MAY 2, 2014• VOL. 71 • NO. 17• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
Guantanamo Bay Holds Solar Array Ground-Breaking
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast Guantanamo Bay held a ground-breaking ceremony for the photovoltaic array system, April 24. Those participating in the ground-breaking include Ms. Nancy Devore, NEX General Manager, Capt. J.R. Nettleton, Commanding Officer, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Vice Adm. William French, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, Lt.j.g Ian Ambler, NAVFAC SE Guantanamo Bay Construction Manager and Mr. Ronnie Chason, IMC Company Executive (from left to right). Kelly Wirfel Naval Station Public Affairs Officer
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aval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast Guantanamo Bay and partnering tenants held a ground-breaking ceremony for the bases newest Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP) project, a 700kW photovoltaic array (PV) system, April 24. The PV Array project contract was awarded in June 2013 to Islands Mechanical Contractor (IMC), Inc. and is slated to be complete in Oct. 2014. The array system will be located behind the Navy Exchange (NEX) and will offset a portion of the electrical requirements of the NEX. “Today marks another achievement in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s ongoing environmental initiatives and it is an honor to have everyone here today for the groundbreaking,” said NAVFAC Southeast Guantanamo Bay’s Public Works Officer Cmdr. Ron Jenkins. “This project falls in line with the Department of the Navy’s Energy Goals to increase alternative energy ashore and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who has been involved with this project so far and those who will be involved until the completion of it.” Including Jenkins, six others participated in the ground breaking: Vice Adm. William French, Commander, Navy Installations Command; Rear Adm. Rick Williamson,
Commander, Navy Region Southeast; Capt. J.R. Nettleton, Commanding Officer, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay; Lt.j.g. Ian Ambler, NAVFAC Southeast Guantanamo Bay Construction Manager; Ms. Nancy Devore, NEX General Manager and Mr. Ronnie Chason, IMC Company Executive. The PV Array portion of the project will produce more than 1,015,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year potentially saving the Naval Station $508,000 annually. The project will also have a significant impact to the environment by providing a reduction of 700 metric tons of carbon dioxide which equates to 1,667,236 miles per year driven by an average passenger vehicle, the energy use for 64 homes per year or 752,136 pounds of coal burned per year. The PV system will enhance power reliability with a 20-25 year lifetime with minimal maintenance and no environmental impact. When utility power is available, the NEX will utilize the PV system. Switchgear will allow the NEX to switch between base power, PV power and at times utilize both simultaneously. Also awarded with the contract was a project to retrofit existing exterior lights with LED lighting. Approximately 400 existing exterior lights throughout the base have already been replaced with LED lighting and approximately 1400 additional lights will be replaced.
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Nettleton congratulates IC2 Johnson on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
■Job/Department: Dispatch LPO ■Age: 28 ■Hometown: Adrian, Michigan ■Favorite Movie: Goon ■Favorite Hobby: Working Out ■Favorite Sports Team: Detroit Red Wings ■Working On: Studying for First Class exam ■How the Navy Improved My Life: Made me realize my work ethic is strong and my potential is as high as I make it. ■Sailor of the Week Because: As the Emergency 911 dispatch supervisor he meticulously coordinated a complex watch bill to support the mission and training with a limited number of 911 emergency dispatch watch standers. He is a troubleshooting expert in PSAP, Lenel, Monaco and Advantor and maintained equipment availability rate of 99%. IC2 was also an excellent representative to Naval Station as an escort to Vice Admiral French, Rear Admiral Williamson, Captain Rios, and Captain Nettleton during last week’s CNIC visit.
IC2 PATRICK JOHNSON
VOL. 71 • NO.17
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.
Chaplain’s
MAY 2, 2014• PAGE 3
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Mother’s Day Musing Cmdr. Gabriel Mensah
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
Mother’s day this year falls on 11 May. For me personally, Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to reminisce about my own mother who passed away several years ago. It would be an understatement to say that my mother had a huge impact on my life, and the type of person I turned out to be. The following are my reflections/recollections of my mother on Mother’s Day. My mother was the woman who stayed up all night taking care of my whenever I got sick; and when I threw up all over the place, as I often did when I was sick, would clean me up before she scrubbed the floor. She was the woman who would put her arms around me and assure me everything was going to be fine when I got scared. My mother attended just about every soccer game I played in; she was at every play I featured in; and even cried at my High School graduation. She learned sometimes to leave me alone to make my own mistakes so I would learn from them. She mustered enough courage to say “yes” when I told her I wanted to become a priest, even though she knew that meant I was not going to carry on the family name. When all is said and done, my mother was like a nurse, chef,
psychiatrist, play mate and yes, disciplinarian. Occasionally she would fuss and holler at me when I did something wrong, but she would defend me to death if she knew I was right. I will end this column with some inspirational Mother’s Day quotes from four of our former Presidents. President George W. Bush said the following: “The bond between mothers and their children is one defined by love. As a mother’s prayers for her children are unending, so are the wisdom, grace, and strength they provide their children”. From Abraham Lincoln comes: “There is on undertaking more challenging, no responsibility more awesome, than that of being a mother.”Finally from Harry Truman comes the following beautiful quote: “No one in the world can take the place of your mother. Right or wrong, from her viewpoint you are always right. She may scold you for little things, but never for the big ones.” Happy Mother’s Day to All Mothers
CDR Gabriel Mensah
Command representatives and “Warrior of the Quarter” selectees take a group photo after the “Warrior of the Quarter” luncheon, April 30. The luncheon was held to honor their hard work and dedication over the last three months.
W.T. Sampson Hosts STEM Week MCC Keith Bryska Gazette Editor
Service members and community members assigned to Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba taught a variety of lessons at W.T. Sampson high school and elementary school during Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) week, April 28 to May 2. According to Theresa Weber, Educational Technologist and STEM Coordinator a lot of the new jobs are moving in to the technological field and it is important that we start teaching the students the importance of STEM. “With technology comes the importance of science, math and engineering and the sooner they understand the importance that the three play in that role the better they will be able to compete in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Weber. “Much of the career fields that will be invented in the next 10 to 20 years don’t exist today and these kids will be the ones that step up with the knowledge that they are learning today.” Guest speaker Chief Navy Diver Julius McManus talked to the students about the importance of STEM not only on how it relates to his job, but how important it is to everyday living. “In today’s world, technology means computers and smartphones, but it goes back to television, radio, microscopes, telegraph, telescopes, the compass, and even the first wheel. Engineering designs buildings, roads, and bridges, but it also tackles today’s challenges of transportation, global warming and environment-
friendly machines, appliances and systems,” said McManus. “We only have to look around to see what improvements to our lives and our homes have been engineered in the last decade alone. We encounter mathematics at the grocery store, the bank, on tax forms, in dealing with investments and the family budget.” There were several groups in attendance to help teach the students the aspects of their job and how STEM plays a role in the workforce. “We invited Joint Task Force’s Base Emergency Engineer Force (BEEF), Radio GTMO, Public Works Department, Ocean Enterprises and the Navy Dive locker,” said Weber. “Every group we invited plays an important part in STEM from mapping the ocean floor, satellite transmission and videography and how if all ties in together” Navy Diver 2nd Class James Reddy said that he enjoyed coming out and showing the kids the aspects of his job and how important science is on their daily role as a diver. “Science plays and important role in diving from the different mixtures of gases that you breathe at certain depths and also the pressures that apply to your body when you dive,” said Reddy. “Any time you can help out and teach kids the importance of STEM than you know that you are helping shape the future of our country.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Life as a Military Child Destinee Serene Hall W.T. Sampson High School
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eing a military brat is not the easiest job to take on as a kid. It is a 24/7 commitment to add onto your everyday challenges. Nevertheless, coping with school, getting up in the morning, getting along with siblings, and the simple responsibilities like figuring out what to do with your hair in the morning are the simpler aspects of life as a military child. The difficult challenges that you become accustomed to are moving away from family, frequently meeting new people, and saying goodbye to the ones you have become so close to. You learn to cherish the time you have with your loved one because it is only a matter of time before they could be deployed. Then you will be talking to them only once a week if you are lucky or sending them videos that express how much you miss them. Being a military child, you learn to appreciate what you have and express yourself openly because everyone has a story to tell whether it is a life changing event or an added responsibility like being the military child. I am willing to share my personal viewpoints of being a military child with anyone who is willing to listen to the life of a kid in a world who faces different circumstances than most. A military child has a parent who is constantly in and out of their life; it might even be both parents in which case the circumstances are different and in some cases more difficult. My father and mother were both in the military at one point of their lives. My mother got out before I was born, but my dad is currently in the military. My father joined the Navy right out of high school at the age of 18. He has been advancing in his rank every couple of years, and he has been my hero since I was a little girl. I cannot name one other person I esteem so highly because my father has fulfilled the duties it takes to be both a diligent father and a committed military man. My mom was home with us when my father had to deploy or go on “a little trip” as it was explained to me. I also lived a block away from my grandmother, so thankfully, she was there to help my mom with my siblings and me if needed. Having one parent or both who are not there for special occasions and sharing exciting news makes us as military children truly appreciate the times we do get to share with our loved one(s). Birthdays and holidays are special times for all families, but without everyone there to celebrate, these times are not the same. As military children, learning to cope with this as we get older is part of the unstated responsibility we take on. Eventually, starting to realize that our loved one has not been present for special occasions multiple times and that we have to call to share exciting news or talk about our day starts to make a kid wonder. We ask questions due to our curiosity and expect answers from the people around us. Eventually we realize that the people we ask might not be able to explain what we don’t understand at our level of comprehension as children. We try talking to our loved ones, but they only have limited time to speak about the important issues they would like to share before they are summoned to the chow hall or someone else asks to use the phone. On the bright side, being a military brat makes all the times you do spend with your loved ones more special. You learn to cherish all the times that you spend together, whether it is going to a fancy dinner or watching your favorite show together. The little activities start to count as much as every other special activity. Being a military child comes with a great opportunity to learn to appreciate as we mature the times in life that many non-military people take for granted. Having a parent in the military also brings exciting
opportunities. For example, getting stationed out of the United States is an exciting opportunity. At first it is a scary thought, moving some place new, away from family, and all that you have become accustomed to. As any other child, we complain about leaving our friends and having to make new ones, but we get over that quickly. Being able to experience a new environment than what you are used to is a great opportunity that kids don’t ordinarily get, unless of course you are a military child. For example, moving to Cuba was a great circumstance because it exposed me to a different lifestyle and allowed me to have new experiences. Living in GTMO is everything you would expect it to not be. In the beginning, coming here as a teen, I thought there was a chance that the detainees could escape, and we would be in a dangerous predicament. Fortunately, when we arrive, our whole perspective of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has changed. We get to enjoy clear water beaches, free movies, and best of all we are provided a cost free gym to stay in shape. However, all the benefits have a catch. In other words, the clear water beaches don’t have beautiful white sand, and the free movies are outside, which we as people tend to attract mosquitoes that prey upon us. But such is life and we learn to move past these simple “exceptions.” Moving to Guantanamo for teens has one huge advantage that outweighs all of the pitfalls. That is, our parents can trust us more than in the States because GTMO is a safe, secure, and crime free environment. Our parents can trust us more in Guantanamo than in the States because they believe we are in a much safer environment. We may be allowed to go to a movie that ends around 12:00 am with no questions asked, whereas in the States a teenager might not be so lucky; there would be some persuading and begging before we would be given such liberties. We are also able to cosmic bowl, go to batting cages, and skate to our hearts’ desires without our parents having to worry. These are a few of the many advantages of life on GTMO that we take for granted without realizing how fortunate we are until we are back in the States and it is too late. Moving to a new place can be frightening because we must make new friends, but as military children, we learn to bond tightly early on more so than any other strangers meeting for the first time. We all have something in common, whether we like it or not. We have all been through difficult times because our parents are in the military; we all have a story to tell. We are able to use our source of enlightenment to gain lifelong friendships that you would never expect to last. Being a military child gives us an opportunity that not every child gets to experience. Being able to understand this concept comes with maturity. Parents are obligated to listen to our complaints about “what they are putting us through as military children”. For example, moving us away from the people we have grown to love, and expecting us to jump with excitement at the words “we are moving” are part of what it means to be a military child. Being a military brat is challenging at times, but the greatest memories come from experience as a military child, and I would not have it any other way.
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
GTMO JOBS
MWR is offering the Following jobs: Laundry Worker Cashier- Triple C
Custodial Worker Maintenance Worker Concessions Operations Asst. NEX is offering the following jobs: Sales Clerk
Boat and trailer for sale: 1995 Front Desk Clerk-Navy Century 21 w/1998 175 HP Lodge Evenrude motor, outbound certified. Also includes boat cover, radio, extras. Clean and runs good. $8500 OBO. Call 77242.
OUTDOOR REC Ladies DiamondBack bicycle with helmet - $100. IronMan over the door pull up bar - $10. Brand New Basketball - $5. Brand New Dive Weights (10 lbs total) - $3/lb. Purge Diving Mask - $40. Call 75545 if interested.
Barber Shop Security Guard Burns and Roe is offering the following jobs: Passenger Service Representative Base Supply Center is offering the following jobs: Cashier/Shelf Stocker
ELECTRONICS
Navy Federal Is Offering the Olympus Digital Camera - $50. following jobs: Canon All-in-One Printer - $35. Toaster - $5. Blue Canned Cat Food - $1/can. Vacuum Cleaner - $30. Stick Vacuum - $10. Large Litter Box - $10. Much More!!!! Call 75545 if interested
DirecTV package – 6’ dish with pole and LNB; DirecTV program box and Cable; DirecTV subscription monthly, to include NFL Sunday Ticket in Fall, movie package and sports package. Call 77055 and leave name/ number for best offered pricing. Package can be sold complete or separately.
HOUSEHOLD GOODS Rocker/Recliner living room chair (cloth) - $50 OBO / Leather recliner (needs bolt) - $50 OBO. Call 77055 for information and/or leave name/number for best offered pricing.
and at the corner of Sherman and Recreation Road, across from the beach closure sign. Before partaking in any exercise please look to see what color flag is flying. Black flags indicate that all strenuous activity should be halted by ALL personnel. Red Flags indicate limited activity for those acclimatized and no activity for those not acclimatized by at least 30 days. Yellow flags indicate that strenuous activity should be shortened for nonacclimatized personnel and unrestricted for those acclimatized. Green flags indicate that heavy exercise should be conducted with caution and the buddy system is recommended. AIR TERMINAL Effective May 11, early rotator Space “A” check-in will offered at 0900. At 0830 a utility boat will be available on rotator days to accommodate early check in. Also, effectively immediately a list of “no show” passengers will be forwarded to members chain of command so don’t forget to cancel your seat. AIR ROTATOR On October 24, 2014 the rotator will operate in/out of Naval Station Mayport due to the 2014 air show at NAS Jacksonville.
Full-time Member Service Representative IOM Is Offering the following jobs: Administrative and Finance Assistant (G4)
NAVSTA HRO is offering the following jobs: Material Handler
Admin Support Assistant
Community Bank Is Offering the following jobs: Banking Center Service Specialist
See Base Roller for more information.
MISC
WANTED, OLD BICYCLES! Abandoned, unwanted, broken, junk. Contact J.Sierra @ 8045 or 79033 Missing Black frog skin wetsuit, it was left on the outside shower wall at Cable Beach. Last seen 1700 4-26-14 Contact Wayne @ 84132
YARD SALE Moving sale April 27, CC14 at 0700 Everything must go.
The
scoop
SAFETY Just a safety reminder that we are quickly approaching the summer months so residents need to be adhering to the heat index flag conditions. The flags will be flying at Cooper Field
Local 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Contact #:
84578
Your Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator’s Contact #:
84577
MAY 2, 2014• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY May 2 8 p.m.: The Amazing Spider Man 2 PG13
10:30p.m. Sabotage R
SATURDAY 8 p.m.: Draft Day
May 3
PG13
10 p.m.
Divergent PG13
SUNDAY 8 p.m.: Trancendence
May 4
PG13
MONDAY May 5 8 p.m.: Need for Speed PG13
TUESDAY 8 p.m.: Noah
May 6
PG13
WEDNESDAY May 7 8 p.m.: Captain America:Winter Soldier
PG13
THURSDAY May 8 8 p.m.: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
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MAY 2, 2014• PAGE 7