December 30, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 32• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Looking to a New Year
Capt. David Culpepper answers questions during an All-Hands Call with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson at the Downtown Lyceum, Tues Dec. 13. Photo by MC2 John Philip Wagner, Jr Capt. David Culpepper Cpmmanding Officer, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay
Happy New Year!
Thank you for all of the hard work, dedication and care you put into your jobs every day. Your daily efforts to improve Naval Station Guantanamo Bay move us progressively forward in making this a more capable operational installation, a stronger community and extended Navy and Marine Corps family. Our approximately 6,000 servicemembers, civilians, families, contractors, and foreign nationals contributed to a very successful – and incredibly busy – 2016. You ensure we accomplish our mission: Naval Presence, Logistic Support, Tenant Support and constant preparedness for contingency operations. Here are some highlights of your accomplishments through the prism of the CNO’s mission pillars - Sustain the Fleet, Enable the Fighter, Support the Family The Public Works Department installed a new reverse osmosis water treatment plant, broke ground for a new school and has continued basewide housing construction. Wharf B renovations have been funded. NSGB is working through a roughly $200 million energy savings performance contract. Interior and Exterior Lighting Upgrades, Renewable Energy, HVAC Upgrades and High Efficiency Transformers are just of few of the energy improvements and infrastructure upgrades taking place. These Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) will enhance our ability to plan and budget energy, operation and maintenance accounts, and improve quality of life
while supporting mission readiness. They will also minimize vulnerability to budget impacts from volatile energy prices, weather and equipment failure. We have provided continual Coast Guard support to both visiting vessels and the permanent Aviation Detachment. Training happens here every day, like the specialized Rescue Technician Training conducted by the NSGB Fire Department. Gunfire is a regular refrain heard on our our ranges as members of all services keep the tip of their spears sharp and polished. Always professional, you have made lasting positive impressions as we hosted visits by the Chief of Naval Operations; Commander, Navy Region Southeast; dual hatted Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet; Chief of Chaplains; DON SAPR; Congressional Delegations; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard; USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26); USS Jackson (LCS 6); USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000); Kentucky League of Cities, Boys State, and American Legion; and the U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. Your volunteer work with the Red Cross, the Library, the Nursery, the Vet Clinic, WT Sampson, Child & Youth Programs, Fleet & Family Support Center, MWR, and religious services have a contagious effect, and shape our community to be what we all want it to be. I expect the year ahead to offer great opportunity along with unforeseen challenges – both for the installation and the fine men and women stationed here. Remain vigilant and on target. Take care of each other, remain steadfast in your effort to be the best at what you do… and don’t forget to have fun! God bless you all in the coming year
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Captain David Culpepper congratulates Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr for the week of Dec 27- Jan 3.
MC2 JOHN WAGNER, JR
■Job/Department: Public Affairs Office ■Age: 40 ■Hometown: Festus, Missouri ■Hero: Parents ■TV Show: Bar Rescue ■Hobby: Photography, and Scuba Diving ■Greatest Passion: Photography ■Quote: “Damn the torpedo’s full speed ahead.” ■Goals: Next Two highest pay grades, and working as a photographer for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park ■Currently working on: Dive Master Qualification ■Sailor of the Week Because: MC2 was instrumental in the documentation of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay visits by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson and Commander, Naval Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mary M. Jackson, Dec 12th and 13th; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet Rear Adm Sean S. Buck, 14 Dec. MC2’s photographic knowledge and skill allowed him to capture these visits in a comprehensive and adept manner while accompanying these distuinguished visitors’ during interaction with the NSGB community as base personnel told their story. Additionally, and despite being away from the office during normal working hours, he wrote articles for and published the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Gazette, managed all Base Roller updates, completed all normally daily tasking including watchstander duties and processed the more than 400 photos taken during the three visits, working in excess of 34 hours of off-duty time to ensure all tasking was complete. VOL. 73 • NO. 32
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
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 PHILIP WAGNER, JR. PO2 JOHN PHILIP WAGNER, JR.
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 30, 2016• PAGE 3
Navy Reinstates Rating Titles by Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano discuss the recent rating modernization update during an all-hands call in the Pentagon . (U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 Huey Younger, Jr.)
W
ASHINGTON (NNS) -- On Dec. 21, the Navy announced
of Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke. “However, modernizing our
that effective immediately, Sailors may continue to be
industrial-age personnel system in order to provide Sailors choice
addressed by their Rating Titles. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson, with the
and flexibility still remains a priority for us. Our personnel system has not fundamentally changed since the 1970s, and just like our
support of Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus and Master
ships, aircraft and weapons systems, it needs updates to keep pace
Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steve Giordano, made the
with a rapidly changing world. We must not shy away from adapting
announcement in NAVADMIN 283/16.
to meet the needs of a 21st century Navy -- including the way we
“Our Navy needs to be a fast-learning organization - that includes Navy leadership,” Richardson wrote in the NAVADMIN. “The Design
manage our people.” “As we move forward into the execution stages of the rating
for Maintaining Maritime Superiority states that our most junior
modernization, more and more Sailors will have multiple
teammate may have the best idea and that we must be open to capturing
occupational skill sets or ratings,” Burke continued. “Before we get
that idea. We have learned from you, and so effective immediately, all
there, we will need to tackle the issue of managing rating names.
rating names are restored.”
We will involve Sailors throughout the Fleet and leverage the Rating
“The SECNAV, MCPON and I, along with other Navy leadership, have had the opportunity to speak with thousands of Sailors during
Modernization working group to figure out how to best do that.” Sailor 2025 is a set of initiatives collectively aimed at modernizing
our travels throughout the fleet. The feedback from current and former
the personnel system, improving the training process and improving
Sailors has been consistent that there is wide support for the flexibility
career readiness of the Navy’s Sailors. The program has been a major
that the plan offers, but the removal of rating titles was unnecessary and
focus of effort for SECNAV and CNO as they seek to better prepare
detracted from accomplishing our major goals.”
the workforce for the current and future operating environment.
The rating modernization working group will continue its work on the substantive portion of the rating modernization effort. “As we looked at rating modernization effort over the past few months, we saw that we could still achieve the positive results we want without changing rating titles right now,” said the Navy’s Chief
Sailors have a direct line to provide input to the Rating Modernization working group to make sure their ideas are heard. Send them to NavyRatingMod.fct@navy.mil. For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy. mil/local/cno/.
Merry Ho
oopmas!!!
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Keep What You’ve Earned
By Chief Hospital Corpsman Keystie Garnvey
O
ne person is killed every 48 minutes in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in the United States.
The majority of drinking and driving deaths are due to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 percent or greater.
lthough drunken driving fatalities occur year round, A data shows that the holiday season is a particularly dangerous time on the roadways.
• At 0.15 percent BAC, people experience substantial impairment in vehicle control and have extreme difficulty in processing necessary visual and auditory information.
Drinking and driving do not go together. A person’s brain has to process multiple things at any given time.
If a person is stopped by base security while driving a personal vehicle here in Guantanamo Bay and the BAC registers 0.08 percent or greater, they will be charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Alcohol impairs attentiveness, ability to make quick decisions on the road, react to changes in the environment, and execute specific maneuvers behind the wheel. Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the most commonly used definition of intoxication. So how does alcohol affect people who drive? • At a 0.02 percent BAC, people experience loss of judgment and a decline in visual function • At 0.05 percent BAC, a person’s alertness is lowered and they have reduced coordination • At 0.08 percent BAC, muscle coordination becomes poor and perception is impaired • At 0.10 percent BAC, people demonstrate a clear deterioration of reaction time and control, and a person behind the wheel has reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately.
1. Personal Protective Equipment: helmet, gloves, long sleeve shirt, closed toed shoes, eye protection and long pants. 2. Reflective jackets and vest HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Requirements: 3. Motorcycle license. 4. Must be registered. 5. Proof of Insurance.
There is zero tolerance for drinking and operating a government vehicle. Keep in mind the Navy’s “Keep What You’ve Earned Campaign.” With the slogan, ‘You’ve earned it; don’t waste it’, the campaign promotes responsible decisions. One of these is the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD). CSADD is a peer-to-peer mentorship program geared toward Sailors 18-25 years old. The focus is to reinforce the culture of “shipmates helping shipmates,” to help prevent Sailors from destructive behavior and to build leadership skills in our future leaders. Responsible drinking includes the right place, right time and right amount. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! THINK BEFORE YOU DRIVE!
Moped Safety Tips
MOVIES
THE CLASSIFIEDS
To place an ad please send an e-mail to PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL
The
Scoop
USPS Rate Increase. Effective 22 Jan. 2017 Price of a 1st Class Mail Forever Stamps will increase from $.47 to $.49. Current $.47
Forever Stamps will still be valid after 22 Jan. for more information contact Mr. Will Smith or Mr. Rich Vargas at 2156 for more info.
registrations honored.
will
be
Vo l u n t e e r s Needed. We are DOWNTOWN LYCEUM looking for volunteers at Swim Across the Bay the Liberty Center. For FRIDAY DEC 30 Jan 7. This is a more info call 2262 Passengers 7p.m.: rescheduled event from PG-13 November. Check in at Need a Passport 5:30am at Glass Beach Jan 10. U.S Consular 9:30pm: Assassin’s Creed PG-13 Swim starts at 7:30am Office Visit, Bldg 760 Legal at Leeward Beach Point. Assistance for Regular For more info call Denich (tourist) passports and SATURDAY DEC 31 Manchester by the Sea Fitness Center for detailsat other assistance For more 7p.m. R 2740. All November info call Legall at 4692. 9:30p.m.
OMBUDSMAN
NAVSTA:
December 30, 2016• PAGE 7
SUNDAY
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAVAL HOSPITAL:
Carrie McCormick Kendra Keesey
TC Bacon
E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 84792
E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail.com Phone: 55379
Fleet and Family Support Center
UPCOMING CLASSES Interviewing 360: Jan. 5, 0900-1100 at FFSC. This is a class covering all aspects of the interviewing process. You will learn how to prepare, dress, give strategic answers, ask the right questions and close with confidence. Sponsorship Training: Jan. 17, 0900-1000 at FFSC. Do you want to help other service members as they prepare to transfer to NSGB? Well, this class will help you learn your responsibilities as a sponsor to be better able to help those Sailors, Marines and Civilians as they transition to NSGB. TGPS Capstone Event: Jan 18, 0900-1000 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. Million Dollar Service Member: Jan 18-19 0800-1630 at FFSC. Do you want to be financially sound? Do you want to stengthen your career? Do you want to build wealth? This two day course will help you be able to do that. DODTAP Transition Assistance Program: Jan 30 -Feb 3, 0730-1630 at FFSC. Transition GPS is mandatory and open to all military personnel. Prior to registration, please complete DD Form 2648 or 2648-1 with the career counselor. Are you Separating within a year, retiring within two years, or a Reservist? This class will help you prepare. To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Allied R Moana PG Sing PG
Jan 1
MONDAY Jan 2 Almost Christmas 7 p.m.: PG-13
TUESDAY Jan 3 7 p.m.: The Edge of Seventeen R
WEDNESDAY 7 p.m.: Arrival
Jan 4
PG-13
THURSDAY Jan 5 Fantastic Beasts and 7 p.m.: Where to Find Them PG-13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
1. All Sailors and passengers will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times on Department of the Navy Installations. 2. PPE: helmet, gloves, long sleeve shirt, closed toed shoes, eye protection and long pants. 3. Reflective jackets and vest HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Requirements: 4. Basic Motorcycle Safety Course (Level 1 and 2). 5. Motorcycle license. 6. Must be registered. 7. Proof of Insurance.
Wharf Bravo Maintenance
Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) moored at Wharf Bravo during a port visit to NSGB. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kegan E. Kay) By Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast PAO
N
aval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a more than $24 million contract Nov. 22 to RQ Construction, LLC of Carlsbad, California, for Wharf Bravo recapitalization aboard Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. “The current Wharf Bravo conditions limit the overall ship berthing capability here,” said NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer Capt. David Culpepper. “This project will dramatically improve the capacity of this strategically located U.S. base to support Navy, Coast Guard, and logistic support vessels well into the future, and better position the installation to respond to SOUTHCOM contingency requirements.” The NS Guantanamo Bay port provides husbanding services to visiting operating forces of the U.S. Navy, other services, and forces of NATO. The port also supports counterdrug and counter-migrant operations in the Caribbean. Wharf Bravo specifically supports and provides berthing for large visiting vessels and off-loading operations for barges that deliver supplies to NS Guantanamo Bay.
“The original sheet pile shows widespread corrosion,” said NS Guantanamo Bay Public Works Officer Cmdr. Jeffrey Richer. “Additionally, the concrete cap has numerous areas of spalling and several of the mooring foundations exhibit significant deterioration. If repairs are not performed, deterioration will continue to worsen at an accelerated rate and could eventually lead to compromised mooring capabilities at the facility.” The award calls for repair and maintenance measures designed to promote long-term life and serviceability of Wharf Bravo, including repair of steel sheet pile, repair sections of spalled concrete (concrete that has broken up, flaked, or become pitted), replacement of steel fender framing, replacement of missing chains on the pneumatic camels and cleaning and recoating and/or replacing deteriorated mooring fittings. The project includes installation of new steel sheet pile wall in order to create a single linear facility. The project also includes soil stabilization to meet current site seismic requirements and will occur in the area behind the existing sheet pile wall. The project is expected to be completed by September 2018.
ATTENTION ALL HANDS **As per order of the Commanding Officer, all operation of Unmanned Aircraft (UA) onboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is PROHIBITED until further Notice** More information to follow in written order and local instruction.