OCTOBER 11, 2013 • VOL. 70 • NO. 36• NAVY.MIL/LOCAL/GUANTANAMO • FACEBOOK.COM/NSGuantanamoBay
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA • PSC 1005 BOX 25 • FPO, AE 09593 • 011-5399-4090
Guantanamo Plays Critical Role in U.S. Naval History
Ships of the U.S. Fleet pictured at anchor at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during winter exercises in 1927. Visible amidst about 15 battleships at the top of the photograph is the aircraft carrier USS Langley (CV-1). Also visible are two Omahaclass cruisers, at least 17 destroyers, and two submarine tenders in the foreground with about 10 smaller and two large submarines. The peninsula in the right foreground is South Toro Cay, where the drydock is still visible that was begun in 1904, but cancelled two years later. NAVSTA PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Pearl of the Antilles…
Christopher Columbus first viewed Cuba Oct., 12, 1492 and declared it “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen.” Columbus entered Guantanamo Bay on April 30, 1494. Failing to find gold or water he departed the following day. After Europeans began visiting the Caribbean Island, “La Bahia Guantanamo” (Guantanamo Bay) became a natural port for pirates, privateers and fishermen, it was also the scene of conflicts between the British and French during the 17th and 18th centuries. The British West Indies Squadron first used Guantanamo Bay as a base of operations for an attack on Cartagena, Columbia, in March 1741. Although the British were mightier militarily, tropical diseases, so prevalent in the area, decided defeat before the first shot could be fired. By October 1741, more than 2,000 troops were down with fever. Legend has it that the British established a hospital on the largest islet of the bay, which later became known as Hospital Cay.
The expedition was called off in November 1741, and the troops began re-embarking, thus bringing to an end eight months of British occupation of Guantanamo Bay. Hospital Cay figured in another piece of early Guantanamo Bay history. More than 100 years later, in 1854, a British warship, HMS Buzzard, entered Guantanamo Bay with 10 or 12 yellow fever victims aboard. The skipper anchored near Hospital Cay and put his patients ashore for isolations and treatment. All the victims of the fever recovered except one. That one person, E.N. Harrison, RN, died Dec.1, 1854, and according to records, was buried on the Cay’s south end. The land surrounding Guantanamo Bay is semi-arid. The annual rainfall is 25 to 30 inches, with some years enjoying considerably less. At one time there was a spring, long since dry, in an area now enclosed by the naval reservation. There was also a well near Cuzco Beach, which provided the only water for the otherwise dry countryside. The well dated back to the 1870’s. It was used primarily for watering horses and cattle which grazed in the area in considerable numbers. Today, the well,
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SAILOR OF THE WEEK
PAGE 2• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
VICE ADMIRAL JOHN D. BULKELEY, USN (RET) “AN OUTSTANDING LEADER OF MEN AND A GALLANT AND INTREPID SEAMAN” Retired Vice Admiral John Bulkeley, was the most renowned PT boat commander of World War II, and recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in that war. Born August 19, 1911 in New York City, Vice Admiral Bulkeley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June of 1933. He retired from the Naval Service in 1974 as President of the Navy Board of Inspection and Survey but was then retained on active duty and continued in that position until 1988, serving 55 years in the Navy. Former Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton believes that VADM Bulkeley’s World War II service in both the Pacific and Atlantic was legendary. “When I was a young Midshipman at the Naval Academy, I looked up to him as an inspiring leader and warrior; he was both fearless and tireless in his pursuit of freedom for our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family”, said Dalton. “He was a great leader who loved his Navy and the people in it.” said former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Boorda. “VADM Bulkeley’s many years of peacetime service, especially his duty as the President of the Board of Inspection and Survey, touched nearly every Navy person who went to sea during more than two decades. For a ship to have passed a `John Bulkeley’ inspection with Highmarks was truly the pinnacle of excellence at sea.” He was known for the breakthrough of the Japanese lines during World War II for the transportation of General Douglas MacArthur and his Staff from Corregidor and Bataan, Philippine Islands, to Mindanao Island, where General MacArthur was flown to Australia to assume command of the Allies in the Southwest Pacific. For his service over a four month period in defense of the Philippine Islands, VADM Bulkeley was awarded the Medal of Honor. His other awards included the Navy Cross, two Army Distinguished Service Crosses, Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Star Medals, two Legion of Merits with combat “Vs”, and the Purple Heart, among others. He served his country in a number of assignments to include several commands at sea, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 12, Commander Naval Base Guantanamo Bay Cuba, Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Eight, and ended his career as President, Navy Board of Inspection and Survey. He passed away at his home in Silver Spring Maryland. He was 84.
• Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant Commander John Duncan Bulkeley, USN. “For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as Commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE, in Philippine Waters during the period 7 December 1941 to 10 April 1942. The remarkable achievement of Lieutenant Bulkeley’s Command in damaging or destroying a notable number of Japanese enemy planes, surface combatant and merchant ships, and in dispersing landing parties and land-based enemy forces during the 4 months and 8 days of operation without benefit of repairs, overhaul or maintenance facilities for his Squadron, is believed to be without precedent in this type of warfare. His dynamic forcefulness and daring in offensive action, his brilliantly planned and skillfully executed attacks, supplemented by a unique resourcefulness and ingenuity, characterize him as an outstanding leader of men and a gallant and intrepid seaman. These qualities coupled with a complete disregard for his own personal safety reflect great credit upon him and the Naval Service.” VOL. 70 • NO.36
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. JOHN NETTLETON CMDR. COLIN CASWELL CMDCM (SW/EXW/AW) ROSS CRAMER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER GAZETTE EDITOR PHOTOJOURNALIST
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
KELLY WIRFEL MCC(SW/AW) KEITH BRYSKA MCSN 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.
though still in existence, has slightly brackish water. Animals drink it, but it is unfit for human consumption. It can be deduced that lack of water was a strong factor in hindering the population growth near this excellent harbor. End of colonial rule… After nearly 400 years of Spanish domination, the 19th Century found ever-increasing demands for Cuban independence surfacing among the people – culminating in war with Spain in 1895. The ensuing conflict was not the speedy, decisive battle envisioned by Cuban writer, poet, and revolutionary hero Jose Marti. In 1898, following the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, the Unites States entered into war with Spain. The ship blew up, killing 260 American Sailors. American press accused the Spanish of sinking the ship and demanded retribution. Later, William Randolph Hearst, of the Hearst newspaper empire, bragged that the SpanishAmerican War was his war. Some even suggested that the U.S. deliberately destroyed the Maine to provide an excuse for declaring war. Later research indicates that the ship sank from an accidental explosion from within. Government propaganda inside Cuba maintains today that Cuba was already at the point of victory over Spain when the Americans entered the war, and Americans are wrongfully taking credit for winning independence for Cuba. With the declaration of war came the U.S. Marines. They landed at Guantanamo’s Fisherman’s Point to establish a base for naval operations for the campaign against Santiago de Cuba, 40 miles to the west. The first successful U.S. foray against Guantanamo Bay occurred June 6, 1898, with the arrival of the cruiser Marblehead, captained by Cmdr. B.H. McCalla, and the auxiliary St. Louis. As the two ships came into the bay at dawn, Spanish
OCTOBER 11, 2013• PAGE 3
soldiers clustered about the block house on the hill above Fisherman’s Point, which is today known as McCalla Hill. The blockhouse and the village were speedily cleared by fire from Marblehead’s guns, and the first U.S. base overseas was established. The Marines which landed and set up the base were joined by Cuban allies under the command of Col. Enrique Thomas. Together they defeated the superior Spanish force and captured the bay. This operation was credited with pinning down some 7,000 Spanish troops at Guantanamo City – thereby preventing them from going to the aid of Spanish forces at Santiago. Less than a week after the surrender of Santiago, the base at Guantanamo Bay was used to launch the invasion of Puerto Rico, 500 miles to the east. Thirty-five hundred troops sailed from the bay July 21, 1898. This was the last important even of the Spanish-American War phase of Guantanamo Bay, because the war ended and the armistice was signed Aug. 12, 1898.
and Naval stations at certain specified points to be agreed upon by the President of the United States.” The original agreement, signed in February 1903, bore the signatures of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and 1. Ultimate sovereignty remains with Cuba. Cuba’s president Estrada Palma. 2. Period of occupancy is indefinite. It provided for the U.S. to exercise complete jurisdiction 3. The U.S. cannot further expand the base. and control within and over the area. In turn, the U.S. 4. No private business can operate on the base. recognized the ultimate sovereignty of Cuba over the 5. A mutual exchange of fugitives. leased areas. In addition, the two nations agreed that: 6. No materials, merchandise stores or munitions may be * The U.S. would pay annually to Cuba the sum of transported into Cuban territory. $2,000 in gold 7. Free access through the bay to Cuban ports. *No private businesses would be permitted on the base. 8. An annual check for $4,084 must be paid for the lease *The U.S. would not obstruct vessels entering or of the land. departing Cuba ports. 9. The base cannot be used as a port of entry or exit to *The U.S. and Cuba would recognize mutual extradition Cuban sovereign territory rights. The new U.S. Naval base was not formalized by lease The original agreement between the United States and agreement between the United States and Cuba until five Cuba was reaffirmed by a treaty signed in 1934 as part of years later. President Franklin Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy. The base was acquired in 1903 as a coaling and Naval This treaty, still in effect today, gives the United States Station. It was then that the new Republic of Cuba and the a perpetual lease on the land and water that make up the United States agreed: base. “That to enable the United States to maintain the There is no termination date or fixed number of years independence of Cuba, and to protect the people thereof, for the lease to run. It was agreed that the land would as well as its own defense, the government of Cuba will sell revert to Cuban control if abandoned or by mutual or lease to the United States lands necessary for coaling agreement, neither has occurred.
The Lease Agreement Between U.S. and Cuba, Signed 1903
Th
GTMO
hroughout The Years
PAGE 6• THE GUANTANAMO BAY GAZETTE
HISTORY OF GUANTANAMO BAY Brief of Noteworthy Events and Landmarks Noteworthy Events
30 April 1494- Columbus, on his second voyage of exploration, sailed into Guantanamo Bay and remained overnight. He called the bay Puerto Grande. 18 July 1741- Vice Admiral Vernon, with 3,000 British troops under General Wentworth, arrived at Guantanamo Bay to begin an unsuccessful campaign against Santiago. 10 June 1898-A battalion of Marines landed at Fisherman’s Point and made camp on McCalla Hill, the first U. S. troops ashore in Cuba in the Spanish- American War. 23 February 1903-President Theodore Roosevelt signed original lease agreement with Cuba for Guantanamo Bay. 3 March 1903-Congress appropriated $100,000 for “necessary expenditures incident lent to the occupation and utilization of the naval station at Guantanamo Cuba ... “. 10 December 1903-The Naval Reservation was turned over by Cuba to the United States. 27 Apri11904-An appropriation of $385,500 was made for an emergency repair installation at Guantanamo Bay, including a dry dock to be built on South Taro Cay. 1906 (exact date unknown)-Work on dry dock on South Toro Cay was discontinued. 1908 (Spring)-USS Monongahela, station ship, burned. 10 March 1913-LT John H. Towers flew from Guantanamo Bay to Santiago in a Curtiss flying boat in 46 minutes. 10 December 1913-The Naval Station was officially opened at its present location, the main activities having been moved from South Toro Cay. 1924 (Winter)- First concentration of Atlantic and Pacific Fleets in Caribbean. 7 August 1928-Naval Station damaged by hurricane, center passing 50 miles to the south. 1938 (late in year)- Hepburn Board visited Station, and made recommendations for expansion. 20 February 1939-President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Guantanamo Bay in the USS Houston. 1 July 1939- Station started receiving water from. Pumping station at Yateras River via new water line. 4 December 1940- President Roosevelt visited Guantanamo Bay in USS Tuscaloosa. 12 July 1940-Contract signed with Frederick Snare Corporation to begin a vast construction program for build-up of the Station. 1 April 1941- Naval Operating Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba established.
Landmarks
Hospital Cay-So named when a British man-of-war used it for isolation and treatment of yellow fever victims in 1854 (although legend has name dating back to Admiral Vernon in 1741). Deer Point- Named for deer which were once numerous on the Base, and still exist in small numbers. Evans Point- Named for Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans, who started the fleet on its cruise around the world in 1908. Radio Point- Marked by soaring towers of radio transmitters. Paola Point- Named about 1916 for Paola Copeland, daughter of LT David Copeland, CEC, Stephen Crane Hill-Named for author of Red Badge of Courage, and other stories, who covered the 1898 fighting at Guantanamo Bay as a newspaper correspondent. McCalla Hill- Named for Rear Admiral B. H. McCalla, who as Captain of the USS Marblehead commanded U. S. forces in the capture of Guantanamo Bay in 1898. Crest of hill is marked by an old Spanish cannon, with a bronze tablet commemorative of Marine and Naval personnel killed in the fighting: Marines Dumphy, Good Smith, McColgan, Taurman, and Acting Assistant Surgeon Gibbs, USN. “Droopy” Gun- Gun from USS Monongahela, warped by fire which burned vessel in 1908, located on tip of Deer Point. Fort McCalla- South of Cable Station, built by Army in 1906. Fort Conde- On Conde Bluff, west of Hicacal Beach, built by Army in 1907. Marine Monument- Marks spot, near Naval Air Station pistol range, where two Marines, Privates Dumphry and McColgan, were killed on 13 June 1898 by Spanish forces. Kittery Beach-Near northeast boundary of Base, named for the supply ship which for many years brought provisions to the Station. Phillips Park-Was a Race track, where horses once trotted, now a recreation area with picnic shelters, tables, and benches. Named for RADM W. K . Phillips,a former Base Commander. John Paul Jones Hill- Highest hill on the Base, 494 feet, once had a “Mountain House” on the top for recreation use of officers and families. Light House- Located near tip of Windward Point, marks starting point of meters and bounds description of area comprising the Base. Cooper Field-Baseball field at the Fleet Recreation Center named for former Naval Base Commander Rear Admiral W. G. Cooper September 1955 to October 1956. W. T. Sampson School-Dedicated on October 25, 1956. Named after Admiral W. T. Sampson, USN, Spanish-American War naval hero who headed the U. S. Fleet which operated in the waters surrounding Cuba. Morin Center - Dedicated September 27, 1961. Named after William H. Morin, Boatswains Mate Second Class, U. S. Navy, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Received the Medal of Honor while serving aboard the USS Marblehead on July 27, 1898, disabled 27 contact mines in Guantanamo Bay. Built as a community center with restaurant facilities. Denich Hill-Dedicated on June 26, 1963. Named for George J. Denich, Jr., EON3, USNR who was killed while driving a bulldozer in the construction of base fortifications on April 10, 1963. A monument is located at the foot of the hill located in the southeastern section of the base. Bulkeley Hill-Land area overlooking the Northeast Gate. Named after Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley, Commander Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who, during the water crisis in February 1964, stood watch on this hill in battle greens, wearing his “Big Iron”, a .357 Colt magnum pistol, 12 to 18 hours a day, for several weeks. Marines who served with the Admiral named the hill in his honor.
GTMO SHOPPER
E-mail classified ad submissions to
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VEHICLES 92 Ford Ranger, New Tires, New Battery Well maintained $2,000 Call Jason at 75474 or 2434 1994 Jeep Wrangler, Blue 4cylinder, 4” lift, new 33” tires, soft top, tubular bumpers, new Chrysler coded paint available. $6,500 OBO call 77435 2004 Red Mustang, 121,000 mile,runs very well $6,900 call Alan 78466 or email alankarana@yahoo.com 2006 Chrysler 300C, one owner, 70,000 miles, $13,500 call 84175
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
July 20, 2013. If interested, email mikepapabub@gmail.com or call 79786 after 1900 and ask for Brantley. Satellite Dish TV LMB, $350, call 84034 or 4003
YARD SALE
Saturday Oct. 12 0700-1030, CP14AElectronics, Gas BBQ, Household items, no early birds. Multi-family yardsale, Saturday Oct. 12 0630-1000 at RP731-- Electronics, Apple products, Kitchen items, small appliances. Saturday Oct 19 0800 Nob Hill will be holding several individual garage sales throughout the neighborhood.
MISC.
Bassinet Stroller and Booster Seat call Shauna at 75779
Anyone intrested in a plane ticket on IBC may contact Marcia at 72121 or 79438
MOVIES DOWNTOWN LYCEUM FRIDAY Phillips 8 p.m.: Captain PG13 Family 10:30 p.m The R
PG13
10 p.m.: Riddick R
Glass top dining table with 4 chairs in excellent condition $200, round corner table $10, small computer table $15,Weber round charcoal grill $10, E-mail at sametawut@hotmail.com or call Samet at 3715 or 78459.
SUNDAY 8 p.m.: Getaway PG13
OUTDOOR REC Carolina Skiff. 90 H.P. Johnson. Garmin GPS $3200 OBO Call Lisa at 77168 Oversized Electric Radiator Fan,18”, Great for older trucks or big cars. $30 call Steven at 77795
134 min. 111 min.
SATURDAY Oct. 12 8 p.m.: Insidious Chapter 2
Inversion Table for sale, $20 call steven at 77795
Samsung 40” 720p LCD Flat Screen TV. Near perfect condition and great image quality. Contact Matt x79576 or email matthewstoerrle@yahoo.com
Oct. 11
Worlds End 10 p.m.: The R
106 min.
119 min.
Oct. 13 90 min. 109 min.
MONDAY Oct. 14 Next 8 p.m.: You’re R 95 min.
TUESDAY Oct. 15 Daniels The Butler 8 p.m.: Lee PG13 126 min. WEDNESDAY Oct.16 8 p.m.: Mortal Instruments: City of Bones PG13
THURSDAY 8 p.m.: Gravity PG13
130 min.
Oct. 17
91 min.
ELECTRONICS Wireless router and modem $40 OBO, Call 58795 New IPhone 4S 16GB unlocked for sale FMI 77001 New Sony Vaio Laptop ($450.00) Brand new, used maybe six times to watch movies while waiting on another computer to arrive. Nothing has been installed or added or modified. I still have the original box. Purchased on
CALL THE MOVIE HOTLINE @ 4880
The Monongahela
OCTOBER 11, 2013• PAGE 7
By JOSN Sandy Warren Gazette Writer, August 27, 1973 Of the countless ships which have come to GTMO for training, perhaps one of the most colorful, provoking considerable curiosity, is the USS Monongahela. Not much information is available on the ship. What little there is, however, can be found in ‘The History of Guantanamo Bay,” by Rear Adm. Marion Emerson Murphy, Cdr. B.D. Varner and Chief Journalist Daniel Koze. According to this book, the Monongahela was a wooden hull steamer that fought under Farragut in the Battle of New Orleans and in several other engagements. It was launched in 1862 in Philadelphia. From 1894 to 1903, she was a training ship with a detachment of Marines aboard. And, like most training ships, she found her way to GTMO. Her assignment as a station ship here was short-lived. In the spring of 1908, while anchored between South Taro Cay and Granadillo Point, the ship caught fire. No reason for the fire is given in the history book, but it is known that shortly before the fire the Monongahela was converted to electrical power. While afire, she was towed and beached at a spot on the south side of Deer Point. Much was salvaged, but the ship was a total loss. After a few weeks, she settled on her side and submerged. From a helicopter today, one can see her hulk lying in about 12 feet of water. A gun, whose barrel “drooped” from the intense heat, was salvaged. An oddity, it was mounted on the cliff overlooking the Monongahela’s resting place in what was the backyard of Quarters 1105. During the some 40 years it was there, the gun became a landmark. In recent years, it was transferred to the tip of Deer Point, outside the wall enclosing the base commander’s yard. It has, naturally, been dubbed “Old Droopy.”
Disagreements between Neighbors
NAVSTA PUBLIC AFFAIRS
W
ith the severing of diplomatic relations, naval base personnel began conducting periodic surprise defense exercises. The base stood ready during the “Bay of Pigs” invasion in April, 1961, but no unusual activity resulted from the action taking place several hundred miles away. The defense exercises paid off on October, 1962, during the “Cuban Missile Crisis.” At 10 a.m. on Monday, October 22, dependents and many civilian employees on the base were given the orders, “Pack one suitcase for each person to be evacuated, bring evacuation and immunization cards, and have an Emergency Payment Authorization. Tie pets in the yard, with food and water, leave house keys on the dining table, and stand by the front of your house ready to board the bus.” The evacuees embarked on four ships and were well on their way to Norfolk and safety when President John Kennedy announced on national television that evening the presence of Soviet missiles just 90 miles off the Florida coast in Cuba. After the evacuation, patrons of the Navy Exchange on base did their shopping with rifles slung over their shoulders. A Chief of Naval Operations message on November 2 commented on the base’s transformation by saying, “Once a community with overtones of suburbia, the base now has all the earmarks of an armed camp ... “
Dependents and other civilians were allowed to return to the base two months later and most were “home” by Christmas 1962. The defense exercises continue today, preparing all base residents military and civilian-to respond to any emergency at a moment’s notice. Another crisis arose on February 6, 1964, when Castro, in retaliation for several incidents in which Cuban fishermen were fined by the U. S. government for fishing in Florida waters, cut off the water and electrical power to the base. Although the power and water were off, Castro publicly accused the U. S. of “stealing” water through the pipes. On February 17th, the base commander, RADM John D. Bulkeley called Castro’s bluff in a bold way. Bulkeley cut the connecting water lines in front of fourteen U. S. newsmen. The world observed that the pipes were indeed dry. As the base community worked hard at attaining selfsufficiency, the Chief of Naval Personnel temporarily suspended further accompanied tours. Dependents already on the base remained. A desalinization plant operated by the Department of the Interior at Point Lorna, Calif., was purchased, dismantled, and shipped to Guantanamo Bay. Construction on the $10 million plant began April 1, 1964, and the plant began producing fresh water just three months later. Two additional flash-type units were completed and began producing water on September 7 and December 4 of the same year. With the addition of a fourth unit, the plant today is capable of producing 3 million gallons of fresh water daily, as well as 25,000 kilowatts of electrical power. This plant is the sole source of water and electricity for the base with the exception of limited capacity emergency diesel generators. It meets all routine daily requirements for services on the base. With sufficient water available, dependents were once again allowed to return to the base. On Christmas Eve, 1964, the Chief of Naval Operations announced that “effective immediately, United States military and civilian personnel ordered for duty to Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, may be accompanied by their dependents.” It was a wonderful Christmas present for base residents with families in the states.
OCTOBER 11, 2013• PAGE 7