JUNE 6, 2014• VOL. 71 • NO. 22• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
MCSFCO Reflects on GTMO History
Marines assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Company Guantanamo Bay (MCSFCO) hiked to the memorial honoring the actions taken by Sgt. Maj. John H. Quick in the Spanish American War. MC3 Jason Bawgus Photojournalist
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ost Americans know about the Spanish-American war that took place in 1898 and about the infamous charge led by Theodore Roosevelt up San Juan Hill but most do not know the significance of the Battle of Cuzco Well which was fought right here at Guantanamo Bay. Marines assigned to Marine Corps Security Company Guantanamo Bay received a history lesson about the bravery and the importance of this significant battle, June 3. “The battle of Cuzco Wells is essentially where the modern day Marine Corps began,” said Sgt. Brian Rudolph, a squad leader with Marine Corps Security Force Company (MCSFCO). “Before the Spanish-American War we were rifleman on ships and guards for ships in port.” The battle was fought by Lt. Col. Robert W. Huntington’s battalion which consisted of 24 officers and 628 enlisted men. The troops transportation was the USS PANTHER (AD-6), an old transport ship used for shipping supplies that had been retrofitted for a troop transport and their mission was to seize and secure Guantanamo so it could be used as an advanced base to fuel Navy
ships with coal. On June 10, 1898 a landing party of 40 Marines from the battleship USS Oregon (BB-3) and cruiser Marblehead (C-11) scouted the proposed base and located friendly Cuban insurgents. Later that day, the PANTHER appeared on the horizon and began disembarking Marines ashore. “When the Marines landed they came up out of the water ready for a fight, they had their bayonets ready and only brought water and their cartridge belts,” said Sgt. Kyle Skalsky, a squad leader with MCSFCO. “They initially met no resistance; the Spanish were waiting for the supplies to be brought ashore because they had almost run out of their own.” After the Marines had set up Camp McCalla on the beach they quickly realized that they were exposed to the Spanish snipers hiding in the bush. “The battle really started when most of the Marines were in the ocean bathing,” said Skalsky. “A war correspondent reported, ‘Up from the sea came a line of naked men, grabbing their carbines and Continued on Pg 3...
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates CE2 Ray on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: BCO/ Outside Plant Technician ■Age: 24 ■Hometown: Crystal River, FL ■Favorite Book: Ghost Soldiers ■Favorite Television Show: Big Bang Theory ■Favorite Hobby: Paintball, fishing and diving ■Favorite Sports Team: University of Florida ■Hero: Mom and Dad ■Favorite Quote: _”Your mind will give up before your body does.” ■Sailor of the Week Because: CE2 Kevin Ray was selected Sailor of the Week because his hard work and was instrumental in the troubleshooting and repair of the Air Terminal ATM pathway as well as the Cuban communications link, replacing over 1,000 feet of cabling and redoing several splices.
CE2 KEVIN RAY
VOL. 71 • NO.22
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. JOHN NETTLETON CMDR. COLIN CASWELL CMDCM (SW) JEFFERY TIDWELL
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.
falling into place.’” It was the beginning of more than 100 hours of fighting. Over the next four days the Marines and their Cuban guides would be in a constant struggle with the Spanish riflemen. Huntington decided that the key to victory would be taking the only fresh water source in the immediate area, Cuzco Wells. “Water is the elixir of life,” said Sgt. Chris Proffitt, “Without it, fighting is impossible; it improves morale and is necessary to treat injuries and prevent dehydration.” The mission to secure the well fell to Companies C and D, commanded by Capt. W. F. Spicer, with approximately 150 Marines and 50 Cubans. However, the four mile hike to Cuzco Wells site proved to be too much for Capt. Spicer and others who began experiencing cramps and disorientation. The command then fell to Company C’s George Elliott, the junior captain, who at age 52 and with 28 years of service, realized that the high ground had been left unoccupied. Elliott and his expedition scrambled up the steep incline, and in just three short minutes the Marines had reached the summit. Upon reaching the summit Elliot sent 2nd Lt. Louis J. Magill with 50 men of Company C outposted not far from the fight to cut off the Spanish withdrawal and signaled the Dolphin to begin firing on Spanish positions. The Dolphin’s officer’s misread the signal, and Magill’s men, already engaged in a firefight, started taking U.S. Navy shells
JUNE 6, 2014• PAGE 3
meant for the Spaniards. Then, Sgt. John H. Quick, with a blue polka-dot handkerchief mounted as a flag on a stick began waving in Morse International Code, signaling the Dolphin to cease fire. The Dolphin stopped firing, and Sgt. Quick would later be awarded the Medal of Honor. “Sgt. Quick stood up on top of the highest hill in the area and started waving a huge flag in the middle of a firefight without and regard to his own life,” said Sgt. Joshua Wentzel, a squad leader with MCSFCO. “The people around him said the only expression on his face wasn’t fear but that he was annoyed because his handkerchief got caught on a cactus while he was signaling the Dolphin.” The battle continued for almost another hour before the Spanish were overwhelmed with the sharpshooting of the Marines and Naval gunfire and began to look for a way to exit Cuzco Wells. At 3:15 p.m. the Marines entered Cuzco and wrecked the well. When the Marines returned home there were discussions of disbanding the Corps, at least for a set amount of time. However instead of disbanding them, Congress authorized a doubling of the size of the Corps to 201 officers and 6,062 enlisted men. “The Marines who fought bravely at Cuzco Wells showed everyone that America needed an elite fighting force that could deploy in a short amount of time,” said Rudolph. “They set the standard for all of us as a group that could go into to any situation and overcome any obstacle to complete the mission.”
USNH GTMO Optometrist Recognized Navy-wide Stacey Byington PAO, U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
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CDR Emily Sprague, MSC, USN, the Optometrist for U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, has been recognized as the Navy’s Junior Optometrist of the Year. Sprague was recommended for the honor by CDR Kevin Moore, MSC, USN, Optometrist at Naval Medical Center San Diego, saying “She is an exceptional officer who consistently exemplifies Navy Optometry’s mission to support the operational forces. She demonstrates the excellence expected in the Navy on a daily basis, and represents the highest standards of performance as an optometrist, officer, and leader.” The Navy’s Specialty Leader for Optometry, CAPT Penny E Walter, MSC, USN, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, made the announcement to Optometrists Navy-wide. “LCDR Sprague has consistently demonstrated outstanding clinical skills, emphasizing exceptional customer service and access to care for beneficiaries,” said Moore. “She is a proven leader in Optometry.” After graduating from optometry school in 2004, LCDR Sprague served at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, CA; at Naval Health Clinic Hawaii, where she served as the department head of the largest OCONUS optometry department in Navy Medicine; completed her residency in ocular disease at Baltimore Veterans Affairs Hospital; and in addition to her current duties, also serves as the hospital’s Director of Clinical Support Services. “My Dad encouraged me to consider the Navy as an option as I planned to enter Optometry school,” said Sprague. “I
received a four-year Navy Health Services Collegiate Program Scholarship, and it was the best thing that could have happened to me. My time in the Navy has definitely broadened my horizons and provided so many outstanding opportunities for professional development that would not have been possible otherwise.” Moore’s recommendation reiterated Sprague’s dedication to the optometry profession. “She is a 13-year member of the American Optometric Association and a nine-year member of the Armed Forces Optometric Society,” he said. “She was selected in 2012 as the Navy’s representative on the American Academy of Optometry’s Fellowship Admittance Committee, reviewing candidate submissions for fellowship and providing feedback. She was also named as the Southern College of Optometry’s Young Alumnus of the Year in 2013.” “The Navy Medicine Optometry community is filled with professionals who work hard every day to ensure the vision readiness and eye health needs of our warfighters and all beneficiaries are served,” said Sprague. “I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition given the many others who are most deserving.” “The Navy allows me to practice to the fullest scope of my training, which benefits both me and my patients,” she added. “Prescribing a young child their first pair of glasses and hearing that they have begun to excel in reading at school, or removing an ocular foreign body and providing immediate pain relief will never get old. I love my job!”
Remembering the Battle of Midway Kelly Wirfel Public Affairs Officer
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ervice members and civilians serving at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba held a ceremony at Windward Ferry Landing to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway, June 4. The service honored the memory of the battle, which took place June 4-7, 1942 in the Pacific and the Sailors and Marines who courageously found during the battle. During the conflict, 258 Sailors and 49 Marines lost their lives. Historians called the battle a decisive turning point in World War II where the Allies gained a strategic and tactical advantage over the Empire of Japan in the Pacific. On the tail end of the attack on Pearl Harbor six months prior, Allied naval assets secured an offensive position after permanently crippling the Japanese navy at Midway. “Many great historians refer to the Battle of Midway as an “incredible victory” and a “miracle.” By any standard, our brave forces were outclassed and outnumbered,” said Capt. J.R. Nettleton, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer. “We had no battleships and the enemy had 11. We only had three carriers they had eight. We had no right to win. But in a single master stroke, a battered U.S. Navy and Marine Corps halted the fierce Japanese advance. And to this day, the American action at Midway stands out as one of the greatest
victories in naval history, abruptly ending Japan’s eastward push and turning the tide of the war in the Pacific.” During the ceremony 1st Sergeant Joshua Wruble, Marine Corps Security Force Company Guantanamo Bay spoke about the long standing unity between the Fleet Marine Force and the Navy. “In the 72 years since the Battle of Midway, a lot has changed in our military. Much also remains the same. Today, here we are, once again on an island secured by the blood of Sailors and Marines,” said Wruble. “This morning, as I looked at the 50 Sailors and Marines behind me, holding those flags, I was reminded of the awesome power and the unique relationship that we share between our two services. There is no better example in the 21st century than at Guantanamo Bay. Here, the Marines find themselves engaged in one of their earliest primary missions from hundreds of years ago; the defense of advanced Naval Forces.” Following the remarks from the keynote speakers, Nettleton placed a commemorative wreath in the bay to honor the sacrifices made by Sailors and Marines who fought in the battle. As the wreath drifted away TAPS was played followed by a C-12 flyover, the singing of the Lord’s Prayer by Ms. Gloria George and the playing of the Navy and Marines Corps hymns.
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Katherine Ross, D.O., LT MC USN U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay
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t’s that time of year again when asthma and allergies can affect many people here on base. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, often starting in childhood, which can lead to symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose given how common these symptoms are in other medical conditions. Asthma is also associated with other chronic conditions such as eczema and allergic rhinitis and can be more common in those who have a family history of asthma. Treatment varies depending on symptoms. It is important to speak with your physician if you have any of the above symptoms that last for more than three to four weeks. Other recommendations for those with asthma include routine checkups every six months, spirometry testing each year, having an annual asthma action plan, and being sure vaccinations are up-to-date. Staff at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Primary Care Clinic, ext. 72944, can assist with all of these recommendations. Allergies are a more common medical condition and can
Chaplain’s
be caused by many things. When most people hear allergies they think of nasal symptoms or food and drug allergies. Food and drug allergies can cause symptoms ranging from a rash to difficulty breathing. It is important for those who have a known severe food or drug allergy to have an epinephrine “epi” pen on them at all times and go immediately to the ER if they are having symptoms, or if they have used the epi pen. Environmental allergy symptoms include runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, post nasal drip, fatigue, and irritability. These can affect one’s quality of life considerably. This can be caused by seasonal allergens such as pollen, or year-round allergens such as pet dander and dust. The treatment for allergic rhinitis is usually oral antihistamines and nasal steroid spray. Common allergens specific to GTMO include mango tree sap and coral dust. If anyone in GTMO has any questions or concerns, please contact any member of your Health Care Team by calling the Primary Care Clinic at 7-2944, or through your Relay Health secure messaging account with the hospital.
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Cheers to Fathers! Cmdr. Gabriel Mensah NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
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une 15th, 2014 is Father’s Day, a day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood and the influence of fathers in our society. Historically, some people believe that the first official Father’s Day observance was held on 19th June, 1910 through the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. After a sermon she heard from her pastor in 1909 about the newly recognized Mother’s Day, Dodd had a very strong conviction that fatherhood needed recognition as well. Dodd’s conviction stemmed from a personal experience. Her mother died when she was 16, so her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was left to raise her and her five siblings. Dodd wanted a celebration that honored fathers like her own father. It took several years to make the holiday official. Whereas the inauguration of Mother’s Day was met with enthusiasm and deep sentiments, the inception of Father’s Day, received somewhat of mockery and cynicism. Congress was lobbied by individual states and organizations to make Father’s Day a national holiday. Woodrow Wilson approved a special Father’s Day in
1916, but it didn’t become an official event until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge signed a resolution to “establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.” Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, and designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. However, it was not until six years later when Nixon made the third Sunday of June a permanent national holiday. In just about every society, fathers have a significant position. A mother, as we all know, is in a unique position of giving birth to a child and nurturing the child. But it is also true that a father performs an important role in nurturing and raising a child; and this role should be acknowledged as well. The lifestyle of a father affects his child. In the eyes of a little child, a father is like all the super heroes – Superman. Spiderman, Batman, etc – rolled in one. Just about every child believes that his or her dad can fix everything, pitch faster and hit harder than all the baseball greats, and dunks better than Michael Jordan, Lebron James….and the list goes on. The bottom line is, if a father sets a good example of living life in a healthy, caring way, the child will follow suit.
Happy Father’s Day to all fathers.
GTMO SHOPPER
MOVIES
E-mail classified ad submissions to
YARDSALE Garage/Moving sale Villamar 2228A (on first street) Sunday June 8th 7am-10am. Justice girls clothes, men’s, boys & women’s clothes, toys, household and kitchen items, furniture, yard potted plants and misc.
PAO-CLASSIFIEDADS@ U S N B G T M O . N A V Y . M I L Multifamily Yard Sale: June 7th If sent to any other e-mail, it may not be pub- @ 7AM, Paola Pt #12 (in the lished. Submit your ad NLT noon Wednesdays backyard). Gate opens at 7, no for that week’s Gazette. Ads are removed af- early birds please. Thank you. ter 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
GTMO JOBS
MWR is offering the Following jobs:
Senior Library Technician
1987 Suzuki samurai 5 speed for price call 75739 or 84127
Recreation Assistant (Marina)
OUTDOOR REC
Recreation Assistant (Liberty)
Great White Adventure 208 (Grim Reefer) 200HP yamaha 2 stroke $14K if interested call 77940 or 84116
Child & Youth Programs
Child & Youth Programs 1991 843B Bobcat skid loader, 14’ Asst. boat 25HP with trailer, 25HP outboard motor long shaft, electric Food Service Worker trolling motor call for price 75739 or 84127
Laundry Worker
PATIO SET: BRAND NEW, still in original box. Patio set includes a table and four chairs. Price $300. Contact Cassie 77517
Custodial Worker
63 Alm Scuba Tank $75, Hydro Good and Visual Inspection Good. Ready to dive, dive dive!!! Call 77219
Office Automation Clerk
Handheld West Marine radio, Fishing gera (Wholesale prefered) 18 ft fishing boat 150hp runs great and can be seen at pier 33 slip2, coolers and other misc items, please call 75674
Laborer
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Computer Technician Food Service Worker (Triple B)
The
scoop
CORPSMAN BALL The Hospital Corpsman Ball is coming up. The ball is scheduled for June 21 from 1800 to midnight at the Windjammer Ball room. Tickets are currently on sale and range in price depending on your rank. For more information, contact HM1 Mason at 72103, HM1 Franklin at 78690 or HM1 Jennifer Benitez, at 72750. SUMMER SAFETY Along those same lines, summer is upon us. The summer allows for an opportunity to relax and refresh, however many of the activities we pursue put us at risk for accidents that have potentially dangerous consequences. Each of us must do our part to keep everyone around us safe off-duty and onduty. Please make sure you are looking out for pedestrian traffic, stopping at the crosswalks to let people cross and obeying the speed limits. We want everyone to enjoy their summer but most importantly play it safe.
Maintenance Worker
Love seat (green) great condition $50 call 77889
House Keeper
For sale All items need to go-Starband LNB for internet dish, New in box (dish not included) $125 OBO, Router for internet dish new in box $85 OBO ,Router and modem (in one)new in box $75 OBO, Skylanders Spiro’s adventure new in box $60, Skylanders mini figures (for game) $8 ea, Kids bike 16” $20 (kinda beat up), Wii games (mostly new) $10 ea, Wii power supply cords , sensor ,and input cords $8, Xbox games and kinect games (new in wrappers) $10 ea, Xbox 360 kinect Brand new in box $ 100 OBO please call 77889
Industrial Helath Technician
Housekeeper NGIS is offering the following jobs:
JVC componet set, 1 RCA 19in TV, CD Burner, desktop computer contact 75674
Working Aide
Front Desk Associate
84 gallon saltwater aquarium $500, 9 drawer wicker chest $20, 19’ LCD LG TV $40, call 78814 or 84796.
ELECTRONICS
NAVSTA HRO is offering the following jobs:
Front Desk Associate Laundry Worker Front Desk Clerk Maintenance Worker Housekeeping Attendant NEX is offering the following jobs: Sales Clerk Front Desk Clerk-Navy Lodge Barber Shop Hair Stylist Personalized Services Clerk
Local 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Contact #:
84578
Your Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator’s Contact #:
84577
JUNE 6, 2014• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 8 p.m.: Neighbors
June 6
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10p.m.:
The Quiet Ones PG13
SATURDAY June 7 8 p.m.: Mom’s Night Out PG
10p.m.:
Brick Mansions PG13
SUNDAY June 8 8 p.m.: Edge of Tomorrow PG13
MONDAY June 9 8 p.m.: Heaven is for Real PG
TUESDAY June 10 8 p.m.: Transcendence PG13
WEDNESDAY 8 p.m.: Godzilla
June 11
PG13
THURSDAY June 12 8 p.m.: The Other Woman PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton presents GM1 Nathan Coffey his Frocking Letter to First Class during an awards ceremony, June 3.
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton presents BM2 Alonzo Bender his Frocking Letter to Second Class during an awards ceremony, June 3.
JUNE 6, 2014• PAGE 7