July 2, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO. 26• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4520
193rd Battalion Donates to Lighthouse Museum
Capt. Michael Ciavatta, right center, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 193rd Military Police Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay presents a check to Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Christopher Rice, Chief Petty Officer Association Heritage Committee Chairman on June 24 at the installation’s lighthouse museum. Photo by Richard Vargas. MC2 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
lighthouse has traditionally been a beacon of hope A and homecoming for Sailors and fishermen out at sea but the lighthouse at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay
stands today as a retainer of the history of the installation and its many changes through the years. “The museum itself is a good historical piece for the base and we have a lot of information on the base from when it started to now,” remarked Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Christopher Rice, Chief Petty Officer Association’s (CPOA) Heritage Committee Chairman. “It kind of represents every era of what the base has through.” On Wednesday, June 24, Capt. Michael Ciavatta and Capt. Mark Sommer, both of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 193rd Military Police Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard deployed to NS Guantanamo Bay, presented a check to Rice for the Lighthouse Museum. The money was raised by the 193rd from their Memorial Day 10K Shadow Run and gifted to the CPOA Heritage Committee, who took over the duties and upkeep of the lighthouse earlier this year, in thanks for their sponsorship of the run. The contributions from the 193rd and other donations
will have a great impact on maintaining the upkeep of the lighthouse and the museum. “We got some big projects in the works to fix the building up and make it look more presentable,” said Rice. Currently the lighthouse is undergoing maintenance but the museum remains open to all residents every first and third weekend of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. but is closed on holidays. The museum houses hundreds of historical items and photos from the base, most of which have been collected by community members and turned over to the museum. “Most of the items have been here for years,” said Rice. “A lot of it is stuff people have found over the years on the beaches or when they are doing construction projects and find artifacts that have been buried.” Volunteers and donations are always welcome in assisting with the upkeep of the lighthouse and its museum. “I want to thank the community for supporting the lighthouse,” added Rice. “We are always looking for more volunteers to help and have plenty of volunteer opportunities.” People interested in volunteering or have questions can contact gtmolighthouse@gmail.com.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates QM2 Mendez and BM2 Rector on their selection as the Sailors of the Week.
QM2 SERGIO MENDEZ AND BM2 RYAN RECTOR
I
n combined efforts of Port Operations Dockmasters. QM2 Mendez and BM2 Rector successfully coordinated the USS Columbus’ port visit to Guantanamo Bay. Both were essential in the execution of the vessels berth and mooring evolutions which were unique and challenging for a submarine. They devoted numerous after hour time attending to the crew and care of the ship. They also coordinated two crane operations, six CHT offloads, the transfer of over 40k of potable water, and numerous other assistance calls. BM2 Rector and QM2 Mendez also oversaw the assembly of the hydro pneumatic fendering system required for submarines. They were also present for their Saturday underway while also pulling in a Coast Guard Cutter inbound for emergent repairs. Coordinating the crane operations for both vessels on short notice with both vessels meeting their scheduled underway and moored times. VOL. 72 • NO. 26
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. AL ROSS CMDCM (SW/AW) RODD TOOKER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MC2 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 595.
July 2, 2015• PAGE 3
NEXCOM Gives $46.6 Million to MWR Kristine M. Sturkie NEXCOM Public Affairs
The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) released its fiscal year 2014 audited financial report which showed a $46.6 million contribution to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). “NEXCOM’s mission is to provide our customers with quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy quality of life programs,” said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, (Ret), Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “Each year, we contribute 70 percent of our profits to MWR to accomplish that mission. For 2014, we gave Navy MWR $46.6 million from our sales. Shopping at the NEX not only saves our customers money, it also contributes to their quality of life.” Navy MWR uses the dividends from the NEX in a variety of ways. Installations receive part of the funds for specific installation level MWR efforts. The remaining funds are used for MWR capital projects to improve facilities. “Our MWR effort relies on the dividend we get from NEXCOM to continue to offer a quality recreation experience for Sailors and their families. These funds are very important in helping us to upgrade facilities and equipment, as well as support the diverse recreation needs of the military community that we serve,” said Lorraine Seidel, Recreation Program Manager for Navy Installations Command.
NEXCOM operates on the retail fiscal year calendar, which in 2014 was February 1, 2014 – January 31, 2015. About NEXCOM The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) oversees 100 Navy Exchange (NEX) facilities and nearly 300 stores worldwide, 39 Navy Lodges, the Ships Stores Program, the Uniform Program Management Office, the Navy Clothing Textile and Research Facility and the Telecommunications Program Office. NEXCOM’s parent command is the Naval Supply Systems Command. NEXCOM’s mission is to provide authorized customers quality goods and services at a savings and to support quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families. NEXs and Navy Lodges operate primarily as a non-appropriated fund (NAF) business instrumentality. NEX revenues generated are used to support Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. In FY14, $2.7 billion in sales were generated with $46.6 million in dividends provided to Navy MWR programs. About CNIC Commander, Navy Installations Command manages Navy bases worldwide and is responsible for managing over a 120 product lines and services for the Fleet, Fighter, and Family, to include Morale, Welfare and Recreation services.
Prowler Retires Following 45 Years of Naval Service MC2 John Hetherington Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP), hosted a three-day Sunset Celebration commemorating the retirement of the Navy EA-6B Prowler, June 25-27. The celebration, marking the end of an era for the Electronic Attack community, included a history hall in CVWP’s Havilland Hangar with a Prowler on display, a farewell ceremony and concluded with the last Navy Prowler flying off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s (NASWI) Ault Field. More than 1,000 registered guests attended the event. “This weekend, the Prowler Sunset Celebration, has been fantastic,” said retired Capt. Fred Wilmot, who served as a test pilot for the Navy Prowler and delivered the first Prowler to NASWI while serving in Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 in January 1971. “We’ve been able to see people we haven’t seen in 35, 40 years or so including some of the original people from Grumman who designed the system. It’s really a fitting end to the Prowler era.” Wilmot credited the lengthy service of the Prowler to multiple factors. “The fact that the Prowler stuck around for 45 years is testimony to how well it was designed and built, and the thousands of men and women who have maintained and operated it,” said Wilmot. “My hat is off to them. You don’t find any more professionalism than in those personnel.” The farewell ceremony, held at NASWI’s Prowler Memorial, featuring speeches by leaders in the VAQ community, a
recitation of the names of VAQ Sailors who sacrificed their lives in service, and a missing man formation was an emotional experience for those in attendance. “There probably wasn’t a dry eye in the audience during the missing man formation,” said Capt. Darryl Walker, commander, CVWP. Wilmot rode in the formation for the fly off of the last Prowler bringing this piece of naval aviation history full circle. “I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to take the opportunity to fly in the last flight away since I brought the first flight in,” said Wilmot. Walker feels fortunate to have led his community through this major transition. “We’ve sunset our last Navy Prowler with VAQ 134, so the entire community will now be transitioned to the EA18G Growler,” said Walker. “It’s really spectacular to see the community grow into the fantastic airplane, the EA-18G Growler. It’s just been really neat to be in charge during this time frame as we move from one airplane to the next.” Wilmot thinks that the future of the VAQ community will be bright. “It closes a chapter on the Prowler, but certainly not on this community,” said Wilmot. “The community continues to grow and thrive.” For more news from around the fleet visit www.navy.mil. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/.
MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno U visited Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, June 29-30.
During the visit the ambassador met with service members while touring facilities on base to include Joint Task Force (JTF), Expeditionary Legal Complex, Navy Exchange and USNH Guantanamo Bay. “It was a pleasure to be here and everyone was really so great and helpful,” said Moreno. “This is like a homecoming to me. I was here during the Haitian Boat crisis in the mid 90’s as the senior state department refugee coordinator. Coming back here and seeing Guantanamo Bay and seeing how many things have changed and other things stayed the same was something special to me.” According to the Ambassador the highlight of the visit was watching the Naturalization Ceremony in which Specialist Maximon Ramirez of JTF became a United States Citizen. “The ceremony and oath of allegiance was given by Crispina Castillo, field office director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for Santo Domingo Field Office,” said Moreno. “The last
naturalization ceremony I was at was at Camp Victory in Bagdad and it is always a special time for me to be part of such a important moment in a service member’s life.” The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is expedited for service members, typically taking between three to six months. In order for a member of the U.S. armed forces to become a citizen they must be of good moral character, demonstrate knowledge of the English language, demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. Government and history and express attachment to the United States by taking the Oath of Office to the U.S. Constitution. “There not a more honorable profession than serving your country in the armed forces and putting your life on the line, and becoming a citizen of that country that you dedicated your life to is a special moment,” said Moreno. “It has been an honor to come visit such a wonderful place; you are the tip of the spear and always have to be ready to go. We are grateful for all you do for your country.”
Chaplain’s
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Corner
Decision Making 101 LT Baron Miller
T
NS Guantanamo Bay Deputy Command Chaplain
he other night I was watching one of my all-time favorite TV shows, Man vs Wild. There’s Bear Grylls taking on the best nature can through at him only this time he had two rookies with him. These were city dwellers that won a lottery for a two day adventure with Bear. One of them was visibly deteriorating after hours of hiking, eating worms, and confronting fears. On camera he said he was hungry, tired, and agitated. As I watched the adventure unfold, I was reminded of a decision making technique called H.A.L.T.—Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. H.A.L.T. is an acronym that can prevent you from making decisions that may not turn out well for you. For instance, if you are experiencing any of the H.A.L.T. symptoms, then chances are you’re not performing at your best and should avoid major life decisions, or even smaller decisions that may have major consequences. If you’re heading into an important meeting and don’t want to offend anyone or ruin your career, then H.A.L.T.. If you and your spouse are having, say, ‘intense fellowship’ (an argument) and either of your aren’t at
your best, then H.A.L.T. before the conversation gets out of control. When you’re traveling with your kids, either to the NEX or to JAX, check H.A.L.T. and be sure everyone is satisfied before chaos ensues. H.A.L.T. can be a difficult self-assessment but one that is well worth it. If you’re hungry, get some food and clam your nerves. If you’re feeling angry, then definitely don’t make big decisions, but instead ask yourself why you’re angry. Get a rational grip on the situation and confront the source of anger first, then move on to what’s next (also, if you’re the praying kind, that helps too). When you’re feeling lonely or just have a case of the blues; that will affect how you function. Find ways to satisfy your spirit so it will be lifted prior to any life changes. Finally, if you’re tired, get rest. There is 0% of the population that is at its best with less than eight hours of sleep so know that physical recovery is key. So remember H.A.L.T. when you’re faced with tough decisions. Halting and waiting may be the best thing you can do as a leader and a person.
NPC Leaders to Meet With Southeast Sailors Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
epresentatives from Navy Personnel Command’s R fleet engagement team (FET) will visit Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Submarine
Base Kings Bay and Cecil Field, July 7-9, to discuss the latest personnel policies and initiatives impacting Sailors and family members. “The FET briefings are provided to educate Navy leaders, Sailors and their spouses ensuring that they have the information they need to make timely and well informed career decisions,” said Capt. Bruce Deshotel, head enlisted community manager. “During this visit, we will also be providing rating and advancement opportunities for professional apprenticeship career track (PACT) Sailors.” According to the community managers, year groups (YG ) 12 and 13 PACT Sailors may have the opportunity to become rated or be given approval to take the Navy-Wide Advancement Exam during the FET visit. Command careers counselors need to print out each PACT Sailor’s qualification job list/screen for YG12 and 13 or have each PACT Sailor bring the documents with them to the FET brief. Additionally, the team will discuss how changes to the Career Management System-Interactive Detailing (CMS-
ID), limited directed detailing, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Early Return to Sea, and Voluntary Sea Duty Program are all designed to ensure high-priority billets at sea are manned and how they affect communities like those in the area. Leadership personnel in charge of manning will also be provided training on Billet Based Distribution (BBD). The BBD training will provide an overview of the new system which aligns Sailors to billet requirements. There will be an online demonstration and a discussion of actions commands must make before the system is implemented and the role of commands in the process. Executive officers, personnel officers, command master chiefs and command career counselors should attend this training. “Briefings will be held at a number of locations which can be found on the schedule posted online or by contacting your Navy counselor,” said Deshotel. To see the team’s schedule visit www.npc.navy.mil/bupersnpc/career/careercounseling/Pages/CareerDevelopment. aspx. For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (827-5672) or via e-mail at CSCMailbox@navy.mil.
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.
MISC Electric Sony radio and clock $10.00, George grill $8.00, cake mixer $8.00, 4 medium size shaded glasses, 4 black coffee or tea mugs, 10+ medium plates $10.00, Large wood laced laundry hamper $7.00, plastic cabinet of 3 medium sized drawers $5.00, large size ironing table $5.00, computer chair (very clean like new) $8.00, carry on and computer suitcase (2 pieces suitcase, brand new, and still in box) $60.00, universal remote control for TV (brand new with menu) $10.00. Prices negotiable and your best offer....Please call: 78470 For Sale: HP Pavilion Desktop, with AMD processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, Window Vista, include 17 inch monitor, keyboard, mouse and external speaker, $140. HP 3520, Deskjet printer, scanner and copier. $35. Call 77266.
July 2, 2015• PAGE 9
HURRICANE SEASON Remember that we are now in VEHICLES the midst of Hurricane season 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. 102k miles. Make sure you have your DOWNTOWN LYCEUM $8000 OBO. For more information call emergency preparedness kit ready to go! 77320. FRIDAY July 03 Terminator: Genisys 8 p.m.: 2002 Chrysler Sebring LX 3500.00 W.T. SAMPSON PG13 OBO Runs great, has 4 new tires, The W.T. Sampson School Tomorrowland brand new alternator, and has Advisory Committee (SAC) is 10:15 p.m.: PG working A/C. Call 79483, ask for taking nominations for the Phillip or Melissa. July 04 2015-2016 school year. Anyone SATURDAY Ted 2 8 p.m.: interested in being nominated R ELECTRONICS please submit via e-mail to Poltergeist 2015 WTSampsonSAC@gmail.com SCSI Modem with Multiple ports and with name, education level 10:15 p.m.: PG13 Belkin wireless router, Call 78471 and why you would be a good SUNDAY July 05 Inside Out iPhone 4 with charger and otter box, candidate to advise the school. 8 p.m.: PG $140 or best offer. 84623 W.T. Sampson MS/HS Summer 4’ Starband internet dish and modem Office Hours: Monday-Thursday July 06 $275 or best offer phone 78936 or cell 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. If MONDAY Mad Max: Fury Road 84014. you need URGENT assistance 8 p.m.: R outside these office hours, Lost at Dock of the Bay: Sony D10 blue please contact Cindy Madison, and silver underwater camera. Phone School Support Assistant, at TUESDAY July 07 78936 or cell 84014. 90575 or via email at Cynthia. 8 p.m.: Jurassic World PG13 6’ Sadoun Satellite Dish w/ transpon- Madison@am.dodea.edu der and pole. $325. Call 77681 FMI. SUN SAFETY July 08 Stay in the shade, especially WEDNESDAY Entourage 8 p.m.: YARD SALES during midday hours. Wear R Garage Sale Caribbean Circle 34D, clothing that cover your arms and legs. Wear a hat, Saturday, July 11th 8-11 a.m. July 09 preferably with a wide brim. THURSDAY Pitch Perfect 2 8 p.m.: Wear sunglasses. Use PG13 sunscreen and of course remember to hydrate.
The
Scoop
FACILITIES Need to place a trouble call? Facilities has changed their number. It is now 3694 for all trouble calls.
TRASH Remember to pick up your trash and dispose of it in the proper receptacles. Help keep CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880 our base looking clean.