May - June 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 USS Harry S. Truman moored at Marathi piers. Truman conducted a scheduled four-day port visit, the first since departing her homeport in Norfolk, VA. approximately six weeks ago. Truman continues to operate in the 6th Fleet area of operations. (Air drone photography by LT Andrew Stopchick, Port Services Officer)
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Triad Corner
The Gouge
Battle of Crete
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Safety Fair
USS Harry S. Truman Volunteer Events
Awards
ON THE COVER: A bagpiper performed during the Firkas Fortress Flag Raising by the Chania Harbor Maritime Museum on 28 May. This event was part of the commemoration ceremonies for the 77th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. Similar performances were also scheduled at two wreath laying ceremonies. (Photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs)
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Triad Corner
Team Souda,
T
here is nothing that makes me more proud than to reflect on the outstanding efforts of Team Souda and to put that effort in perspective. While the name of the installation says what we do, “SUPPORT”, it doesn’t do justice for who you are, a team of people that unselfishly serves others. With nothing to gain but more work, longer lines at the NEX, and crowds on liberty, each of you went the extra mile to make sure that our shipmates on the CVN were able to spend a few days of safe and enjoyable rest and relaxation.
At the forefront, Port Ops led the way to ensure all involved parties – the Hellenic Navy, Fleet Logistics Supply, C6F, Region, NSA Souda Bay & Tenant Commands, and HST – were on track and fully informed of HSTs arrival. Early communication between Port Ops and HSTs Deck Department resulted in a safe and flawless mooring evolution. Public Affairs was on the pier to capture this evolution in photographs which you can see in this edition of The Beacon. The Fleet Logistics Center not only delivered the mail - 47 tri-walls of mail to be exact - they also delivered 50 pallets of cargo and two truckloads of soda to the pier during the three day port visit. The Navy Exchange extending operating hours to match NexMart and both were on tap to meet HSTs needs as well as the individual Sailor. Five large orders were filled to restock
BZ to Team Souda for once again pulling out all the stops to support a successful CVN port visit. As always, the combination of rigorous preparation and every day support during the visit was a heavy lift, but highlights another excellent example of how NSA Souda Bay supports the Fleet and warfighter. Even as we watched the USS Harry S Truman depart Marathi, the mission continued as Air Ops remained on the hook to support the VRC-40 beach det into early June.
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HSTs shelves while in port, and that process continued after she got underway with USNS Artic and VRC-40 making those future deliveries.
24/7 duty and Security MAs working extended hours at NSASB, Marathi, and out in the local community for the entire port visit. You can’t have a successful port visit without some much needed R&R and MWR provided plenty of downtime activity to keep HSTs crew busy. Local tours were arranged for the more than 1,500 HST Sailors, the coffee shop hours were extended, outdoor food & beverage stations were erected at both Graffitis and the Argonaut, where a DJ provided entertainment, and sports events were organized between ship’s crew & NSA Souda Bay. Public Affairs also scheduled five HST ComRel events that left a positive impression with the local community.
Protocol made the DV inport visit look effortless. HST senior leadership greeted and hosted senior leadership from Chania, local first responders, and local host nation military commands. The visit, hosted by CAPT Dienna and RDML Black, was a huge success and a chance for the U.S. to emphasize the importance of our relationship with Greece. Behind the scenes, but ever present standing the watch and keeping everyone safe, were members of the EOC standing
More than 1,000 HST Sailors were first-time deployers and Souda Bay was their first experience overseas. I’m proud to lead this installation which is staffed with some of the most professional hardworking subject matter experts in their respective fields. It’s the pride and depth of knowledge and the extra effort that each of you show in your work which led to yet another successful CVN port visit on Crete. BZ TEAM SOUDA & thank you for all you do.
~ CO
Photos by Joel Diller, Public Affairs, and LT Andrew Stopchick, Port Services Officer
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THE GOUGE EVENTS - FLIGHTLINE ACTIVITY - PORT OPERATIONS
solar panels clean-up
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tilitiesman, Constructionman Chase Hooper and Constructionman 3rd Class Phil Kudamik cleaned solar panels on base located over parking spaces across from Building 1. Solar panels help save energy, avoid polution and preserve the environment. (Photos by Joel Diller, Public Affairs)
usns arctic visits souda bay
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SNS Arctic pulled in Marathi pier for a scheduled port visit to conduct an ammo offload. The operation was conducted by Navy Munitions Command in conjunction with NAVSUPSIG Souda Bay Detachment, Safety and Port Ops. (Photos by Jacky Fisher, Public Affairs)
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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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You Have Your Move Dates—What’s Next? By Tia Nichole McMillen, Public Affairs Officer, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Sigonella Images from www.move.mil
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t is always a good idea for both Sailors and civilians alike to start planning now in order to navigate through the peak season household goods moving rush as tens of thousands of personnel receive orders to new assignments across the nation and worldwide. Peak season for household goods moves runs from May 15 to August 15. During this time, almost 65 percent of all Department of Defense (DoD) household goods (HHG) moves for the year will be executed. Once you schedule your move dates with your local PPO/HHG office, it’s time to get ready for your actual move. Listed below are some steps to streamline your move. 1. Create a Moving Binder. Keep everything related to your move in this file. One way to organize is with plastic pocket folders that are organized by subject— medical, pet, school, HHG, POV, etc. Civilians will want to print your most recent LES, IPMS/close-out, and rotation agreement. In fact, print several copies of your rotation agreement and orders. Personalize your binder to fit your needs. 2. Purge, Purge, Purge! Moving is the perfect excuse to go through boxes and items one-by-one and ask those tough questions: Do I need this? Do I still want this? Can this be recycled? Start as early as possible! 3. Go on a Shopping Diet. Diets are daunting, but this one is helpful! A month or so before your move, take a mental inventory of your personal care products,
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household staples, and pantry items. Figure out how to use these items or how to donate them. Find out your mover’s policy on dried goods and personal care items. If you can’t use everything, have a plan in place to donate them to some Sailors, Marines, or friends who can. 4. Make a Supply Box. Have a small box readily available as a central location for all of your moving supplies. Suggested items include packing tape, scotch tape, sharpies, highlighters, post-it notes, scissors, Clorox wipes, paper towels, color coded room labels, contact info, and blank labels. 5. Become A “Colored Tape” Mover. While this may seem over the top, many frequent movers swear by color coded tape. Before the movers arrive, create a colored coordinated chart using your tape. Bathroom items may be coded yellow, kitchen items red, living room items green, bedroom 1 blue, etc. Set the tape and chart aside in your supply box. When the movers come, label each box with tape as the movers pack them. This will help you organize when you get to your new location. 6. Make a First Night Box. This can either be a box that comes in your early shipment or a checked bag. This is, ideally, the first box you’ll open at your new location. Items may include: - Clean Linens wrapped in scented trash bag - Bathroom stuff: bath mat, shower curtain, roll of toilet paper, and paper towels
- Cleaning essentials: swiffer sweeper and cloths (still sealed and taped), trash bags, Clorox wipes, etc. - Basic tools: A simple tool set with hammer, scissors/pocket knife, can/bottle opener, tape measure, lightbulbs (if compatible with your new location’s electricity) or pack a flashlight, Philips & regular tip screw driver … cork screw - Kitchen items: A few dishes and utensils, a coffee pot, cups, mugs 7. Pack Your On-The-Plane Bag: This is all the stuff that you’re going to take with you. This includes everything you couldn’t possibly live without. Items may include your moving folder, cell phone, charger and SIM card for new location, laptop, cord and carrying case, checkbook and all “extra” credit cards, favorite jewelry, immediate pet needs, your medicine, chargers, adaptors, itinerary information, important papers … PASSPORTS, etc. 8. Organize Your Things! The Transportation Service Provider (TSP) is not responsible to remove art, shelves, etc. from your walls. Take pictures down and put them in one area for easier packing. 9. Separate PBP&E: Don’t forget to put all of your professional books, papers & equipment in a separate area so that it is inventoried and weighed separately. You don’t want that heavy PBP&E to count against your weight entitlement. 10. Empty Your Trash! Empty all of your trash cans before the packers arrive. You would not believe how many times trash has been packed in someone’s HHG shipment. Gross! 11. Designate a No Packing Room. Think of it as your safe space to lock up everything that isn’t going in UB or HHG—including your pets! Mark the door with a giant red tape “X” to be extra safe. 12. Enlist Your Friends. Managing a move is tough for one person. Buy some pizza and cold drinks for the movers and your friends and have a plan in place for your move. 13. Clean! Keep supplies handing for a final cleaning, or schedule a cleaning with a professional. It’s imperative that the property is cleaned when you leave. 14. KIT: When you are traveling please keep in touch with your TSP via their 800 phone number. Even though they are required to keep you informed of the status of your shipment remember, it’s the busy season and they might not reach out to you as often as you
would like. Contact them and ask questions about the status of your shipment. Has it left? Is it on its way? Will it make the required delivery date or does it look like it will get delayed? 15. PDFs: PDF your HHG inventories to keep over the long haul, especially your long term storage inventory. Even though a move is time-consuming and takes proper planning to execute, being proactive and following these steps should help! Remember, It’s Your Move! Contact your local personal property staff or self-counsel with Defense Personal Property System (DPS). If you plan to move soon and have your official Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, don’t wait, get started now. DPS online is available 24/7 for you to initiate your moving application. Just go to the DPS website at http://www. move.mil. DPS is innovative in that it allows the member to manage their move from origin pickup to destination delivery. Sailors may submit questions via email to householdgoods@navy.mil or call 1-855-HHGMOVE (1-855-444-6683). Links: www.facebook.com/navyhhg www.youtube.com/navyhhg/ www.twitter.com/navyhhg/ www.pinterest.com/navyhhg/
Plan Schedule Get ready Settle in Page Page 99
Photos by Joel Diller and Jacky Fisher, Public Affairs
Battle of Crete 77th Anniversary C apt. Brad J. Collins, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, participated in two wreath laying ceremonies on behalf of the U.S. Navy for the Anniversary of the Battle of Crete Commemoration events. The first was held at Souda Bay Allied War Cemetery, the second ceremony was the next day in Maleme, Greece at the German War Cemetery. In addition to the wreath laying ceremonies, Capt. Collins attended the opening Flag Raising ceremony held at Firka Fortress in Chania on 18 May. Also attending these events were dignitaries from Greece, Germany and the United Kingdom as well as some of the surviving veterans from the allied forces who fought in the Battle of Crete. This year marked the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Crete that began the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the code-name "Operation Mercury". The Allied forces from Britain, New Zealand and Australia were joined by local villagers to resist the invasion. A long hard battle was fought for almost a week, but eventually the Allied forces had no choice but to evacuate.
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A large number of volunteers showed up in Stavros Beach to participate in an Earth Day beach clean-up project. This event was organized by Ms. Julie Werder, Installation Environmental Director. "This is a wonderful community outreach event celebrating Earth Day and demonstrating the Navy's commitment to protecting the environment. Events such as this are good for our relationship with the local community, and they help keep this beautiful island such a wonderful place to live and visit,� according to Werder. “On behalf of the command I would like to thank the Public Affairs office and all of the volunteers who made this event possible." (Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs)
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EMERGENCY DISPATCH CENTER “911” N S A
S O U DA
B AY
Sheltering-in-Place at a Navy Installation In the event of an emergency, Navy regional and installation emergency management organizations have plans and procedures to direct personnel to evacuate or take some form of shelter. Actions to Take When Temporarily Sheltering-in-Place
Bring everyone safely inside to an interior room or one with as few windows and doors as possible. Turn off all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Close and secure all doors, windows, vents, and other exterior openings. Have an emergency supply kit accessible.
Listen to the radio or television for further instructions. When the “all clear” is announced, open windows and doors, turn on ventilation systems, and go outside until the building’s air has been exchanged with the outside air. Once you are in a safe place, muster with your command if you are military or civilian personnel or a member of the selective reserves.
W h o
t o
C a l l
All Emergencies on Base can be called from a DSN line.
The Emergency Dispatchers are ready 24/7 to take your emergency call and provide Security, Fire or Medical assistance.
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a n
E m e r g e n c y From a commercial phone (cell, home) the number is:
282-102-1911
If and when dispatch phones are down and you cant get through, call dispatch on their Emergency cell phone
694-043-1187
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2018 Safety Stand Down/Fair
Photos by Joel Diller, Public Affairs. Story provided by NSA Souda Bay Safety Dept.
“Twenty six Sailors and Marines all died between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 2017. These shipmates were all sitting through their summer safety presentations last year - how many knew their fates?” (Navy Safety Center) The objective at the recent Safety Stand Down/Fair was to increase hazard awareness. The 101 critical days of summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, usually sees a spike in mishaps. Think of all of your favorite summer activities, and multiply those by 10. That is what summer is like in Crete. We have access to over 300 beaches, bars stay open till 0600, they serve Raki after dinner, and the island population explodes with tourists. Without doing some basic risk management, your summer in Crete could become the worst summer ever. Here are some hazards to be aware of: falls, drowning, car/motorcycle crashes, and alcohol poisoning. Falls - Horseplay, doing pull-ups, and trying to get into a second story sliding glass door sent four people to the hospital after falls from their balconies. These guys (no females) did not have a back-up plan. Drownings - Last year over 30 people drowned on Crete. Know your limits, and don’t swim drunk. Car/motorcycle crashes – Number one killer in the Navy right now is motorcycle crashes; cars come in a close second. Alcohol – Judgement goes out the window when you drink. Too many stories of drunken Sailors getting killed or maimed after drinking too much. Nobody thinks they are going to die getting together for a few drinks. If you are going to drink, have a plan and that plan should include NOT DYING! Thanks for all the exhibitors at the Stand Down/Fair, and for the great turnout. Make this a safe summer filled with great memories of your time on Crete.
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USS Harry S, Truman Volunteer Projects More than 100 volunteers from USS Harry S. Truman participated in five volunteer community outreach events in Chania. The first project was a beach clean-up at Kladisos beach on 23 May. Then Sailors volunteered for four painting projects in Mouzouras village on 24 and 25 May. The projects consisted of painting the playground equipment in the Mouzouras community playground, the surrounding metal fences at the Agios Ioannis and Agios Panteleimonas churches, and painting fishing boat used for Christmas decoration. The fence at the Agios Ioannis church was more than 680 feet long (200 meters) and took two days to paint. Materials and supplies for the painting project were provided by USS Harry S. Truman. (Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs)
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Community Outreach
Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
A group of Sailors from NSA Souda Bay provided volunteer work for a yardwork project at the St. Pavlos Childrens' Summer Camp in Chorafakia, which is run by the local church.
Volunteers from NSA Souda Bay delivered a significant amount of clothing donations collected by NSA Souda Bay's Chapel to the St. Charalambos Community Support Center in Chania.
Sailors assigned to NSA Souda Bay's Public Works Dept. participated in a community outreach event by picking up trash at Stavros beach 21 April. Volunteers give back to the local community as a form of gratitude for the hospitality and rich culture of the people of Crete, as well as a way to express appreciation for the scenic beauty and environment. (Photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs)
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Awards at Quarters April 2018
AWARDEES NAM
LOC
COLLEGE DEGREE
LS1 EASY
MA3 CALLEY
IT2 FARRETTA
MA1 FRANCIA
LS2 TURNER
MA1 LOGUE
AWARDEES
FLOC
LOA
MA3 BEITEL
MASN OLMOS
MA3 EREBHOLO
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