B EANovember-December 2017
The Beacon Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Brad J. Collins Executive Officer LCDR Joshua F. Jones 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
MC2 Chase Martin
Public Affairs Specialist, 266-1642
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
4
5
6
Triad Corner
Distinguished Visitors
Souda Bay Overseas Support Group
8
14
17
Base Events & Information
Drills, Exercises & Port Operations
Awards & Frockings
ON THE COVER: MWR Souda Bay started the celebration of the Holiday Season with the official lighting of the Christmas tree on December 1. (Photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs)
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Triad Corner
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Team Souda,
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f this is your first time spending the holiday season on a Greek island, the local weather can cause you to forget that we are less than a month away from Christmas. While the weather may throw us off at times, there are many opportunities to give to others in order to make it feel just a little bit more like the holiday season. The Chaplains’ office teams up with Public Affairs for an annual holiday gift collection for local children and young adults who would otherwise may not have a Merry Christmas. If you want more information on how to give back to the local community, check out the All Hands email that went out late November or contact Kostas in the PA shop. Getting involved in events like this is certainly one way to stave off the holiday blues and add another level of understanding the reason for the season. If traveling this holiday season, stay alert, be safe, and have a few ‘must have’ items with you. At a minimum, things like your department’s recall bill, the base dispatch number, and a cell phone with a charger are all traveling necessities. If going off the island now or in the future, ensure you register your itinerary with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a good source for safe travel tips and a means to stay informed of activity in the area where you are vacationing. Over Thanksgiving our very own Galley had a fantastic feast for those to get a taste of home, even if they were standing the watch. Christmas will be no different. If you don’t want to cook (or in some cases, can’t cook!), keep our award-winning Galley & talented staff in mind as an option for Christmas dinner. They have plenty of experience of providing a meal that can bring the ‘home for the holidays’ feeling right here to NSA Souda Bay.
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This time of year is notorious for enjoying copious amounts of great food as well as delicious sweets and I know as well as anyone that it’s easy to let a few pounds sneak up on the waistline. While you should certainly go ahead and enjoy a good meal with your shipmates and friends from the local community, try following that up with a little exercise or maybe just a small walk to let your food digest. Whether on your own or with one of the group fitness sessions, don’t forget to spend some time (maybe even a little extra time) in the gym or doing whatever exercise you prefer to burn those extra calories. Earlier this month I authorized department heads to grant one day off for their military members as a reward for keeping the numbers for the DUI/ARI in the north-bound lane. I don’t think it’s so much luck as it is dedication to service and making good decisions on your part like using the base shuttle and, if needed, calling the Tipsy Taxi. Making good decisions like these are essential for mission readiness – everyone is a valuable team member and is needed on the job. BZ to everyone & keep up the good work. The next year is shaping up to be a busy one for the installation so I need each and every one of you to come back refreshed and ready to carry on the business of supporting fleet, fighter and family. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Skipper Sends.
~ CO
DC Policy Shapers Visit NSA Souda Bay
By Joel Diller, Public Affairs
James B. Balocki talks with Mary Tipp, general manager Navy Exchange NSA Souda Bay, during his base tour.
James B. Balocki meets with Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
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r. James B. Balocki, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Installations and Facilities), and Ms. Mindy Montgomery, senior director for policy and strategy, deputy undersecretary of the Navy, visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay November 2 to 4 as part of their visit throughout the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) installations. The focus of their visit of the Navy’s European installations was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique environment, challenges, future growth and current capacity challenges within the EURAFSWA area of responsibility. During their visit, Balocki and Montgomery toured NSA Souda Bay base facilities and ongoing public works projects, as well as the Marathi NATO piers, NATO ammo and fuels depot, and NATO Missile Firing Installation cantonment. "I believe (Balocki and Montgomery) left here with an understanding of the complexity of missions and the variety of challenges that this unique installation faces," said Capt. Brad J. Collins, commanding officer NSA Souda Bay. "They can take back the knowledge of how we provide outstanding support to our combatant and functional commanders." In addition to visiting NSA Souda Bay, Baloki and Montgomery visited NSA Naples, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, and NAS Rota, Spain.
Naval Support Activity Souda Bay Fire and Emergency Services poses for a group photo with Mindy Montgomery (second from left), and James Balocki (far right).
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S O U D A B AY O V E R S E A S SUPPORT GROUP
First Impressions Count
D
oes this sound familiar: A midnight landing in an airport you’ve never visited; maybe you’re just passing thorough, or you’re checking in for duty; maybe you’re traveling with children, adding a whole other dynamic to the scenario? What is usually there to greet you is … a vending machine. Darnit, you don’t have any change. Maybe an adequate bathroom is available, but you need just a bit more to make things right. First impressions count, and so far, you’re not impressed. Members of the Souda Bay Overseas Support Group are having none of that! The Souda Bay Overseas Support Group, a command sponsored Family Readiness Group (FRG) at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, goes the extra mile to welcome all who fly though NSA Souda Bay, even if they are arriving in the Beth DeLano, Souda Bay Overseas Support Group Co-Chair wee hours of the morning. for the Welcome Committee, ensures the welcome table is properly stocked for passengers arriving on the Patriot Ex-
A table of healthy snacks, bottled water, mints and local press flight. (Photo and story by Jacky Fisher, Public Affairs) information is now set up in the Air Terminal ready for the late night/early morning Patriot Express flight that lands at NSA Souda Bay every other Wednesday. Also on the table is a sign letting passengers know that these items, as well as the toiletries, (Yes! Toiletries ranging from deodorant to toothbrushes and toothpaste, even diapers and baby wipes are placed in both the men and women bathrooms) are FREE to take. “We set up the table at the terminal the afternoon or evening on the day the Patriot Express arrives,” explains Beth Delano, CoChair of the Welcome Committee for the Souda Bay Overseas Support Group. “Since it <the Patriot Express> usually doesn't get in until around midnight, we don't man the table but we set out the items for anyone to use.” What else does the Souda Bay Overseas Support Group do when not making good first impressions at the Air Terminal for Patriot Express passengers? “Since the inception of the group just a few months ago, we have provided numerous regular activities including Coffee and Conversation on Fridays, Kids Craft at the Library, and a monthly Paint and Sip class,” said Sylvia Hollenback, Vice-President of the Souda Bay Overseas Support Group. “We’ve also partnered with MWR and the Chapel for events and community outreach activities such as the Trunk or Treat, beach clean-ups, and serving at the soup kitchen. There’s usually several activities planned every month for Sailors, civilians, dependents, and families.” True to their mission statement of ‘Promoting confidence, cohesion, communication and a sense of well-being by caring for our Souda Bay Family’, as the sign on the Air Terminal Welcome Table says, ‘These items have been donated by the Souda Bay Overseas Support Group in order to WELCOME YOU and to MAKE YOUR STAY MORE COMFORTABLE.’ Now that’s a good first impression! The FRG support group on board NSA Souda Bay is open to Sailors, civilians and dependents. They meet the second Tuesday every month at 1800 in the Training Rooms on base. “It’s good to get connected with people, especially at an overseas location. There is plenty of opportunity to get involved,” adds Hollenback. Connect with the group on Facebook at Souda Bay Overseas Support Group. There is also a website that contains helpful information about NSA Souda Bay at www.soudabayfrg.org
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"Being Neighborly" Taken To an All New Level F
acing a hardship can be daunting, especially when living in an overseas location. Having great local national neighbors helping navigate that difficult time is not only comforting, well it takes ‘being neighborly’ to a whole new level. Recently the Gramolini family experienced a ‘time of need’ here on Crete where their normal family support systems were not readily at hand. Enter Mrs. Despina Jouranki Beck, a local national married to a contractor stationed at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, who proved to be not only a good neighbor, but a great friend who unselfishly stepped up to provide assistance, support, and even home-cooked meals to help the Gramolini’s through a rough patch.
“After many appointments with specialists in Chania, my wife was finally diagnosed with a condition that required surgery at the larger hospital in Athens,” said Mike Gramolini, NSA Souda Bay Explosive Safety Officer. “Despina not only went with Ann to her many medical appointments here (on Crete), she even paid her own airfare to Athens to accompany and support Ann when she had her surgery in Athens.” While Ms. Gramolini was under the weather, Despina ensured Steve Roe, president of the Souda Bay Overseas Support the couple didn’t go hungry by preparing and delivering many Group, presents Despina Jouranki Beck with a Certificate of meals. “Despina brought food like soups and fresh fruit over Appreciation. (Photo and story by Jacky Fisher, Public Affairs) every day,” said Gramolini. “While Ann was recuperating, that’s what she wanted most.” For her generous efforts, Beck was awarded Certificate of Appreciation at a monthly Souda Bay Family Overseas Support Group meeting, presented to her by Mr. Stephen Roe, the organization’s president. In part the LOA read, ‘By going above and beyond your neighborly duties you embodied the true meaning of being part of the Souda Bay family.’ “It was my pleasure to award Despina this certificate. Selfless acts like these truly help Americans feel welcomed in the local community,” said Roe. “As the Letter of Appreciation states, ‘May we all strive to have a heart as big as yours!’ Despina has certainly set the bar high for others to emulate.”
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Commander's Cup Basketball Tournament Photos and Story by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
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.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay hosted the annual Commander’s Cup Basketball Tournament in the base gymnasium November 3 through 5. Participating in this year’s event along with the NSA Souda Bay Varsity team were teams from the Hellenic Air Force, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Police, NATO Maritime Interdiction Operation Training Center (NMIOTC) and 133rd Coast Guard. After the teams faced off during the round robin games on Friday and Saturday, the top four teams advanced to the Final Four tournament on Sunday. Ultimately, the NSA Souda Bay team defeated the defending champions, the Hellenic Navy, in a dominating championship game performance by holding them to only 5 points in the first half to bring the Cup home to NSA Souda Bay. “This was a busy weekend at the base with the Commander’s Cup Tournament bringing in basketball teams from all around Crete to compete in this year’s events, “ said Capt. Brad Collins, commanding officer NSA Souda Bay. “Hats off to the MWR team that again put on a tremendous show and put our best foot forward to the surrounding community.”
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Community Outreach
by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
October 30. Sailors from NSA Souda Bay delivered a significant amount of clothing donations to the Smile of the Child Community Market collected by NSA's Chapel. The Market provides food and clothing for a large number of families free of charge and is the largest child support organization in Greece.
December 1. Volunteers from NSA Souda Bay performed a clean-up project at the Chania Senior Citizens Home.
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Galley Thanksgiving Dinner e h t Into t h g i l t o p S
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Security Academy Graduation Photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
NSA Souda Bay Security held a ceremony for the graduates of the Field Training Officer Academy on base November 9, 2017. Congratulations to all graduates. Front Row: MA1 William Francia, MA3 Mellody Parungo, MA3 Ray Carrillo, MA2 Tamera Sims, MA3 T'Ebony Brown Back Row: MA2 Joshua Schellenger, MA2 Michael Flynn, MA2 Jaycob Thresher, MA2 Matthew Green Not pictured: MASN Jehonathan Davis, MASN Caleb Bergh, MASN Michael Patyk
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! Page 11
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Staying Safe: Holiday Safety Story by Jerry Hollenback, Safety Director
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uring the holiday season, over 80,000 people in the U.S. will be injured in avoidable mishaps. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11,000 people end up in the emergency room every Christmas due to decorating injuries, which include broken bones, cuts and burns. One hundred or more fires start every holiday because of faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Ultimately, almost sixteen deaths per year are attributed to holiday decorating attempts gone awry. Stress definitely contributes to any of the above activities. So here is the scenario: You are trying to make it back to the states for the holiday season and you have lots of flights to coordinate, also maybe some long distance driving. You have limited time, and you also want to buy gifts for everyone, make it to all of the holiday parties, and see grandma and grandpa. You get off the plane after flying for 26 hours, and you jump into your rental car for the four hour drive home. Somewhere in this mix, you meet lots of people and start drinking when mom asks you to hang the Christmas lights. This is where you have a flashback to Chevy Chase on top of his house, stapling multiple strings of lights to his roof ala “Christmas Vacation”. Enjoying time with the family is best when your stress level and stress levels of the people you love are low and controlled. Make sure you have plenty of time to meet any deadlines, avoid alcohol and any activity that requires handeye coordination. Make sure that any of your plans this holiday season include time for making the right decisions for you, for your family and for your Navy team members – Happy Holidays!
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Marathi Small Boat Attack Drill Photos by Joel W. Diller, Public Affairs
Sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece simulated a small boat probe scenario during a joint training exercise on Nov 7, with Hellenic Naval Base Souda personnel at Marathi NATO piers. Joint exercises promote bilateral relations and enhance interoperability while exchanging skills and experience between the two commands.
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Artemis Strike Excersise
Artemis Strike was a tactical live fire exercise held on Nov. 9 at the NAMFI firing range in Chania, Greece. Participants from multiple U.S. units fired Patriot, Avenger and Stinger systems. More than 200 U.S. Soldiers & 650 German Airmen participated in the GE-led tactical live-fire exercise.
USS Carson City Port Visit
The USS Carson City (T-EPF-7) stops at Marathi Piers on Nov. 20 for a scheduled off-load.
Flightline Activity
A squadron of F-18s touched down on the NSA Souda Bay flight-line for a scheduled stop over in November. Photos by MC2 Chase Martin, Public Affairs
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Awards at Quarters November 2017 Photos by Jacky Fisher, Public Affairs
LT TWISSELMAN MAC GALINDO MA1 ROGERS MA1 SPEARS MA2 ADAMS
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AWARDEES
ABH2 FORD AC2 HARING AC2 NOLEN ABH2 ORTIZ MA2 PEASE
ABH3 GRAY MA3 COX MA3 HARPER MA3 HARVEY MA3 MORGAN
MASN LANGBECKER MASN MUNSCH MASN STOCKTON MASA JONES MR. CORNWELL
CDR James R. Bird receives his end of tour award, a Meritorious Service Medal, from CAPT Brad J. Collins, Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay. CDR Bird served as Executive Officer for three years.
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Awards at Quarters & Frockings December 2017 Photos by Jacky Fisher, Public Affairs
AWARDEES CE3 BAEZ AC2 MILLS MA1 BURNETT, J LS1 YOUNG MA1 THOMAS ABHC THAO CE3 CONNOLLY MASN HILL MASN SNEED MA3 CAPUTO AC3 GAUTHIER MA3 WHEELER
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FROCKIES
ACAN CASE ACAN KELSEY ACAN MCCARTY ACAN SWISHER ABHAN WILLIAMS ABHAN WOODS AOSN BRAUNSTEIN BUCN BLANTON BUCN HICKS CMCN ZITER MASN COTRELL MASN JONES MASN SINGSON ABH3 GRAY
BM3 HODGES BU3 FULFORD CE3 BAEZ GM3NEGRON MA3 ASBURY MA3 BRADLEY MA3 FABLE MA3 HUDSON MA3 MORGAN MA3 MYER MA3 PARUNGO MA3 PERUSSE MA3 RIVERA
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