January 16, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO. 2• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
USNH Guantanamo Bay Offering Ship-Shape
HM1 Candy Franklin from U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay introduces the ‘Ship-Shape’ program. A new Ship-Shape class begins Feb. 3. Late registration will be held at Denich Gym on Jan. 27. Stacey Byington USNH Public Affairs Officer
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eight control is difficult for many individuals. To assist those at Guantanamo Bay with what can be a challenging task, the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay’s Health Promotion and Wellness Division is offering the ShipShape program. Ship-Shape is an eight-week weight management regime approved by the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. It provides participants with the best tools available so they can be successful with weight loss. “The Ship-Shape program is the Navy’s official intervention program for weight management,” says HM1 Candy Franklin, a member of the hospital’s health promotion team. “ShipShape’s goal is to help de-mystify the challenge that many of us face when it comes to developing healthy eating habits and provides tools to overcome daily obstacles by breaking down each week’s topic and putting it back together building on the prior week’s lessons.” Ship-Shape will be offered twice a week for eight consecutive weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday, 3 – 4 p.m., beginning Feb. 3, at the Denich Gym. The session offered on Tuesdays will also be offered on Thursdays, so people have a choice of which session they can attend each week. Weight management information is provided for participants
with each session being moderated by a program facilitator or subject-matter expert. A variety of subjects are covered, starting with the basics of setting realistic goals, and proper nutrition and exercise. As the program progresses, additional information on weight management, such as stress, emotional eating and behavior modification, is also discussed. Each consecutive session builds on the information presented in previous meetings, with the last one focusing on long-term success. Attendance is open to all GTMO residents, but is primarily geared toward those active duty personnel who exceed, or are in danger of exceeding, the Navy’s body composition assessment standards. Ship-Shape is listed as a recognized fitness enhancement and weight management program in OPNAVINST 6110.1F, which covers the Navy’s physical readiness program. Active duty military interested in participating in the ShipShape program during duty hours must contact their command fitness leader to obtain a recommendation and referral from their commanding officer or officer-in-charge. Personnel who have failed the physical fitness assessments have priority. For more information about the program or to register, call Stephen Kovacs at 72298, or HM1 Candy Franklin at 92393.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates LN2 Van Gorder on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: Legal Assistance Paralegal ■Age: 28 ■Hometown: Orange County, CA ■Goal: Finish a 100 mile ultra marathon ■Favorite Hobbies: Golf, diving, running, fixing up his car. ■Favorite Accomplishment: Shooting a towed-drone unit out of the sky with a CIWS ■Sailor of the Week Because: LN2 Kevin Van Gorder is the sole paralegal in the office. LN2 handles all walk-in services to include Powers of Attorney, Bills of Sale, and notaries in an expeditiously and flawless manner. In addition to his excellent work product, LN2 continuously strives to improve customer service at the RLSO Legal Assistance Office. He recently developed a template program for drafting Bills of Sale to speed up office processing. He has also been named as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coordinator for RLSO’s Tax Center in Guantanamo. Great job and keep up the good work.
LN2 KEVIN VAN GORDER
VOL. 72 • NO.2
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. JOHN NETTLETON CMDR. AL ROSS 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 670.
January 16, 2015• PAGE 3
(Nearly) Free College Degree Possible Through NCPACE Susan D. Henson Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs Officer
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ollege tuition is a huge bargain for Sailors taking classes through Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) - in fact it’s almost free. NCPACE, one of numerous programs administered by Navy Voluntary Education (VOLED), is offered to officer and enlisted Sailors assigned to ships and deployable commands (Type 2 and 4 duty) to provide undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities on par with those available to Sailors on shore duty. With tuition funded at 100 percent, students are responsible only for the cost of textbooks and related materials. Approximately 7,200 individual Sailors participated in NCPACE in FY-13, accounting for more than 10,700 enrollments. Commands must have an active NCPACE program for Sailors to participate. One such command is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which Maintenance Control team member and Education Services Officer (ESO) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) John Phillips is glad about. Using NCPACE, he completed a Master of Arts in administrative leadership with the University of Oklahoma in December. “I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country and was aware the GI Bill provided an opportunity to complete my education,” said Philips. “Once in the Navy, the additional educational benefits offered such as Tuition Assistance (TA), NCPACE, and collegelevel exams came as a welcome surprise. Each time I reenlisted, the educational benefits -- which far exceed those offered in most civilian employment -- became a reinforcing factor for staying in.” Most Sailors hear “Voluntary Education” (VOLED) and tend to think of TA, which pays tuition for courses toward completion of a high school diploma, certificate, or technical or college degree. While TA is the most popular VOLED program the Navy offers, it has annual caps for each participant to ensure as many Sailors as possible have an opportunity to use it. NCPACE courses, however, don’t count against a Sailor’s annual maximum TA funding cap while still providing the means for Sailors to complete coursework toward a diploma or degree. This, coupled with the low cost, makes NCPACE among the best educational deals the Navy offers, according to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Wadsworth, director of Voluntary Education Support Site Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida. “Sailors only having to foot the bill for books and course materials is a big savings for them,” said Wadsworth.”Taking courses through NCPACE is a really good way for Sailors to continue their education, especially when they’ve maxed out their TA for the year.” Wadsworth pointed out that all NCPACE schools are regionally accredited, meaning Sailors will have maximum flexibility in transferring credits to their home college. Another benefit of NCPACE is flexible term dates that can be tailored to a unit’s deployment cycle at the unit ESO’s request. “While NCPACE doesn’t have an annual credit hour cap like TA, we do limit Sailors to two NCPACE courses per term regardless of the delivery method being Instructor Led (IL) or Distance Led (DL),” he said. “This, along with the number of terms a command requests, will determine the number of NCPACE courses a Sailor can potentially complete in a year.” The IL delivery method provides an instructor teaching courses while a ship is underway or pierside, while the DL program allows the flexibility of independent study. NCPACE can be continued during in-port periods through coordination with the local Navy College Office, according to Wadsworth. The NCPACE program
also offers IL academic skills classes in math, reading and writing to help Sailors improve their skills in those areas. Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Travis Cook, command career counselor and ESO for Assault Craft Unit One in Coronado, California, has taken NCPACE courses at four commands, which allowed him to earn an Associate of Applied Science through Excelsior College. “I found out about NCPACE early in my career through my command career counselor and career development boards,” said Cook. “I have no doubt that earning my degree has helped me reach the level I’ve obtained in the Navy as a chief petty officer. So now when I talk to junior Sailors, I tell them that education will not only benefit you when you decide to leave the service, but it can help you while you’re still active.” Cook said finding time to participate in NCPACE is, indeed, possible. “The most challenging part for me was balancing family, work and the education requirements,” said Cook. “I would recommend that any Sailor who’s interested to first talk to their command career counselor, a mentor or someone in their chain of command for guidance to make sure they meet command requirements and are eligible.” Phillips said Sailors participating in NCPACE should choose the right course delivery method and be ready to maintain self-discipline. “The DL program is an outstanding opportunity for those who have the drive and tenacity to complete courses outside of a classroom environment, but it can be challenging for those who appreciate continual interaction from an instructor,” said Phillips. “The IL program brings the instructor to the student, but it’s still challenging because Sailors must dedicate what little free time they may have toward attending class and completing the coursework.” Cook said the key to any Sailor’s success in NCPACE is to effectively prioritize personal responsibilities. “I tell Sailors to remember that your job comes first,” said Cook. “Make sure you’re ready to handle the responsibility of work and taking classes. Don’t rush into something you’re not mentally prepared for. When the time is right, take advantage of all the benefits the Navy has to offer.” “Our leadership recognizes that off-duty education is voluntary, but they consider it valuable and a direct reflection on a Sailor’s level of motivation for self-improvement,” said Phillips. “As such, off-duty education has become a standard question during our Sailor of the Year and Quarter boards, mid-term counselings, and career development boards. Every Sailor is encouraged to take advantage of the various VOLED programs the Navy offers.” Navy VOLED Director Ernest D’Antonio, also a retired U.S. Marine, is personally aware of the challenge of taking courses while assigned to a deployed unit. He still hopes more Sailors will take advantage of NCPACE. “If Sailors who want a college degree take advantage of NCPACE when they can, it will cost them less time and money in the long run,” he said. “This program is an all-around win for Sailors who are working toward their degree and trying to save money. It’s also a win for participating commands because, just like all VOLED programs, their Sailors are learning critical thinking and analytical skills that help them make informed decision and perform at a higher level, which contributes to overall mission accomplishment.” To sign up for NCPACE, Sailors should contact their unit ESO or servicing Navy College Office.
Personnel Support Detachmen
nt
PSD Provides Key Services to the Naval Station Story by MCC Keith Bryska
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avy Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) Guantanamo Bay provides important services to military members and their families each and every day. According to PSD Officer in Charge, Chief Warrant Officer Randy Barger, PSD Guantanamo Bay is a member of the Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center (NPPSC) global network that delivers superior military pay, personnel and passenger transportation services around the world and other services. “We offer a one stop service, we support all Navy personnel whether they are on active duty or a reservist to include their families as well,” said Barger. “We also help proctor the Armed Forces Classification Tests for personnel wanting to become an Officer and proctor the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test for high school kids and for service member trying to improve their scores.” Barger believes that not only do his Sailors work hard helping other service member out, but they spend a lot of their free time giving back to the community. “Many of my Sailors volunteer numerous hours to Naval Station functions including the Navy Birthday Ball, the Command Christmas Party, base clean-ups, and the collection and Input for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief funds and the Combined Federal Campaign,” said Barger. “They also play an active role in their pier groups as member of the Junior Enlisted Association,
and First Class Association. According to Chief Personnel Specialist Zaila M. Taylor PSD empowers customer focused quality of life services as well as being responsible in disseminate field procedures in support of Navy Pay and Personnel regulations. “We comply with governing pay benefits, engage proper entitlements; we also ensure payment claimants are reported in an accurate and timely manner,” said Taylor. “Most importantly PSD manages services such as administering over 1,500 Navy Wide Exams, separations, transfers, No-Fee Passports, Passenger reservation requests, DOD identification ID card, and Common Access Cards (CAC) to all active duty, reserves, Joint Task Force, DOD/Contractor civilians, families, and tenant commands.” Taylor also praises the hard work that her Sailors have given to the community. “I am extremely proud of my Sailors because they are the workforce that keeps PSD afloat. Recently our Commanding Officer and Command Master Chief for Chief of Naval Personnel visited in December and they announced that our metrics were among the best in the PASS network with consistent 97 percentile on time and accurate transactions processing,” said Taylor. “This is a huge accomplishment that every PSD strives for and our Sailors and Command Pass Coordinators made it happen as a team.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
Unsung… CDR Daniel Mode
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
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haplains always enjoy a good hymn. Singing is a great way to engage the congregation and certainly praise God. It is also good to “sing” about the good works that are done by others. So when I find a person who is “unsung” it is good to put the spotlight of thanksgiving on that person for the amazing work they have done for our chapel and the GTMO community at large. Mr. Thomas George is the person I would like to “sing” about in this article. Thomas and his wonderful family will be leaving the base soon and I want to offer a public BZ and “sing” about all that he has done. Thomas’ main work is organizing the many weekly and special events of Club Beyond. Club Beyond is a Christ-centered, military focused ministry of small groups for Middle and Senior High School students. Each week, Thomas leads a team of adult volunteers as they provide an enriching environment for over 35 youth each week at three different small groups. He and his family even open their home each week and
provide a meal and entertainment for the teenagers. Next weekend, he will be hosting a fun-filled all day outdoor event called Muck Wars for the youth to include an evening bonfire. Besides his tireless work with our chapel teenagers, he has coordinated our yearly Vacation Bible School, a resource for all religious education, and coordinated the visit of four outstanding speakers/authors who have offered enriching learning experiences to community. In addition to all of these responsibilities, he finds time to host and coordinate bible studies and a men’s accountability group. Thomas and his family have given of themselves and are a true witness to the spirit and community atmosphere of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. While they will be truly missed, I know their next community with greatly benefit from their energy, care and spirit. Fair winds and thank you for all that you have done to make our base a better place.
Farewell Guantanamo Bay CDR. Colin Caswell
When ships pass through the water a wake is formed behind them. Looking at the wake you can see where you have been and you can usually tell if your course is true. I am leaving Guantanamo today, and I look back at the past 28 months just like I looked at ship wakes for more than 20 years. Over past month several milestones reminded me of my upcoming departure; my last meal at the Gold Hill Galley, my last movie at the Lyceum, my last Guantanamo sunrise, and soon, my last ferry ride. So many of the things that are a part of life in Guantanamo, are difficult to explain to those who have never been here. I expect to miss warm weather in January and spectacular sunrises and sunsets, but the most significant thing I will miss is the Guantanamo Community and the sense of purpose that goes along with duty in Guantanamo Bay. Duty here isn’t easy; it may not be the assignment or job we wanted, but it is the one we have. Many of our friends and family cringe when they hear “Guantanamo”. For many, duty in Guantanamo means separation from home and working under such close scrutiny that a bad decision can quickly lead to a feature on CNN. It is hot here most of the time, and very isolated. We are only a
few hundred miles from Florida, but it feels like we are on the far side of the world. Working and living in Guantanamo is challenging, but for more than 2 years I’ve been proud to be a member of a community of service members, contractors, civilian employees, and foreign national workers that rose to all challenges. There are many annoyances, but there were far more things that left indelible memories. The stark beauty of the hillsides, the small town atmosphere, one of the last functioning video stores, snorkeling throughout the winter, free movies, Iguanas stopping traffic, turkey buzzards doing aerial acrobatics, night skies full of a million stars, wind turbines standing like lonely sentinels. I will leave Guantanamo with a sentimental tear in my eye. I am leaving a community and a place that will always hold a special place in my heart. Ship wakes don’t last long. Wind, waves, currents work over time to erase them; luckily memories are more persistent. Thank you, Guantanamo Bay. Thank you for everything. It has been a pleasure and a real honor working and living here.
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
2005 Honda VT600 VLX Deluxe motorcycle mid-size v-twin cruiser dark blue in color with windshield for sale in excellent condition with accessories. New battery installed around 6 months ago. New price asking $2,500 negotiable which is under KBB value. Call x77369 and leave a voice message.
ELECTRONICS
The
Scoop
SEABEE FUNDRAISER The Seabee’s will be holding an 18 Hole Golf Scramble Jan. 17. Check-ins will be 0700-0730 and coffee and breakfast will be provided starting at 0700. Lunch will be delivered to you on the course. There will be a roving refreshment cart throughout the tournament. To register call 5634 or 5630. CHAPEL Interested in gospel services? Then come out on Sunday’s at 1300 in the base chapel. The Gospel service provides a wonderful opportunity here in Guantanamo Bay for worshiping the Lord in a corporate setting. Services are open to all residents. Please call 58035 for more information
Samsung Galaxy S4 mini i9190 8GB Factory Unlocked Price $350.00 OBO. QOL Please call Sammy at 78742 or leave As we kick off the New Year I would like to remind everya message
one about the Quality of Life $40 router and $30 Modem 77798 ask board. The Quality of Life board was established so for Zee command leadership could hear the community’s issues 40” Coby TV, $175.00, call 84623 and concerns. These questions, concerns and suggesOUTDOOR REC. tions go directly to the de-
Blue JBL Explorer 20 Spear gun $50. Comes with Extra Band, and 3 prong barbed tip for lionfish killing. If interested please call 77219. Unique Japanese Folding Bike. $100, 5 speed Japanese style Suitcase Bike for sale, has new rear tire and comes with extra tire and tube. Ready to ride, and with a pull of a lever the bike folds to half its size. Ride the bike or fold it up and take the Bus! If interested please Call 77219. 2 female wetsuits, mint condition, hihg quality, small and medium, $150 combined. Call Gjane at 78205
YARD SALE
“Yard Sale at RP729 - satellite dishes, patio furniture, propane BB-Q, wood gazebo, yard bricks and all kinds and sizes of plants. Starts 0800 on Saturday, 17 JAN and runs until last item is sold. All fair offers considered. For more information call 74100 and if I am not available please leave a message.”
partment heads and those responsible for making changes. If you have any concerns please email them to qol@gtmo.navy.mil.
BEACH SAFETY Going out for a swim after work? Remember to follow all safety procedures while swimming. Pay attention to the flags that are posted at the beach. If a red flag is posted that means the waters are closed to all recreational activities to include diving and swimming. Also, if you are out swimming, snorkeling or diving you need to make sure you are with a buddy and have a cell phone nearby to call for help if needed. The base is a great place to enjoy the water but we want everyone to keep safety in the forefront of their plans. REED RAIDERS Reef Raiders will be hosting the Inaugural Reef Raiders 5k Benefit Run Jan. 17 at 0900 at the downtown lyceum. All proceeds will benefit the dive community with upcoming events. There will be prizes for each age group and it is open to all base residents. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for kids. For more information please contact Jessie Keenan at 75336 or Major Steve Perry at X2170.
January 16, 2015• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY Jan. 16 7 p.m.: American Sniper R
9:30 p.m.: Selma PG13 SATURDAY Jan. 17 7 p.m.: The Wedding Ringer R
9 p.m.:
Taken 3 PG13
SUNDAY 6:30 p.m.: Paddington
Jan.18
PG
8:30 p.m.: Top Five R
MONDAY Jan.19 7 p.m.: Horrible Bosses 2 R
TUESDAY Jan.20 7 p.m.: The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies PG13
WEDNESDAY 7 p.m.: Unbroken
Jan.21
THURSDAY 7 p.m.: Into the Woods
Jan.22
PG13
PG
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
STEAM NIGHT FEB. 5, 2015
6:00PM – 7:00 PM
• The STEM Club is looking for girls for our GPS Night. If you have an creative mind and like Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, orMath; then you are the perfect candidate for our GPS-TEAM.
Christopher Matthew Tur Christopher Matthew Tur, 42, Guantanamo Bay resident passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, on June 7, 1972, to Ann and Henry Tur. Chris graduated from North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA in 1991 and entered the United States Marine Corps in February 1993. Two years later he married his wife Lara on December 9, 1995. Following his time in the Marine Corps he began working for Navy Exchange Command. He most recently served as the Loss Prevention Manager for the Navy Exchange in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. To his wife Lara, he was a loving and dedicated husband. He was her partner in crime, her sounding board, her karaoke partner and most importantly her best friend. Throughout his nearly 20 years of marriage his love never wavered. To his children, Savannah and Madison, he was a proud and caring father. He was a best friend, when necessary an enforcer and most importantly a role model. He was their biggest fan and supporter. To his siblings, Henry Jr., Michael and Aline, his inlaws and six nieces and nephews; he remained a caring and loving brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Always ready for a good laugh and always there for everyone, to contribute positively to peace and togetherness. To his mother and late father; he was a loving and devoted son. Always willing to lend a helping hand and always striving to make his parents proud. Chris was a beloved member of the Guantanamo Bay community and could frequently be found out on his boat, at the beach, hosting a barbeque, watching football, singing karaoke, golfing or spending time with his wife and daughters. Chris is survived by his wife Lara, two daughters Savannah and Madison, his mother Ann, two brothers Hank and Michael and sister Aline. A memorial will be held at the base chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17.
January 16, 2015• PAGE 7