July 22, 2016• VOL. 73 • NO. 21• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
Deconstruction of the Admiral’s Pier
Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Mason, left, assists Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Eduardo Servin as he prepares the enter the water to assess and deconstruct the Admiral’s Pier on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, July 12. (Photo by Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Justice House.) MC1 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
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aval Station Guantanamo Bay’s Admiral’s Pier was in need of demolition due to structural deterioration as it had started to partially submerge and had the potential to break off create a navigational hazard for barges and tugs pulling into the landing. According to Assistant Port Operations Manager, Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Joshua Paxton, the divers were deployed the SeaBotix Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Little Benthic Vehicle (vLBV) 300 to look at the underwater structure and see how it was sitting on the bottom. “Once we had the necessary data, we developed a game plan on how we were going to accomplish the task,” said Paxton. “The Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Dive Locker supports Port Operations in a myriad of operations including unexploded ordnance searches, aids to navigation, light salvage, inspections, surveys, minor ships husbandry,” explained Chief Navy Diver David Diller. “This was in our capability, we had the tools to conduct the operation so we were able to clean this waterborne obstruction so that a new pier may be built in the future. The divers along with port operations personnel removed the sheet metal roofing and support structure that was above water with hammers and pry bars. Hydraulic chainsaws were then used to cut out the supporting structure that was large both below and above the water. T
“The whole project was an in depth problem solving evolution from start to finish,” said Diller. “The best part was brainstorming as a group, discussing the various phases of the operation and how to conduct them safely.” The teamwork between the Dive Locker and Port Control personnel created a flawless and professional handling of the work up. “There was a lot of planning that went into this job in regards to how the docks was sitting in the water and the potential for it rolling over,” added Paxton. “It took many man-hours and a team effort to be able to get as far as we have to accomplish the tasking with zero safety mishaps.” While each department had their own parts to handle when it came to the job, many tasks required them to work together like Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Mason (pictured above) being a Diver Tender to ensure the safety of Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Eduardo Servin (also pictured above) as he dived and worked on the pier. “We still have a little bit of work left to do cutting the remainder of the supporting structure that is still underwater and cutting back the walkway leading to the where the dock was previously located,” remarked Paxton. “Once we get all the debris removed we are looking at putting a floating jet dock and marrying it up to the existing walkway.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Executive Officer, Cmdr. Dennis Mojica congratulates MA3 Snider, left, on her selection as Sailor of the Week, July 12-18, and QM2 Sinder,left, on her selection as Sailor of Week, July 19-25.
MA3 ASHLEY SNIDER
■Job/Department: Air Terminal Security/ Security ■Age: 22 ■Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri ■Hero: sister ■Movie: Italian Job ■TV Show: Orange is the New Black ■Author: Stephen King ■Hobby: Shopping ■Currently working on: Bachelors in Forensic Science ■Sailor of the Week Because: While performing x-ray baggage inspection duties as one of the Air Terminal Security Force members, MA3’s superior visual abilities was vital in discovering an item that appeared suspicious. Upon further inspection of baggage, MA3 discovered illegal contraband and immediately reported it up the Chain of Command. Her keen attention to detail prevented the trafficking of illegal contraband and should be a lesson for all others to know, MA3 is on watch and has eyes like a hawk. VOL. 73 • NO. 21
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
QM2 ANNA GARCE
■Job/Department: Port Operations ■Age: 25 ■Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah ■Hero: My Father ■TV Show: Friends ■Movie: Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny ■Hobby: Crochet and Reading ■Book: The Giver
■Sailor of the Week Because: QM2 assisted Senior Chief Watson in conducting the packout and cleaning of a junior Sailor’s room while they were in the hospital. Garce took it upon herself to not only schedule the shipping of house hold goods and uniforms but also took the time to clean the barracks room herself and then turn the room back over to NGIS. Garce proved herself as a shipmate and as a Petty Officer of the Navy through assisting her fellow Sailor and going above and beyond what was required.
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) RODD TOOKER
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
INTERIM PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
ERIKA FIGUEROA MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MC1 KEGAN KAY
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.
Do’s and Don’ts for Voicing Your Political Opinion on Social Media July 22, 2016• PAGE 3
Jason Kelly U.S. Navy Digital Media Engagement Director
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ack in 2008, political and media analysts dubbed that year’s presidential election the YouTube election since the candidates used the platform to post videos longer than traditional political ads. Fast forward to 2016 where now a third of 18- to 29-yearolds say social media is their most helpful source for learning about this year’s presidential election, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center. More social media opportunities exist now for Americans to share everything from their favorite cat photos to their personal opinions, including about this year’s presidential election. So what do Sailors and Department of the Navy civilians need to know before they post, tweet and snap their political opinions? The information below doesn’t cover everything but, if in doubt, consult your command’s ethics representative. Service members: Let’s start with Sailors. NAVADMIN 055-16 and DoD Directive 1344.10 spell it out. Active-duty Sailors may generally express their personal views about public issues or political candidates using social media — just like they can write a letter to a newspaper’s editor. If the social media site or content identifies the Sailor as on active duty (or if they’re reasonably identifiable as an activeduty Sailor), then the content needs to clearly and prominently state that the views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Department of Defense (DoD). However, active-duty service members may not engage in any partisan political activity such as posting or making direct links to a political party, partisan political candidate, campaign, group or cause. That’s the equivalent of distributing literature on behalf of those entities or individuals, which is prohibited. Active-duty Sailors can like or follow accounts of a political
party or partisan candidate, campaign, group or cause. However, they cannot suggest that others like, friend or follow them or forward an invitation or solicitation. Remember, active-duty service members are subject to additional restrictions based on the Joint Ethics Regulation, the Uniform Code of Military Justice and rules about the use of government resources and government communications systems, including email and internet. What about Sailors who aren’t on active duty? They’re not subject to the above social media restrictions so long as they don’t reasonably create the perception or appearance of official sponsorship, approval or endorsement by the DoD. Department of the Defense civilians: DoD civilians need to consider the Hatch Act and DoD policy. In general, federal employees may use social media and email and comply with the Hatch Act if they: • Don’t engage in political activity while on duty or in the workplace, even if the employee is using their personal smartphone, tablet or laptop to do so. Federal employees are “on duty” when they’re in a pay status (including during telework hours) other than paid leave or are representing the government in an official capacity • Don’t engage in political activity in an official capacity at any time • Don’t solicit or receive political contributions at any time Political activity refers to any activity directed at the success or failure of a political party or partisan political group or candidate in a partisan race. Below is a list of some frequently asked questions. For additional FAQs, visit http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/defense_ ethics/resource_library/hatch_act_and_social_media.pdf.
SECNAV Announces Implementation of FAIR Program Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs
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s part of ongoing efforts to enhance the professional growth of leaders in the Navy, Marine Corps and Department of the Navy (DON) civilian workforce, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recently directed the development of policies and procedures for the implementation of a Full and Inclusive Review (FAIR) program. Core to the FAIR program is the use of a multi-rater assessment, more commonly referred to as a 360-degree review, for all military and civilian supervisory personnel. Government agencies and the private sector routinely use these types of assessments as a developmental tool to provide personnel with relevant feedback designed to help them evaluate and use their strengths while also dedicating attention and resources to skills they may need to improve. “Effective implementation of FAIR, and the feedback provided by these reviews, will hone the skills of our future leaders and foster continued growth and excellence in the execution of our mission,” said Mabus. “This program is a further example of our existing efforts to modernize our personnel processes and strengthen our Navy, Marine Corps and civilian leaders.”
FAIR implementation plans and policies for DON civilian supervisory personnel are overseen by the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) (ASN(M&RA), while the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) will oversee the implementation of FAIR in their respective services. The program is designed for use across the DON by personnel in positions of increasing scope of leadership and responsibility such as civilian supervisors, senior enlisted leaders or officers assigned as department heads or higher. The feedback provided via FAIR will address core leadership and innovation competencies and be discussed during a developmental discussion with a supervisor during which the reviewed leader’s plan for continued growth will be addressed. The DON has already launched a dedicated portal site to provide information to and register civilian senior executives for 360 assessments. Further development of policy and training for those who will be using the program is underway and continues through the end of 2016.
Photos by MCC Keith Bryska
Youth Center Hosts
CAREER WEEK
MC1 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
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magine sitting crossed legged on the floor along with the other children twitching with anticipation as the teacher walks to the door bring in the mystery guest. For the children at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Youth Center this is exactly what they experienced as the Youth Center held a Career Week, July 5-8. “The purpose of our career week was to introduce the Guantanamo Bay school age care (SAC) children to the different range of careers and departments within the U.S. Navy,” explained Child and Youth Programs Manager Jamila Arnolia. “Our career week was one week of the Guantanamo Bay SAC summer camp program. Each week of our summer camp has a different theme.” The camp is available to kids aged 5 to 12 and during the career week they were able to learn about the Fire Department, Security and what the Seabees do at Public Works, and talk with a Pediatrician from the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. “My hope in coordinating the week was that the children understand that the mend and women who serve in the Navy have various careers and responsibilities,” said Aronlia. With each visit the children were able to
experience different things. Arnolia explained that the Fire Department held a presenation for the kids and gave them the chance to tour a fire truck and learn about the different equipment firefighters need when handling emergencies. Pediatrician, Dr. Chalres Groomes, showed the children the various tools that a doctor uses on their patients and had a few games for the children to play to demonstrate how vaccines are helpful in preventing the spread of diseases. For security, they gave a presentation and a demonstration with the military working dogs. “I hope kids get the idea that we are there to help and protect,” remarked Chief Master-at-Arms Andre Perez. “That law enforcement is just more than giving out tickets and taking people to jail. It is treating everyone equal and fair.” Perez said that they briefed the students on a patrolman’s duties and responsibilities and showed how the military working dogs conduct searches and take down suspects. “My hope is that the children will begin to brainstorm what they want to be when they ‘grow up’,” concluded Arnolia. For more information regarding the Youth Center please call 4092 or 5194.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Blended Retirement: Breaking Down Options Terrina Weatherspoon Defense Media Activity
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or anyone who has ever served 16 years in the military and left without a retirement plan, the new blended retirement option being offered to Sailors beginning Jan. 1, 2017 would have been a huge help. Bottom line up front: If you have more than 12 years of service by Jan. 1, 2018, you don’t have the option to switch. If you have less than 12 years at that point, then this new blended retirement system might be for you. The new plan will be mandatory for new Sailors joining the Navy. However, Sailors who are currently serving will be grandfathered into the current retirement system. This blended retirement system offers several things: 1) matched TSP contributions up to 5 percent; 2) 40 percent of your base pay at 20 years plus a 2 percent increase each additional year you serve up to 30; 3) a bonus of two and a half months of pay at mid-career if you agree to obligate for four more years; and 4) a lump sum option at retirement. So whether a Sailor does 20 years, or just eight, he or she leaves with SOMETHING. Under the old system Sailors receive 50 percent of their base pay at 20 years and an additional 2.5 percent per year for every year they serve past 20. So that’s 50 percent at 20 years, and 75 percent at 30 years. The new system goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018, and anyone who has less than 12 years of service as of that date will be able to opt in to the program from Jan. 1, 2017 till the program officially starts in 2018. Sailors have from now until Jan. 1, 2017 to research and train on the new system to see if it a good option. There are three training courses under development for new accessions who will be automatically enrolled in the new system. However, for those Sailors who are considering this blended option, training is available now on Joint Knowledge online (http://jko.jten. mil/courses/brs/leader_training/Launch_Course.html). Although this training is mostly geared toward leaders and financial specialists, anyone can take the training. It discusses the basics of the new system and includes examples and other information to help Sailors make informed decisions. There is also an App being developed that will help Sailors run the numbers. Additionally, commands without sufficient
bandwidth can request CDs and training scripts. “Our goal with the training is to help you understand all the details,” said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke. “It’s going to be a great option for some people, but may be the best option for others. We just want Sailors going into it with eyes wide open.” Here are five things you need to know about the new system: 1. Sailors who are currently serving and do nothing will remain under the old system. You can opt-in on the DFAS/MYPAY website starting next year. 2. After two months of service, the government automatically starts putting 1 percent of a Sailor’s base pay into their individual’s thrift savings plan. Individuals are free to make their own contributions as well, and will see a matching of their contributions up to 4 percent at the start of their third year of service. “At three years you could be putting in 5 percent of your base pay and the government will contribute 5 percent. So, 10 percent of your base pay would go into TSP,” said Burke. “Individuals are fully vested at three years, meaning it’s theirs to keep when they leave.” 3. “If you get out before 20 years, you still get whatever you invested in that thrift savings plan, so you still get something, it won’t be huge, but it’s something, and it’s better than nothing,” said Burke. 4. There will be a mid-career bonus of 2.5 months salary when you obligate for another four years. This is an incentive to keep Sailors in the Navy. 5. There is a lump sum option at 20. So instead of taking monthly payments of 40 percent plus whatever your thrift savings plan adds in, you could decide you want 25 or 50 percent of your retirement in a lump sum. Calculations will be done to determine what an individual would receive. A key thing for Sailors to remember is under the new program they have more options for establishing a savings plan. For more information visit the links below: h t t p : / / w w w. n a v y. m i l / a h _ o n l i n e / d o c u m e n t s / 1 6 0 7 _ BlendedRetirementSystemInfographic.pdf http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/documents/1607_FAQforBRS.pdf h t t p : / / w w w. n a v y. m i l / a h _ o n l i n e / d e p t S t o r y. asp?issue=3&dep=6&id=91636.
Summer Driving Safety Tips Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs
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ravel plans are one of the hottest topics of the summer. Whether meeting family at the coast or taking a road trip to Las Vegas with friends, vacations off the island are something everyone at Guantanamo Bay looks forward to doing. Although road trips may invoke images of driving along a wide-open sunny highway, poor planning, bad driving conditions, traffic and other drivers can shatter these visions and lead to dangerous driving conditions. Fortunately there are things that you can do to keep yourself, family, friends and other travelers’ safe while on the road. Below are some tips for staying safe: • Use the Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS). TRiPS is an online risk assessment tool for Sailors and Marines to use before they go on liberty or leave when they will be driving outside command travel limits. TRiPS can help travelers recognize and avoid some common driving hazards such as fatigue, not buckling up and driving too far. • Ensure your vehicle is up-to-date with routine maintenance. Don’t forget to do your own check immediately before leaving, including tire pressure, wiper blades and fluid levels. • Swallow your pride. If you encounter an aggressive driver, move out of their way. Do not return gestures or challenge them by increasing your speed. • Never leave children or pets unattended in a car. Even a few minutes
can be deadly. Rolling down the windows a couple of inches does not prevent the temperature from increasing to dangerous levels. • Avoid driving tired by: o Stopping frequently for food, drink and bathroom breaks. o Staying at a motel or hotel if you are driving late into the night. o Share the driving if you are traveling with others. • Watch for motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. They are vulnerable when sharing the road with vehicles and can be easy to miss if you are not looking for them. • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Suggested items include: o First aid kit o Flashlight o Flares and a white flag o Jumper cables o Basic repair tools o A jug of water and paper towels for cleaning up o Nonperishable food, such as granola bars and drinking water o Extra windshield washer fluid o Maps Following these suggestions will increase the chances of summer travel plans being accident free.
MOVIES
POST OFFICE NEWS Attention Postal Customers- if you are mailing 2 or more TUFF To place an ad please send an e-mail to boxes you are encouraged to PAO@GTMO.NAVY.MIL make an appointment between 8 and 9 a.m. before the post office FOR SALE: Apple Mac Mini Desktop (Mid- opens. Making an appointment will 2011) - 2.3 i5 256 GB SSD + 500 prevent long waits in line during GB HDD + 8 GB RAM $550. regular hours of operation. Call LS3 Borromeo or Mr. Smith at 2156. Contact Mark at 75849.
THE CLASSIFIEDS
The
Scoop
ENERGY PSA As an attempt to conserve energy, it is being asked of all tenants that when exiting your home or room for more than 4 hours, please raise your thermometer approximately 10 degrees from your “at home” setting. This operational control will lessen electricity demand, generator operational hours, and fuel costs... and thus, lowering electricity bills to our customers and the U.S. Government. Thank you for your assistance. FORENSICS LECTURE There will be a Forensic Investigations Lecture Series on Credit Card Fraud, Fingerprint Science and Technology and Interview and Interrogation. Class can hold up to 15 students and counts as continuing education training and college credit for both undergraduate and graduate. Contact Inst. Deron Jenkins at 78628 for more information.
UNITED THROUGH READING The JTF Chaplain’s Office would like to invite you to come in and record a video of yourself reading a book to send home to your kids. Please contact their office at 2571 for more information. MISSOULA THEATRE Missoula Children’s Theatre will be performing Rapunzel this year. Auditions will be held at the Windjammer Ballroom on Sat., July 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rehearsal will be from July 25-28 (time will be announced at a later date) Sessions for different age groups will be a the Windjammer Ballroom and the Youth Center Gym. DANCE LESSONS Interested in Salsa and Bachata dance lessons? Come to the Community Center Fri., July 22 from 8 to 10 p.m. There will be a social dance after the lessons from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Come put on your dancing shoes and learn something new. For more information please contact Chelsea Garcia at 75033 or 79065.
OMBUDSMAN
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAVSTA: Jamie Yeich
Carrie McCormick
July 22, 2016• PAGE 7
TRAFFIC SAFETY NOTE CPO 365 would like to remind everyone to not use their phones to talk or text while driving. Please remember to DOWNTOWN LYCEUM JUL 22 come to a complete stop, NO FRIDAY Ice Age: Collision 8 p.m.: rolling stops. Course
SPLASH PAD MEGA PARTY The First Class Petty Officer Association is hosting a Splash Pad Mega Party on Sat., July 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be water balloons, squirt guns, pizza and music. Bring the kids out to have a great time in sun and water. DRIVER IMPROVEMENT There will be a driver improvement class on Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 2nd floor of Bldg. 760. For seat reservation contact the Safety Office at 4655/4526. Department Heads must approve member to attend and complete the 8 hour class requirements.
PG
10 p.m.:
Star Trek Beyond PG13
SATURDAY JUL 23 8 p.m.: The Shallows PG13
10 p.m.:
Now You See Me 2
SUNDAY 8 p.m.:
Free State of Jones
MONDAY 8 p.m.:
The Conjuring 2
TUESDAY 8 p.m.:
Me Before You
PG13
JUL 24
R
JUL 25
R
JUL 26
PG13
STUDENT MEALS FARM Applications for the SY 16/17 for free and reduced WEDNESDAY JUL 27 meals are now available at TNMT: Out of the 8 p.m.: the NEX Customer Service Shadows Counter. Full price meals are PG13 $2.50 for Elementary and JUL 28 $2.75 for Middle/High School. THURSDAY 8 p.m.: They Were Expendable NR
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Fleet and Family Support Center
UPCOMING CLASSES
NFCU: LENDING BORROWING BASICS July 27, 1400-1500 at FFSC. Learn the basics of installments loans. Define the types of loans available. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls associated with certain lending types. NEW TO NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY: July 28, 0815-1130 at FFSC. This orientation class provides new residents an introduction to key base personnel, a summary of base history, an overview of installation rules, and a base tour to familiarize them with locations and resources.
Kendra Keesey
ANGER MANAGEMENT: Aug. 2, 1300-1400 at FFSC. This course will provide tools to you manage and control your anger and stress.
E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 84792
SAPR TRAINING FOR CDO: Aug. 3, 0800-0900 at FFSC. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training for Command Duty Officers to know what to do, how to handle it, and be prepared in the event of a sexual assault were to happen.
NAVAL HOSPITAL: TC Bacon
E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail.com Phone: 55379
RESUME BASICS: Aug. 4, 1400-1600 at FFSC. This class provides an overview of civilian and federal resume formats. This workshop will help you construct a resume that gets you noticed! Includes information on writing your objective, accomplishment statements, and knowing the focus of each resume format.
To register or for more information please call 4141 or 4153. Hours of Operation are: Mon-Fri., 0730-1630.