May 5, 2017• VOL. 74 • NO. 41• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 757-458-4520
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Captain David Culpepper congratulates BU2 Caleb Monplaisir Goodale for April 18- April 24, 2017 and AWF3 Robert Hill for April 25 - May 2, 2017
BU2 CALEB MONPLAISIR
Department: Public Works Engineering Service Team Hero(es): Sgt Alvin C. York, LT Michael P. Murphy Hometown: Montgomery, AL Age: 25 Position: Lead BU ■Sailor of the Week Because: BU2 Monplaisir sets the standard where excellence is measured. He is a proven manager by meticulously spearheading the project planning and estimating of the M300 building. This includes pouring a 8’x8’x9” concrete pad with 5cu yards of concrete, so it can withstand the new water tank to be placed on it to supply water to the heads and wash stations to further enhance the rapport between NS Guantanamo Bay and the local Cuban Military Brigade during their monthly meetings. His proven reliability to attain high standards of performance was also instrumental in the construction of three Field Kitchen boxes for the local Boy Scouts. His expertise ensured the Boy Scouts could leave these kitchens unattended without damage to the contents from the local wildlife. His overall actions, reliability, and his exceptional performance have earned him the honor of Sailor of the Week. VOL. 74 • NO. 41
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
AWF3 ROBERT HILL
Department: Air Operations Hero(es): Dave Grohl Hometown: Bay Minette, Alabama Age: 23 Position: C-12 Aircrewman Ambition/goal: To be a Naval Pilot ■Sailor of the Week Because: AWFAN Hill is a highly self-driven Sailor who checked into the command and hit the ground running as C-12 Transport Aircrewman. He swiftly became positionally qualified to fly the C-12 in less than half the time it usually takes a first term Sailor and is on the same track for his Naval Aircrewman Warfare Specialist pin. As an Airman he has seamlessly taken on responsibility as the Naval Aviator Flight log/publications PO in the Air Operations department ensuring all flight manuals, publications, and log book entries are up-to-date and ensures all command aircraft, and flight crews are mission ready. He has also safely transported over 65 passengers, 1,200 lbs. of cargo and has flown 80 hours on 15 mishap free missions across 15 UIC’s.
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) THOMAS MACE
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITOR/LAYOUT
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
MS. JULIE ANN RIPLEY MA1 MEAGANN FOSTER MC2 JOHN PHILIP WAGNER, JR.
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.
Remembering Sgt. Wade
May 5, 2017• PAGE 3
Marine Corps Security Force Company, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay joined together to celebrate the life of Sgt. Elias Wade during a memorial service at the base chapel on May 3. During Sgt. Wade’s memorial service, several members of the base community spoke of his zeal for life and remembered Wade with stories about his community involvement and helpful nature.(Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr)
Lets Go Snaking
T
Photos and story by MC2 John Philip Wagner, Jr., NSGB PAO
he reptiles of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB), especially the Cuban boa constrictors, are of special interest to Toledo Zoo conservationist and researcher Dr. Pete Tolson, who has been visiting the base for almost fifty years. Tolson first came to NSGB in 1968 with the 2nd Battalion 8th Marines as a radioman stationed on the Leeward side of the base. In his role as spotter, whenever he wasn’t spotting ranges, he was also able to go out and look for and collect snakes, reptiles and other creatures of the base. Dr. Tolson’s love for the creatures of the base has spread to anyone he encounters, many who affectionately refer to him as “Dr. Pete.” “Dr. Pete cultivates a sense of responsibility for anyone he talks to,” said Army Capt. Brittany Marble, officer in charge, Veterinary Treatment Facility, NSGB. “When you go out in the field with him tracking snake, you feel responsible for them; you want to help maintain the natural environment.” “Pete is great about not only coming down here to do his research on the Cuban boas, but also public outreach,” said Norman Troy, Public Works Department Environmental Protection Specialist. “He will do public presentations to show residents the importance of protecting the base wildlife. He speaks to people about what’s in their backyard, teaching them that the animals are safe, that they won’t hurt them, and that they are here for a specific purpose. Respect them and they will respect you.”
Tolson’s trips are short, but they are very productive. According to Troy, although Tolson’s visits to Guantanamo Bay are only for about two weeks twice a year, he is very helpful in making sure that the 28 snakes that are part of his research project are taken care of. Even when not physically on base, Tolson often uses his worldwide connections to help base entities take care of the wildlife on the installation. “He is a genius; he has all the connections,” said Marble. “When our snake, Joe, had to have surgery to remove a mass in his throat, I immediately reached out to Dr. Pete and he put me in contact with a variety of different vets and pathologists. Everyone in that small group made sure we took care of Joe as best as possible.” One of the most important things Tolson brings to NSGB is his knowledge and expertise. “Pete has years and years of experience dealing with natural resources and wildlife that are here in Guantanamo Bay,” said Troy. Tolson is considered one of the foremost experts on the Cuban boa. “He has done numerous reports on the Cuban boa and knows a great deal about the native plant life and hutia, which are the Cuban boa’s primary food source,” said Troy. “Tolson’s guidance has helped keep a good balance for our natural resources and explains why we should control one species over another. For example, he has seen how the hutia have affected the native plant life during his fifteen years of research here.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplains Support the Base Community By Cdr. Keith Shuley, NSGB Command Chaplain
Chaplains have absolute confidentiality, protected by federal law and military policy. You have the freedom to speak on any topic without any reprisals or concerns. The major issues that chaplains will discuss with you are not limited to, but include the following: Issues related to the Sacred, the Religious or the Spiritual Issues related to Emotions Relationships with loved ones, friends, relatives and colleagues Professional concerns, career, retirement, separation, etc. Alcohol use, Medications, Prescriptions, etc. Dignity and respect, consideration for personal needs and requirements Violence, Abuse, Crime -- whether victim or responsible party Addiction issues, sobriety, recovery -multiple patterns or single issues Traumatic stress issues and/or healing of memories Accommodation of Religious practices, beliefs, requirements Chaplains are general practitioners of holistic health and wellness, among other things, and as such, come at the issues from a pastoral care perspective and from a concern for the whole person. Chaplains are unique in that we serve in uniform, and have a military commander that we report to, in order to operate the CO’s command religious program, also called the CRP. Chaplains also work together with Religious Programs Specialist enlisted personnel, known as RPs, in a special partnership known as the Religious Ministries Team, the RMT. Because chaplains are non-combatants, and unlike doctors and dentists, they cannot carry arms, the role of the RP in the operational setting is critical. Many chaplains have prior service as officers or enlisted, and chaplains usually rotate from sea to shore to isolated to ground to training commands. US Navy Chaplains serve the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, the Merchant Marine, and many others. What this means to you is that your chaplain usually has a good sense of the circumstances and the situations that face you at the present time. The chaplains in your unit can usually identify with, or relate to, the things that come up in military life. Chaplains can also provide referrals, make
recommendations, and help you to find resources, so that you can be at your best at work, at home, and wherever else you may find yourself at any given time. Chaplains live among the people they serve, and provide you with quick and ready access. We are one of the helping hands that can usually take walk-ins or emergencies. You are always welcomed openly. If the chaplain can’t take care of you immediately, the chaplain will give you the soonest available time so you can begin the process of moving on, letting go, or whatever it may be. Chaplains are not limited to helping people of their own background, but whenever possible, if you have a particular issue that you wish to talk about with a particular chaplain, we try to connect you to a chaplain from that faith tradition, worship practice, etc. Chaplains are assigned to particular commands, but if the circumstances may require, chaplains can cross command lines to help people. In that case, the chaplains only ask that you let someone know that the chaplain you talked to was not a member of your military unit or assigned to support your unit. Since chaplains have complete confidentiality, they will not usually report to your chain of command that you have been to see them. So please feel free to contact your NSGB Chaplains at X2323 or your JTF Chaplains at X2218 or X2571. Chaplains also understand that sometimes your concerns or needs are better addressed by any of a number of people, and in that case, we will make that recommendation. In many ways, a chaplain is like a concierge, a person people approach because they are confident the chaplain can get them to the right person. We try to assist people in connecting with the chain of command, medical, legal, family services, behavioral health, Red Cross, the Base Police, Fire, EMS, etc., because often, those people are able to give you the best care or the best resolution to your concern or request. It is your chaplains’ privilege to help you and we wish you the best during your tour here at NSGB, JTF, NHGB, MCSFCO or any of the civilian organizations that reside with us here. Have a great month and continued success on your journey to health in mind, body, and spirit!
MOVIES
Congratulations to Naval Station
Guantanamo Bay’s Navy Lodge associates recently presented
certifications from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational
Institute: Maurice A. Hinds, Arturo A. Dela Cruz, Kimroy Gabriel, Sherrene S. Ormsby and Renal James; and Bravo Zulu to
Joycelyn
from
performance.
OMBUDSMAN
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAVSTA:
Carrie McCormick Kendra Keesey E-mail: ombudsmannsgb@gmail.com Phone: 84792
NAVAL HOSPITAL: TC Bacon E-mail: Ombudsman.usnh.gtmo@gmail. com Phone: 55379
Connage-Johnson
NEXCOM
for
superior
May 5, 2017• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY
May 5
8:00pm 10:30pm
Guardian of the Galaxy Vol 2 PG-13 Life R
SATURDAY
May 6
SUNDAY
May 7
8:00pm 10:00pm
Going In Style PG-13 CHIPs R
8:00pm
Beauty and the Beast PG-13
8:00pm
The Boss Baby PG
MONDAY TUESDAY
8:00pm
May 8
Ghost in the Shell PG-13
May 9
WEDNESDAY
May 10
THURSDAY
May 11
8:00pm
8:00pm PG-13
Smurf:theLostVillage PG-13
Power Rangers
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
NERF WAR 2017
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s (NSGB) Child and Youth Program and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Liberty Program teamed up to help celebrate the Month of the Military Child with a Nerf War at Denich Gym on April 28. Teenagers and unaccompanied active duty Sailors came together as part of Operation Megaphone, a world-wide event in which all branches and military installations participate. Operation Megaphone happens during the month of the Military Child every year and this year’s theme was “Teens Living Heathy.” (Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr, NAVSTA PAO)