December 19, 2014• VOL. 71 • NO. 48• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
Religious Ministry Team Supports NS Guantanamo Bay Community
From Left to Right: RP3 Adrian Woodin, RP1 Angelo Martinez, Cmdr. Daniel Mode and Lt. Baron Miller Kelly Wirfel / Naval Station Public Affairs Officer
F
rom Air Operations to Weapons, every department on Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay plays an imperative part in enabling the base to perform its mission day in and day out and the Religious Ministries Team (RMT) is no exception. “The RMT exists to support the mission of the Naval Station,” said Deputy Command Chaplain, Lt. Baron Miller. “We provide this support through religious services, counseling, community outreach and moral and ethical advisement.” The NS Guantanamo Bay religious ministry team is manned with two chaplains, two Religious Program Specialists and a Director of Religious Education, all of which play very unique roles. “Chaplains are specifically responsible to provide, care, advise and facilitate. To provide religious services, to facilitate religious worship services for people who are outside the chaplains own specific faith, to be moral and ethical advisors to the command element and to do care giving or what we would call pastoral counseling. Within that is the confidentiality piece. The Secretary of the Navy guarantees that what is said to us stays with us,” said Miller. “The Religious Programs Specialists are responsible for the administrative piece. They ensure that the services go off without a hitch, they man the classrooms, keep the calendar, manage the budget, coordinate thousands of volunteer hours a year and ensure the classrooms and the chapel complex is prepared for whatever they need to be used for. Basically they keep everything running.” The team provides eleven different traditions that hold several worship services a week. Miller also noted that on a weekly basis nearly 10% of the base population cycles through the chapel complex, all on a voluntary basis. The spaces are used for training, to
conduct volunteer opportunities, to conduct a variety of ceremonies and to also accommodate the guest speakers that the RMT has recently begun providing for the NS Guantanamo Bay community. “All of the services we provide at NS Guantanamo Bay are extremely important mainly because our services provide a break within a routine. To look forward to something that nourishes the soul is unique and special to human experience and many people at this base are looking for that break and nourishment,” said Miller. “People want their soul to be fed and that is not going to come from a bar or even from work, it is going to come from a creator.” The RMT follows three main values that they live by each day. “I think is important for people to know that we have three main values for this office; professionalism, customer service and dedication,” said Miller. “We are professionals at what we do, we value customer service and are extremely dedicated to what we do each and every day.” Throughout the entire interview, one main point continued to resonate; the RMT staff is here to support each and every one on the base. “It is so important for people to know that they can just show up and if they need to speak to someone. Myself or Cmdr. Mode will ALWAYS drop what we are doing to take care of people,” said Miller. “We are always people first. All the other tasks come secondary to caring for people.” Whether you are new to the island or a long-time base resident the RMT encourages you to stop by and learn more about their services and/or learn about how they positively impact your time at NS Guantanamo Bay.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates QM2 Worley on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: Senior Dock Master ■Age: 27 ■Hometown: Frederick,MD ■Hero: My Parents and my sister ■Favorite Sports Team: San Francisco 49ers ■Favorite TV Show: The Big Bang Theory ■Goal: To make QM1 in March ■Hobby: Bowling and XBox1 ■Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series ■Favorite Quote: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” Theodore Roosevelt ■Greatest Accomplishment: Making Nationals in Track and Field, 4x800 event (AAU) ■Sailor of the Week Because: QM2 was selected for his outstanding work as Dock Master for Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. He was instrumental in providing short notice support to USCG operational assets including personally arranging required services, line handler and Pilot services.
QM2 KEVIN WORLEY
VOL. 71 • NO.48
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. JOHN NETTLETON CMDR. COLIN CASWELL CMDCM (SW) JEFFERY TIDWELL
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA
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 900.
Holiday Safety
December 19, 2014• PAGE 3
LT Brendan Ringhouse, MC, USN
U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
T
he holiday season is here, and during this time it is easy to let safety fall by the wayside. During the merriment and festivities we often forget to be mindful of things that can cause injuries, illness, or even death. Driving anytime of the year can be risky, and there are even more obstacles during the holidays. Fatigue, distraction, and alcohol can all increase chances of having a car accident. There are steps we can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and everyone else. Do not drive tired. Staying awake for 17 hours straight can be equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05. Do not drive distracted. You can always text and groom yourself once you arrive to your destination safely. As always, do not drink and then get behind the steering wheel. Although there has been a downtrend in reported drunk driving incidents in the last 10 years, there is still someone injured by drunk driving in the United States every 2 minutes, and alcohol-related car accidents are the leading cause of death in people aged 5 to 34 years old. Plan ahead, and have a designated driver before taking that first drink. Locally, please keep the SAFE RIDE number handy (84781 or 84913). The holidays usually mean eating lots delicious food. Nothing should get in the way of enjoying that food, especially a foodborne illness. Here are some simple tips to decrease the chance of your holiday meal becoming an infectious nightmare: thaw meat in the refrigerator;
use separate utensils and cutting boards, or wash them in hot soapy water between dishes; store leftovers properly and quickly; and ensure chilled foods stay chilled, and are stored appropriately Taking these steps can help prevent illness, embarrassment, and will save everyone from missing out on great holiday meals. Home injuries are all too common during the holiday season. Falls, cuts, poisoning, and overexertion are among the top nonfatal injuries identified by the Home Safety Council. Preventing these injuries can be as simple as practicing good operational risk management. Assess each situation for potential risks and hazards, balance your resources, communicate what the risks are and how to mitigate them, and finally do the activity with safeguards in place. If there is an injury or an almost-injury, look back and see what could have been done to minimize that hazard and remember for next time. Many Guantanamo Bay residents will be traveling stateside this holiday to see family, friends and loved ones. Be sure to allow extra time to get to your destinations, and know potential concerns associated with them. Always ensure you have adequate funds for travel in case of potential weather delays or modified flight schedules. Everyone needs to return safely as we start the new year! Have a safe and happy holiday!
Pediatric Visits Are Essential During Early Childhood From U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
T
he old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds especially true in pediatrics. The first few years of life are some of the most exciting and challenging times, both for parents and their growing children. A child’s developmental skills expand at an astonishing rate. Newborns go from being unable to hold their heads up to rolling at four months, then sitting up at around 6 months, crawling soon after that, and walking around one year. During this same time, children are doubling and even tripling their weight. In fact, newborn babies double their birth weight by 4 months and triple it by 12 months. Can you imagine growing that fast as an adult? This period of rapid growth and development can be frustrating for parents. Is my child gaining enough weight? Is he or she gaining too much weight? Parents often compare the development of one child to another. Baby number one may have crawled at six months, but the new baby is still working on sitting up at the same age. For these reasons and more, the pediatric preventative medicine schedule is very busy for the first year. Well children should be seen by a pediatrician a minimum of 10 times during the first two years of
life, not counting their early days in the nursery. These visits should be timed to allow the pediatrician to track growth, development, and well-being. This schedule allows for supervision of normal growth and gives parents the opportunity to discuss their child’s expanding skill set, and find out exactly what “typical” development is. Just as importantly, it also allows for detection of poor growth, developmental concerns, and early signs of illness. The first pediatrician visits occurs at 3-4 days old (usually two days after nursery discharge), then again in two weeks. Following the initial infant schedule, children are seen at regular monthly intervals – at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months of age. Additional visits are added if closer observation to development or weight gain is required. Ensuring that your child remains well is more than just making sure they aren’t sick. Anyone who has any concerns about the health and welfare of their child should schedule an appointment with the hospital Pediatrician, Dr. Andrew Delle Donne, through the Primary Care Clinic. All parents should ensure their babies, teenagers, and all those in between receive all recommended health supervision visits. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Delle Donne, please call the Primary Care Clinic at 72944.
VCNO Visits NS Guantanamo Bay Kelly Wirfel Public Affairs Officer
V
ice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), Adm. Michelle Howard visited Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Dec. 15-16. During the visit, Howard toured the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay (JTF), enlisted barracks, pier facilities, desalination and power plant. She also conducted an allhands call for more than 500 Sailors, Coast Guardsman and Marines stationed at NS Guantanamo Bay. Howard opened the all-hands call with her main priorities as VCNO. “When I first took office I told the CNO that there were two things I want to focus on; one is gender integration and one is cyber awareness,” said Howard. “I believe that if we want to be good leaders we must be more conscious of the group that we are leading and how they do things differently.” During her speech she touched on the importance of increasing the percentage of females in the military from the current percentage of 17% to 25% in order to normalize relationships within the Navy and create better command climates. “Along with the gender integration I want to touch on environment and relationships,” said Howard. “We need to create climates where folks are used to dealing with and understanding each other’s cultures and differences.” She also shared with the audience the results from the most recent sexual assault survey. “We learned that we have had less sexual assault in the last year than we have had in the previous two years, however we still had 5% of women and 2% of men report some type of
sexual assault over the last year,” said Howard. We are still not at 0%, but we are in a far better place than we were two years ago and we are in a much better place than we were 10 years ago. Although we are doing better, the goal is zero. There is no reason someone should have to endure any type of unwanted contact.” After discussing gender integration, environment and relationships she touched on cyber culture. “Cyber has quickly become a domain and we do not have complete understanding of that across the services,” said Howard. “We have operated and excelled in three dimensions of warfighting [sea, air, land] over the past 100 years, after thousands of years focused only on sea and land, and now we must master a fourth dimension: the cyberspace domain. We must learn how to fight in this dimension, we have got to figure out how to defend in this dimension, and we have to figure out how to be offensive in this dimension.” She noted the importance of better educating the Navy team about the operational impact of cyber in order to transform the culture. Following her remarks, Howard took questions from the audience which ranged from big Navy issues to NS Guantanamo Bay specific issues and closed by thanking the audience for their service. “I want to wish each and every one of you Happy Holidays. I know that being away from family on Christmas can be lonely, but I want you to know that I appreciate what you do for the Navy and what you are doing for this base,” Howard said. “Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
Reporting for Duty CDR Daniel Mode
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
am your new Command Chaplain and Catholic I priest. In my nearly month onboard, I have discovered the mosquitoes, snorkeling at Windmill
Beach, and the amazing people who make up NAVSTA and JTF. I am excited to build on the excellent work that Chaplains Mensah and Miller, RP1 Martinez, and RP3 Wooden have done to provide quality religious services, opportunities for fellowship, and counseling. The chapel and our offices are a busy, seven days a week commitment of care and service to the personnel and their dependents in Guantanamo Bay. So who am I? I have always had an ID card. I was born into a Navy family. My father, surface, commissioned my brother, submarines, and my brother commissioned me, chaplain, 27 years ago. I know the Navy as both a dependent and a service member. I understand what it is like to be constantly moving as you grow-up—I went to three different
high schools in two different countries. I have served in Navy Reserves and for the last 10 years on active duty. During my 16 years in the reserves, I also served two parishes in Northern Virginia, one as an associate pastor and the other as a pastor. I was also the vice-principal of a large Catholic high school for five years. During my time on active duty, I have been deployed five times: twice to Afghanistan serving in a Joint Command directly supporting two Army units (173rd and 10th Mountain) and on two different aircraft carriers, the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN and the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. I have had the pleasure to serve in the Coast Guard as a chaplain at the Coast Guard Academy and with Marines at Quantico MCB. The bottom line, I have 42 different uniforms in the closet. It is with prayer and joy that I begin this new chapter in my life as your command chaplain.
Navy Moving Forward With LCS
From the office of the Secretary of the Navy
S
ecretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed the Navy “to move forward with a multi-mission small surface combatant based on modified Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) hull designs.” Consistent with the Fleet’s views on the most valued capabilities delivered by a small surface combatant, the modified LCS ship will be more lethal and survivable. It will provide multi-mission anti-surface warfare (SUW) and anti-submarine warfare capabilities (ASW), as well as continuous and effective air, surface and underwater self-defense. Adding to current LCS Flight 0+ baseline configurations, which include the 57mm gun and SeaRAM missile system, this ship will be equipped with over-the-horizon surface-to-surface missiles, air defense upgrades (sensors and weapons), an advanced electronic warfare system; advanced decoys; a towed array system for submarine detection and torpedo defense, two 25mm guns, an armed helicopter capable of engaging with either Hellfire missiles or MK-54 torpedoes, and an unmanned FireScout helicopter for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. Modularity design features will also be retained to augment SUW and ASW capabilities as directed by the Fleet Commanders. Available mission modules include Longbow Surface to-Surface Missiles (Hellfire), two MK46 30mm guns, and two 11M RHIBs for Surface Warfare, or a variable depth sonar for submarine warfare which, when added to the ship’s organic multi-function
towed array and embarked helicopter, make this an extremely effective anti-submarine warfare platform. In addition to the improved weapon systems capabilities for this ship, which reduce its susceptibility to being hit by a threat weapon, the small surface combatant will also include improved passive measures - measures that will reduce the ship’s signature against mine threats, and measures that will harden certain vital spaces and systems against potential damage caused by weapon impact - to further enhance its overall survivability. From an operational perspective, the sum of these improvements will increase the ship’s capability and availability to participate in SUW Surface Action Groups, ASW Search and Attack Units; escort of High Value Units, and support of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) SUW and ASW operations. With increased lethality and survivability, the modified LCS will provide the flexibility to operate both independently and as a part of an aggregated force. This decision allows the Navy to add organic multi-mission capabilities to the small surface combatant force while leveraging the benefits and affordability of the LCS program. The modified LCS ships will complement the planned 32 LCS ships, resulting in a 52 ship Small Surface Combatant Fleet in keeping with the Navy’s Force Structure Analysis. The 32 LCS ships, with their full modular capability, will allow the Navy to deploy assets to meet the Navy’s mine warfare, SUW, and ASW demands.
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
1997 Ford Escort working ac and radio. 102k mileage for sale FMI call Tia @ 74764 (w) 77494 (h) 1999 Volvo Station Wagon, silver with tinted windows, new tires within the last year and tune up in DEC 14. A/C needs repair. Just passed vehicle inspection and was registered in NOV 14. Vehicle is presently parked in public parking area going in to the Paola Point housing area. $2,500.00. If interested call 74100 and leave a message.” 2005 Honda VLX600 motorcycle midsize v-twin cruiser dark blue in color with windshield for sale in excellent condition with accessories. New battery installed around 6 months ago. Asking $4,250 negotiable. Call x77369 and leave a voice message. 1991 Dodge Dynasty, good condition 3.3L V-6, $1,200 OBO. Call 58868, 2596
MISC
Lost a classic (not air) IPAD on Monday 15 December 2014 in Windward Loop while taking items to my car. IPAD is in a black case and has some white lettering on it. Cash reward. If found please call work-8747 or home-78092. Antique Diamond Ring, $250.00 OBO, Will make a great Christmas present Call Jane at 78205.
The
Scoop
HOLIDAY FLIGHTS Do you plan on leaving the base over the holidays? If so, please be aware there are several changes to the dates the flights will be departing due to the holiday schedule. For more information please check out the base roller. VOLUNTEER Are you passionate about helping others with finances? Would you like to learn about tax preparation and assist junior service members? Well you are in luck! GTMO’s Tax Assistance Center needs volunteers for the 2014 tax year. Requirements are as follows; you must be an E6 or above, your PRD must be later than June 2015, you must
CHRISTMAS CONCERT The base chapel will be holding a Christmas Concert, Dec. 21, 2014 at the main chapel from 19002100. For more information please contact RP1 Martinez at 2323. FFSC Fleet and Family will be holding a Christmas Friends and Family tour on both Dec. 23 and Dec. 24. This tour will include the Northeast Gate, Cuzco Wells and Lighthouse Museum. For more questions or to register for any of these classes call 4141.
1. SONY BRAVIA KDL-40W600B 40 inch TV asking $350 or Best Offer, 2. BOSE SOLO TV Sound System asking $300 or Best Offer, 3. SONY BDP Blue Ray player $50. Call 84413
OUTDOOR REC.
This 25x8’ pontoon boat is a very good platform for either fishing or diving in the bay... It has a rebuilt 4 stroke 130HP Johnson OB motor. It comes with two new marine batteries, 20 gal fuel tank, hydraulic steering system, a large covered deck, three full-length pontoons for stability. Center Console is in- stalled with a fish finder, Marine-Band VHF Radio, Navigational GPS and CD/ Radio Stereo System, all electronics work fine. Boat is located at Pier 33. If interested call 74100 and leave a message.
PG13
SATURDAY 7 p.m.: Annie
Dec 20
PG
9:15 p.m.: Birdman R
SUNDAY Dec 21 6:30 p.m.: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb PG
8:30 p.m.: Exodus: Gods & Kings PG13
MONDAY 7 p.m.: Nightcrawler
Dec 22
TUESDAY 7 p.m.: St. Vincent
Dec 23
R
PG13
WEDNESDAY Dec 24 7 p.m.: A Christmas Story
PG Gazette Due to the holiday’s there 9 p.m.: Hunger Games: Mockinjay Part 1 PG13 will not be another Gazette until January 9, 2015. THURSDAY Dec 25
ELECTRONICS Starband dish system for sale $450 call mark @ 75849 or email skilbert_1981@yahoo.com great for skype in your home
December 19, 2014• PAGE 7
be able to complete online self-paced IRS certification training by Feb. 2015 and you must be able to commit 30 or more hours DOWNTOWN LYCEUM of volunteer work over the FRIDAY Dec 19 course of six months. Call 7 p.m.: The Hobbit: Battle of Five 4692 for more informaArmies PG13 tion. 9:30 p.m.: Beyond the Lights
Chapel Christmas Concert Date: 21 December 2014 Time: 1900-2100 Location: Main Chapel FMI: Contact RP1 Martinez @ 2258
7 p.m.
The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies PG13
9:30 p.m.: Four Christmases PG13
International Migrants Day
MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
nternational Organization for Migration (IOM) I recognized “International Migrants Day” Dec. 18 at the lighthouse on Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay.
According to Lori Seymour, Head of Office for IOM Guantanamo Bay the theme for this year’s event was Saving Migrants’ Lives. “The Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay has a 34-year history of saving migrant’s lives and still continues to this day,” said Seymour. “I am sure many people have heard the stories of the challenges that occur during mass migrations and we hope that today we can still focus on the thousands of migrant lives and the successes of these humanitarian missions.” IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, be they refugees, displaced persons or other uprooted people. The IOM Constitution gives explicit recognition to the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement of persons. NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton spoke highly of IOM’s work on base and the importance of the mission they provide. “When you think about the migrants that have been through this base, it is clear it has been integral to migrant operations in the Caribbean since its entire existence,” said Nettleton. “We should be proud as a country because we contribute more than anyone in the world at offering and maintaining a beacon of light to those that need help.”
December 19, 2014• PAGE 7