November 13, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO. 45• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4520
Naval Hospital Host Annual Health Fair
Mike Rivera, Personal Financial Specialist at Fleet and Family Support Center hands out information on the importance of financial stability at the U.S. Naval Hospital’s health fair Saturday, Nov. 14. MCC Keith Bryska Public Affairs Officer
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he staff of U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay hosted their health fair on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the NEX atrium. The family health fair is an opportunity for the hospital to get the word out about the importance of health promotion, prevention, and wellness. According to Lt. Timothy Kraynack events like the health fair are important to the community no matter how small the community is. “Even though Guantanamo Bay is such a small community, it’s hard to get the word out at times about services offered at the hospital and the base in general,” said Kraynack. “The up-tempo turnover on the island also makes this a more challenging place.” More than 400 people attended the health fair which is held annually on base at the Navy Exchange Atrium. The event included several tables that were set up to provide information with professionals available to
talk to community members on numerous health and wellness topics such as nutrition, tobacco cessation, patient safety, Medical Home Port and Relay Health. “We had nearly every department at the hospital there with an offering. Some of the larger draws were the Primary care clinic, Nutrition, Command Fitness Leaders and Tobacco Cessation,” said Kraynack. “We also invited the Red Cross, MWR, Fleet and Family Services and Navy Federal. We have found that it’s not just physical health that interests people, but financial and emotional health as well.” Hospital Corpsmen from Preventive Medicine were also on hand to give flu shots or flu mist to individuals who attended the fair and according to Kraynack they gave out more than 150 vaccines to base residents. “It’s important for people to get their flu vaccination, but if you didn’t have the opportunity to come to the health fair then please stop by the hospital as we will continue to have the vaccine available.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Executive Officer, Cmdr. Al Ross congratulates BM2 Rector on his selection as Sailor of the Week.
BM2 RYAN RECTOR
■Job/Department: Coxswain, Dockmaster/Port Operations ■Age: 31 ■Hometown: Crossville, TN ■Hero(es): 31 ■Ambition/goal: To make first class. ■Sports Team: Flint Tropics ■TV Show: Vikings ■GTMO Restaurant: LN1 Li, House of Sushi ■Movie: Sabotage ■Hobby: Fishing ■Greatest Accoplishment: Morgan Lee Rector, my daughter. ■Quote: “A friend will bail you out but a true friend will be there beside you yelling.” ■Sailors of the Week Because: BM2 Rector was selected for his contributions to Under Water Construction Team 1. He provided support as a fork lift driver moving 15 pallets of equipment and material needed for direct support of the cable lay project. He spent 45 hours as the lead coxswain and was instrumental in the precision maneuvering of the LCM boat to install the bottom plate for the cable connection. Bravo Zulu on a job well done. VOL. 72 • NO. 45
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
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
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 535.
November 13, 2015• PAGE 3
A Yankee Serving Across the Pond:
The Personnel Exchange Program allows Sailors to live abroad Terrina Weatherspoon Defense Media Activity
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he Personnel Exchange Program (PEP), available through detailers, allows Sailors to serve with foreign navies or with another branch of the U.S. Military. If it is not an English speaking country, Sailors will be sent to language training before integration. “While not away, my family and I have maximized every opportunity we could for travel and playing the tourists,” said Lt. Joshua Cowart. “The British Isles are beautiful and full of so much history. Europe is an easy day trip away and we’ve on more than one occasion had breakfast in the UK, lunch in France, and dinner in Belgium.” Cowart is not on vacation. For the past two years he and his family have lived in Portsmouth, England thanks to the PEP, which has allowed him to be a fully integrated member of the Royal Navy. PEP allows individuals to serve either in other branches of the U.S. military or in foreign militaries as fully integrated members of those organizations. The opportunity is aimed at enhancing international and inter-service relationships. At the moment, there are about 200 exchanges with around 20 different nations, including amazing postings in countries like Australia, Belgium, and France. On top of that there are 40 inter-service exchanges with the US Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard. “I first came across the program via my Operations Officer in a past command,” said Cowart. “He had taken a PEP with the Canadian Navy in Halifax, Nova Scotia and absolutely loved it. After hearing his stories I began looking into the program and leapt at the opportunity when I saw PEP on my slate.” Detailers maintain the plot of available exchanges. When slates are released, the assignments will be shown along with details of what the position will be and any pre-joining training that is required. However, if exchanges aren’t on a particular slate, liaise with the detailers. They’ll be able to fill in the details of eligibility and availability. Cowart is currently the Operations Officer with Mine Countermeasures Squadron Two Crew Eight. The Royal Navy uses rotational crews in the mine hunters, so he has served in HMS MIDDLETON and HMS CHIDDINGFOLD. “As a crew we spent several weeks up in Scotland conducting our Operational Sea Training and Exercise Joint Warrior,” said Cowart. “Once we’d completed the required certifications and training, we headed out to Bahrain for a seven-month Operation KIPION deployment, during which we did maritime security operations, detailed route survey work, large scale international exercises, and supported contingency operations.” Cowart was able to bring over his family and their car, although he admits that bringing over the Dodge Charger, in retrospect, perhaps wasn’t such a great decision given the narrow roads and even narrower parking spaces. “Driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road is actually easier than you would think,” said Cowart. “It is much easier to
go from driving on the right to driving on the left. It is much easier than reverting back to ‘normal.’” Overall Cowart said he and his family have fit in very well. “The Royal Navy could not be more hospitable,” said Cowart. “There’s been the normal amount of banter which you might expect to have directed at a Yank serving in Her Majesty’s Navy, especially around the 4th of July, but it’s all in good fun. As you’d expect, there was a transitional period required to get my feet underneath me, but everyone’s been really understanding and supportive. It’s truly been a great experience so far.” However, one thing that hasn’t exactly left the best taste in his mouth has been the food. “Let’s be honest here; the British Isles aren’t exactly known for haute cuisine,” said Cowart. “In all actuality, the food is pretty good, though a little unvaried. There’s a cultural fascination with curry; the standard weekend’s festivities typically involve ‘ten pints and a curry.’ So, that took a bit of getting used to. Pubs represent the bulk of the restaurants here in Portsmouth and one may gaze at the menu for quite a while attempting to determine exactly what will arrive at the table if “gammon” is ordered and then be pleasantly surprised when it turns out that “gammon” is actually just country ham. My children have had a bit of fun in sorting out the differences with fries being chips and chips being crisps, much to our amusement. All in all, though, the food’s been pretty good. After his PEP tour, Cowart will be heading to Surface Warfare Officers School Command in Newport, Rhode Island for Department Head School. Following training there he is penciled in as the weapons officer aboard USS O’ Kane (DDG 77) homeported in Pearl Harbor, HI. But there is one thing he will never forget about his experiences with the Royal Navy. “I think what stood out the most was seeing a crew that stood united in one purpose, embracing and believing in the mission. Our Commanding Officer, Lt. Cdr. Andy Brown, had a philosophy that he called the ‘Crew 8 Way.’ Although simple and to the point; it truly resonated with the sailors. The mission was simple: Be on the front foot and create the conditions for our success. The one point which I took most to heart was the idea of making your own luck - luck being defined as what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Cowart is going on one more adventure before his time with the program comes to an end. He was extended for a couple months in order to complete his participation in Antarctic Endurance 2016, a two-year research program, conducted by members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, which looks into team dynamics and performance. “I applied for this program at the commencement of the two-year study and was selected to join the final team headed
Story continued on page 6.
Guantanamo Bay C With Veterans Day MC2 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
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aval Station Guantanamo Bay celebrated Veterans Day with a small ceremony held at the Marine Hill Parade grounds, Nov. 11, starting off with morning colors raised by the Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Color Guard. Many people confuse the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day but the Naval History and Heritage Command have assisted in breaking down the difference for everyone. “In short, The difference is this; we celebrate Veterans Day to thank and honor all the men and women who served honorably in the military, in times of war and in times of peace,” said Annalisa Underwood, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division. “Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a day for remembering the members of our military who died in service to our country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds received in battle.” In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day because during World War I, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918,
an armistice went into effect and all fighting between the allied nations and Germany ceased. “On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of Armistice day, to Veterans Day, in order to officially recognize Veterans who served our country in all wars,” added Underwood. The ceremony included the reading of the Veterans Day 2015 Presidential Proclamation by NS Guantanamo Bay Executive Officer, Cmdr. Al Ross. “Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world,” quoted Ross. “They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our scared obligation to our veterans and their families. On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do.” The guest speaker for the ceremony, Retired Command Master Chief Phil Salcido, spoke on the history of Veterans Day and its importance
to our “On our na reme spoke Great those unpop not re today the tr you. At th Marin prese Mass Jacob the en “So a ve pride accom “And a par strang done count
Celebrates Ceremony
r nation’s past, present and future. n what is now called ‘Veterans Day,’ ation pauses, as we should, in solemn embrance and deep appreciation,” e Salcido. “To those we call ‘The test Generation,’ -- we thank you. To e who answered the call to fight an pular war in a turbulent time, who did eceive the gracious support we see y-- we thank you. And to those who live radition today, every day – we thank
he conclusion of the ceremony, the U.S. ne Corps Security Company rifle party ented a three-volley salute, followed by s Communication Specialist 3rd Class b Goff, Radio GTMO, played TAPS at nd. this coming weekend, if you are eteran, take time to reflect with on your service and one your mplishments,” concluded Salcido. if you meet a veteran, whether rent, a sibling, a friend, or even a ger— thank them for all they have for all of us-- for our military and our try.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
Across the Pond continued... south,” said Cowart. “We began the training with fifty applicants and through various sailing and mountaineering events have chosen eleven to make the final push.” The AE16 team will sail from the Falkland Islands to the Antarctica Peninsula, as far south as the ice will allow. While there, the team will conduct survey work and data gathering for various organizations such as Plymouth University, Cambridge University, and the UK Hydrographic Office. Once complete, the team will set sail for Elephant Island where they will conduct similar work prior to setting off for King Haakon Bay in South Georgia. “The research into leadership and team dynamics which we will complete readily transfers across to the USN and is immediately applicable for leaders across the full spectrum of the Navy. The expedition will make me personally a stronger and more capable leader, a trait which I can then pass on to the Sailors which I go on to work with in the future. It is also my hope that this expedition will serve to inspire Sailors to seek challenges, adventure, and unique experiences throughout their careers.” More information about team of explorers can be found on their website at www.antarcticendurance.co.uk, on
Facebook under Antarctic Endurance 2016, and on Twitter under @Antarctic2016. Cowart is ready to continue his career in the U.S. Navy, and although the beards and daily beer rations typical among the Brits probably won’t catch on over here, there is something Cowart hopes to bring back with him in regards to the Royal Navy’s tendency toward delegating authority down to the lowest level. “We like to tell ourselves in the USN that we keep things at the lowest level, but in reality simple decisions are brought before the commanding officer which could have been, and arguably should have been, made by a more junior person,” said Cowart. “In stark contrast to that, the CO’s in the Royal Navy tend much more towards empowerment of subordinates. As a result, the crews tend to be much more productive.” The PEP is open to both officers and enlisted personnel. There are prerequisites and eligibility requirements that have to be met. Service members who are interested in applying should contact their detailers for further information. Also have a read through MILPERSMAN 1306-921 and OPNAVINST 5700.7H for further details.
GTMO SHOPPER
MOVIES
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FOR SALE Two seven foot medium action Hurricane Redbone fishing rods $75.00 each. Direct TV satellite with coaxial cables $250. OBO, call Carroll at 6766 or 77655. For sale: 2 sets of Golf Clubs in Golf Bags, Golf balls and tees for $200 ONLY. For more info: e-mail eballesteros@mcmgtmo.com or call 90025.
The
Scoop
USNH Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay will be hosting a Healthcare Billing Procedures Town Hall meeting on Nov. 18 at the Naval Station Chapel Sanctuary from 2 to 3 p.m. The Town Hall Meeting is open to all Guantanamo Bay residents who ARE NOT TRICARE beneficiaries and are therefore required to pay for the healthcare they receive at the hospital. GBCC The Guantanamo Bay Community Club will be holding their annual tour of lights and decoration contest. Those wanting to participate must complete an entry form or be nominated by an admirer to be judged. Entry forms are available at Treasures and Trivia and from Nov. 2 to Dec.7. For additional questions see base roller or stop by Treasures and Trivia.
FUNDRAISERS On Sat., Nov. 14, the Chief Petty Officer Association will be hosting a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the downtown Lyceum and the Girl Scouts will be hosting a dog wash and selling popcorn at the NEX Atrium from 9 a.m. to 11 am. Also on Sat., Nov. 14 the Black Heritage Organization will be bagging groceries and selling t-shirts and coins at the NEX from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Sun., Nov. 15, the Junior Enlisted Association will be selling Buffalo Wild Wings from noon until 4 p.m. at the CBQ, BOQ and Marine Hill. Wings are $5 for 6 wings and there will be a variety of flavor sauces to choose from. KITE FESTIVAL Sat., Nov. 14 the Junior Enlisted Association will be hosting a Kite Festival Extravaganza at Girl Scout Beach and old airfield starting at 9 a.m. There will be free BBQ, cotton candy, popcorn and more.
OMBUDSMAN CONTACT INFORMATION: NAVFAC: NAVSTA: Brittany Roley Laura McManus gtmopwdombudsman@gmail.com ombudsmangtmo@gmail.com Home: 78096 Cell: 84792 Home: 77182 Brittany Morrell nsgtmoombudsman@gmail.com Cell: 55268 Home: 77129
Naval Hospital: Lauren LaBoy Usnh.gtmo.ombudsman@gmail.com Home: 75877
November 13, 2015• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 7 p.m.:
Spectre
9:30 p.m.:
Spotlight
Nov 13
PG13 R
SATURDAY Nov 14 Love the Coopers 7 p.m.: PG13
9:30 p.m.:
Crimson Peak
SUNDAY 6:30 p.m.:
The Peanuts Movie
8:30 p.m.:
Hotel Transylvania 2
MONDAY 7 p.m.:
Everest
TUESDAY 7 p.m.:
The Intern
R
Nov 15
G
PG
Nov 16
PG13
Nov 17
PG13
WEDNESDAY 7 p.m.: Sicario
Nov 18
THURSDAY Pan 7 p.m.:
Nov 19
R
PG
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880