November 20, 2015• VOL. 72 • NO. 46• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4520
Marines Celebrate 240th Birthday
Marines march out the birthday cake during the Marine Corps Ball. The ball was held at the Windjammer Ballroom to celebrate the 240th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, Nov. 14. MCC Keith Bryska Public Affairs Officer
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ervice members, Department of Defense personnel, retired military personnel, civilians and family members came together at the Windjammer Ballroom to celebrate the 240th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, Nov. 14. The history of the United States Marine Corps began with the founding of the Continental Marines on Nov. 10, 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the United States. Owing to the availability of Marine forces at sea, the United States Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in United States history. It attained prominence when its theories and practice of amphibious warfare proved prescient, and ultimately formed a cornerstone of the Pacific Theater of World War II. By the early 20th century, the Marine Corps would become one of the dominant theorists and practitioners of amphibious warfare. Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises has made and continues to make it an important tool for American foreign policy. “It is important to remember where we have come from. Up until Gen. Lejeune gave the order in 1921 that all Marines should take time out to remember we really didn’t celebrate. Once the celebrations began Marines realized the importance of celebrating the birth of our Corps and also to remember our fallen brothers and sisters that can no longer celebrate with us,” said SSgt. Derrick Wyatt. According to Wyatt, the Marine Corps Ball is typically an event exclusively reserved for Marines and their dates. Here at
Guantanamo Bay we are fortunate to be a part of a great joint environment where we are able to take part in each other’s rich customs and courtesies. “Until my arrival on Guantanamo Bay, I had only experienced two formal balls in seven years because of deployments. We still celebrate by taking a few minutes, reading both Gen Lejeune’s and the current Commandant’s birthday message, and breaking bread together. But all of the different ways that I had celebrated was very private, being that it was either only Marines or fellow Marines and their lucky dates,” said Wyatt. “Here in Guantanamo Bay we are fortunate to be able to open the doors to the community and celebrate together. We are all one big family down here because no matter if you want to admit it or not we all need each other in some way to be successful in our endeavors so we should all celebrate each other’s birthday just like we do individual birthdays.” Over 300 people came out to celebrate the traditional Marine Corps ceremony, where they were reminded of the annual renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the Corps, and the Corps’ commitment to the nation’s quest for peace and freedom worldwide. “Everything in the modern Corps is linked to tradition from the Quatrefoils on Marine officer covers to the high “Leatherneck” collar. Seeing Marines stand tall and proud about the traditions of their Corps, even the Marines that do not enjoy drill, march with meaning and pride,” said Wyatt. “Even though it is a lot of work to prepare for the ceremony it is all worth it in the end because once again it is about being there for those who can no longer be a part of our traditions.”
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper congratulates HM1 Foster on her selection as Sailor of the Week.
HM1 ALESHA FOSTER
■Job/Department: DMS Dir LPO/ SFIDC / Primary Care Clinic ■Age: 33 ■Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas ■Hero(es): My mother and husband ■Ambition/goal: Apply for PA school ■Sports Team: New Orleans Saints ■TV Show: Empire, Being Mary Jane, Scandal ■Movie: Love Jones ■Hobby: Shopping ■Greatest Accoplishment: My greatest accomplishment will be graduating from college Dec 2016 ■Quote: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” -Mahatma Gandhi ■How the Navy has improved my life: The Navy has provided traveling, schooling opportunities and other experiences that I would have never gained from the civilian sector, which has help me evolve into the strong woman I am today. ■Sailors of the Week Because: HM1 quickly assisted Naval Station CFL’s with the completion of over 60 PARFQ Screenings within 7 days after initial weigh-ins. She worked all personnel into her schedule of patients so personnel could take the PRT as scheduled. VOL. 72 • NO. 46
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.
The New Grandillo Point—
November 20, 2015• PAGE 3
A Place Centerra Workers Can Call Home Tracye Miller
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ecycling is not just for plastic water bottles and aluminum cans. In Guantanamo Bay, an entire Housing Community can be recycled. Welcome to the NEW Granadillo Point. The neighborhood of 60 units was at one time scheduled for demolition, but through an agreement between Centerra and Naval Engineering Facilities Command, the neighborhood has gained new life as apartments for Centerra’s Foreign National Workforce. On Tuesday Centerra Project Manager Bill Faris cut the ribbon on the NEW Granadillo Point Housing. The neighborhood will be home to 282 Centerra employees and has already been nicknamed “Centerraville” by employees who will call it home. Centerra will spend 1.2 million dollars renovating the units, installing energy efficient multi-split A/C units and also new appliances. The units are set up with all new Thomasville furniture, and all the comforts of home; from rice cookers, dish sets, flatware and complete linens. Centerra is the Base Operations Support Contractor. Its work force are the people who keep the lights on, empty the dumpsters, drive the buses, keep the fresh water flowing, operate the landfill, manage the sewage treatment facility, repair Government vehicles, conduct all Pest Control Services, provide all grounds and landscaping functions and keep the nearly eight thousand air conditioning units on the base operating. Project Manager Bill Faris had the vision for this berthing
area—and pushed hard to make it a reality. “I wanted a place our people could call their own—with their own patios and backyards. Cooking and family are a major part of both the Filipino and Jamaican culture—and in GP Housing the guys will be able to have family style meals in their own kitchens and cook-outs in their own backyards.” Guantanamo Bay’s Commanding Officer Captain David Culpepper called the rennovated Housing complex a “winwin” situation for the base. “The Base did not have to pay to demolish these units, and this Housing community will free up beds at Gold Hill Towers, while also providing the Centerra employees an outstanding living space. You can’t beat it.” Centerra has made every effort to make the housing units safe. Centerra Safety Manager Ben Miller says a device called “Smart Burners” are being installed to replace the coils in the new stoves. “Cooking fires are the #1 cause of household fires, so we installed the Smart Burners which cook food evenly, but have temperature-limiting technology. The burners never get hot enough to ignite cooking oils.” Centerra has plans to provide free Wi-Fi internet at the two community pavilions in the GP neighborhood. Faris says to watch for other improvements as well. “Many of our employees are avid fishermen, so I’d like to create a pier for the guys to use—and maybe even a small beach.” Centerra hopes to have all employees moved into the new units by the New Year.
Centerra Project Manager Bill Faris officialy opens Centerraville at Grandillo Point. He is joined by Housing Director Harold Parker, NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer, Capt. David Culpepper and Command Master Chief Rodd Tooker.
MC2 Kegan E. Kay Photojournalist
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he Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) held a Kite Festival Extravaganza at Girl Scout on Saturday, Nov. 14 for the children of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The event included a bounce house, free burgers and hotdogs and kites for anyone to use or attendees were welcome to bring their own. According to JEA member, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Rebecca Oelker, the Festival came about through a brainstorming session. “I wanted it to be something unusual, something that had never been done before so it would catch peoples’ attention,” remarked Oelker. With competition from other fundraising and events happening that same weekend, the turnout was better than expected according to
Oelker. “The turnout was excellent, a lot of kids and adults showed up, the Red Cross and volunteers, and the Commanding Officer,” echoed JEA VicePresident Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Carvell Wingfield. Though the event was aimed at the children it didn’t stop adults from joining in and flying their own kites. The event also provided an opportunity for kids and adults alike the chance to fly a kite for the first time. “I flew a kite for the first time thanks to Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Harris, he got it in the air for me, and then I took control,” explained Wingfield. “From there it was like all my thoughts, problems, concerns and anything dealing with life just vanishes and
I was in instant peace.” Against the blue backdrop of the sky, the wind carried a multitude of colorful and unique kites through the air and the laughter of children as they ran around or played in the bounce house. “I just want to add a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success,” ended Oelker. “That includes the Red Cross, the Naval Station Galley, Radio GTMO, and of course, everyone else in the JEA who came out and helped.”
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
Chaplain’s Corner
“We Are Here To Serve” CDR Daniel Mode
NS Guantanamo Bay Command Chaplain
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ur base chapel and chapel annex are popular, busy places and not just on Sunday! In the month of October 5,983 persons came through our spaces for a variety of care and services. From religious services, bible studies, youth groups, AA meetings, and individuals coming to see a chaplain for counseling the chapel on the hill is a seven day a week buzz of activity. Throughout the weekend the chaplains and our appointed lay leaders offer 12 unique denominational services: Gospel, Contemporary Protestant, Liturgical Protestant, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, LDS, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Lord Reigns International, Islamic, Guantanamo Bay Christian Fellowship, Jewish and Seventh Day Adventist. On average, during any given month an average of 2,970 persons participate in some religious service. We have more services and
more people attending a worship experience than any other base chapel program in Navy Region Southeast. The chapel offers more than just worship opportunities. We offer an extensive youth programs for middle and high school teenagers, a variety of small groups, and an extensive list of workshops and personal growth experiences with CREDO. Nearly 1000 people a month take advantage of these offerings. All of our special programs are advertised on the base “roller.” Finally, we open our spaces to all groups and units who need a place to meet or train. Every week we process on average ten requests to use our facilities. The bottom line—Chaplain Miller, Chaplain Wise, RP1 Martinez, RP2 Wooden, RP2 Lampkin, Chris Bell (Club Beyond), Bobby Hinton (CREDO), and I are here to serve. Give us a call and see how we can serve you: 2323.
Seeking Nominees for Exceptional Leadership Awards Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
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he Chief of Naval Personnel has announced Nov. 17 the Navy’s Office of Outreach and Engagement (OPNAV N134) is currently accepting nominations for the 2016 Captain Joy Bright Hancock and Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian Leadership Awards. The Captain Joy Bright Hancock and Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian Leadership Awards is presented annually to recognize and honor the inspirational and visionary leadership of Navy service members whose ideals and dedication foster a positive working environment, while reinforcing and furthering the integration of women into the Navy. Nominations are broken into five categories: senior officer (O4 and senior); junior officer (O1-O3); Limited Duty officers and Warrant Officers (W2-O3E); senior enlisted (E7-E9) and junior enlisted (E5-E6). One award winner will be chosen for each category. Nominees should be mature leaders who have shown exceptional leadership over the span of their career and have overcome challenges while serving. Nominees should have demonstrated inspirational, innovative and imaginative leadership, both on and off-duty, as well as professional accomplishments and community involvement.
Candidates shall be nominated by their commanding officer (CO) or Officer-in-Charge (OIC). The nominating command’s immediate superior in command (ISIC) shall provide an endorsement prior to nomination submission. If an ISIC receives multiple nominations, the ISIC shall endorse and forward only one nomination for each category. Nomination packages shall include the following: A. ISIC endorsement; B. CO or OIC endorsement; C. Nomination write-up (shall not exceed three pages in length); D. Nominee’s biography (shall not exceed one page in length); E. Most recent official military photo in uniform; and F. Command point of contact’s name, e-mail address and phone number. Nominations are open to both active and Reserve service members. Applications are due no later than Feb. 17. For more information about the Captain Joy Bright Hancock and Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian Leadership awards contact LT Ingrid Radionoff at (703) 604-5077 or via email at ingrid.radionoff@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.
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.
Double firm mattress for sale, practically new, $100. Contact 75586 if interested.
YARD SALES Yard Sale, Radio Point 724 on Sat., Nov. 21 from 7 to 11 a.m. Kids clothes, toys and electronics.
The
Scoop
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. NAVAL HOSPITAL The Medical Inspector General
and Joint Commission Inspection will be at U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. For more information regarding these visits please contact 72360 or 72420 or check the Roller. GAZETTE Due to the Thanksgiving holiday there will not be a Gazette next week. We will continue the following week.
PIE SALE On Saturday, Nov. 12 at the NEX Atrium the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Chiefs will be having a pie sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All funds will go towards the NAVSTA holiday party. WING SALE JEA is hosting another wing sale on Sun., Nov. 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will be selling them outside the CBQ and Marine Hill. $5 for 6 wings.
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 20, 2015• PAGE 7
DOWNTOWN LYCEUM
FRIDAY 7 p.m.:
Nov 20
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 PG13
9:30 p.m.:
Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension R
SATURDAY Nov 21 The Last Witch Hunter 7 p.m.: PG13
9 p.m.:
Crimson Peak
SUNDAY 6:30 p.m.:
The Martian
9 p.m.:
Spectre
MONDAY 7 p.m.:
Goosebumps
TUESDAY 7 p.m.:
Pan
R
PG13 PG13
Nov 23
PG
Nov 24
PG
WEDNESDAY Nov 25 The Bridge of Spies 7 p.m.: PG13
9:30 p.m.:
Sicario R
THURSDAY Nov 26 7 p.m.: Love the Coopers PG13
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
Announcement: USNH GTMO Flu Vaccine Shot-Ex Who: Open to all Active Duty and Civilians on Base Where: Windjammer classroom (2nd deck) When: Monday 23 Nov 2015 between 08301600 Cost: $0. This is at no cost.
Nov 22