Cross volunteer for the past four months and states that having a stress free environment, meeting new people and working with Mr. Bailey are among the many things she enjoys at the Respite Center. “Mr. Bailey is a wonderful man. He’s very passionate about the Red Cross and what he does,” said McDonnell. “He cares about his employees and making this place a lot better for all the soldiers, civilians and families that live here and he definitely takes the time to get to know us individually.” Mr. Bailey made such a big impact while being here that he was awarded a letter of appreciation on behalf of Rear Adm. Peter Clarke, the commander for Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, during his farewell party. “This was an honor,” said Bailey. “I will cherish this forever.”