THE
BEACON U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece
August 2021
The Beacon
THE BEACON Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready
Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Ryan T. Tewell CAPT Rafael C. Facundo COMMANDING OFFICER Executive Officer Michael Mosi EXECUTIVE Cmdr. OFFICER WernerCDR J. Rauchenstein COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Brian McDonough Command Master Chief CMDCM Neal T. Olds THE BEACON NEWSLETTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER ASSISTANT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Beacon Staff/Public Affairs Office
Carolyn Jackson Joel Diller Kostas Fantaousakis MC2 Kelly Agee
Public Affairs Officer, 266-1244 HOW TO CONTACT US Assistant Public Affairs Officer, 266-1392 Joel Diller EMAIL SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil ONLINE www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay Community Relations, 266-1348 Kostas Fantaousakis PHONE +30 28210-21348 WRITE PSC814 BOX 1, FPO, AE, 09266 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/NSASoudaBay SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Contact Email (All PAO personnel): FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NSA_SoudaBay FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM instagram.com/NSASoudaBay Jacky Fisher
TheBeacon Beaconisisthe theprofessional professionalonline onlinenewsletter newsletterofofNSA NSASouda SoudaBay Bay Public Affairs.Information Information contained The Public Affairs. in The Beacon notdoes necessarily reflect the official views views of theof U.S. the Department contained in Thedoes Beacon not necessarily reflect the official the Government, U.S. Government, the of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Editorial content is prepared by theAffairs PublicOffice of NSA Souda Bay. Affairs Office of NSA Souda Bay. for publication The Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil ArticlesArticles for publication in The in Beacon should be submitted to SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental leadership. Story submissions must be routed through tenant command or departmental senior senior leadership. Securityand and policy review must completed before submissions canconsidered be considered for publication. Security policy review must bebe completed before submissions can be for publication.
Page 2 Page 2
Contents August 2021
22 Meet the New Senior Chiefs
4 Triad Corner
by CDR Michael Mosi Executive Officer
6 Around NSA Souda Bay Awards, Reenlistments, Events, Operations
16 Souda Spotlight
MA2 Kirk Thomas Evangelos "Vic" Kotsolakis Rick Valentine
32
44
Word on the Street:
46
Get Some Sleep!
Why We Don't See Motorcycles
What is your favorite book, and why?
by Kirsten Diller, Fleet and Family Support Center
Front Cover: Equipment Operator 2nd Class Jakob Wallis, left, and Construction Electrician 1st Class John Ardiladelgado, right, Seabees assigned to Public Works Department, change solar panels during annual maintenance on the installation July 27. Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs. The Parting Shot: Builder Constructionman Dylan Bombarda, right, and Builder 3rd Class Devon Bird, left, Seabees assigned to the Public Works Department, paint a concrete wall on the installation July 26. Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs.
Page 3
Triad Corner
Team Souda,
Things are still heating up in Greece so make sure you’re staying cool. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keep drinking water and taking appropriate rest breaks (inside in an air conditioned area) when you are working outside in this heat – temperatures are staying steady in the 90s and higher and heat injuries are no joke. COVID numbers are also climbing higher – something we anticipated when travel opened up. I encourage you to think about all the things you weren’t allowed to do when our ability to move freely was restricted – and make time to do them now. Whether you need to take care of medical appointments, you want to travel around or off the island, or you want to spend time with friends – seize the day and get it done! Please also continue to protect yourselves and the team. Maintaining Page 4
good personal hygiene is always important, regardless of your immunization status. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and give a daily wipe down to those surfaces you touch frequently – door handles, light switches, desks, keyboards and telephones. And if you don’t feel well, stay home! I really want to emphasize this – I know you are hard chargers and you want to carry your weight. We are a small team and every person really does make a difference in accomplishing the mission. But it will not help us if you come to work sick and you take down your entire department. Instead, call the Medical Clinic at 266-1590/282102-1590, tell them your symptoms, and let them determine the next course of action. Don’t just show up at the Clinic – call first. And remember, if you do go in for an appointment, you must wear a face mask. Even with heat waves and a pandemic,
life is still what we DECIDE to make it. So let me ask you, Team Souda – Are you still having fun? While I really want your answer to be a loud ‘YES!!’ I also know that it takes time to adjust to new surroundings, and sometimes the weight of family and personal issues is too heavy to carry on your own. So if you’re having trouble saying ‘YES!’ and finding the good things in life, we
can help you. You are not alone here at Souda Bay – there’s an entire team who can lift you up – and if you haven’t found your people who can do that for you and with you, I want you to come see me, or go see Chaps or the fierce team at Fleet and Family. It takes courage to say, ‘Hey, I’m not OK’, but I promise you that if you can do that, things WILL get better.
~ XO
Page 5
AROUND NSA SOUDA BAY Awards
Reenlistments
Events
Operations
Awards at Quarters Ceremony Photos by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
D
uring a July 21 ceremony in front of Building 1, Navy Capt. Rafael Facundo, NSA Souda Bay’s commanding officer, recognized Team Souda’s Sailors for their outstanding achievements.
AWARDS QUARTERS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2021 Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Frankey Cooper, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Master-at-Arms 1st Class Saani Davis, Security Department Master-at-Arms 1st Class Kelly Okazaki, Security Department Master-at-Arms 1st Class Luis Reynosoluna, Security Department Master-at-Arms 1st Class Ikeya Williams, Security Department Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Eddie Estrada, Security Department Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Paris Footman, NAVSUP Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel Keaton, Port Operation Page 6
Flag Letter of Commendation Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Logann Parker, Security Department Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Nathan Taylor, Security Department Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Matthew Bakken, Security Department Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Madison Harvey, Air Operations Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Alexandrya Phillips, Security Department Letter of Commendation Master-at-Arms Seaman Aubrie Dalton, Security Department Senior Civilian of the Quarter Scott Tucker, Emergency Management Civilian of the Quarter Karl Chen, Fire and Emergency Services Local National of the Quarter Antonios Martinos, Fire and Emergency Services 30 YEARS OF SERVICE Medal Christine Missios, Inspector General Letter of Appreciation Hugo M. Polanco, Military Sealift Command
ADVANCEMENT FROCKEES Newly Frocked Petty Officer 3rd Classes Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Elias Fernandez Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Cyril Formentera Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jarrett Gaud Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Jason Lugo Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Logan McCann Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Alexandrya Phillips Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Isac Quezada Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Matthew Ryan Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Alexandra Walowsky Newly Frocked Petty Officer 2nd Classes Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lorraina Jordan Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kyle Kaniper Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Joshua Mackenzie Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Andres Marquez Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Judy Nguyen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Drake Ochs Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jacob Rebis Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Steven Slarich Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Justin Wood Page 7
Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Frankey Cooper, Security Department Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Page 8
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Saani Davis, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Kelly Okazaki, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Luis Reynosoluna, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Page 9
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Eddie Estrada, Security Department Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Page 10
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Paris Footman, NAVSUP Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel Keaton, Port Operations Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Logann Parker, Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation Page 11
Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Madison Harvey, Air Operations Flag Letter of Commendation
Master-at-Arms Seaman Apprentice Alexandrya Phillips, Security Department Flag Letter of Commendation Page 12
Hugo M. Polanco, Military Sealift Command Letter of Appreciation
Scott Tucker, Emergency Management Senior Civilian of the Quarter
Page 13
Antonios Martinos, Fire and Emergency Services Local National of the Quarter
Page 14
Christine Missios, Inspector General 30 YEARS OF SERVICE Medal
Diller Receives 3rd Place in Navy Civilian Writer of the Year Contest Story by the NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs Office
J
oel Diller, assistant public affairs officer, received 3rd Place in the Navy Civilian Writer of the Year category of the 2020 Russell Egnor Navy Media Awards. The award recognizes the Navy civilian writers whose writing portfolio represents the highest standards of Navy writing. “It’s really an honor to be recognized for the articles I wrote about Team Souda in 2020,” said Diller. “I enjoy learning about the many different jobs in the Navy and writing about them to tell Team Souda’s story in a way that people will find interesting.” Diller said he submitted five articles that he wrote during 2020 to be considered for the award: “A Day in the Life at NSA Souda Bay During COVID-19”; “A Day in the Life of American Forces Network Souda Bay” ; “A Day in the Life of a Command Duty Officer at NSA Souda Bay” ; ”A Day in the Life of Fire & Emergency Services at NSA Souda Bay” and “Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Visits Souda Bay, Crete, Greece.” These articles, along with other stories, photos and videos of Team Souda doing great things, can be found at: www.dvidshub.net/nsa-sb. For a full list of the 2020 Navy Media Awards, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/awards/ dma/2020?branch=navy
Page 15
Souda Spotlight: Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kirk Thomas Visitor Control Center, Security Department
Story and photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
Page 16
M
aster-at-Arms 2nd Class Kirk Thomas, a native of Queens, N.Y, has been in the Navy for 11 years and stationed at NSA Souda Bay since December 2019. He joined the Navy because he wanted to travel the world. Currently, he works as the Security Department's Visitor Control Center supervisor, ensuring day-to-day operations are running smoothly so that Team Souda members and authorized visiting personnel don’t have problems accessing the base.
What is a typical day in the VCC?
How did you get assigned to the VCC?
Throughout the day, our shop is processing hundreds of names for base access requests. We deal with access to NSA Souda Bay, Marathi NATO Pier Facility, the Mobile Mine Assembly Group (the Hellenic Air Force’s storage unit known as MOMAG) and the NATO Missile Firing Installation.
I had good leadership that saw I was ready for more responsibilities. Then, the first class that was here picked up Chief so they needed someone to fill in the spot, so they recommended me.
We also deal with all the vehicle registrations on base. We constantly have people coming in trying to get five-day passes for their vehicles, learning how to purchase vehicles, registering new vehicles with the base and asking us how to ship them out.
I like to get out and drive around the island to clear my mind. We are here in Greece with beautiful views everywhere. Also, there is something about driving; you are by yourself, free of anything and all you are doing is focusing on the road. Say you have a good playlist going, it helps you escape. It is a great stress relief.
How is paperwork tracked at the VCC? We keep track of everything in our database on the computer, which keeps a digital record of all the personnel on base. This makes everything a lot simpler, so we don’t have to continuously go back and forth to a file cabinet. We also have all the access numbers in the system. They are all in numerical order so that it is a quick search in case anyone forgets their number. But, we also keep the paper trail as well. What is your favorite thing about working in the VCC? I like working with local nationals. I am slowly learning Greek, but only know my colors right now. The local nationals are great, they feed me a lot. They also help me with shopping out in town. This helped especially during the lock down when everything was ordered off the phone or online, they would show me where to go or talk to a person in Greek.
When you're not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
Where do you like to drive? I just drive, I go from one point to another, get out the car and take the view in for a bit. Then I say to myself, “let’s go somewhere else,” next thing I know I’ve driven for three hours. It is a getaway from a getaway. One of my favorites is the drive up to Heraklion. It is a beautiful drive up there, the views of the water are amazing. What is something you want Team Souda to know about the VCC? Have patience because we are dealing with constant change, especially with COVID. Sometimes the changes happen in the same day and we have to say, “Hey, we are enforcing this.” Understand we are trying to get the job done and help you. Page 17
Souda Spotlight: Evangelos "Vic" Kotsolakis
Financial Technician, MWR Business Office
Story and photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
Page 18
E
vangelos "Vic" Kotsolakis, a native of Chania, has filled many roles for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation over his 34 years of service at the installation. Now serving as MWR’s financial technician, he pays the bills for everything it needs to operate, from the food served at The Anchor to the workout equipment at the Fitness Center, ensuring all entertainment venues are available to Team Souda. How did you get started working here?
I started as a head bartender here in 1987 and then MWR became bigger as an organization. We hired more people, because when I started we only had three people working here: it was me, a cook, and a warehouseman. That was it. Back then there were 120 people, total (on the base). Where was the club located then? The club was over the Galley, the same building that is there today. There was the Sirocco Winds (Southern Winds), that was the name of the club, and the Navy Exchange. When did you move to the business office? Back in 2002, I moved from the club as the head cashier, then they asked me to move down to Marathi for a while and to do port service, and then I came back to the base to work in the business office. What do you do as a financial technician? Accounts payable, basically all the invoices, contracts, credit card payments, they go through me. I’ve also been a government purchase card holder since 1996. I’m also a SAP user. SAP is the financial system that we use to pay vendors from here or from in the United States. I do daily activity records every day from all departments of MWR. I make deposits at the bank in cash, in dollars and euros. I do time cards for the Greek employees. I’m keeping myself busy. What do you like to do in your free time?
dive between Marathi and Stavros. Behind Stavros, there are many nice places to dive. What are you doing in your free time now?
Right now, I spend my free time with my dogs and of course, with my wife. She has a store downtown, so sometimes I go down there. What kind of dogs do you have?
Dobermans. I started to get involved with this breed back in 1987. How did you get the nickname 'Vic'? There was an intern who was training me and showing me around the new bar because it was a new space for me to work. The first night on my own the Seabees came in, and Steve Collins, he was a plumber, walked in and said, "Who are you?” And I said, “My name is Vangeli, I am the new bartender.” He said, “Your name is what?” I said “Vangeli - Evangelos.” He said, “No, no, no, no. We can’t pronounce it. We need something easy.” He called the other guys over, they talked to each other, and he said, “Your name is Vic from now on.” And he opened a Budweiser, he poured it over my shoulder and he said, “Your name is Vic from now on.” And it stayed like this, Vic. What do you want Team Souda to know? I’m very proud to work for the U.S. Navy. I’ve always been proud to work for the U.S. Navy. I don’t like wars, I don’t like any type of violence, but I’m very fond of a good organized force such as the U.S. Navy.
I did a lot of diving a few years back. My dive buddy left from Souda Bay a few years ago, so since then I stopped. We used to Page 19
Souda Spotlight: Rick Valentine, Business Manager Business Operations (N5) Story and photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
Page 20
R
ick Valentine, a native of DeLand, Fla., enlisted in the Navy in 1971 to be a Navy diver. He served 38 years on active duty and six years in the Naval Reserves, during which he promoted to chief petty officer and selected for commissioning. He retired as an O-6 and the commanding officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J. Seeking out the Mediterranean lifestyle he experienced while stationed in Naples, Italy, he decided to continue his Navy career as a civilian by joining Team Souda in 2015 as the business manager. Now he helps the installation support the mission in the Europe, Africa, and Central region.
Why did you decide to join the Navy? I went into the Navy to become a Navy diver. A television show that was popular back in that time was Sea Hunt. So I said, I like what Mike Nelson, he was the lead guy in Sea Hunt, was all about – the different diving exploits that he did as part of the TV series. And I liked growing up diving in the springs of Central Florida. I was diving in high school and it was my passion. So coming into the Navy, that’s what I wanted to do and that’s what I did. What does the Business Manager do here? It’s business operations in terms of strategy and future requirements of everything that goes on here. What is NSA Souda Bay's "business"?
and EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM levels, a snapshot of the different capacities that exist within the mission areas (Air Ops, Port Ops, etc.) If leadership says, 'Oh, I think I'm going to go to Installation X and do a mission', they can pull up the BCAT and determine if they have enough fuel capacity or aircraft parking spots there, etc. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? 38 years of Navy diving, through all the Navy diving schools, I still like to get wet. Another reason for wanting to come to Souda Bay was because of the awesome diving that it offers here. I love to go diving in my off-duty time. Where do you like to dive in Crete?
Well, you to go to our mission statement and CNIC's mission statement. All CNIC installations support the Fleet, fighter and family. So, then you get into what is Souda Bay's mission statement. We essentially support deploying units going to the EUCOM, AFRICOM and CENTCOM theater. I'm talking about those who want to deploy out of here. And we determine our ability to provide base operating support services to those deploying units.
The caves, caverns and tunnels around the Kalathas area, and the popular one, known as the Elephant Cave, over by Kalyves – those are two of my favorites.
How do you know if we can support a request?
What do you want Team Souda to know?
When a unit decides it wants to go to an installation they are required to submit a Space and Support Utilization Request Form, colloquially know as the SURF, so that the installation can staff their request and determine it’s supportability. Another product we use to determine an installation's capacity to support is the Base Capacity Assessment Tool, known as the BCAT. It provides to leadership at the EURAFCENT
Anything else you like to do in Crete? Going to the different wineries that are on Crete. My wife and I both enjoy visiting the wineries and love the Greek wine. And, as well, the other travel opportunities, not only within Greece, but elsewhere in Europe, when COVID allows. For such a small base, just under 1,000 personnel, we are very busy here. We’re starting to see visits, travel and missions return now because of more vaccinations and COVID measures being relaxed. Team Souda as a whole is busy on a day in, day out basis keeping Souda Bay at the fore supporting the Fleet, the warfighter and the family. Page 21
Team Souda’s Newest Senior Chiefs Photos by Mc2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
N
SA Souda Bay held a frocking ceremony July 29, advancing three of Team Souda’s chiefs to the rank of senior chief.
Congratulations to: • Senior Chief Master-at-Arms David Dwyer • Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Shameka Hooker • Senior Chief Navy Counselor Martha Madera Senior chief is the eighth of the nine enlisted ranks in the U.S. Navy. The senior chiefs typically work with department heads as department chiefs, have a massive voice within the Chiefs Mess and are responsible for training new chiefs. Page 22
N
ewly-promoted Senior Chief Master-at-Arms David Dwyer received his updated rank tab from Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Frankey Cooper and a Frocking Letter from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, NSA Souda Bay commanding officer. Dwyer, a native of Dallas, has been in the Navy for 18 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 1 year. Dwyer will be transferring commands to Guam and said he would continue to take care of Sailors at Team Souda until he departs. “It still hasn’t set in, a lot of responsibility comes with that star,” said Dwyer. “It is one thing to be a chief, it is another thing to be a senior chief. For me, because I have earned the star, every senior chief that went before me, I have to live up to their standards. I have to make sure my Sailors are being taken care of. Also, I have to make sure I am living up to those standards that I’m representing as a Navy senior chief. There is a lot to live up to but I am looking forward to the task.”
Page 23
N
ewly-promoted Senior Chief Navy Counselor Martha Madera received her updated rank tab from Command Master Chief Brian McDonough and a Frocking Letter from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, NSA Souda Bay commanding officer. Madera, a native of Artesia, N.M., has been in the Navy for 14 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 9 months. Madera will be transferring commands to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) in San Diego where she will continue being a career counseling and taking care of Sailors. Madera said she was in shock when she got the news of picking up senior chief. “I can’t even explain it with words. I am originally from Mexico and coming to the U.S. and giving my family so much and joining the Navy and being able to get to this point means a lot. It is an accomplishment I would never ever imagine. I am the only military member in my family, so that is a big deal.”
Page 24
N
ewly-promoted Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Shameka Hooker received her updated rank tab from Master Chief Master-at-Arms Travis Bailey and a Frocking Letter from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, NSA Souda Bay commanding officer. Hooker, a native of Kingston, N.C., has been in the Navy for 19 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 4 months. Hooker will continue to work in the Housing Department as a Senior Chief. Hooker said that achieving the rank of senior chief has been part of a life-long goal of hers. “My ultimate goal that I had while joining the Navy was to retire as a Master Chief,” said Hooker. “I was getting close to my 20 years and I was like, ‘I gotta get to work if I intend to make that goal that I really, really want.’ So, when I found out I made senior chief it was a little of a validation on every thing I’ve been doing for the past few years and the Sailors that I have been leading.”
Page 25
Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) John Alayon Receives Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
C
hief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) John Alayon received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, NSA Souda Bay’s commanding officer, during his July 12 award ceremony in the Air Terminal. Alayan served as the Air Operations Department’s Transient Line leading petty officer from July 2020 to July 2021.
Page 26
Emergency Dispatch Center Recognized by 115th Combat Wing Photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
Mike Tyburski (left), Emergency Dispatch Center manager, receives a plaque from Hellenic Air Force Col. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, commanding officer, 115th Combat Wing, at NSA Souda Bay’s Emergency Dispatch Center on July 23.
H
ellenic Air Force Col. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, commanding officer, 115th Combat Wing, presented a plaque to NSA Souda Bay’s Emergency Dispatch Center on July 23 for its support to the 115th Wing’s mission. Mike Tyburski, Emergency Dispatch Center manager, received the plaque on behalf of the installation. “Emergency Dispatch provides mutual aid response if the 115th requests NSA Souda Bay’s support to coordinates inflight emergencies or standby/response,” said Scott Tucker, emergency management officer. Tucker said the Emergency Dispatch Center provides the 115th Combat Wing with real-time notifications to ensure there is no delay in their emergency response or impact to their mission. Page 27
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Steven Slarich Reenlistment Ceremony Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
B
oatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Steven Slarich received his Certificate of Reenlistment from Lt. Jonathan Fleming, Port Operations officer, NSA Souda Bay, during his July 6 reenlistment on a buoy. Slarich, a native of Chicago, has been in the Navy for 5 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 1 year. He reenlisted for 3 more years. Slarich is a member of the Port Operations Department and is a qualified coxswain. He drives Port Operations boats, and places an oil boom around ships as they arrive at the NATO Marathi Pier Facility, making sure that if the ship spills oil it will be contained. Slarich said he reenlisted because of his next duty station in Mayport, Fla. “I got good orders so I might as well reenlist. I like Florida, I went to Orlando a lot when I was a kid, especially to Disney. My wife has never been there so she is really excited to go. Also, I can’t wait to raise my kid in Florida. My son’s name is Leo and he is about to turn 7 months.”
Page 28
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Stephen Jones Reenlistment Ceremony Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
A
viation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Stephen Jones received his Certificate of Reenlistment from Lt. Michael Mosi, executive officer, NSA Souda Bay, during his July 6 reenlistment in front of building 1. Jones, a native of Memphis, has been in the Navy for 7 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 2 years. He reenlisted for 4 more years. Jones is a member of the T-line, Air Operations Department, where he supports and assists any aircraft that arrive and depart from NSA Souda Bay. He makes sure the aircraft are escorted across the flight line and onto a parking spot. Jones said he reenlisted for several reasons “I reenlisted because of the retirement, benefits, being able to travel to different locations, meeting great people and experiences different cultures. It has been an honor and great so far.”
Page 29
Master Sgt. Randy Garcia Reenlistment Ceremony Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
M
aster Sgt. Randy Garcia recites the Oath of Reenlistment given by Lt. Col. David Gottlieb, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron Det. 1 commander, during his July 8 reenlistment ceremony on the wing of an RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft. Garcia, a native of Seguin, Texas, has been in the Air Force for 19 years and at NSA Souda Bay for 11 months. He reenlisted for 5 more years.
Garcia is a flight chief for the communication systems team, managing four Airmen and making sure the squadron’s network infrastructure is operating properly so they can complete their missions. “I love putting on the uniform and I love serving with America’s finest,” said Garcia. “Also, we are close-knit, even though we do move around a lot you still meet people that you can consider family.” Page 30
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Nathan Taylor Reenlistment Ceremony Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
M
aster-at-Arms 2nd Class Nathan Taylor recites the Oath of Reenlistment given by Lt. Michael Spoke, NSA Souda Bay's command chaplain, during his July 30 reenlistment in the Chapel. Taylor, a native of Goldsboro, N.C., has been in the Navy for 4 years and 6 months and at NSA Souda Bay for 2 years. He reenlisted for 3 more years. Taylor is a member of harbor patrol, Security Department, where he stands chief of the guard. He is also a qualified coxswain, patrolling the waters in a Harbor Security boat. Taylor said he reenlisted for job security and his next duty station “I have a European fiancé and I’d like us to both have job security. I also wanted to go back to America. I am happy about my next duty station in New London, Conn.”
Page 31
Word on the Street
What is Your Favorite Book And Why?
“The DaVinci Code – I liked the mystery and the characters finding out the clues and the conspiracy theories in the book are very interesting.” Master-at-Arms 1st Class Louis Lozada Security Department
“Don Quixote – the feeling behind the story is that you see life as it should be, not as it is.” Chief Electronics Technician Julia Planes Air Operations Department Page 32
“A Child Called “It” – it shows a different side of life than when I was a child and made me appreciate the things that I had that other people did not.” Air Traffic Controller Airman Jason Lugo Air Operations Department
“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – I really enjoy science fiction novels.” Notis Rigas Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department
“Lord of the Flies – it is a story of perseverance.” Yeoman 2nd Class Nathan Henry Military Sealift Command
“P.S. I Love You – it has travel and a meaningful message of just because someone is gone doesn't mean they are forgotten.” Angela Chatgidakis Navy Exchange Page 33
Word on the Street
What is Your Favorite Book And Why?
“It – I like thrillers, the book keeps you interested and wanting to know what comes next.” Vasilis Agelikis Fire and Emergency Services
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – they escape into a fantasy world and escape the war.” Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Alexis Guitterez Port Operations Department
“Quantum – as much as you try to figure out the ending you never can because she (Patricia Cornwell) is such a great writer.” Sandy Facundo Military Spouse Page 34
“Pride and Prejudice – I really enjoyed the romance and drama.” Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Nuri Jackson Security Department
“The Graveyard Book – I could not put it down while I was reading it. Read it in just two sittings and it is a pretty big book. I love Neil Gaiman's play on words.” Gabriella Maropis NEXMART (Bagger)
“Rich Dad, Poor Dad – gives the reader the fundamentals of financial literacy and explains the difference in what we are taught versus what you can create for yourself.” Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Stephen Jones Air Operations Department
“Unbroken – I am a huge World War II nerd, I really enjoyed the whole back story of the characters.” Capt. Ross Barr 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, Det. 1 Page 35
Word on the Street
What is Your Favorite Book And Why?
“The Lord of the Flies – these kids get stuck on an island and they have to use their knowledge to survive. Shows that knowledge is something great to have.” Builder Constructionman Apprentice Traevon Mensterhouston Public Works Department
“Waterloo – it is fascinating because it dives into the battle minute by minute. Went into how no one knew who was going to win. I read a lot of non-fiction books.” Jerry Glover University of Maryland Global Campus
“The Color of Justice: Race, Ethnicity and Crime in America – it is interesting and explains why there is a racial discrimination and addresses the issues.” Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Ashley McInnis Navy Munitions Command Page 36
“The Little Prince – it is a kid's book but it is about not being superficial. I think that every adult should read it.” Stavroula Anagnostaki Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department
“Plato's Dialogue – it is philosophical and brings up the meaning of asking questions and getting to the right answer.” Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Fletcher Hurley NAVSUP
“The Resignation – it is hard just to choose one book but I like this one because the author is a young 28-year-old man but his books are amazing.” Sofia Palioudaki Minoan Taverna
“The Complete Collection of H.P. Lovecraft – it is an interesting view of horror from a very disturbed man.” Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Melissa Readdon NCTAMS Page 37
95th RS holds Change of Command Ceremony Photos by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
Lt. Col. David Gottlieb, middle, outgoing commanding officer, Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, passes the guidon to Col. John Litecky, commander, 55th Operations Group, 55th Wing.
U
.S. Air Force Col. John Litecky (left), commander, 55th Operations Group, 55th Wing, passes the Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. James Hansen (right) during the Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron change of command ceremony at the 115th Hellenic Air Force Summer Officer’s Club in Agios Onoufrious, July 12. U.S. Air Force Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, held its Change of Command ceremony July 12 at the 115th Hellenic Air Force Summer Officer’s Club in Agios Onoufrios. Page 38
Lt. Col. James Hansen assumed command from Lt. Col. David Gottlieb. Col. John Litecky, commander, 55th Operations Group, 55th Wing, presided over the ceremony. “Taking command is a humbling experience,” said Hansen. “I'm honored to join the unit and motivated to lead the squadron to new levels of readiness in the European theater.” Hansen said his goal is to update the existing agreements between the squadron and the supporting departments
from NSA Souda Bay to build upon the partnership in the years ahead. Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing, is a tenant command operating at NSA Souda Bay, and provides operations, logistics, intelligence and administrative support to the 21st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, for the conduct of sensitive reconnaissance and contingency operations in the European and African theaters.
Lt. Col. David Gottlieb, right, outgoing commanding officer, Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, receives his Meritorious Service Medal from U.S. Air Force Col. John Litecky, commander, 55th Operations Group, 55th Wing.
Page 39
Hellenic Air Force Chaplain Visits NSA Souda Bay Photo courtesy of Lt. Michael Spoke, Command Chaplain
From left to right: Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Salcido, NSA Souda Bay operations officer; Hellenic Army Col. Athanasios Tsimenidis, chaplain, Hellenic Tactical Air Force, Larissa Air Base; Lt. Michael Spoke, NSA Souda Bay command chaplain; and Hellenic Air Force Maj. Antonis Renieris, Greek Representatives Office.
N
SA Souda Bay welcomed Hellenic Army Col. Athanasios Tsimenidis, Hellenic Tactical Air Force, Larissa Air Base, to the installation on July 13.
Tsimenidis, who is the chaplain for all Hellenic Air Force bases, met with Lt. Michael Spoke, NSA Souda Bay’s command chaplain, while he toured NSA Souda Bay’s facilities during his visit to Crete. “It was great to meet another chaplain who is serving the military community in Greece,” said Spoke. “To be able to discuss the common challenges our members face is an example of the strong partnership between our countries.”
Page 40
Community Outreach: Volunteers Clean Up Stavros Beach Photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs
N
SA Souda Bay volunteers cleaned up the scenic beach in Stavros on July 11. The group removed several garbage bags of trash and removed a tire and wooden pallet. Stavros is a seaside village located northeast of Chania, at the northernmost edge of the Akrotiri peninsula, and is home to Zorba’s mountain, which was made famous by the Academy Award-winning film Zorba the Greek, which was released in 1964. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities, contact Lt. Michael Spoke, command chaplain, at 266-1206.
Page 41
Sustaining Excellence: Minoan Taverna Receives Five-Star Accreditation Photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
N
SA Souda Bay’s Minoan Taverna Galley sustained its Five-Star Accreditation for the eighth consecutive year after undergoing a Navy, Region Europe, Africa, Central Assessment July 12 to 16. The Five-Star Accreditation Award for food service excellence is based on the knowledge, food safety, financial accountability, inventory controls, sanitation, food preparation, customer service and food quality of the Galley. Earning the accreditation is the highest award for the Navy ashore galley program. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Van Vergara, food service officer, said he is grateful for his Minoan Taverna team's hard work and dedication in sustaining quality service for Team Souda. “The food service standards are unmatched, the staff is always providing quality nutritious meals with great service to customers, and ensuring that all applicable policies are being maintained. They have a high level of expertise, knowledge and training. It has been a team effort. I am very fortunate to be part of this great food service team.” Congratulations to the Minoan Taverna Galley for continuing to provide Team Souda with a high level of excellence in food service!
RIGHT: The Minoan Taverna team poses for a group photo in front of the Galley on July 27.
Page 42
Page 43
Get SomeSleep! Sleep! Get Some
By Kirsten Diller, Fleet and Family Support Center director
H
ow many hours of sleep do you think you should average a night? You’re probably laughing right now because you know how many hours you SHOULD be getting (6 to 9 hours per day) vice the amount of hours you’re ACTUALLY getting. If there’s a discrepancy between your two numbers, keep reading! First of all, if you are not averaging enough sleep per day, stop rationalizing that you’ve simply adapted and can make it work. In actuality, you’re probably accepting a lesser quality of life. BUT, you don’t have to settle! Get this: chronic lack of sleep can lead to constant drowsiness, impaired concentration, memory and problem solving abilities, increased risk of heart disease or heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes and more. It can also aggravate symptoms of depression, increase obesity, influence judgment AND cause premature wrinkles. NO THANK YOU!
Page 44 8
So, here’s how you enhance your sleep health: (1) Stick to a sleep schedule. As much as possible, try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day in an effort to help regulate your body’s clock. (2) Practice a relaxing bedtime routine. Stay away from bright lights and screens so your brain is not overstimulated and do some stretches, meditate, listen to calming music, etc. in an effort to trigger your body to relax and your brain to prepare for sleep. (3) Avoid naps. If you struggle to fall asleep, I hate to say it, but avoid naps. You need your brain and body to be fully ready for sleep when it is time. (4) Exercise daily. Do something each day, even if it’s light exercise, to wear your body out. (5) Evaluate your sleeping environment. The ideal temperature for a bedroom is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (and between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius). It should be free from light and distracting noises. (6) Make sure you have a comfortable mattress and pillows. I mean it — spend the money and get yourself quality items because the sleep payoff is WORTH IT. (7) Don’t eat before bed. Try to make sure your last meal of the day is two to three hours before bedtime. If you're STARVING, a light snack 45 minutes before bed may be acceptable. However, a heavy meal and spicy foods in particular) can negatively interface with sleep due to the discomfort and indigestion that can occur. Now it’s time for a personal assessment. Ask yourself: (1) How many hours of sleep would I like to average each day? and (2) what are three things I am willing to commit to doing to help me sleep? If you continue to struggle with attaining quality sleep, please visit Medical or the Fleet and Family Support Center for additional strategies and resources. Sweet dreams!
Page Page459
Why Don't We See Motorcycles? Derived from Naval Safety Center's Lessons Learned 18-18
W
hether it is the freedom of the open road, the adrenaline rush of the world zooming past, or just because the gas mileage is better, some folks are just drawn to riding motorcycles. That said, let’s be real for a minute: riding a motorcycle is WAY more dangerous than riding in a car.
With no seatbelts and no protective metal casing around them, any motorcycle accident does not typically end well for the motorcycle rider. Recently the federal government estimated that there are 30x more deaths on motorcycles than in cars per miles traveled – ponder that stat for a second. Mile for mile, for every 1 person killed in a car accident, 30 people die in motorcycle accidents. Wow! How do you avoid becoming (or causing) one of the 30? Read on...
Our eyes don’t see as much as we think they do. They aren’t cameras. They are biological devices with considerable limitations. There are blurry Page 46
spots and blind spots, and the image gathered is actually upside down in the brain.
Your eyes scan everything and constantly send pictures to the brain for analysis, but the brain can only see things it understands. In order to save processing power and attention, the human brain uses a visual shorthand so as not to overwhelm it. When things happen faster than the eye-brain system can see, that’s when we start to not perceive things. Motorcycles fall into the list of things that we may not perceive on the road. No matter how keen a driver’s eyesight is, we can’t avoid these inescapable lapses in the brain.
Visual Illusion #1: For a tangible example of our eye-brain limitations, take a look at the figure below. Our peripheral vision is actually quite poor, and our brains try to fill in the blank information with guesses. How many of the dots can you see at once? Hint: There are 12 of them.
Visual Illusion #2: A second visual illusion that affects a driver's ability to see motorcycles is called saccadic masking. This is a process in which the brain replaces the blank spaces in a quick scan of the roadway with recent memories or images from previous experiences. This masking can result in a motorcycle being lost in the blank spaces between the images that the brain rapidly processes when a driver quickly scans the road. Because no motorcycle is perceived, it isn't added to the mental image, and the driver’s brain never sees it. — It is important to not just to casually scan the road for hazards, but to do so with a conscious purpose and intent. Visual Illusion #3:
You can see any black dot by looking directly at it. The ones in the periphery, however, pop in and out, and you are physically unable to see all twelve of them. Now imagine if one of these dots was an approaching motorcycle. If it were in your peripheral vision, it is likely that your brain would not even perceive it. — Remember that the next time you are preparing to change lanes or make a left turn!
A third visual illusion that may impede perception has to do with how the size of an object correlates to distance. Drivers’ brains tend to perceive a larger object as being closer than it really is. On the flip-side, if an object is smaller, drivers tend to perceive the object as being farther away. Because motorcycles are small in comparison to automobiles, even if the brain overcomes all of the issues we’ve already described and actually adds the motorcycle to the mental image, it erroneously interprets it as being farther away than it really is. — It is imperative for every driver to remember that objects may be closer than they actually appear.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS 1. Drivers can’t see you, and they don’t even know it. Not every driver on the road is looking for you, and VERY FEW even KNOW about these visual illusions. 2. Take action to be seen and heard. Wear bright colors that help draw attention. You also may be able to grab drivers’ attention through sound, like your horn or loud engine noise. Auditory cues are processed differently by the brain than visual cues.
3. Don’t trust that they see you. Always be guarded and look for an escape route. You must expect drivers who just truly don’t see you! You must always be scanning for an out should an unsafe situation develop. 4. Ride like you are part of the problem. Riders are human too, and your brain is subject to the same illusions. In short – riders should ride like everyone is a hazard to you…because they are. Page 47
Holidays in Greece: August 15 Story and photos by Kostas Fantaousakis, Public Affairs
A traditional Orthodox painting of the Assumption of Mary, as drawn on the exterior of a church in Aroni, Crete.
A
ugust 15 is one of the largest religious celebrations in Greece after Easter and Christmas. It is a national holiday dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (in Greek: Koimisis tis Theotokou). Because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, it will be observed Monday, August 16 and NSA Souda Bay employees will be off. Churches throughout Greece celebrate the holiday with traditions which vary from place to place. The formal religious ceremony is held during the day, with mass and prayers in the morning and in the evening. Each town’s icon of the Virgin is adorned with flowers and ribbons and carried around the streets, so that everyone can touch it. Greeks of the Orthodox faith prepare Page 48
themselves by fasting for 14 days, from August 1-14. The fast is joyfully broken on the 15th. The essence of the celebration is that everyone is welcome and treated like family, participating body and soul in the commemoration period. The Sacred Church of the Megalohari, located on the island of Tinos, is a site of religious pilgrimage. It is dedicated to an icon discovered in 1823 after Sister Pelagia, a nun, had a vision: the Virgin Mary herself appeared in a dream, showing her the icon’s location. This icon is renowned for its miraculous and curative virtues, and the church was built to honor it. The Holy Icon is considered older than the Byzantine period.
The Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Tinos where the Holy Icon is located, one of the most famous Orthodox Christian tourist destinations in the world. Pilgrims come here to crawl on their knees up the stairs to reach the Holy Icon. Image source: Archdiocese of Athens (religiousgreece.gr)
There are several churches that are dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Crete. The closest ones to NSA Souda Bay in the Akrotiri peninsula are located in Aroni (left) and Chorafakia (right). Page 49
The Parting Shot...
Page 50
