JANUARY 10, 2014 • VOL. 71 • NO. 1• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
Harbor Patrol Sailors Protecting Lives
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton presents the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Ryan Oakley and Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Lucas Michael for rescuing a swimmer in distress on Dec. 21. MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editior
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ailors assigned to Naval Security Forces Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Harbor Patrol Unit (HPU) rescued a swimmer in distress, Dec.
21. Due to their actions Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Ryan Oakley and Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Lucas Michael were presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during an awards ceremony Jan. 9. During the ceremony Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer Capt. J.R. Nettleton talked about how their actions helped save the life of a fellow service member. “Their quick response time and their professional knowledge helped them maneuver their boat close to the swimmer who was caught in dangerous winds and surf conditions,” said Nettleton. “This quick response enabled them to recover the victim and assess them for injuries while being transported to medical.” According to Michael it’s just part of the job and was happy that he could help out someone in their time of need. “I am just glad that we were able to help out and do our part to keep the GTMO community safe,” said Michael. “When we received the call to go help out it was just a natural reaction to get there as quick as possible and do our job.” Chief Master-At-Arms Eddie Perez believes that the motto “Always
Ready” is a key part in how they reacted. “Always Ready! There is no doubt about it Security’s role is to always be vigilant and ready for any call; whether it is a force protection situation or a resident requiring assistance,” said Perez. “A Master at Arms job is sometimes long, but two things are paramount; protect the installation and provide residents with the utmost of professional customer service.” Oakley believed that the training they received helped out in this situation. “When we got there we knew that the waters were rough and this was going to be difficult to get close to the swimmer,” said Oakley. “When we pulled her out of the water she was in shock and having problems breathing, so we got there in good time.” Both Sailors were honored to be recognized for their actions, and said that they were prepared to continue to support the community in any way they could. “Train as we fight and fight as we train is a foundation we live by. This boat crew reacted to an urgent call under unfavorable weather conditions and due to their extensive training and experience, they were able to safely and promptly respond and ultimately prevent what could have turned into a tragic situation,” said Perez. “I have no doubt that they will continue to be part of our wonderful team.”
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NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates MA2 Vazquez-Flores on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: Security/D.A.R.E. Officer ■Age: 31 ■Hometown: Humacao, Puerto Rico ■Favorite Movie: Men of Honor ■Favorite Book: Bible ■Favorite Hobby: Read and play piano ■Favorite Sports Team: FC Barcelona ■Favorite GTMO Restaurant: Cuban Club ■Goal: Becoming a Naval Officer ■Greatest Passion: Helping others ■Hero: My parents ■Sailor of the Week Because: He was selected for going above and beyond his expected duties. While serving as the fundraiser coordinator he ensured the security department enjoyed a flawless holiday party. As the D.A.R.E. Officer he volunteered over 100 hours augmenting Patrol Division during the holiday period.
MA2 ELDIS VAZQUEZ-FLORES
VOL. 71 • NO.1
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
JANUARY 10, 2014• PAGE 3
Corner
The Quality of Mercy Cmdr. Gabriel Mensah
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
The late Michael Landon told a story of how the concept of his popular television series “Highway to Heaven” was hatched. The story appeared in the December 1986 issue of the “Guideposts Magazine”. He was driving home one Friday afternoon on a Los Angeles freeway. It was an incredibly hot afternoon and the traffic was horrendous. Naturally, motorists became irritated, blaring their horns and hurling insults at one another from open car windows. As he sat in traffic, Landon wondered why there was so much anger virtually everywhere. Why there was so much energy wasted on rage. Whatever happened to civility? He had flashbacks about his own childhood where there was so much anger between his Catholic mother and Jewish father. All of a sudden a thought came to his mind. Why couldn’t there be a television series dedicated to the idea that kindness, not rage or anger is the real answer to life’s problems? And that was when he conceived the idea of the television show “Highway to Heaven.”
For the past several years, unless you have been living on another planet, there is a real sense of rage, distrust and fear amongst the populace. Why do we call people names if they do not agree with our point of view or our political persuasion? This feeling, I believe, has been exacerbated by the talking heads on television. Why can’t we agree to disagree? It appears all civility has been tossed out of the window. William Shakespeare talks about the “quality of mercy (kindness)” in his play “The Merchant of Venice”. Basically Shakespeare contends that kindness blesses the person to whom we are kind, but it also blesses us. The incredible thing about kindness is that it is not the resource of just a single person. Kindness is at the disposal of every person, no matter who we are. The problems we face as a nation are enormous; but what makes American great is its resiliency and ingenuity. I do not believe, however, that we can tackle the problems we face as a nation by being at each other’s throat. Let me pose a question on which we can all ponder: what would happen if we harnessed all the energy we now expend on rage/anger and expended it on kindness? CDR Gabriel Mensah
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton presents a Certificate of Retirement to Selvin Garey during a ceremony at the Navy Exchange, Dec. 30. Garey was being recognized for his 46 years of dedicated service to the Navy Exchange and the GTMO community.
Antilles Adventure Provided from NAVSTA Religious Ministries Team
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ud, mess and merry mayhem kicked off the Club Beyond Antilles Adventure 2013 last week as local teens were treated to a chapel sponsored youth camp. The camp began with Muck Wars, a reenactment of the battle between the Brits and the Scots from the movie Braveheart, using water balloons, flour bombs, mud, syrup and more. After the epic battle, the GTMO Fire Department showered the untidy teens with water sprayed from the top of a ladder truck and provided some fire safety tips for the bonfire. The camp was part of a flagship chapel funding initiative intended to improve quality of life, build resiliency, and support spiritual development of military members, families, and personnel on Navy bases around the world. A team of seven experienced camp leaders with Military Community Youth Ministries Club Beyond traveled from around the globe to join with chapel staff and volunteers to conduct the Antilles Adventure 2013. The camp began on Sunday, December 29, 2013, concluded January 2, 2014 and served thirty-three GTMO teens with activities, sporting events, games, evening programs, barbecues and a big bonfire. The
campers slept at Camp Justice which allowed for a true “camp experience” without leaving GTMO. The campers also completed a community service project which included removing weeds from the Camp Justice volleyball court and horseshoe pits. “This camp was successful because the GTMO community once again worked together for the benefit of our youth,” said Thomas George. “We owe a big thank you to the GTMO Fire Department, Camp Justice personnel, Air Force Beef, MWR, chapel staff, and dozens of volunteers including some mighty moms that made breakfast for the hungry campers.” The visiting camp team was impressed by the GTMO hospitality, cheerful volunteers, and professionalism. What impressed them most, however, were the teens they came to serve. “The kids we met here were wonderful,” said Tido Huckfeldt, the camp director from Club Beyond. “It was a joy doing the best job in the world with a great team.” Military Community Youth Ministry Club Beyond is a Christian organization that has served military youth on bases worldwide since the 1980s. Though the camp was chapel sponsored and part of the command religious program for spiritual development, the activities were designed so youth could opt out of spiritual content and still participate in games and events. At the end of camp, when asked if they would like
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Stray Cats on the Rise Kelly Wirfel Public Affairs Officer
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aval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay’s vet clinic has reported a rise in stray (commonly referred to as feral) cats throughout 2013. The clinic received more than 300 stray cats last year, the majority of the cats either abandoned cats or cats that have snuck through the fenceline. “Because these cats are not vaccinated or examined at the clinic they can harbor and transmit a variety of diseases to humans and their pets,” said Capt. Emily Pearman, NS Guantanamo Veterinarian. “Some diseases include GI parasites, cat scratch fever, toxoplasma (which can lead to fertility issues or miscarriage for females) and rabies.” They may also carry and transmit other issues such as feline leukemia, fleas, ticks and Feline Immunodeficiency Disease (FIV). Pearman provided several recommendations to cat owners to ensure their pets are safe. “Cat owners need to ensure they are keeping their cats inside their living quarters, ensure they are current on vaccines, have them microchipped and provide monthly flea and heartworm protection,” said Pearman. “I also want to
remind everyone before adopting a cat that they need to realize that cats are a long term commitment. If you are thinking of adopting a cat make sure you have a back-up plan in case you have to deploy.” Pearman also recommends against feeding stray cats. “I realize people think they are doing something good for the cats but this ultimately is not a good idea,” said Pearman. “This encourages the cats to stay near housing areas and the likelihood of them transmitting diseases to humans and other animals is greater.” If you have stray cats living near your area the vet clinic encourages you to contact them so they can trap them and screen them for diseases. “If we get stray cats we screen them and see if they are good candidates for adoption. We work very hard to ensure we adopt out as many cats as possible,” said Pearman. “Our main responsibility is to ensure we balance public health with animal ethics.” For additional questions or concerns contact the vet clinic at 2212.
Congratulations to MA2 Joshua and Stephanie Light on the birth of their daughter Austyn Jade Light. Austyn was born Dec. 19, 2013 at 19:38 and weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and was 20 inches long. Austyn has a big sister, Madison.
GTMO SHOPPER
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.
HOUSEHOLD GOODS Glass top rectangular dining table with 4 chairs, $100 Coby DVD player with remote control, $20, AT&T Phone with two cordless handset, $30, Small Computer desk, $15, Corner table (round), $10, Apple wireless router, $40. Email at sametawut@hotmail. com or call Samet at 78459 Toys for sale $10 each: Alphie Robot, Bristle Blocks, Wooden Blocks, Mag-Neat-Os building set. All complete, in great condition, in storage boxes. Pictures available. Melissa 77267 or roblesred@yahoo.com” Couch with matching love seat, less than 1 year old, great condition, asking $650 call 77294
OUTDOOR REC 23 ft. pontoon boat for sale $1,800 call 84165
YARD SALE
Yard Sale (kitchen items) @ Caribbean Circle 17 C, on Saturday Jan. 11, 2014 from 8:00 to 14:00. Yard Sale Jan 25, 0800-1100 Grandillo Point 13D
ELECTRONICS
X-box slim for sale! Comes with 8 games (GTA, Batman, Halo, etc) Wireless headphones Couple months old $325 Call 77801 after 1600. Traves 6” star-band internet dish $550 Neg email: skilbert_1981@ yahoo.com call: 75849
GTMO JOBS
LH14-001 MANAGEMENT ANALYST GS-0343-07/09, FULL-TIME, SALARY: $34,319.00 - $54,570.00 USNH/FISCAL DEPARTMENT OPENS: 06 JAN 2014 CLOSES: 17 JAN 2014 LH14-002 SUPPLY TECHNICIAN GS-2005-05, FULL-TIME, SALARY: $27,705.00 - $36,021.00 NAVSUP/FLC-J/HAZMAT DIVISION OPENS: 06 JAN 2014 CLOSES: 17 JAN 2014
MWR Recreation Aid 2013 - 093 $7.25 p/hr (US) & $5.86 p/hr (FN) •Open Continuous MWR HR, Bldg 760 •Markesha Robinson 74121 •Regular Full Time
MWR (2)Child /Youth Program Asst. -2013-102 •$10.83 - $13.71 p/hr •01/06/14 – 01/24/14 •MWR HR, Bldg 760 •Markesha Robinson 74121 •Flexible MWR (2)Child/Youth Program Asst. -2013 - 103 •$10.83 - $13.71 p/hr • 01/06/14 – 01/24/14 • MWR HR, Bldg 760 • Markesha Robinson 74121 • Regular Full Time NEX Department Manager (Softlines) •NF-03/ $$29,615 - $33,648 •Regular Full Time • Open: 15 November 2013 Closes: Open until fill • Manages sales activities in assigned retail and/or mall services department. Ensures department(s) are appropriately stocked, attractively displayed, and adequately staffed to achieve sales goals and service standards. •Apply on-line at www. NavyExchange.jobs. For more information, contact Linda at 75041. NEX Sales Clerk – Jewelry Department Announcement#:1400001B •NF-01/ $7.25 - $9.00 per hour •Regular Full Time • Open: 10 January 2014 Closes: 17 January 2014. • Sells merchandise requiring a technical knowledge of the features of the products sold, such as jewelry, watches, and cosmetics. •Apply on-line at www. NavyExchange.jobs. •For more information, contact Linda at 75041. NEX Warehouse Worker Announcement# 14000026 •NA-6907-05/ $10.94 per hour •Regular Full Time • Open: 10 January 2014 Closes: 17 January 2014. • Responsible for one or more functions (receiving, storing, issuing, and shipping, etc.) within a warehouse area. May be assisted by several lower grade associates. •Apply on-line at www. NavyExchange.jobs. •For more information, contact Linda at 75041. NEX Warehouse Worker Leader Announcement# 14000027 •NL-6907-05/ $12.03 per hour •Regular Full Time • Open: 10 January 2014 Closes: 17 January 2014. • Leads three or more warehouse workers, merchandise markers, laborers, forklift operators etc., engaged in receiving, storing and shipping or resale stock and
supplies. •Apply on-line at www. NavyExchange.jobs. •For more information, contact Linda at 75041.
The
scoop
CPR CLASSES
The American Red Cross will be holding Adult First Aid/CPR/AED classes on Jan. 11 from 1230 to 1630 and then again on Feb. 1 from 1230 to 1630. Pre-registration is required. To register call 2511 or 2512.
FFSC Fleet and Family Support Center has two upcoming classes. First on Jan. 14 from 0930 to 1100 they are holding Interview Training. Those attending will learn “how to” techniques to master any job interview. Then on Friday, Jan. 17 from 1030 to 1130 they are holding a budgeting class. This class will cover a variety of topics to include gross vs. net, income vs. expense, fixed vs. variable expense and much more. For more information or to register for any of the classes call 4141.
BHO The Black Heritage Organization is hosting a Martin Luther King Commemoration March and Ceremony on Monday Jan. 20. The march will begin at the NEX Atrium at 1000 and end at the NAVSTA Chapel.
JANUARY 10, 2014• PAGE 7
MOVIES DOWNTOWN LYCEUM FRIDAY 7 p.m.: Lone Survivor
Jan. 10
R
9:15 p.m.: Out of the Furnace R
SATURDAY 7 p.m.: Philomena
Jan. 11
PG13
9:00 p.m.:Homefront R
SUNDAY Jan. 12 6 p.m.: Walking with Dinosaurs PG
8 p.m.: American Hustle R
MONDAY Jan. 13 7 p.m.: Dallas Buyers Club R
TUESDAY Jan. 14 7 p.m.: Hunger Games: Catching Fire PG WEDNESDAY Jan. 15 7 p.m.: Saving Mr. banks PG13
THURSDAY Jan. 16 7 p.m.: Hobbit 2:The Desolation of Smaug PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
JEA CSADD
Out with the old and in with the new! The JEA/CSADD is having a garage sale on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 0800 to 1100 at Villamar 6A. They are looking for clothes, shoes, books, toys and electronics. All proceeds made from donated items will go towards care packages for newly arriving junior sailors. To donate contact LS2 King at 84021. Local 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Contact #:
84578
Your Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator’s Contact #:
84577
Bremcor Kicks Off New Year with a Safety Stand Down Benjamin Miller Bremcor Safety Manager
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remcor rang in 2014 by celebrating a 45% drop in Safety Discrepancies during 2013. The Base Maintenance Contractor held a mandatory Safety Standdown at the downtown Lyceum last Saturday for its 450 employees who perform over 1.1 million hours of work hours on the base every year. Among the Bremcor Safety Hallmarks of 2013: Total “On the Job” injuries for 2013 = 5 All were minor—and not considered serious enough to qualify for OSHA notification Bremcor Vehicle Accidents down 44% During the Safety Standdown Bremcor Managers addressed the Top 5 list of on-the-job safety concerns. The problems areas include: 5. Use of Power Tools 4. Use of Compressed Gases
3. Use of Fall Protection 2. Use of Portable Ladders 1. Use of Personal Protective Equipment or P.P.E. To bring home the importance of wearing the correct P.P.E. to protect yourself, Bremcor put on the P.P.E Fashion Show. Bremcor workers, from Welders to Painters to Tree Trimmers, were all decked out in the company-provided P.P.E. that keeps them safe on the job. Bremcor Project Manager Gary Knowlton says the Standdown was a way to kick off the New Year with the focus on safety. “We are in the construction and maintenance business. Our people operate dangerous machinery and work with lethal chemicals and gases. Our workplaces are danger zones—and it is important that we take time now to reflect on the safety requirements that will keep our employees safe.”
JANUARY 10, 2014• PAGE 7