JANUARY 31, 2014 • VOL. 71 • NO. 4• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
Seabees Keep GTMO Running Strong
Seabees assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Guantanamo Bay prepare a frame for the newly renovated gazebo outside of Bulkely Hall, Jan. 28. MC3 Jason Bawgus Photo-Journalist
eabees, their simple motto tells the story: “We build, we S fight.” From the island hopping of World War II and the cold of Korea, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the mountains
of Bosnia, and to the deserts of Afghanistan and Kuwait, the Seabees have built entire bases, bulldozed and paved thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, and accomplished a myriad of construction projects. At Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay their job is no different than it has been for the past 70 years. “Here at Guantanamo Bay the mission is a little different because we run a self help shop,” said Chief Builder Anthony Thibodeaux. “Our guys here will go out if someone wants to build a monument or do anything in their office space and provide the technical expertise to get the job done, estimate materials and make sure everything is safe.” In addition to the self help shop Seabees will also work on emergency projects that could be a potential safety hazard to base residents. “One of our big projects has been refurbishing the lighthouse,” said Thibodeaux. “Our guys went in and patched all the walls, fixed the fence running around the lighthouse as well as the sign in the front.” In recent times it seems that more and more jobs on military bases are being contracted out but still Seabees are used to make sure everything built on base meets a certain standard of safety. “In addition to our regular duties, we also do oversight for
a lot of projects around base like the splash pad and the new playground equipment outside of the chapel,” said Thibodeaux. “We are there to make sure of the quality of the finished product as well as the safety of those working.” The Seabees stationed at NS Guantanamo Bay also face challenges that a lot of other Seabee detachments would not have to worry about. “We have seven rates in the Seabees and here we are limited in the rates we have,” said Thibodeaux. “A lot of these guys do cross training for different rates so we have Builders doing electrical work and Utilitiesman doing work that builders would usually do and everyone does welding, so we all have to be flexible here.” That flexibility can really come in handy once a Seabee leaves NS Guantanamo Bay. “I am a builder by trade and I have learned more about welding and electrician work on this deployment simply because of the size of our detachment here,” said Builder Third Class Jared Allbritton. “I really feel that no matter where I go after this I will be able to take on whatever comes at me.” For more than 60 years the Seabees have repeatedly demonstrated their skills as fighters and builders. From the islands of the Pacific to the jungles of Vietnam, to the mountains of Bosnia and to the sands of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, they have built and fought for freedom. In peacetime, they have been goodwill ambassadors. In peace and in war, they have lived their motto: “Can Do!”
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NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates LS3 Cooper on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: NAVSUP/Post Office ■Age: 26 ■Hometown: Baltimore, MD ■Favorite Movie: The Good Son ■Favorite TV Show: Martin ■Favorite Hobby: Running/Traveling ■Favorite Sports Team: Ravens ■Favorite GTMO Restaurant: Cuban Club ■Currently Working On: College/USMAPS ■Ambition/Goals: School, Advancement ■How has the navy improved my life: Exposed me to different cultures. ■Sailor of the Week Because: LS3 Cooper assumed the duties as Custodian Of Postal Effects and is responsible for all Postal Service Operations for both Naval Station GTMO and the Joint Task Force.
LS3 KEVIN COOPER
VOL. 71 • NO. 4
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 MC3 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 31, 2014• PAGE 3
Corner
Did You Know? Lt. Baron Miller
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
Did you know when you meet with a Navy Chaplain, everything you say to that Chaplain is confidential? It’s true. Everything you say is confidential. But you may be thinking, “Surely not everything? I mean, don’t you have to tell the CO some things?” Nope. Everything you say to us is confidential; SECNAVINST 1730.9 guarantees it. “But I thought…” Wrong. What you say is, in the words of Seinfeld, “in the vault”. Now, I’m sharing this with you to clear up what the Navy has found are common misconceptions on this matter. For instance; 57% of Sailors believe that what they say to a Chaplain isn’t confidential, when in fact it is. 13% of Sailors believe that confidentiality only extends to service members when in fact it’s for civilians like spouses as well. And 62% believe that we have to report certain matters to our command when the fact is, we report nothing specific (when it comes to tone of force, we may report a general sense of morale to CO’s,
but that is never linked to any one person or counseling). Now, a common question asked is, “Well, what if I say I’m going to hurt myself or someone else? What if I confess a crime?” Still, we don’t talk. We will however do whatever we can to keep you and others safe, but what you say to us stays with us. And if you’re wondering; yes, it’s a difficult responsibility to balance. However, the Navy has ensured that our service members will always have some channel where you can discuss ANYTHING in a truly off-line forum. No matter how controversial, secret, embarrassing, shameful, sad, joyful, or difficult your “stuff” is, we are willing and able to listen and provide guidance to help you where you need it most. And by the way, this privilege extends to all ranks too. So, if you need to talk, we’re here to listen. Chaplain Baron Miller
The Spinelli Family proudly takes a photo with the newest addition to their family, and the first baby of 2014 born at U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. Emmeline Elena Spinelli was born Wed., Jan. 29 and is pictured with her father and mother, Nick and Ashley Spinellie and her older brother and sister, Samuel and Grace.
USNH GTMO Conducts Decontamination Training Naval Station Hosptital Public Affairs Photo’s by Stacey Byington
U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay (USNH GTMO) personnel took part in a three-day patient decontamination training course for medical first receivers last week, Jan. 2123. The course is designed to educate U.S. Navy Medical First Receivers on lifesaving skills that are required to triage, initiate field treatment, decontaminate, and save victims from chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear (CBRN), and other hazardous materials. Once the training was concluded, the 28 USNH GTMO staff members who took part were certified in all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazardous Waste Operations course to the “Operations” level. “The hospital’s Emergency Management (EM) program must be ready and capable of supporting the Naval Station and its residents,” said Kevin Robarge, the hospital’s new Emergency Manager. “This First Receiver Operations Training (FROT) provided a good baseline knowledge for team members. We will implement lessons learned to improve our overall readiness.” In addition to learning about hazardous substances, the students were also trained on the proper way to set up a decontamination shelter and the different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) required and how to wear it. The three days of training culminated in a timed and graded exercise where all the participants had to work as a team to don the PPE, erect a working decontamination shelter, and then decontaminate mock casualties injured in a terrorist attack using a chemical weapon. Lt. Cmdr. Amanda Schaffeld, one of the hospital’s nurses, was the triage team leader during the training. “As healthcare providers we are taught to look, listen
and feel when assessing a patient’s airway, breathing and circulation. The thick gloves, full face mask and noise created by the respirator make assessing lung sounds, feeling the temperature of the skin, or listening to heart sounds nearly impossible,” she said. “We learned and practiced unique methods to quickly triage contaminated patients in full PPE gear and initiate the decontamination process. I gained a better understanding of the signs and symptoms, physiological effects, and initial treatments that I might encounter when triaging patients.” Once a decontamination team is notified of an incident, they are supposed to be ‘mission capable’ in 15 minutes or less, meaning the decontamination shelter is set up, the water heater is running appropriately and four people are properly protected in PPE, ready to start processing patients. ‘Set-up complete’ is expected in 20 minutes or less, meaning all team members are appropriately suited in PPE, all supplies are in their appropriate places, and the team is fully functional. “The FROT course was very eventful and informative,” said Hospitalman Lorne Adams, one of the team members. “It tested both our physical and mental ability in a simulated dangerous situation. It was also great information for the upcoming advancement exam.” Hospital Apprentice Xavier Murray also took part in the exercise. “I personally enjoyed the training we received,” he said. “One of the major things that I will remember is that I now have a better understanding of the different chemical agents that might be involved in an incident.” “This was a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and provided us with an evaluation of our current capabilities,” added Robarge. “This kind of training is exactly what we need for our staff.”
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Navy Celebrates 2014 African American History Month By Lt. Cmdr Shaletha Moran Chief of Naval Public Affairs
A
s announced by NAVADMIN 016/14 released Jan. 27, rank of admiral, the first black female to command a combatthe Navy joins our nation in celebrating the vibrant ant ship, and the first black female promoted to two-star and history and culture of African-American and Black Sailors dur- three-star admiral. She has also been confirmed by the Senate ing African-American/Black History Month throughout the to serve as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the service’s No. 2 month of February. uniformed officer. She will be the first black and first woman Established in 1926 as Negro History Week, President Ger- to hold the job and the first female four-star admiral. ald R. Ford expanded the celebration in 1976 to include the These outstanding examples of African-American Sailors entire month of February. This year, Navy commands are en- are just a handful of those marking history with firsts and couraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme “Civil Rights distinguishing the Navy as a force for freedom and equality. in America.” African-Americans continue to serve with distinction, now African-American Sailors have a legacy of honorable service comprising more than 17 percent of our active duty Navy that permeates our naval history through every major armed total force end-strength. Sailors and their commands are enconflict since the Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, couraged to use this month to celebrate and recognize the African-American Sailors fought on every kind of Union war- exceptional and distinctive contributions and the unique hisship, accounting for 10 to 24 percent of each ship’s crew, and tories and cultures that our African-American shipmates bring included eight Medal of Honor recipients. to our Navy. During World War II, the Golden Thirteen were an examMore information on the many milestones achieved by ple of African-Americans breaking new ground in the Navy black Sailors and the history of the African-American Navy and in American society. In February 1944, 12 prior-enlisted experience can be found at the Naval History and Heritage black servicemen were commissioned as ensigns and a 13th Command at http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20highwas made a warrant officer. They were the first group of black lights/africanAmerican/African-hist.htm. A full-color broservicemen to complete officer training in the Navy and led chure on the history of African-Americans in the United the way for future African-Americans. These 13 officers not States Navy is also available for download through the Naval only made a contribution to the Navy during World War II, History and Heritage Command link. but to society as well. By the end of the war, 64 African-AmerA complete educational presentation, including a downicans had become officers in the Navy. loadable educational poster on African American/Black HisStriving for equality at home and blazing a trail for future tory month, can be requested from the Defense Equal OpporAfrican-American Sailors, Wesley A. Brown became the first tunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at deomipa@ black graduate of the United States Naval Academy in 1949, us.af.mil. joining the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps and retiring at the rank of lieutenant commander. He passed away May 22, 2012 after a distinguished career both in the Navy and in the civilian workforce. Edna Young was the first black woman to enlist in the regular Navy and later the first black woman to achieve the rank of chief petty officer. Young joined the Navy after the passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act July 7, 1948. In December 1996, Adm. J. Paul Reason became the first black naval officer to wear four stars and assumed command of the Atlantic Fleet, comprising nearly 200 warships, 1,400 aircraft, and 122,000 service men and women based at 18 major shore facilities. Vice Adm. Michelle Howard is recognized for many first accomplishments, including the recognition as the first female United States Vice Adm. Michelle Howard, deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks to personnel at Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) during a Black History Month celebration at Naval Academy graduate to be promoted to the COMOPTEVFOR headquarters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Williamson)
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.
VEHICLES 2010 Nissan Altima SL fully loaded with heated leather seats, moon roof, good A/C, and with 30,000 miles for $14,500 Contact at 84703 for more information 2012 Honda CRZ-Hybrid, 5500 miles asking $11500 Call 77116 or 55337 for more information. 1996 Nissan Maxima, new starter,new battery cold AC $1900, call 78742 or email shearsam61@yahoo.com
HOUSEHOLD GOODS 2 set burgundy sofas with wood frame $175, 6ft free to air receiver with remote $225, floor lamp $10, Tv stand $10, wine glasses $20, two side tables $15 please contact Jimmy after 1515 at 75516 Couch with matching love seat, less than 1 year old, great condition, asking $650 call 77294
OUTDOOR REC 30’ barrel boat with 90hp ocean pro , inclined ladder, holds 10 people $5900 OBO, contact Steven 55352 or Otis 84988 Bike - Diamondback 20’’ large – response sport bike with disk brakes. $ 200.00, Two Kawasaki STX 12F Jet Ski’s - year 2006, with double trailer (trailer can be broken down for ship out), Jet Ski covers, water ski’s, knee board. $ 8,000.00 Contact Richard @ 90068 26” blue bike $75 and internet modem and router $65 contact 78649 or email 92whiskeymiph@gmail.com Bike Utitlity Trailer, holds 130lbs $100, call 77219.
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 6” dish for direct tv $600 contact john or tina at 74365
35MM cameras, 1 Pentax $60 comes with 50mm tele lens and filters, Minolta $70 comes with 50mm tele lens, filters, T M Brand CT-21 tri-pod $15. Old schoold cell phones $40 each comes with accesories and batteries Call Rick 77242 or cell 58828.
MISC
iPad Black (Missing) from Pier 33 near the Main Post office. A reward of $50 is being offered. The iPad is in a Black rubberized case and contains family photos and lots of Russian language apps and games. Would love to have the iPad back. Home – 75721, Work – 8562 Rgwelch1@gmail.com
GTMO JOBS
MWR is offering the following jobs: Recreation Aid
Computer Technician NEX is offering the following jobs: Department Manager Red Cross is offering the following jobs: Part time Admin Columbia College is offering the following jobs: Enrollment Assistant See base roller for additional details
Night at the Bayview. Items up for auction include flags, coins, meals, ceramics, hand crafted items and much more! For more information contact LTJG Ambler at 5629.
CANDY-GRAMS
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY Jan. 31 7 p.m.: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
PG
9:15 p.m.: 47 Ronin
FUNDRAISING
SUNDAY 6 p.m.: The Nut Job
There is a new fundraising opportunity on base! Officially recognized organizations can now bag groceries on Saturdays and Sundays from 1000 to 1400 to raise money for their organization. For additional information contact 4696.
BREAKFAST IN BED
The Guantanamo Bay House of Pancakes is back! JEA and CSADD are partnering together to provide breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 0800 to 1100. Delivery is available for BEQ/CBQ, BOQ and Marine Hill. Pick up is also available at the BEQ/CBQ kitchen. For more information or to order call 84021 or 84275. Then on Feb. 14 the JEA and CSADD are hosting “A Valentine’s Day Red Affair.” The event will be held at the Windjammer Pool Pavilion and begins at 2100. See base roller for additional details.
scoop RED CROSS
The American Red Cross will be holding Adult First Aid/CPR/AED classes on Feb. 1 from 1230 to 1630. Pre-registration is required. To register call 2511 or 2512.
POWER OUTAGE
A schedule power outage will take place and Friday, Feb. 7 from 0800 to 1600. Please see the base roller for a list of affected areas. The Seabee Ball committee is holding a live auction to raise money for their upcoming ball. The auction is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 1830 during Mongolian
MOVIES
The NAVSTA Securtiy Social Committee is offering Valentine’s Day Candy-Grams which wil be delivered on Valentines’s Day. The Candy-Gram will include a goodie bag with a personalized message, candy and cookies. Call 58839 or 84939 to place your order.
The
SEABEE
JANUARY 31, 2014• PAGE 7
Local 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Contact #:
84578
Your Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator’s Contact #:
84577
PG13
SATURDAY 7 p.m.: Grudge Match
Feb. 1
R
9:15 p.m.: Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
PG13
Feb. 2
PG
8 p.m.: Anchorman 2 \PG-13
MONDAY Feb. 3 7 p.m.: Lone Survivor R
TUESDAY 7 p.m.: The Hobbit 2 PG-13
Feb. 4
WEDNESDAY 7 p.m.: American Hustle
Feb. 5
R
THURSDAY Feb. 6 7 p.m.: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
n o h t a r a M MWR & n o h t a r a Half M
JANUARY 31, 2014• PAGE 7