DECEMBER 13, 2013 • VOL. 70 • NO. 44• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
CNRSE Visits Naval Station Guantanamo Bay
Sailors from the Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) and the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) present Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) Rear Adm. Rick Williamson a football during their luncheon at the Gold Hill Galley, Dec. 12. MCC(SW/AW) Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
C
ommander Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), Rear Adm. Rick Williamson and staff visited Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay Dec.10- 13. Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) is the regional commander and immediate superior in command, and manages and oversees shore installation management support and execution for 15 installations within the Southeastern United States and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The commander is responsible for warfighter readiness supported by shore activities, standards of performance, anti-terrorism/force protection, disaster preparedness, safety, joint services, financial management, public affairs, state and local government liaison, environmental protection, and legal affairs. According CMDCM Herbert M. Ellis, Commander Navy Region Southeast Command Master Chief the visit was a chance to come out and visit the Sailors and Civilians assigned to Guantanamo Bay while checking out the infrastructure and what they can do to help out. “I had time to meet with several Sailors and I told them that they have an advantage here at GTMO to accomplish several goals while stationed here like continuing their
education,” said Ellis. “It’s important for them to balance their lifestyle through work and hard efforts and also have a good time here by taking trips to neighboring islands and ensuring they get time to enjoy it here.” Williamson said he has enjoyed the trip here and this was his first time back since he was a junior officer in 1992. “I have noticed a big difference on the base since I was last here. The base is beautiful and the facilities are outstanding,” said Williamson. “The gym, Cooper Field, the barracks and liberty centers are top notch”. While at the base Williamson not only toured the facilities, but had a chance to hold an all hands call where he fielded questions from Sailors and had the opportunity to present Master-At-Arms 1st Class John Nitti a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his selection as Naval Station Sailor of the Year. “I also had an opportunity to sit down with some of the Junior Sailors and told them they are doing an outstanding job and they are making a difference at GTMO,” said Williamson. “I would like to also wish all the Sailors, Soldiers and family members on the island a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates MA3 Singleton on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: Rashaud Singleton ■Age: 24 ■Hometown: Beaufort, South Carolina ■Favorite Movie: Django ■Favorite Book:Last of the Mohicans ■Favorite Hobby: Weight Lifting, Video Games ■Greatest Accomplishment: Support my country for as long as I have. ■Favorite GTMO Restaurant:Cuban Club ■Goal: Vocational skills to complete auto mechanic school ■Greatest Passion: Being an outstanding husband and role model, repairing vehicles ■Hero: MA1 Dierlam, MAC Brown, MAC Bright, MACM Cady ■Sailor of the Week Because: MA3 Singleton was selected because he was instrumental in relocating and reestablis hing the Badging/MVRO/SEEK offices. He did an outstanding job coordinating the office relocations as work center supervisor.
MA3 RASHAUD SINGLETON
VOL. 70 • NO.44
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. JOHN NETTLETON CMDR. COLIN CASWELL CMDCM (SW/EXW/AW) ROSS CRAMER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MCSN JASON BAWGUS
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 1,000.
Chaplain’s
DECEMBER 13, 2013• PAGE 3
Corner
Cmdr. Gabriel Mensah
“Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!”
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
T
he holiday season is upon us once again. In this era of political correctness, how do you greet people at this time of the year – Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? People use different greetings at this time of the year, depending on an individual’s tradition, beliefs and religion. Firstly, some families have holiday traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next. This could be anything like when to put up the tree and how to decorate it, or putting a glass of milk and some cookies under the tree for Santa. Growing up in my native Ghana, for example, my family put up the Christmas tree on Christmas eve; and the tree was gone the evening of Christmas Day. So we can see clearly that traditions for the holiday season vary from family to family or even from culture to culture.
Secondly, an individual’s belief systems normally dictate the decisions made in life. If a person was taught, while growing up that the holiday season is secular, that will invariably shape that person’s perspective about what the holiday season is all about. Each one of us was brought up differently; this does not mean that one’s belief system is better than another’s – just different. Thirdly, I believe that religion plays a big part in the way some people think and feel at this time of the year. If one was brought up in a Christian environment, one will naturally grow up believing that Jesus is the reason for the season. Hence, for such a person, Jesus should not be taken out of the equation. But as we all know there are some religions that do not believe that Jesus ever walked on planet earth. The bottom line is people have every right to practice whatever they want to practice or believe whatever they want to believe, whether that is due to tradition, belief or religion. As a friend of mine remarked to me when we talked last week, “I will always say ‘Merry Christmas’, not ‘Happy Holidays’, and I will always have a ‘Christmas tree’, not a ‘Holiday tree’. It is okay to celebrate as one chooses.
CDR Gabriel Mensah
U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay’s newest Petty Officers pose in front of the hospital after being frocked to their current ranks on Dec. 6. These Petty Officers represent the largest number of advancements at the hospital at one time in recent memory. (l-r) They are HM3 Dillon Winstead, HM3 Harold Abellanosa, HM3 Rashad Beamon, HM3 Daniel Gerrity, HM3 Jana Sullivan, HM2 Traves Niles, YN2 Wilson Lear, HM2 Bernie McHenry, HM2 Daniel Munoz, CS1 Kenneth Price, HM1 Ashley Parker, and HM1 Ramos Gonzalez.
Naval Stations rings in the Holidays
Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay residents kicked off the holidays with a kids Christmas party, annual
Holiday Parade, and a Christmas concert held at W.T. Sampson Elementary. The childrens Christmas party was hosted by the First Class Petty Officers Association and was held at the Youth Center. The party included several games and a visit by Santa to ensure every child was given a gift. The parade, which ran along Sherman Avenue and ended at the Downtown Lyceum, was held to provide the community with a traditional holiday experience. The concert included performances by all elementary grade levels.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
A Sailor’s Dying Wish, They Didn’t Just Talk to Him, board. I hadn’t said it yet because I didn’t want it to dampen They Listened the spirit of the day, but I quietly explained to GMC Eisman By Jennie Haskamp
After signing my Pop, EM2 Bud Cloud (circa Pearl Harbor) up for hospice care, the consolation prize I’d given him (for agreeing it was OK to die) was a trip to “visit the Navy in San Diego.” I emailed my friend and former Marine sergeant, Mrs. Mandy McCammon, who’s currently serving as a Navy Public Affairs Officer, at midnight on 28 May. I asked Mandy if she had enough pull on any of the bases in San Diego to get me access for the day so I could give Bud, who served on USS Dewey (DD-349), a windshield tour. The next day she sent me an email from the current USS Dewey (DDG 105)’s XO, CDR Mikael Rockstad, inviting us down to the ship two days later. We linked up with Mandy outside Naval Base San Diego and carpooled to the pier where we were greeted by CMDCM Joe Grgetich and a squad-sized group of Sailors. Bud started to cry before the doors of the van opened. He’d been oohing and pointing at the cyclic rate as we approached the pier, but when we slowed down and Mandy said, “They’re all here for you, Bud,” he was overwhelmed. After we were all out of the van directly in front of the Dewey, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, Petty Officer Simon introduced himself and said as the ship’s Sailor of the Year he had the honor of pushing Bud’s wheelchair for the day. Unbeknownst to us, they’d decided to host Bud aboard the Dewey, not at the Dewey. And so they carried him aboard. None of us expected him to go aboard the ship. I’d told him we were going down to the base and would have the chance to meet and greet a few of the Sailors from the new Dewey. He was ecstatic. The day before, he asked every few hours if we were “still going down to visit the boys from the Dewey,” and “do they know I was on the Dewey, too?” Once aboard, we were greeted by the CO, CDR Jake Douglas, the XO and a reinforced platoon-sized group of Sailors. To say it was overwhelming is an understatement. These men and women waited in line to introduce themselves to Bud. They shook his hand, asked for photos with him, and swapped stories. It was simply amazing. They didn’t just talk to him, they listened. Bud’s voice was little more than a weak whisper at this point and he’d tell a story and then GMC Eisman or GSCS Whynot would repeat it so all of the Sailors on deck could hear. In the midst of the conversations, Petty Officer Flores broke contact with the group. Bud was telling a story and CMDCM Grgetich was repeating the details when Flores walked back into view holding a huge photo of the original USS Dewey. That moment was priceless. Bud stopped mid-sentence and yelled, “There she is!” They patiently stood there holding the photo while he told them about her armament, described the way it listed after it was hit, and shared other details about the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Bud finally admitted how tired he was after more than an hour on deck. While they were finishing up goodbyes and taking last minute photographs, GMC Eisman asked if it’d be OK to bring Sailors up to visit Bud in a few months after a Chief ’s
the reason we’d asked for the visit was simple: Bud was dying. I told him they were welcome to come up any time they wanted, but I suspected Bud had about a month left to live. Almost without hesitation, he asked if the crew could provide the burial honors when the time came. I assured him that’d be an honor we’d welcome. Leaving the ship was possibly more emotional than boarding. They piped him ashore. CMDCM Grgetich leaned in and quietly told me how significant that honor was and who it’s usually reserved for as we headed towards the gangplank. Hearing “Electrician’s Mate Second Class William Bud Cloud, Pearl Harbor Survivor, departing” announced over the 1MC was surreal. Later that night Bud sat in his recliner, hands full of ship’s coins and declared, “I don’t care what you do with my power tools; you better promise you’ll bury me with these.” He died 13 days later. For 12 of those 13 days he talked about the Dewey, her Sailors and his visit to San Diego. Everyone who came to the house had to hear the story, see the photos, hold the coins, read the plaques. True to his word, GMC Eisman arranged the details for a full honors burial. The ceremony was simple yet magnificent. And a perfect sendoff for an ornery old guy who never, ever stopped being proud to be a Sailor. After the funeral, the Sailors came back to the house for the reception and spent an hour with the family. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s another example of them going above and beyond the call of duty, and it meant more to the family than I can explain. There are more photos, and I’m sure I missed a detail, or a name. What I didn’t miss and will never forget, is how unbelievable the men and women of the USS Dewey were. They opened their ship and their hearts and quite literally made a dream come true for a dying Sailor. They provided the backdrop for “This is the best day of my life, daughter. I never in my whole life dreamed I’d step foot on the Dewey again or shake the hand of a real life Sailor.” Without question, it’s the best example of Semper Fidelis I’ve ever seen.
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.
VEHICLES 2001 Hyundai Tiburon, 2-Dr Coupe, Navy Blue, Auto Trans; Good MPG, Cold AC; Power Windows/ Locks,Sunroof; new tires, new battery, well maintained, in good condition. $2,700 OBO. Call Becks at 8637 Weekdays; 78740 or 58646 evening/weekend 2002 Hyundai Sonata, 4door, Auto, AC, new battery, starter, Alternator, tires. 91k only, good condition. $3300 OBO. Call: 78680 2005 Hyundai Tiburon w/ 70K miles. Asking $3.5K or best offer. Well Maintained with cold AC. Contact Keith @ 55137 1993 Mercedes-Benz (Black), driver window and windshield damaged, $1700.00, as is. Contact Everton Williams 77304, 6220 2000 PLYMOUTH NEON $2,500, 4 door, red, manual transmission,More info please call 77801 after 1600. 2009,Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Mileage: 6,000 (original) Price: $13,900.00 Contact Info: (H) 77116, (C) 55337 2012 Silver Honda CR-Z, 2 door hybrid hatchback with 5,300 miles. Asking $14,500 or best offer. Call 75570.
HOUSEHOLD GOODS Toshiba DVD/CD player, $25,Printer, All in One Lexmark X7350, $25,Two Office chair, very good condition, $15 each,Compaq laptop computer, Win XP, working good. $125,Great DVD collection of more than 120 DVD Movies for sale, all original no copy, include two DVD shelves stand $150. Call: 78680
OUTDOOR REC TUSA, professional diving fins, green color, $25, (Expert Zoom, professional diving fins, black and white color, $30 Call: 78680
YARD SALE
Yard sale Dec 14th at VL 29-C From 8:00AM-1200, NO early birds.
GTMO JOBS
LH13-025 HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT (O/A) GS-0203-06, FULL-TIME, SALARY: $30,577.00 $39,478.00 CNRSE/HRO GTMO OPENS: 12 DEC 2013 CLOSES: 23 DEC 2013 (2)Child/Youth Program Asst. -2013 - 103 •$10.83 - $13.71 p/hr • 12/16/13 – 12/30/13 • MWR HR, Bldg 760 • Markesha Robinson 74121 • Both regular full time and flex positions available. Food Service Worker 2013 - 097 •$8.77 p/hr (US) & $5.16 p/hr (FN) • 12/16/13 – 12/27/13 • MWR HR, Bldg 760 • Markesha Robinson 74121 • Regular Full Time Bartender 2013-088 •$9.48 p/hr (US) & $5.53 p/hr (FN) • 12/16/13 – 12/27/13 • MWR HR, Bldg 760 • Markesha Robinson 74121 • Flexible 4)Custodial Worker 2013 - 098 •$8.77 p/hr (US) & $5.16 p/hr (FN) •12/16/13 – 12/27/13 • MWR HR, Bldg 760 • Markesha Robinson 74121 •Flexible
The
scoop
Grow” class to help secure your financial future. On Dec. 26 they will host a “New to GTMO Orientation” from 0815 to 1115. FFSC also wants to remind parents that youth must be 12 years old to baby-sit here in GTMO and children under 18 may not care for themselves or others overnight. For more information or to register for any of the classes call 4141.
IT’S BACK
Saturday 14th from 0800-1100 the JEA/CSADD will be hosting the Guantanamo Bay House of Pancakes. All proceeds help the Junior Enlisted Association. They will be offering: Grits, 2 slices of toast,2 Bacon Strips or Sausage Links & Two Eggs to Order $5.00 Stack of Two Red Velvet Pancakes Topped with Cream Cheese Icing & Powdered Sugar $3.00 Stack of Three Fluffy Pancakes $3.00 One Belgium Waffle $ 3.00 Hash browns (Add Cheese, Ham or Onions for $.50 Each) $2.00
BADGING OFFICE The Naval Station Badging Office has been relocated to Bldg. 865 which is located next door to the security department. A map showing the location of the office is posted to the roller. For more information contact MACM Cady at 4606. DOG PARK Come out on December 18th to the dog park to get your pet’s picture with Santa Claus. FFSC
Fleet and Family Support Center has three upcoming classes. First on Dec. 12 they are holding a Stress and Anger Management class at 14001600. Then on Dec. 20 from 1030-1130 they will be joining Navy Federal Credit Union to hold a “Watch Your Savings
Local 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Contact #:
84578
Your Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator’s Contact #:
84577
DECEMBER 13, 2013• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM FRIDAY 7 p.m.: The Hobitt 2
Dec. 13
PG 13
9 p.m.: Delivery Man PG 13
SATURDAY Dec. 14 Perry’s A madea Christmas 7 p.m.: Tyler PG 13 9 p.m.: The Best Man Holiday R
SUNDAY 7 p.m.: Free Birds
Dec. 15
PG
About Time R
MONDAY Dec. 16 7 p.m.: Carrie R
TUESDAY 7 p.m.: Escape Plan R WEDNESDAY 7 p.m.: Enders Game
Dec. 17 Dec. 18
PG-13
THURSDAY 7 p.m.: Last Vegas
Dec.19
PG-13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
NAVSTA Pays Tribute To Fallen Hero MC3 Jason Bawgus Photojournalist
Navy Master at Arms K-9 handlers and their military working dog share a very unique bond, a bond that is build upon a high level of trust and companionship. When joined together, they become a working team that stretchs beyond day to day task. This unique bond makes the death of a military working dog difficult to handle. Lapu, a military working dog assigned to MA1 Zach Clause died of natural causes, Nov. 24 and the following Friday, NS Guantanamo Bay paid tribute to Lapu at a memorial ceremony at Cable Beach. “When I got Lapu he was about to be sent back to Lackland Air Force Base because he could not certify. When I met him I immediately noticed his personality, and knew he had potential,” said Clause. “After about four months of trying to figure out what makes Lapu tick, something just clicked
between us and we were able to read each other a lot better. We got certified and we were advancing past the other teams in the kennel. For a moment we were unstoppable.” Lapu’s death was completely unexpected and especially difficult for Clause to deal with. “When I was told of Lapu’s death I was in shock, I didn’t believe it until I saw with my eyes. It still slowly becoming real,” said Clause. “I sometimes go to the back and expect him to be barking at me or singing along during morning colors like he usually did. Now it’s just an empty dog run.” More than 50 people from the GTMO community attended the ceremony, including civilians and Joint Task Force (JTF) personnel. Lapu was born on April 16, 2010. He completed basic training in July 2012 and was then assigned to NS Guantanamo Bay.
DECEMBER 13, 2013• PAGE 7