U.S. NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, GREECE
BEACON July 2019
EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE NSA SOUDA BAY UNDERGOES OPERATIONAL READINESS ASSESSMENT CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
U.S. VS GREEK SOCCER MATCH
SENIOR CHIEF PINNING CEREMONY
The Beacon Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Commanding Officer, NSA Souda BayBay Capt. Ryan T. Tewell Capt. Ryan T. Tewell Executive Officer Executive Officer Cmdr. Cmdr.Werner WernerRauchenstein J. Rauchenstein Command Master Chief Command Master Chief CMDCM Brian Neal McDonough CMDCM T. Olds
Beacon Staff/Public Staff/Public Affairs Affairs Office Office Beacon Jacky Fisher
Public Affairs Officer, 266-1244
Carolyn Jackson Joel Diller
Public Affairs Officer, DSN 266-1244 Assistant Public Affairs Officer, 266-1392
Joel Diller Kostas Fantaousakis
Assistant Public Affairs Officer, DSN: 266-1392 Community Relations, 266-1348
Kostas Fantaousakis
Community Relations, DSN: 266-1348
Contact Email (All PAO personnel): MC2 Kelly Agee
SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Public Affairs Specialist, DSN: 266-1642
Contact Email (All PAO personnel):
SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil
TheBeacon Beaconisisthe theprofessional professionalonline onlinenewsletter newsletter NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs. Information contained The ofof NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs. Information contained in The The Beacon Beacondoes doesnot notnecessarily necessarilyreflect reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, Department in the official views of the U.S. Government, the the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office of of NSA Souda Bay. NSA Souda Bay. Articlesfor forpublication publicationininThe TheBeacon Beacon should submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Articles should bebe submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior leadership. Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior leadership. Securityand andpolicy policyreview reviewmust mustbebecompleted completed before submissions considered for publication. Security before submissions cancan be be considered for publication.
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Contents
Layout design by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
MA2 Kyle Coggins responds to a suspect during a Anti-terrorism training team drill at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. (Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs)
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Triad Corner CO Capt. Ryan T. Tewell
The Gouge
Operational Readiness Assessment
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"Welcome Summer" Beach Party
Naval History in June Remembering D-Day
2019 Senior Chief Pinning
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Awards & Recognition
Soccer Match U.S. vs. Greeks
50 Year Anniversary Poster
Cover Photo: Security Forces respond to a suspect during an Anti-terrorism training team drill at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. (Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs)
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Triad Corner
Team Souda, Summertime is finally here! Not long ago we were all wondering if the rainy spring weather would ever give way to summer. Last month I took some leave to the U.S. followed by a conference in Naples to meet with Region leadership and meet our new Regional Commander, RADM Lindsey. I returned to blue skies, warm weather, and beaches, restaurants, and roads buzzing with tourists. Summer in Crete is here indeed! I am excited for what our installation will accomplish during this next season. As we always do, we will have to overcome many challenges to accomplish our mission. However, what each of you do is important to many of our lines of operation. This allows NSA Souda Bay to be a center of gravity that maximizes the combat capability of the Fleet and the combatant commands. They are noticing the high level of support we provide – well done! A challenge this month is that we must prove to higher headquarters that we are ready to respond in the event of a natural disaster. We do this by undergoing an Operational Readiness Assessment. Evaluators from our Region will grade us on how well we respond during a given scenario. I am confident going into this evaluation because of how well we have planned and prepared for it. As the saying goes, “Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.” Page 4
Another challenge, as we know, is that Souda Bay is a one-year tour duty station. This is challenging for everyone: junior Sailors, chiefs, officers, and civilians. As our shipmates are constantly turning over, these are my words of advice for you: • If you’ve just arrived, your time here is short and it moves quickly. Make the most of it by working hard at your job, but be sure to play hard too (responsibly, of course). MWR has the Liberty Center, Outdoor Recreation, and Kriti Info to give you memorable experiences. I’ve found that talking with people who have been here a while is also a great way to get the inside scoop on beaches, restaurants, and other places to visit. • If you are leaving for another duty station, wrap up your work on a positive note and be sure to start your checkout process early and complete all steps. Many folks forget important stops like the Security Manager, N6, and the Legal office. Close your open loops for your shop and the next person. Finish strong! • If your next duty station is in CONUS, take the steps now to be prepared for reuniting with the relationships in your life. If you need help with how to do this, visit the chaplain’s office, Fleet and Family Support Center or www.MilitaryOneSource.com. They all are excellent resources for how to communicate
about your new responsibilities, friendships, and stresses. Finally, please drive slowly, especially on the Intramodal road and in the village of Mouzouras right outside our front gate. The roads here are already dangerous enough without the additional construction vehicles, buses, vans, and rental cars on the road and
we need to be good ambassadors and neighbors to our Greek hosts. Don’t distract yourself with your cell phone. Focus on getting safely from one point to another. Thank you, Team Souda, for what you do every day to help us succeed in accomplishing our mission.
~ CO
At the end of June, Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, recorded the 10th episode of the podcast “On the Horizon: Navigating the European and African Theater.” During this episode, Foggo discusses his thoughts on Memorial Day, the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and the Navy’s support to the NATO alliance through exercises Formidable Shield and Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). The podcast is available on the following platforms: https://www.spreaker.com/user/usnavalforceseuropeafrica https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/public-affairs-officer/on-the-horizon-navigating-the-european-and-african-theaters https://www.c6f.navy.mil/Press-Room/Podcast/ https://soundcloud.com/user-561475303/on-the-horizon-episode-10
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THE GOUGE EVENTS - FLIGHTLINE ACTIVITY - PORT OPERATIONS
AMMO TRANSFER OPERATIONS Anti-terrorism Team drills
Magnetic Silencing Facility S
ecurity Forces participated in several Anti-Terrorism Training Team exercises during the month of June in preparation for the Operational Readiness Assessment. (Photos by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs)
EMMANUEL COLLEGE two time WINNER
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OSprey's PASS THROUGH T
hree U.S. Marine MV-22 Ospreys attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive on the flight line at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, June 24, 2019. (Photos by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs)
VISIT
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OR
perational eadiness ssessment
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SA Souda Bay underwent an Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) by a team of assessors from Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, June 25 - 28, 2019. An ORA is an operational assessment of the mission performance, capability, proficiency and readiness of an installation, its departments, and mission areas. It identifies deficiencies, resource and capability gaps, training effectiveness and leadership engagement. During the ORA, multiple departments participated in drills to demonstrate their proficiency in a specific function. There was also an installation-wide integrated exercise involving scenarios and critical events aimed to tax the installation's response to a hazardous event from initial response to sustained operations and recovery.
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MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION
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WR's Liberty Center held a "Welcome Summer" Beach Party at Stavros Beach, June 7. The event included fun-in-the-sun activities to kick off the summer season. Activities included water trampoline, stand up paddleboard instruction, beach volleyball, and lunch on the beach. The event was free of charge for unaccompanied active-duty personnel and free shuttles were provided between base and the beach,
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Remembering D-Day
June 6, 1944
Background: Painting, Watercolor on Paper; by Dwight C. Shepler; 1944. Story from Naval History and Heritage Command
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ne of the spectacular actions of D-Day was the duel between the destroyer U.S.S. Emmons and mobile 88mm German guns on the Normandy cliffs near Port-en-Bessin. While cruising near the beach, the U.S.S. Emmons (DD-457) pitched out 250 rounds of five-inch shells as she wormed her way among the near misses of the enemy guns, in the meanwhile silencing the 88s with counter-battery fire. As this rapid action drew to a close, her sister ship, U.S.S. Doyle (DD-494), steamed up parallel to the shore and fired furiously in assistance.
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A Sailor Remembers D-Day
(Photos & story by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs)
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isiting the Normandy American Cemetery left me with a mix of emotions; pride, grief and fascination. I recently visited France and this was one of the top items on my to do list. I believe it is very important as a U.S. Navy Sailor to remember our past and the service members who paved the way for our generation to have the freedom and ability to serve. The exhibit holds artifacts from WW2 including helmets, tanks and uniforms. One of the highlights of the museum is the exhibit with biographies on the service members who lost their lives that day, many of them being my age or younger. Once you exit the museum you can head to the cemetery which is beautifully eerie. It was eye opening to see the amount of graves of the lives that were lost during the battle. Omaha Beach was also included in my tour, which next to the Utah Gold, Juno and Sword beaches, is the most famous and largest amphibious operations in history. The beach had the softest sand I have ever felt in my life and contains two huge memorials. I highly recommend while you are stationed in Europe to visit these sites, whether you are a history buff or not, it will open your eyes to what it was like during WW2 in France.
Did You Know?
The codename for the Battle of Normandy was Operations Overlord. By the evening of June 6th 1944 more than 150,000 Allied soldiers had arrived in Normandy and by midJuly there were 1 million. Page 16
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NAVSUP FLCSI SOUDA BAY GUIDANCE ON LIQUIDS IN THE MAIL
NAVSUP FLCSI Souda Bay Guidance on Liquids in the Mail Personnel aboard NSA Souda Bay can now send liquids through their FPO mail. Personnel may mail olive oil, honey, and any other liquid not categorized as dangerous goods in metal or plastic containers. Customers may attempt to mail glass containers at their own risk, but the commercial air carrier may decline to transport them if they believe they are at risk of breakage. All alcohol, including wine, beer, raki, cologne, and perfume, is still prohibited in the mail in accordance with USPS and MPSA regulations.
PACKAGING RULES Wrap containers in cushioning material like bubble wrap and insert them in a sealed, watertight bag. Place the bag inside a 5-ply box or stronger packaging and fill any extra space with filler material like more bubble wrap. Containers should not move easily during shipment.
Use the Right Box Personnel can only mail liquids in 5-ply cardboard boxes or more durable containers. Do not use recycled Amazon boxes or USPS Priority Mail boxes. Customers can purchase 5-ply boxes from the NEX.
We strongly encourage customers to bring packages with liquids unsealed so our clerks can inspect them prior to shipment. The commercial air carrier may refuse any item – including incorrectly packed liquids – that may be a risk to their personnel, equipment, or other cargo.
Following these guidelines will help ensure our ability to continue mailing liquids in the future. Thank you for your cooperation. Page 18
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why was there a ban on liquids in the mail? A: Bad packaging in the past. The NSA Souda Bay Post Office enforced a restriction on liquids in the mail because of safety concerns from the local air carrier. Historically not all customers packaged their liquids properly and leaking liquids caused damage to other cargo and safety concerns for workers. Q: Can I mail liquids in a USPS Priority Mail or Flat Rate Box? A: No. Standard USPS boxes do not meet the safety requirements for liquids in international mail. USPS and the local air carrier only accept 5-ply/double wall boxes and other more durable containers like wooden crates for mailing liquids internationally. Durable containers ensure the liquids containers do not break and leak, potentially damaging other cargo. USPS enforces different rules for domestic mail. Most military mail is treated as domestic mail; but because an international air carrier handles liquids shipments sent from NSA Souda Bay, they are subject to international postal regulations. Q: Where can I get a 5-ply box and bubble wrap? A: From the NEX. The NSA Souda Bay NEX carries some 5-ply boxes and bubble wrap for purchase. Additional bubble wrap and other durable containers like wooden crates may be available from local vendors on the economy. Q: Is there a limit to the weight or quantity of liquid I can mail? A: Yes – 25 kg per package. To safeguard the integrity of the contents throughout the transportation process, we strongly recommend that each outer package of liquids should not exceed a 25 kg gross weight. There is no limit on the number of packages you can send. Q: Can I get flat rate prices for my liquids shipment? A: Possibly, depending on the size of the box. USPS does not offer 5-ply flat rate boxes, so the post office will charge for liquids shipments based on their weight. However, it is acceptable to place a 5-ply box inside a flat rate box, so long as it fits appropriately, to receive flat rate pricing.
For additional information, please contact the NSA Souda Bay Post Office at DSN 266-1561 or Commercial +30 28210-21561
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OSD MILITARY COMPENSATION Advance Guidance for 2019 Overseas Housing Allowance Utility Expenses Survey Greece
The Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Utility Expenses Survey is conducted annually on behalf of the Department of Defense, by OSD Military Compensation. This year, the survey will be conducted from 1 July to 31 July for Greece. The survey is designed to collect utility and recurring maintenance expense data incurred by Uniformed Service members stationed overseas, who reside in private housing. Your data assists in determining the Utility and Recurring Maintenance Allowance paid to Service members in the country surveyed. If you receive OHA and meet the following qualifications, you should participate in the survey:
Have been stationed in the country, where this survey is being conducted, for at least 6 months Reside in privately leased quarters (not a homeowner or sharer) Receive an Overseas Housing Allowance
If you have participated in previous OHA surveys, the questions will be similar in scope. You will be asked to report the average monthly cost of utilities and any routine maintenance expenses you incurred within the last 12 months. Web Link You may take the survey at the following link. The deadline to complete the survey is close of business (COB) 31 July. http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ohaSurvey.cfm?ID=july‐util Your Input Matters The Overseas Housing Allowance is a valuable entitlement for members who are stationed overseas. You play a critical part as the data you provide will directly impact the Utility and Recurring Maintenance Allowance paid to members. Your time and effort spent answering the survey questions will enable the Department of Defense to set equitable OHA rates. We ask that you make every effort to take the survey and report your expenses accurately.
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Want to Participate in a Community Outreach Project? POC: Kostas Fantaousakis, Community Relations Specialist. Call 266-1348 or 694-043-1157 • • •
E-mail: konstantinos.fant.gr@eu.navy.mil All Hands emails are sent calling for volunteers Ask to join the ComRel projects volunteers distro list.
Got a ComRel idea? Contact PA for guidance. We volunteer, but ALWAYS provide quality service!
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2019 Senior Chief Pinning Photos by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
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aval Support Activity Souda Bay held a Senior Chief Pinning Ceremony in front of building 1, June 3, 2019. Two Sailors assigned to NSA Souda Bay were selected for promotion during Fiscal Year 2019: Senior Chief Navy Counselor Lalia Canlas and Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Rodolfo Ruiz. Today, there are three chief petty officers ranks: chief petty officer, senior chief petty officer, and master chief petty officer. Chiefs are recognized for exemplary technical expertise within their rating, superior administrative skills, and strong leadership ability. Most importantly, chiefs bridge the gap between officers and enlisted personnel, acting as supervisors as well as advocates for their Sailors ("The Chief Petty Officer", Naval History and Heritage Command).
DID YOU KNOW?
A 1958 amendment to the Career Compensation Act added two new pay grades, senior chief (E-8) and command master chief (E-9), and created six new rating titles.
From left to right: Capt. Ryan T. Tewell, commanding officer, Senior Chief Navy Counselor Lalia Canlas, Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Rodolfo Ruiz, and Command Master Chief Brian McDonough, pose for a group photo during the pinning ceremony. Page 22
Senior Chief Navy Counselor Lalia Canlas
Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Rodolfo Ruiz
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Awards at Quarters June 2019
Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
AWARDEES
MA2 CARTER SHAINA ELLEN MA2 DAVIS MARISA RENE ABH2 OAKLEY COURTNEY DEJUAN MA3 BOYLAND CECIL LANIER JR MA3 CORTES CHRISTINA MARIE MA3 FORT MATTHEW DAVID MA3 JOHNSON JORDAN BAILEE MA3 LONG SHALESE MARIE MA3 WILLIAMS BRYCE ALEXANDER ACAN BEHARRY ZACHARY CHRISTOPHER ACAN BISESI BENJAMIN COOPER GMSN CARDONA XAVIER R ACAN DIAZ OSCARINE ITSN EADDY JONATHAN MASN EVANS ZIREE DOMALIQUE MASN HANLEY NAKIA MICHELE MASN KIM JEREMY MICHAEL MASN MONTGOMERY CHRISTOPHER AARO MASN SCOFIELD JAXON DAVID
LT DELACRUZ LSC SAULSBERRY MA2 WELLS MA3 PROVENCHER MA2 BUTLER MA2 DILTS MA2 LINMA2 MORALES MA2 MULNEAUX MA2 PULU MA2 SANDOVAL MA3 HARRIS MA2 JONES MA3 BOYLAND MA3 JOHNSON AC3 MALDONADO MA3 WATKINS BMSN BAEZ MS. SKODA
CONGRATULATIONS AWARDEES!
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Story and photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
Community Outreach
Volunteers from NSA Souda Bay participated in a beach clean-up at the scenic beach in Tersanas, Akrotri, Chania on June 6, 2019. The beach of Tersansis is located inside an enclosed natural harbor and is located 13km northeast of Chania and hidden in a small cove in the west side of Cape Akrotiri.
Sailors from NSA Souda Bay volunteered for a beach clean-up at Loutraki beach, in Marathi, Chania on June 28, 2019. Loutraki beach is located in a sheltered cove on the northeast edge of Souda Bay. It is located right next to Marathi and the beaches are separated by a hill.
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Soccer Match NSASB vs. 115th H.A.F. N
(Photos & story by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs)
aval Support Activity Souda Bay and the Hellenic Air Force 115th Combat Wing competed in a soccer match on the installation's ball field June 6, 2019.
Following the match, participants enjoyed a barbecue lunch and a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of Naval Support Detachment Souda Bay being established on the Hellenic Air Force Base in 1969. Pictured in middle-right photo: Capt. Ryan T. Tewell, commanding officer NSA Souda Bay, and Col. Tzikas, commanding officer 115th Combat Wing, prepare to cut the ceremonial cake.
Did You Know?
U.S. Naval Detachment Souda Bay was commissioned May 28, 1969. At that time, a sixteenpersonnel complement, under the command of a First Class Petty Officer, made up the entire detachment. By 1973, there were 93 enlisted personnel and three officers and the installation build-up program commenced involving two eight-room Bachelor Officers Quarters, and four eight-room Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, a workshop, a sickbay and supporting utilities projects were undertaken and nearly completed at the end of that year. On Oct. 1, 1980, NAVDET Souda Bay was disestablished and U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece was established. Page 26
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Celebrating 50 Years 1969 to 2019
his year Naval Support Activity Souda Bay celebrates 50 years since Naval Support Detachment Souda Bay was established on the 115th Hellenic Air Force Base, May 29, 1969. This photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly Agee shows how the installation provided land, air, and sea support in 1969 and today.
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