December 2, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 30• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Always on Call
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Firefighters on scene after the Firefighter’s Ball November 19. PO2 John Philip Wagner, Jr. Photojournalist
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ells ring. Radios scream an emergency call. Men clamor from offices, grabbing turnout gear. This might sound like any other day at a fire station, but this is no ordinary station. This is the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba fire house where all fire fighters are Jamaicans working to protect the NSGB community. The NSGB firefighters association held its annual Fire Fighters ball, “Camaraderie through brotherhood,” at Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Wind Jammer ballroom, Nov 19th. “This is an annual event that allows the fire fighters and the community to come together and build bonds beyond the working emergency relationships and reflect on what we do as firefighters” said Dwight Hamilton, NSGB firefighter. “One of the most rewarding things with the ball is spending time with the people we protect, while they protect their families all over the world. Being able to come together as a firefighting and base community and spend time and get to know the people that we protect.” Most of the firemen have little to no experience as fire fighters before being arriving here. “I had no prior firefighting experience prior to coming here, everything I have learned has been through the training and drill that I have taken part of here in Cuba,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton said that being able to interact with the base community is one of the best things for him being a firefighter here at NSGB. During the event, speeches included NSGB Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper and guest speaker, Navy Chaplain Lt. Michael Wise. “I have always been in awe of firefighters. When everyone else is running away from a fire or an emergency, these brave men and women are running toward the emergency trying to save lives,” said Wise. These men and women are special. “They don’t stand still, these folks are always moving. Whether its training, learning about becoming firefighters, or just being out in the community making sure that the NSBG community knows who these people are,” said Wise. During the ball Fire Chief Paul Pitrat and Captain Glenroy Dixon were honored for their service to the community. Pitrat will retire at the end of December, and Dixon has already retired and is planning to go to the United States after spending some time with family in Jamaica. Wise said they run to the fire no matter what. At the end of the evening firefighters in attendance received an emergency call and left to take care of the community they serve.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Captain David Culpepper congratulates PO2 Eric Wells, left, on his selection as Sailor of the Week, Nov. 22-29, and PO2 Lance Kopman, right, on his selection as Sailor of Week, Nov. 30 - Dec 6.
PO2 ERIC WELLS
■Job/Department: Security ■Age: 29 ■Hometown: Batavia, New York ■Hero: My Dad ■TV Show:The Walking Dead ■Hobby: Football/Baseball ■Greatest Passion: Being a good husband and father ■Quote: “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” ■Goals: Advance to Cheif Petty Officer ■Currently working on: Navy Cool, MS Office Specialist ■NSGB Favorite Restaurant: Jerk House ■Sailor of the Week Because: Petty Officer Deluca
organized, coordinated and executed NSBG’s 2016 National Night out flawlessly! Received awesome support from MWR, Red Cross, Fed Fire, Naval Hospital, PAO, Security, Emergency Management, Safety, MARSECDET, FBI, NCIS, Boy Scouts, JEA, FCPOA and CPOA to ensure that the annual community-building campaign demonstrated and promoted the community partnership and neighborhood camaradarie to make the Guantanamo Bay residents feel safe in our environment simultaneously providng a fun-filled evening where the parents and children could interact with the First Repsonders stations at the event. VOL. 73 • NO. 30
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
PO2 LANCE KOPMAN
■Job/Department: Security ■Age: 27 ■Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey ■Hero: Ronald Reagan ■Greatest Passion: Helping people in their time of need ■Hobby: Snorkling ■Book: Dark Tower ■Goals: Post Military Law Enforcement ■Currently working on: Employment with NYPD ■Sailor of the Week Because: Bystander Intervention at its
finest! Petty Officer Kopman, while at Bulckely Hall preparing to facilitate on of the Command Indoc. courses, saw a message from his friend that he used to be stationed with. He was able to decipher the message written and immediatelytook the information to the NSGB CMC. CMC and PO2 Kopman were able to track this Sailor with enough time to intervene and save this Sailor from disaster. PO2 truly embodies the meaning of the Navy’s Every Sailor, Every Day Campaign; “One small ACT can Save a Life,” just one simple act of kindness or one intervention can make all the difference in the world.
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) THOMAS MACE
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITOR/LAYOUT
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
MS. JULIE ANN RIPLEY PO2 JOHN WAGNER SGT NATASHA PRICE, U. S. ARMY
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.
December 2, 2016• PAGE 3
Guantanamo Bay Resident Celebrates 100yrs Sgt. Natasha Price Photojournalist
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amily members, friends and the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ilse Tinney, the oldest resident on Guantanamo Bay, Nov. 16. Ms. Ilse, as she is known, is originally from Germany and lived independently before coming to NSGB. She moved from Colorado in May to join her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and John Imhof. John is the Officer in Charge of the Office of Military Commissions, South. “I’m part of the community and nothing feels different,” said Tinney. Tinney has witnessed many different things throughout the years such as wars, depressions, technological changes and advancements. She attended medical school in Germany and worked as a nurse. Due to the beginning
of World War II, she was unable to finish medical school, but worked as a nurse’s aide when she came to the U.S. “As a woman you have to fight through to get the things you want,” said Tinney. “They can tell us no, but don’t get in our way.” One of the main things Tinney misses is travelling back to Germany. With her age, long distance travelling becomes a little more difficult. Tinney attributes her longevity to swimming, snorkeling and eating real butter. She only takes one prescription and walks daily for exercise. “Whether I want to or not, I walk every day,” Tinney said with a chuckle. “And I eat real healthy food. Maybe that’s why I’m so sassy.”
Hasta Luego PO2 John Wagner Photojournalist
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arting is such sweet sorrow.” Mr. Harry Sharpe passed away at the age of 87 on November 17 at Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community held a memorial service for the Cuban Special Category Resident who many considered family. Mr. Sharpe was born June 21, 1929 in Bones Oriente, Cuba, and first came to work on NSGB in 1963. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Ms. Hilda Sharpe, and their four adult children; two sons and two daughters still living in Cuba. Mr. Sharpe was a very outgoing caring person. “He was a social person. He was very special to his friends and family,” said Ms. Sharpe. “We had our good times and our
bad. He was very special person.” Mr. Sharpe worked at the Chief Petty Officer’s Club and the Bay View for Morale, Welfare and Recreation department for 45 years. One of his many accolades was being inducted as an Honorary Chief Petty Officer in 1971.Mr. Sharpe always had time to talk to others about his life since he came to the base and always looked his best. “Mr. Sharpe was always a pristine, sharp-dressed person,” said Ms. Sharpe. “He always had expensive clothes, shoes; he always looked really good.” “Every time I walk into this place {Cuban Community Center} I really miss my old man,” said Ms. Sharpe. “I will never say that
Señor Sharpe everyone has to die, but you have to be thankful to God for what he has given us - family and life.” Ms. Sharpe is a strong woman. “I miss my buddy, I must hang in there.” Mr. Sharpe’s family living in the Florida and Michigan have been very supportive since his passing. “Through everything that has happened in the last few weeks Sharpe’s family living in the United States have called to express their condolences on the phone they have given me strength,” said Ms. Sharpe.
not take him back to the other side for anything. He will be fine here,” said Ms. Sharpe. “He didn’t want to go anywhere; he wanted to be buried here.” Our Cuban family on base has been very supportive. “The Cuban Community Center is like family. We always felt like we were being supported, all of them are my friends. I’m thankful for their support.” NSGB’s command chaplain, Cmdr. Keith Shuley, said of Harry Sharpe at his memorial ceremony, “He was one of the first Navy people I met on base, he was my friend.”
Mr. Sharpe was buried on base at Cuzco cemetery. “I am content having him buried here on the base. I would
“Hasta luego, Harry. Mi amigo. I hope to see you again one day, in paradise.”
A Walk on the Wild Side J
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
by Army Capt. Brittany Marble, OIC Guantanamo Bay Veterinary Treatment Facility oe was caught in March 2016 and brought to the Vet clinic to have a microchip and transmitter placed. At the time it was
discovered the he had a previous microchip in place from the
San Diego Zoo study from the late 90’s he did not however have a
transmitter so had not been actively tracked. He was anesthetized and surgery was performed to place the transmitter in order to track him in the future. At the time his weight was 26 pounds. Joe was followed through the mating season in April and appeared to be doing well. He even was tracked with a female snake in the study and they may have mated. On August 13th a concerned citizen called the environmental biologist about a snake they felt might be sick. The snake was brought to the clinic and the microchip number revealed it was Joe. At this point in time he was severely underweight at 20 pounds and had a large mass between the bones of the lower jaw. Radiographs were done and there was concern that the mass may be causing damage to bones of his jaw thus preventing him from successfully grabbing his food long enough for him to wrap around his meal. A full physical exam was done and it did not appear that his tongue, esophagus or trachea (wind pipe) were damaged by the mass. After consulting with reptile veterinary experts at the Toledo Zoo a treatment plan involving surgery was developed. Joe was anesthetized and the mass was removed by going through the scales of his lower jaw and gently removing it from the underlying tissue while clamping off blood supply. The mass unfortunately was supplied by the right jugular vein and was also encompassing a section of the esophagus. Once fully removed the underlying bony structures were inspected and appeared to be intact, the esophagus was explored and after closing the section that was engulfed by the
mass appeared to be normal. The area was closed and Joe was placed on antibiotics and pain medication. The mass was sent off-base to a veterinary pathology specialist in order to determine the origin.
Joe remained at the vet clinic to heal and wait on results. After 7 days
he began receiving food by a feeding tube that was placed into his mouth and down his esophagus into his stomach. This was performed every other day and slowly his weight was starting to increase. This continued until Joe was seen by Dr. Pete Tolson, PhD who is in charge of the Boa research. Dr. Pete travels to NSGB twice a year for breeding and birthing seasons and is the Toledo Zoo expert on the Cuban boas. He was closely consulted in Joe’s case and thought he could start on solid foods. Joe started being feed slices of steaks and on his last weight check was up to 22.5 pounds. The pathology results were returned and revealed that the mass was a large granuloma that formed over a piece of tongue and esophagus. This most likely meant that Joe was injured while eating and tore his esophagus. In order to heal, his body formed a mass over the injured location. Since the mass had a section of his esophagus in the middle he was not able to open his mouth wide enough to feed and therefor was losing weight and slowly starving. Joe was returned to the wild on Oct 2nd, right before Hurricane Mathew since he would be safer outside then in any of the buildings. I do not think people would have appreciated the Vet Clinic brining him to the pet bunker! He has been tracked twice since then, is doing well and is preparing to shed his skin. He was a wonderful patient and we are confident that he will make a full recovery. As always remember to drive slowly around base as we share this wonderful slice of paradise with some of the most amazing creatures. Losing them to car accidents is a tragedy.
MOVIES
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
THE CLASSIFIEDS
To place an ad please send an e-mail to PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL
The
Scoop
NAVSTA Holiday Party
It will be held Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Windjammer Ballroom. It is formal attire and tickets are $10. Contact PO2 Cancinos 2014074206 for more information.
MAILING Navy vs Army Game
Nov. 25 recommended date to mail via USPS ground. Dec. 2 recommended date to mail via USPS Priority. Dec 20. recommended date to mail via USPS First-Class. Dates have been adjusted due to flight schedule. Call 2156 for more info.
NSGB BOY SCOUT TROOP Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Hut. Welcome to all boys 11-18. For more info email gtmotroop435@ gmail.com.
December 2, 2016• PAGE 7
Come out and support your favorite team during the annual Navy vs. Army flag football game Dec. 9 starting at 6:20pm DOWNTOWN at Cooper Field. Female game 7pm and the male game at FRIDAY 8:30pm.
LYCEUM
DEC 2
NO MOVIES
Annual Boat Parade Dec. 10 Parade starts at
sunset. For information contact Pelican Pete’s Marina at 2345. SATURDAY DEC 3 Must have Captain’s License. NO MOVIES
OMBUDSMAN
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAVSTA:
NAVAL HOSPITAL:
Jamie Yeich Carrie McCormick
TC Bacon
Kendra Keesey E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 84792
E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail.com Phone: 55379
Fleet and Family Support Center
SUNDAY 7 p.m.:
DEC 4
Hacksaw Ridge R
MONDAY DEC 5 Bad Santa 2 7 p.m.: R
UPCOMING CLASSES
TUESDAY DEC 6 7 p.m.: The Accountant
Resume Basics Workshop: Dec. 8, 0900-1100 at FFSC. Not sure where to start? Need a brief refresher on resumes? This class provides an overview of civilian and federal resume formats. This workshop will help you construct a resume that gets you noticed! Includes information on writing your objective, accomplishment statements, and knowing the focus of each resume format.
WEDNESDAY DEC 7 7 p.m.: Kevin Hart: Whats Now
Initial SAPPR VA Training: Dec. 5-9, 0730-1600 at FFSC. This is the Initial training to become a SAPR VA. It covers the basic overview of the SAPR program, SAPR protocol, SAPR roles and how to respond and support victims. VA’s will apply for NOVA certifications following class as well as must complete 32 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in a two year time to maintain certification. VA’s are expected to stand the installation 24/7SAPR watch bill.
THURSDAY DEC 8 7 p.m.: Keeping Up with the
TGPS Capstone Event: Dec. 14, 1400-1500 at FFSC. For individuals who have completed the Transition Goals Plans Success (TGPS). Students will work with staff to review the ITP, resume and budget to meet Career Readiness Standards for transition. To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.
R
R
Joneses PG-13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Congratulations to all the NEW NAVSTA Petty Officers Petty Offiers 1st Class: PO1 BIUK PO1 BOOMER PO1 GRACE PO1 MATIAS PO1 MOWATT PO1 QUILESRIVERA PO1 SHERMAN Petty Officers 2nd Class: PO2 ADAM PO2 BARIC PO2 BRICKSIN PO2 BRUNEAU PO2 CHAMBERS PO2 FLISCHEL PO2 FULLER
PO2 OSHER PO2 PRATTI PO2 RIVERA PO2 SLOCUM PO2 WALTERS PO2 ZIEGLER Petty Officers 3rd Class: PO3 BISHOP PO3 CHAPMAN PO3 ELLIS PO3 PIVA PO3 WHISMAN PO3 WOJCIECHOWSKI: Meritorious Advancement