BEACON May-June 2017
The Beacon
Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Brad J. Collins Executive Officer Cmdr. James R. Bird Command Master Chief CMDCM Neal T. Olds
Beacon Staff Jacky Fisher Jacky.Fisher@eu.navy.mil
Public Affairs Officer 266-1244
Joel Diller Joel.Diller@eu.navy.mil
Assistant Public Affairs Officer 266-1348
Kostas Fantaousakis Konstantinos.Fant.gr@eu.navy.mil
Community Relations/Public Affairs Specialist 266-1348
MC2 Chase Martin Chase.Martin@eu.navy.mil
Public Affairs Specialist 266-1642
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
SOUDA BAY, Greece (May, 08 2017) – U.S. Navy special warfare combatant-craft crewmen (SWCC) monitor dive operations training at Marathi Piers May 8, 2017. NSA Souda Bay enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia’s mission to provide services to the fleet, fighter, and family. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Chase Martin)
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Triad Corner
A message from the Command Master Chief By CMDCM Neal Olds
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Community Outreach Sailors from NSA Souda Bay volunteer in the community. By Kostas Fantaousakis
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Dive Training
U.S. Naval Special Operations Forces troops conduct a dive training evolution By MC2 Martin
ON THE COVER: Master-at-Arms First Class Travis Buth acts as the active shooter during an anti-terrorism force protection exercise May 23, 2017.
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Triad Corner Team Souda, Summer time in Crete rocks - beautiful days, nice weather and opportunities to travel, go to the beach, ride your motorcycle and enjoy the outdoors. In 2016, between car accidents, motorcycle crashes and even one Sailor falling out a 6th story window, 11 Sailors never made it home. Crete is full of excellent recreational opportunities. However we have seen how hiking, swimming, kayaking, motorcycle riding, and yes even sunbathing can quickly turn into anything but a ‘good time had by one and all.’ Where we have been extremely fortunate here at Souda Bay {except for that sunbathing incident …}, all it would take is one incorrect risky decision to change YOUR life AND the lives of your family forever. May was Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. A little factoid: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash data states that motorcyclist fatalities occur approximately 27 times more frequently than in other vehicles. Crete has had its share of motorcycle fatalities. Just check out the traffic circle across from NAMFI. A Sailor wasn’t involved, but that rider was someone’s son. Cars have seatbelts, airbags, and a metal cage for passengers; motorcycles only have whatever PPE the rider chooses to wear. Pay attention to the weather and road conditions for each ride. Do not drink. Training and proper PPE dramatically increase your chances for avoiding a crash or surviving if you are involved in a crash. Riding a motorcycle in Crete is an exhilarating and
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liberating experience that you will remember and enjoy the rest of your life. Just make sure you are creating positive memories and not paving the way to your memorial! Along with the warm summer weather, comes the influx of tourists. They will be in rental cars on the road, and on foot trying to cross those same roads. The tour buses will be out in force taking a large portion of the road, mopeds and scooters will abound as they zig and zag through traffic, and don’t forget about the dogs, cats and even the occasional goat that could ruin your day as you move about our beautiful island. Be extra vigilant as you traverse the roadway and the national highway. Take your time, be kind, and share the road. To quote the CO from a previous edition of The Beacon, “Whether you are driving, swimming, hiking, visiting foreign countries, etc... risks are associated with each of these things and you must identify and mitigate those dangers to you and your shipmates.” This summer, have a plan; your plan should be to return home each day. Use ORM – Operational Risk Management - drink responsibly, and make sure you have the capabilities before you take on the activity. Be safe, and have a great summer that will provide many happy memories. Your family wants you to return home as do your Shipmates.
CMDCM Sends, Neal T. Olds
Advancements & promotions BZ to these Team Souda Sailors recently selected for promotion!
Backus Matthew James
Hapgood Dylan James Harper Joshua James Edward Knorr Christopher Daniel Krum Garrett James Leathers Madison Lillie Serrato Juilian Lee Simpson Cheyenne Kaylin Soto Mario X Underwood William Robert Jr
UT3 MA3 MA3 MA3 MA3 MA3 MA3 MM3 MC3 MA3
Farretta Vincent William Kannally Kevin Thomas Little Taquonna Tearia Lorenzo Richard Anthony Jr Schroeder Michael Joseph II Sims Tamera Tasha Thresher Jaycob David Micha Williams Jacob Corey
IT2 MA2 ABH2 AC2 MM2 MA2 MA2 AC2
Gallagher Sean Robert Laud Annabelle Efondo
GM1 LS1
Family Readiness Group
By Joel Diller, Assistant Public Affairs Officer
In April 2017, Naval Suppprt Activity Souda Bay established a command-sponsored Family Readiness Group (FRG), known as the Souda Bay Overseas Support Group. It's mission is to plan, coordinate, and conduct activities to support the NSA Souda Bay family as a whole. The Souda Bay Overseas Support Group elected it's board of directors at it's first group meeting. Since then, the board has established chairpersons to head the Social & Recreation Activities, Fund Raising, Community & Charitable Outreach, Social Media, and Welcome committees. In the short time since it's formation, the group has already launched a website with many great resources, has a growing number of followers on it's social media sites, held a children's activity on base, and hosted a "Meet & Greet at the Beach." It plans to continue with a monthly newsletter, expand upon it's "Souda Survival Guide" resource library, and slate it's calendar with upcoming events for all ages. The Department of the Navy allows commands to officially recognize Family Readiness Groups and authorize their use of certain command resources [such as ball fields, gyms, advertising from command website, etc.] NSA Souda Bay is a unique duty station in that there are very few billets that are authorized to be accompanied by dependents, however many service members have family members visit them in Crete for extended periods of time. Membership is open to Navy personnel (active duty, reservist, civilian employees) assigned to NSA Souda Bay, their spouses, and immediate family members. To become a member, you may visit their website at www.soudabayfrg.wordpress.com. The Souda Bay Overseas Support Group is a non-federal entity. It is not a part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status.
www.facebook.com/soudabayfrg
@SoudaBayFRG
www.instagram.com/soudabayfrg Page 5
Community Outreach
May 18 & May 25, 2017 - Volunteers form NSA Souda Bay participated in an extensive two-day yardwork project at the KIFAAMEA Daily Care Center for individuals with disabilities in Chania, Greece. It took several hours of hard work but Sailors and civilian volunteers were more than happy for the opportunity to support the local community. Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis. Page 6
Want to Participate in a ComRel 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!
Marathi Beach, Chania, May 18, 2017 - Members of the Second Class Petty Officers’ Association participated in a beach clean-up. A highlight of the project was a sea urchin, which was brought out of the sea by the waves, was put back in the water by the volunteers. Photo by Kostas Fantaousakis. Page 7
Dive Training at Marathi Piers
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(May, 08 2017) – U.S. Naval Special Operations Forces (SOF) troops conduct a dive training evolution at Marathi Piers May 8, 2017. Photos on pages 10 an 11 show SOF members in a pre-exercise brief, suiting up, checking gear, and conducting the training. NSA Souda Bay enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia’s mission to provide services to the fleet, fighter, and family. Photo by MC2 Anaid Banuelos Rodriguez.
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Photo by MC2 Chase Martin
Photo by MC2 Anaid Banuelos Rodriguez.
Page 10 Photo by MC2 Anaid Banuelos Rodriguez.
Photo by MC2 Anaid Banuelos Rodriguez
Page 11 Photo by MC2 Chase Martin
Photo by MC2 Chase Martin
101 Days of Summer Safety Fair
By Jerry Hollenback, NSA Souda Bay Safety Director
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Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs Specialist
May 23, 2017 - The Safety Department, in conjunction with several other departments at NSA Souda Bay conducted a “101 Critical Days of Summer� Safety Fair. The Safety Fair broke from the traditional stand down, usually conducted in the installation gym, by staging the event outdoors. Participants were broken into groups, where they were able to visit various displays that provided information on summer safety, as well as different NSA Souda Bay services. The intent of the Safety Fair was to have a venue outdoors that would provide for participant interaction in a relaxed environment. Participants were reminded that the 101 Critical Days of Summer (period from Memorial Day to Labor Day) usually results in an increase in mishaps, and each person has a responsibility to be extra vigilant during this critical time period. Page 13
Final Evaluation Period (FEP) Preparation Drill Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay performs an anti-terrorism force protection exercise May, 23, 2017 in preparation for the upcoming Final Evaluation Period. NSA Souda Bay will be the first installation in the region to go through a FEP evaluation to be graded by Commander, Navy Installation Command. This event is scheduled to take place in July. Photos by MC2 Chase Martin.
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Battle of Crete Commemoration
May 20, 2017 - Capt. Brad J. Collins, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, lays a wreath on behalf of the U.S. Navy at a Battle of Crete commemoration ceremony held at the Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery. Annual Battle of Crete ceremonies commemorate the involvement of Cretan villagers during the German invasion of the island during World War II. Collins attended or participated in several events held in the Souda Bay and Maleme areas of Greece on the island of Crete. (U.S. Navy photo by Jacky Fisher.)
NAOC 745 Jet in Souda Bay
May 20, 2017 - The National Airborne Operations Center’s (NAOC) 747 jet landed at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. NAOC has several missions, both operational and training, which require travel to a wide variety of locations both within the United States and around the world. Their visit to NSA Souda Bay is part of meeting both their operational and training commitments. NSA Souda Bay provides operation support to U.S., Allied and Coalition Forces deployed within the EURAFSWA area of responsibility by providing, operating, and sustaining superior facilities and services dedicated to the combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Jacky Fisher.) Page 15
ABHAN Woods MA3 Field ABH3 Little MA2 Bartholomew MA2 Myers
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Congratulatio
ons Awardees!
MA1 Mahasneh MASN Davis MMFN Simpson MA3 Baker MA3 Keefe
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