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Retirement Ceremonies: A Time for Tradition By MC1 John Philip Wagner, Jr., NAVSTA PAO
Retirement ceremonies are a time-honored tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation. Though it is hard to capture one’s military service in the span of about an hour, the speakers often talk about customs and traditions of the Navy and why it’s important to keep those alive. They also provide a time to thank the family for the many sacrifices they have made during the member’s time in the military and allow time for final awards and presentations to be presented. “A fine sword, a brace of pistols, a rifle or musket, or maybe a sea chest of fine wood and bound in brass was presented to remind the retiree of crews and ships he had served on,” said Richard Vargas, a retired Chief Postal Clerk who acted as Master of Ceremonies for the retirement ceremony of Lt. John Medwid. According to Vargas, a retirement ceremony is a way for the retiree to close one chapter of his/her life and prepare to start a new one. “For me, as a retired service member, my ceremony meant a lot,” said Vargas. “You start your career with no fanfare, but you end your career with a little bit. It’s a way to remember your friends, the people you served with and thank your family for the sacrifices that were made during your career.” One element of the retirement ceremony is the passing of the flag, showcasing all the wars that United States service members have played a role in places like VOL. 74 • NO. 46
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Appomattox, Shiloh, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. It’s a way to highlight where the retiree started their career and where they ended, as a Sailor from each rank up to the retiree’s current rank passes the flag while the speaker talks about what each part of the flag means and represents to our service and our country. “Every time I see this and hear the reading of ‘Old Glory,’ I can’t help but get a little choked up,” said Vargas. “You fight for the flag; it is a very moving time during the ceremony. It also shows how important everyone in the Navy is and it’s a great way to keep customs and traditions alive for junior Sailors.” A lot of our Navy traditions come from the British, but there was a desire to build new, uniquely American traditions as well. “The U.S. Navy began providing honors for all crew men,” said Vargas. “In the mid 1800’s, enlisted men began holding retirements for fellow enlisted for the first time.” After more than twenty years of service, a retirement ceremony is a way to keep that tradition alive as a way to honor one’s service. “I always encourage people to do a retirement ceremony,” said Vargas. “They are a great way to thank everybody for being part of the team and helping you get to where you are. The military is not an individual effort it is a team effort.”
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 2nd LT MEMORY STRICKLAND MC2 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.
NSGB Conducts Security Drills
July 28, 2017• PAGE 3
By MC1 John Philip Wagner, Jr., NAVSTA PAO
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) conducted Operation Valiant Sentinel, a series of force protection drills meant to test the ability of the Naval Security Forces and Emergency Operations Center to respond to an emergency, July 17-19. Valiant Sentinel encompasses all of NSGB, to include its tenants. An exercise such as this requires everyone’s participation. “The ability to work and communicate together is key to not only success for a drill or exercise, but for any situation that may arise on the installation,” said Chief Master-at-Arms John Day. During the drills, first responders had to react to a wide variety of scenarios both on land and water, such as an active shooter and a suspicious package in the water on the bay, all while maintaining Force Protection conditions Bravo, Charlie and Delta. “Security did outstanding; they were motivated and ready to go,” said Day. “This year we changed locations of where we normally run drills and added new drills. The Sailors in Security were adaptive and worked together to overcome obstacles. Having Sailors from the Patrol section, Harbor Patrol, MWD and Staff work together to ensure mission success is what we train for.”
Another purpose of these drills is to evaluate the training of the department. Observing the drills allows the training staff to examine certain areas or tasks that may need more in-depth training. “Drills are important to ensure we “train the way we fight,” said Joe McCollough, Emergency Manager. “Emergencies are few and far between, so we have to use drills to ensure proficiency. Quite simply put, the more you practice, the better the muscle memory gets and the more quickly people can react if a security situation occurs.” The EOC is sort of the central hub for command and control during emergencies, providing resources as well as points of contact to coordinate response, relief and recovery efforts. “Every incident is unique and we learned that no matter how prepared an EOC is for an emergency, there is always at least one function that can be improved on,” said McCollough. “Our biggest challenge is always rumor control and ensuring that timely, accurate information is provided to all hands.” According to McCollough and Day, the drills were very successful, in large part due to the highly trained, mission-focused teams they lead.
Fire Training Taken to New Level By MC1 John Philip Wagner, Jr., NAVSTA PAO
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s (NSGB) fire department has its mobile aircraft fire training device (MAFTD) aircraft fire simulator in operation, giving the firefighters on base a more realistic training scenario for aircraft firefighting. A MAFD is a mobile device that allows the fire department to move it and set it up anywhere they would like to do training. The MAFTD is a live fire aircraft simulator run by liquid propane that allow the firefighters to train for different types of scenarios such as an interior, engine, wing or ground fires that would be encountered when responding to an actual aircraft mishap at the airfield. Having the simulator allows the NSGB fire department to fulfill its training requirements that are needed for direct hire personnel. “Having this (MAFTD) online will help us get our newer firefighters their Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) certification, number one,” said David Herman, NSGB Fire Department, Assistant Chief of Training, “but also giving them actual hands-on experience and knowledge of fighting an aircraft fire.” For approximately the past 18 months, the fire
department has been simulating aircraft fires by using structural training scenarios (Class A type fires). “We always enjoy doing training, it gets us ready for any real world situation,” said Claudine Miller, NSGB firefighter. The benefits of having the simulator on base are recognized not only by the Fire Department’s leadership, but also by the firefighters as well. Ricardo Bryan, an NSGB firefighter, has only been with the department here for a year, noting that training in the MAFTD is different from the structural firefighting scenarios he is used to. “It’s my first time doing training with the simulator and propane fires are harder to put out,” said Bryan. “I feel like it was really good training. Aircraft firefighting is a learning process for me and I think I need more experience in it.” Having the MAFTD online allows the fire department to work toward its goal of accreditation. “By having this simulator back up and running, it definitely enhances our training program quite significantly by allowing us to maintain proficiency as well as provide the training for the new folks,” said Herman.
PCS Season: Here is What a Letter of Intent Means for Your Move By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Monique K. Meeks
Being stationed overseas in a remote location such as Naval Station Guantanamo Bay comes with its moving challenges. There’s the waiting for household goods and vehicles to arrive when you get here, which sometimes takes as long as 6-8 weeks, and then the pack out weeks or months before your departure once you’ve received orders elsewhere. One of the best things you can do to make it a smooth transition is familiarizing yourself with the process. In June 2017, Naval Personnel Command began issuing Letters of Intent (LOIs) to select authorized service members for the purpose of planning their household goods (HHG) move and submitting their Defense Personal Property System (DPS) application. Upon receipt of an LOI, service members will be directed via email to: (1) Complete their DPS application(s) (2) Use the keyword “NAVYLOI” for the order number (3) Use the current date for orders date (4) Upload LOI into DPS as orders (5) Upload signed DD Form 1299 (6) Upload signed DD Form 1797 (7) Submit application The application status will then be “In Counseling, Submitted.” PPPOs will not process applications with “NAVYLOI” as the order number, until orders are
received with a valid LOA and that authorizes a personal property shipment. Letters of Intent are issued without line of accounting (LOA) data and are not an authorization to obligate Permanent Change of Station (PCS) funding. What this means for service members is that while you can start the application (and are encouraged to so that the personal property office is aware of your upcoming moving needs), the application will not be processed and packing/pick up dates will not be assigned until orders are received that authorize a personal property shipment. A Letter of Intent does serve a purpose though in the process, as it allows service members to receive counseling at the housing office, begin the application for the movement of HHG, coordinate with child care facilities at the ultimate duty station, and to conduct house hunting leave. It is note that any service members conducting personal property moves (PPM) or do-it-yourself (DITY) moves prior to the receipt of PCS orders will not be reimbursed. The purchase of airline tickets, payment for rental cars, or other services in conjunction with PCS transfer prior to the receipt of PCS orders will not be reimbursed either. For more information regarding LOIs and HHG moves, please visit the website at: https://www.navsup.navy.mil/ household which provides detailed information regarding various moving situations.
WIC Services Available to Guantanamo Bay Residents The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Overseas Program at Guantanamo Bay is available to active duty service members and their dependents; Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees and their family members; and DoD contractors and their families. WIC offers many benefits that include: * Nutrition and health screenings * Increased access to nutrient dense foods * Unique ideas on how to cook balanced meals * Decreased rates of obesity * Referrals to community resources Breastfeeding support Those eligible for the WIC Overseas Program consist of pregnant women, postpartum women that choose to bottle feed up to 6 months after delivering, breastfeeding women until infant turns 1, and children from birth until they reach the age of 5. For more information or to see if you qualify for the WIC Overseas Program, please call 2186. Office hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 0930-1500 for both walk-ins and appointments.
As Temperatures Soar, Energy Conservation is Critical at NSGB By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Monique Meeks
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is a unique base where conserving energy is spurred by necessity. Ever since 1964, when the naval station was cut off from Cuba’s electrical grid and water system, the base has had to quench its own substantial thirst for power and water. While the naval station has made large strides in meeting its needs through alternative methods such as the solar farm and the four wind turbines that stand out above the landscape along John Paul Jones (JPJ) Hill, the greatest strides can be made by all residents making a daily effort to reduce their energy consumption footprint. Some of the best steps each person can take to conserve energy include: * Set temperature controls to maintain a minimum of 74 degrees Fahrenheit. When air conditioners are in use, all windows and doors are to be kept closed. * Keep air conditioner filters clean. New filters can be obtained from self-help. * Turn off lights, computers, monitors, and non-computing equipment when not in use, except as directed by Information Systems Department. * Use natural lighting when possible. * When working late, use task lighting. * Always use the second side of the paper when printing. * Assure all light bulbs are not larger than recommended wattage and use energy-efficient bulbs when possible. * Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. * Secure water valves when finished. Do not let water run if not actually in use. * Only water lawns and landscaping during base watering hours and use self-closing nozzles on all water hoses.
MWR’S GREAT ESCAPES ARE HAPPENING NOW! TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE, PICK UP THE GTMO LIFE OR VISIT THE REC DECK AT THE MARINA.
Missoula Children’s Theater Helps NSGB Children Get Lost in Space By MC1 John Philip Wagner, Jr. NAVSTA PAO
Children at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay participated in the Missoula Children’s Theater production of Gulliver’s Travels at the Windjammer ballroom, July 20, sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). Missoula Children’s Theater travels to different military installations a week at a time to put on a theatrical presentation with auditions on one day and the performance just five days later. “We go to all 50 states and 17 different countries,” said Grace McGeoch, actor/director, Missoula Children’s Theater. “Since January, I have done this same play 21 times.” The mission of Missoula Children’s Theater is to develop life skills in children through the participation of child in the performing arts. “We aren’t out here trying to find the next Brad Pitt,” said McGeoch. “We are here to help develop those skills that they get by participating in events like this, such as teamwork and confidence. Being able to build something from nothing in just a week is incredible not only for us, but also for the kids.”
“This was the first time I got to participate in a play,” said Mark Palamino, one of the actors that played Gulliver. “I think the best part was when I got to act like a smaller person when I was in the giant territory.” The experience builds not only life skills, but also friendships for many of the participants. “I love the relationships it builds among the kids that generally last after we are gone,” said Clinton Dickinson, tour actor director, Missoula Children’s Theater. “The experience gives kids a chance to meet kids that are around them and help them make lasting friendships.” One participant compared his previous theatrical experience at a co-op to the Missoula Children’s Theater experience. “With the co-op we had about three months, so the difference between the two experiences was that with just a week to learn everything, I had to practice a lot harder to do my best,” said Zander Snedeker, participant. “I had a great time and it was a great play.”