February - March 2018
The Beacon Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Brad J. Collins Executive Officer Cmdr. Werner J. Rauchenstein Command Master Chief CMDCM Neal T. Olds
Beacon Staff/Public Affairs Office Jacky Fisher
Public Affairs Officer, 266-1244
Joel Diller
Assistant Public Affairs Officer, 266-1392
Kostas Fantaousakis
Community Relations, 266-1348
Contact Email (All PAO personnel):
SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil
The Beacon is the professional online newsletter of NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs. Information contained in The Beacon does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office of NSA Souda Bay. Articles for publication in The Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior leadership. Security and policy review must be completed before submissions can be considered for publication.
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Contents
Beacon layout design by Kostas Fantaousakis
A scenic view of the Venetian Harbor of Hania. The city of Chania constitutes a crossroad of civilizations and continents with a long history, natural beauty, unique cuisine, and rich tradition of hospitality. Crete is considered to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world. (Photo by MC1 Chris Henry, AFN Souda Bay)
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Triad Corner
The Gouge
Suicide Awareness
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Meet the new XO
National Telecommunications Week
Safety Info
Awards
MA2 Jeffery Myer assigned to NSA Souda Bay conduct training with Military Working Dog Gerry in front of Bldg 1. (Photo by MC2 Chase Martin, Public Affairs) ON THE COVER:
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Triad Corner
Hello Team Souda Bay,
I
have been on board for about a month now, watching and learning about our mission to support the Fleet, Fighter and Family. I am amazed at your accomplishments of recent years and I am honored to be here as your Executive Officer. I want to thank Lieutenant Commander Jones for acting in my stead since Commander Bird departed in November. As you well know, his work has been exceptional, making my arrival and transition very comfortable. I am particularly grateful to all of you for supporting him during that challenging time and taking responsibility for your own part in the success of your team.
I’m new to Greece but I am not new to this Region. I’ve spent the last seven years of my career in Naples, Italy serving with Commander Logistics Forces Europe and Africa (CTF 63) and in the Operations Department of Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. While in these positions, I noticed that NSA Souda Bay came up in nearly every operational planning session, every strategic discussion, and in all operational logistics considerations in support of three Combatant Commanders by virtue of its strategic geographic location and capabilities. The challenges facing NSA Souda Bay were also present in these conversations, including the high personnel turnover rate, the limited facilities support available, and the constant competition among operational assets for the limited resources. A clear picture formed of NSA Souda Bay as a mission-focused,
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operational command ashore, staffed by a small cadre of dedicated professionals. It was for this reason that I actively sought orders here and I count myself blessed to be given the opportunity to serve as your Executive Officer. The incredible beauty of this island, the charming and sincere character of its people, and the fantastic food may have also had some influence in my decision… As I settle into my new position, I want to share with you a perspective that has guided my thoughts throughout my time in the Navy. On board USS TARAWA (LHA 1) as the Flight Deck Officer some years ago, I had the privilege to oversee a truly exceptional team of Aviation Boatswain’s Mates, each one with unique responsibilities. From the “blue shirts” running wheel chocks and chains to and from the aircraft when directed, to “yellow shirts” directing all operations for a given aircraft, to the “red shirts” of the Crash and Salvage crew, all of us worked for the Aircraft Handler and the Air Boss who are accountable to the ship’s Captain for every last detail. It frustrated me to no end that my entire daily routine was spent (almost exclusively) identifying the Sailor with an issue and resolving that issue before it cascaded the whole flight deck into chaos. It could be anything from a single blue shirt missing breakfast, to a tenant squadron discovering a missing tool, or a full blown in-flight emergency – it didn’t seem to matter how big or small the original problem was, the end
result was flight operations ground to a halt and had to be reset. One night after the cycle was complete, my Senior Chief explained this to me. He said (paraphrasing):
L-T, everyone here has a job. Some pay more and some less, but each job has to get done so that the whole thing can work. When someone doesn’t do their job, things breakdown. But that only explains the failures. To explain success you have to look at it in another way: The flight deck doesn’t need a bunch of jobs getting done, it needs a team working together towards a common goal. Each Sailor has their place in the team. It is a team that can execute the mission, do each job, and look after each Sailor, all at once - because the load is shared and so the gaps are covered. Your team out there can do this; a bunch of people just doing their jobs cannot.
I strongly believe that it is not only the excellent work each of you does but, even more importantly, how well we work together as a team that enables NSA Souda Bay to deliver on our mission: “To extend joint and fleet war-fighting capability through operational support of U.S., allied and coalition forces deployed to European, Central and African Command areas of responsibility by operating and sustaining superior facilities dedicated to forward operations of ships, aircraft and personnel.” Every Sailor, U.S. civilian and Greek employee – and tenant commands - are critical members of Team Souda Bay, each bringing their own talents and challenges, but all working together as a team. Always remember this and act accordingly: Do your part; Support your team; Don’t hesitate to call out a problem or sugar-coat a difficult truth, but be kind and patient with a struggling team member. Share your successes as well as your challenges with each other. Thank you, as always, for your effort and dedication. I will strive to be worthy of you. Be safe, look out for your shipmates and enjoy this beautiful springtime!
~XO
Public Notice: Accreditation Survey The Joint Commission and the U.S. Navy Medical Inspector General (MEDIG) will conduct a joint accreditation survey of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella and its Branch Health Clinics, from April 12 – 20, 2018. Patients and staff members may contact a Joint Commission surveyor during this survey and request a public information interview. The Joint Commission surveyors will be located at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella from April 16 – 20, 2018, and can be contacted by calling DSN 624-4576 ext. 4. Concerns may also be brought to the attention of the U.S. Navy Medical Inspector General by calling (202) 445-4093 or via e-mail: Sonja.m.pyle.civ@mail.mil.
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THE GOUGE EVENTS - FLIGHTLINE ACTIVITY - PORT OPERATIONS
HOSTAGE DRILL
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aster Chief Master-at-Arms Marcus Nieves and Kirsten Diller, Fleet and Family Services Center Director, participate in a simulated hostage exercise on base in March. Security apprehends the hostage and secures the scene.
ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILL
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ecurity Forces in Naval Support Activity Souda Bay held an active shooter drill training in the base gymnasium in February. Security runs drills weekly, primarily on Training Tuesdays, to sharpen their skills in order to keep the base safe.
MARATHI HARBOR DRILL
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SA Souda Bay Harbor Security participated in an anti-terrorism training exercise at the Hellenic Naval Base in Marathi, Greece.
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mwd training
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A1 Casey Kaiwi, MA1 Michael Sanders and MA2 Jeffery Myer assigned to NSA Souda Bay's K-9 Kennels conduct aggression training with Military Working Dogs Gerry, Diego and Szana in front of Bldg 1. These specially trained dogs are athletic, smart and loyal. Alongside their handlers, these Military Working Dogs help safeguard base facilities.
ospreys TRANSIT souda bay
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V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircrafts assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit land at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. NSA Souda Bay's strategic location in the 6th Fleet AOR makes it a prime way station for transiting units.
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Suicide Awareness Acting recklessly, without regard for consequences, or doing excessively risky behaviors?
Feeling purposeless, anxiety or trapped? Increased or excessive alcohol or drug use?
Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge for perceived wrongs?
Having frequent nightmares, or unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time?
Seemingly hopeless about self, others, the future?
Suicidal ideations including thoughts of suicide expressed, threatened, written or otherwise hinted at?
Withdrawing from family, friends, usual activities, society?
RECOGNIZE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS IN YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE?
S
tudies have indicated that as many as eight out of ten people give warning of their intention to commit suicide. While we think of symptoms as being hidden, more often the warning signs are not recognized. If not responded to, the person's thoughts could progress to action – a suicide attempt.
All talk of and attempts at suicide should be taken seriously. People who have thoughts of dying should seek support. Page 8
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he majority of people who attempt suicide are confused about whether they want to live or die. Most people want to live better and happier lives but need relief from the intense emotional pain they are experiencing. First, know yourself. What risk factors or warning signs are present in your life? What protective factors and personal assets help you cope in tough times? Seek assistance in skill building workshops or counseling to address deficits and to increase strengths. Second, be willing & prepared to intervene on behalf of someone who is thinking of suicide.
Important Phone Numbers:
Follow these steps:
1. Know that you make a difference. In demonstrating care your impact may be immediate or long term. Doing nothing is not an option – someone’s life is at stake! 2. Recognize risk factors and warning sign. Don’t make excuses or rationalize the symptoms. Move forward with addressing them. 3. Ask the person directly, “Have you thought of suicide?” 4. Care about their response by listening and demonstrating empathy. Rather than solving the problem, try to see it from their point of view – something that’s so overwhelming may cause them to feel so desperate that dying seems like the only solution. 5. Connect them with treatment options
Additional tips: • • •
Call emergency responders if the person has a means and a plan to commit suicide. Our treatment options here at NSA Souda Bay are the Branch Health Clinic, the Fleet and Family Support Center, the Command Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Chaplain’s Office. There are also community organizations such as the Suicide Prevention Hotline, the Veteran’s Crisis Line, and Military One Source.
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National Telecommunicators Week Photo by Andreas Markakis, Fire and Emergency Services
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ational Telecommunicators Week (NTW) brings celebration, honor, and publicity focused on the otherwise unsung hero on the other end of the line. It's a great opportunity to reflect on the important role of the 911 dispatcher as the first, first responder.
April also serves as 911 education month, which focuses on teaching the proper use of 911 for aid in emergency situations (and as any dispatcher knows, NOT for pranks, recipes, weather checks, ordering a pizza, or complaints about slow traffic!). Thanks to all base dispatchers who work long shifts to provide a lifeline to those in need. History of NTW from 911dispatch.com he second full week of April each year is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. It was first conceived by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (California) Sheriff's Office in 1981 and was observed only at that agency for three years.
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Members of the Virginia and North Carolina chapters of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) became involved in the mid-1980s. By the early 1990s, the national APCO organization convinced Congress of the need for a formal proclamation. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced what became H.J. Res. 284 to create "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week." According to Congressional procedure, it was introduced twice more in 1993 and 1994, and then became permanent, without the need for yearly introduction. The official name of the week when originally introduced in Congress in 1991 was "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week." In the intervening years, it has become known by several other names, including "National Public-Safety Telecommunications Week" and "International Public Safety Telecommunicators Week." A Dispatcher's View of NTW
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e take the call and provide a voice to the people in need. We offer guidance and assistance to the responding crews; we give them a cheerful greeting when needed. We put up with the politics and systemic frustrations of a growing role. We fight for our beliefs and values as communicators, trying to make a space for us in the Emergency World.
But above all we SHINE, and this is our week to feel it!
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Don't be Shocked ... Stay Safe
Information by Safety Department
T
he history of electricity in the U.S. is interesting and complicated. Basically, Thomas Edison back in the late 1800s came up with the Direct Current (DC) idea, the same power found in batteries. One of his employees, 28 year old Nikola Tesla, tried to convince Edison that there was a better idea. The mathematician Tesla had been helping with practical ways to use DC, but realized that alternating current (AC) would be more efficient. Edison did not like the idea, because he had invested so much into DC power. Frustrated, Tesla left Edison and sold many of his ideas to George Westinghouse. From there the race was on to decide what power to use, DC or AC. At one point Edison tried to discredit Westinghouse by claiming that AC was more dangerous than DC. In morbid demonstrations, Edison would publicly electrocute different animals (including an elephant) by use of AC, hoping the general public would be dissuaded from using AC and instead support Edison and increase his fortunes. Unfortunately for Edison, alternating current proved cheaper and more efficient. In order to ensure consumer safety, the voltage was dropped to 110 since 220 seemed too dangerous. As electricity services expanded around the globe some countries opted for 220 over 110. This was an issue, because a common voltage would allow manufacturers and consumers to sell and use the same appliance in whatever country they pleased. Fast forward to the 1950s, there was still debate about what voltage should prevail. Much of the world opted for 220 since it worked best to increase voltage and get more power with less loss and voltage drop from the same copper wire diameter. You use less copper and get more power, it was a win-win. The U.S. also wanted to change but because of the cost involved to replace all electric appliances, they decided not to. At the time (50s-60s) the average U.S. household already had a refridgerator, a washing-machine, etc., but not so in Europe.
Safety Dept. in the Run... NSA Souda Bay's Safety Department was named one of three finalists for the 2018 Green Cross for Safety Excellence awards. The winner will be announced in May at a dinner ceremony to be held in Chicago, Ill. Good luck to the Safety Department crew. You are already winners to us! Photo: Jerry Hollenback, Safety Director, offers instruction at a motorcycle safety course.
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Today, North America, Central America and 6 other countries use 110, the rest of the world uses 220. What does this means for the average American living in Europe? Just be mindful of the difference. Improvements in power delivery methods have made both power sources safer than the early days, but now it is more about protecting your appliances. A few tips: Check the voltage requirement on the label near the plug or on the back of the appliance. If your label has the following: “Input 100-240VAC 50/60 HZ”, just get an adapter plug and you should be good. Also, be mindful of the “HZ” (which is the frequency of the power in the alternating current). U.S. standard is 60 HZ while in Europe it is all 50 HZ. A good rule of thumb is that anything that heats up or has a motor might be damaged if you plug it in. Use a power converter if the product label does not support 220 VAC at 60HZ (or if you just are not sure). Finally, electricity is still dangerous. If you have a concern about your electrical service, consult an electrician.
Use this appliance only with a converter
In Europe, this is okay with a plug adapter
by Kostas Fantaousakis
Community Outreach
Sailors from NSA Souda Bay delivered a significant amount of clothing donations to the Smile of the Child Support Organization. This organization supports hundreds of families and children in need all-over Crete.
Sailors from NSA Souda Bay participated in a community outreach window cleaning project at the Chania Senior Citizens Home. Volunteers were more than happy to help the facility, employees and senior citizens supported by the Home and enjoyed the spectacular sea view in the historic neighborhood of Halepa in Chania.
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GOOD TO GO FOR 5 MORE YEARS Photos by Joel Diller & CPSE
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aval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) received the Commission on Fire Accreditation International Agency Accreditation Award during an award ceremony March 14, 2018 at the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) 2018 Excellence Conference. (Left photo) Team Souda F&ES stands proudly with Capt Brad J. Collins and the award plaque. (Top photo)
SOUDA BAY SUPERSTARS! NSA Souda Bay F&ES Chief, Matthew McQuaig (left) was selected as the Navy’s 2017 Fire Chief of the Year. The award recognizes individuals for significant contribution and distinguished service to the Navy F&ES mission and is based on accomplishments, job performance, technical competence, leadership ability, initiative and resourcefulness. BZ Chief! Mrs. Marina Baxevani (right), the Personal Property Transportation Specialist for Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (FLCSI) Souda Bay, was selected as FLCSI Civilian of the Year for 2017. Among other numerous duties, Baxevani provides expert personal property shipment support to more than 450 military and civilian personnel of NSA Souda Bay and its tenant commands. BZ Marina!
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Awards at Quarters March 2018
NAM
ABH2 HARRIS MA2 THRESHER MA1 GREEN MAC AUSTIN BMC SPIKES FLOC MA2 GREEN MA2 FLYNN MA2 KUNZE MA2 SIMS
LT CAMMARATA LT SCROGGS LT WEBSTER DC1 LEGEZDH MA3 FIRMALINO MA3 ASBURY
AWARDEES LOC MASN DIBLING ABHAN GUIDO MASN KANDRAVI MASN MCCRUM MA3 KIM MA3 LAPONSIE MA3 NELSON MA3 SHUMAKE MA3 SINGSON MA3 SMITH MA2 PENNISON MA2 VILLERS
AWARDEES
U.S. SENIOR, JUNIOR & LOCAL NATIONAL CIVILIAN OF THE 4TH QUARTER 2017 MR. VALENTINE MR. TYBURSKI MRS. SARIDAKI U.S. SENIOR, JUNIOR & LOCAL NATIONAL CIVILIAN OF THE 4TH QUARTER 2017 MR. DELANO MR. BOURBON MRS. VARVERAKI
MA3 HOLLSTEIN ABH3 WOODS MS. AUDREY CHAMPAGNE MR. RICHARD BOURBON MS. ELENI VARVERAKI MS. GEORGIA RIGAMASN SMITH
CAPTAIN'S CUP WINNERS AIR OPERATIONS Page 15
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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