The Beacon, January 2023

BEACON THE

U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece January 2023

THE BEACON

Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready

The Beacon

COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT Odin J. Klug

EXECUTIVE OFFICER CDR James Kotora

Warfighting First, Operate Forward, Be Ready Commanding Officer, NSA Souda Bay Capt. Ryan T. Tewell Executive Officer Cmdr. Werner J. Rauchenstein

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Igor Vargas

Command Master Chief CMDCM Neal T. Olds

THE BEACON NEWSLETTER

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

Carolyn Jackson

DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Nicholas S. Tenorio

Beacon Staff/Public Affairs Office

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST Kostas Fantaousakis

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST MC2 Delaney S. Jensen

Public Affairs Officer, 266-1244

HOW TO CONTACT US

Assistant Public Affairs Officer, 266-1392

EMAIL SoudaBayPAO@eu.navy.mil

Kostas Fantaousakis

ONLINE www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay PHONE +30 28210-21348

WRITE PSC814 BOX 1, FPO, AE, 09266

Contact Email (All PAO personnel):

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/NSASoudaBay

Community Relations, 266-1348 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.

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.

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.

Jacky Fisher

Joel Diller

by CAPT Odin J. Klug

Front Cover: Marathi Beach. Photo by Nicholas S. Tenorio, Public Affairs The Parting Shot: Marathi Beach. Photo by Nicholas S. Tenorio, Public Affairs

Triad Corner

Team

Souda, Happy New Year!

Welcome back from what was hopefully a very enjoyable and relaxing holiday season. During this period, I know many of you had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends while taking some well-deserved time off. After an extremely busy year, taking time to recharge the batteries is important and allows us to come back to work ready to tackle the challenges we face.

I am confident we will continue to handle every challenge and find creative solutions for the problems that come our way. To that end, I would like to reemphasize my command philosophy that anchors on two ideas - Safety and Manners . I offer three tenets, which are direct and simple to guide everyone aboard in executing the mission and vision of our installation.

You are the United States of America. Whether on or off duty, your personal integrity, character, confidence, and humility must always embody, express, and reflect the best of you, our Fleet, and as a leader serving of the people of the United States of America. Work as a team. Embody the belief each member has something to offer, contribute, and learn. Protect and respect yourself, those around you, and this incredible installation. HONOR.

Communicate. Be honest and transparent with yourself, your teammates, and the command. Any relationship depends on a solid foundation of trust and openness, both verbal and non-verbal means. We should all strive to learn the host nation language, culture, and regional dynamics to facilitate a deeper interactive dialogue to accomplish our collective mission. Never be afraid to

ask for help, assistance, or a different perspective to learn something new every day. COURAGE.

Challenge Yourself. Take pride and ownership in your service and everything you do.

Do not take anything, especially safety, for granted. Proper training, habit patterns, and practice are necessary, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental. We are part of something bigger and we each have roles, responsibilities, and accountability for our decisions, like links in a chain.

Share your wisdom (experience and failures) and embrace the same from others. Test your limits every day to improve your well-being, build resilience, and attain higher levels of success. COMMITMENT.

As we look ahead to new beginnings and new opportunities to serve, these tenets will keep us on a steady course.

Happy New Year, Team Souda! Tiffany and I wish you and your loved ones peace, prosperity and good health in 2023!

~ Skipper Klug

Καλούς Τρόπους . Προσφέρω Η Γωνιά της Διοίκησης

τρείς θεμελιώδεις αξίες που με άμεσο και απλό τρόπο καθοδηγούν τον καθένα που βρίσκεται εδώ, στην εκτέλεση της αποστολής και του οράματος της Μονάδας μας. Εσείς είστε οι ΗΠΑ. Είτε βρίσκεστε σε υπηρεσία είτε είστε εκτός, η προσωπική σας ακεραιότητα, ο χαρακτήρας σας, η αυτοπεποίθηση και η ταπεινότητά σας, πρέπει πάντα να ενσαρκώνουν, να εκφράζουν και να αντικατοπτρίζουν τα καλύτερά σας στοιχεία, τα καλύτερα στοιχεία του Στόλου και

ως «ηγέτες» να υπηρετείτε τους πολίτες των ΗΠΑ. Να δουλεύετε ως ομάδα. Να ενστερνίζεστε την ιδέα

οι σχέσεις στηρίζονται στα γερά θεμέλια της εμπιστοσύνης και της ειλικρίνειας, λεκτικής και μη λεκτικής. Όλοι θα πρέπει να κάνουμε προσπάθεια να μάθουμε τη γλώσσα του Δεχόμενου Κράτους, την κουλτούρα και τις περιφερειακές δυναμικές του για να διευκολύνουμε έναν βαθύτερο, διαδραστικό διάλογο για να επιτευχθεί η συλλογική μας αποστολή. Ποτέ μη φοβηθείτε να ζητήσετε βοήθεια, συνδρομή ή να μαθαίνετε κάτι καινούργιο κάθε μέρα από διαφορετική οπτική γωνία. ΘΑΡΡΟΣ. Να θέτετε προκλήσεις στον εαυτό σας. Να είστε

αποφάσεις του αλλά και αναλαμβάνει την ευθύνη των αποφάσεών του, σαν κρίκος σε αλυσίδα. Μοιραστείτε τη σοφία σας (τις εμπειρίες και αποτυχίες σας) και να περιμένετε το ίδιο και από τους άλλους. Να δοκιμάζετε τα όριά σας κάθε μέρα για να βελτιώνεται η ευεξία σας, να κτίζετε αντοχές και να έχετε μεγάλες επιτυχίες. ΔΕΣΜΕΥΣΗ. Καθώς προσβλέπουμε σε μια νέα αρχή και νέες ευκαιρίες για να φέρουμε σε πέρας την αποστολή μας, αυτές οι θεμελιώδεις αξίες θα μας κρατήσουν σε μια σταθερή πορεία. Καλή Χρονιά, Ομάδα Σούδας! Η σύζυγος μου Tiffany και εγώ, ευχόμαστε σε εσάς και τους αγαπημένους σας ειρήνη, ευημερία και καλή υγεία για το 2023!

συνήθειες και η εξάσκηση, είτε σωματική, είτε συναισθηματική, είτε ψυχική, είναι απαραίτητα στοιχεία. Αποτελούμε κομμάτι ενός μεγαλύτερου συνόλου και ο καθένας έχει τον ρόλο του, είναι υπεύθυνος για τις

New Year's Resolutions Team Souda

“Travel more. I am going to Switzerland soon, but I want to travel as much of Europe that I can.”

- MA2 Kenneth Reynolds, Security

“My New Year’s Resolution is to be able to spend more time with my family.”

- Effie Kountouraki, Hellenic Office of Administration

“My New Year’s Resolution is to learn something new, whether it be a new language or a way to increase my finances.”

- MAC James Walker, Security

“As a new Emergency Management Officer, I hope to have a successful shop. Personally, I look forward to watching my kids grow and to being the best father I can be.”

- Michael Tyburski, Emergency Management

- Haralambos "Bobby" Admin

“I would like to baptize baby and my three-year-old

"Bobby" Anetakis, Admin

Pomegranates for Good Luck

Pomegranates are well known for their health benefits, and historical and archaeological records prove that they have been celebrated throughout human civilization. Pomegranate fruits are depicted on Minoan artifacts from the 17th Century B.C. discovered on the island of Crete, and pomegranate trees are referenced in the ancient Greek poems attributed to Homer.

Greeks have recognized pomegranates as symbols of fertility, luck, prosperity, renewal and regeneration since ancient times. The fruit continues to hold a unique significance today, especially around the holidays. As a New Year’s Eve tradition, after counting down to midnight, families will smash a pomegranate fruit in the threshold of the front door. The abundance of and distance traveled by the seeds is an indication of how fortunate the New Year will be.

May the New Year bring good fortune to all of Team Souda!

Happy New Year, Καλή Χρονιά

“I just got the tubes in my guitar amp replaced so I hope to play more guitar. It’d be really cool to play live music somewhere out in town.”

- LS1 Casey Cresswell, Air Ops “

Life is short, and I want to travel. Morocco is next on my list!”

- Helen Mylonas, Navy Gateway Inn & Suites

Story by Nicholas S. Tenorio, Public Affairs

“I’m going to do a triathlon! I am most confident in the running event, so I’ll have to train the most on the bike.”

-MA2 Jonathon Lewis, Security

“To stay COVID-19 free, and I hope that the world can become COVID-19 free in 2023!”

- Lefty Beck, Military Auto Source

“I want for all the cats to be happy and healthy.”

- Marina Baxevani, Personal Property Office

“I would love to go to the Netherlands to visit my family. I miss them a lot.”

- Maria Simben, Command Management Office

“I want to make 1st Class Petty Officer this upcoming year.”

-MM2 Tyreese Jones, Port Ops

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“Start a side-gig as an influencer.”

- “Follow Me” Truck, Air Ops

“Travel to at least three different countries while I’m in Europe. Definitely Italy to see the Colosseum and Egypt to see the pyramids. Also maybe Romania just to check it out.”

- IT3 Nestor Leal, NCTAMS

“I want to get out and be more social. I miss being able to spend time with friends and family especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Vasilis Vamvounakis, Public Works

Team Souda

New Year's Resolutions

“I want to find a group of people to help me draft a nonprofit organization for underserved communities, mostly for youth. I want all kids to have the same opportunities I had in my community. This year I want to at least get it drafted.”

-

“Increasing my workout routine and spending more time with my family.”

- Magda Schoulidou, Housing Office

“I’d like to continue helping Team Souda customers with their migration to Flank Speed.”

- Roger Anderson, Communication and IT Services

“I really want to get in the gym more and improve my health.”

- MA3 Miranda Arellin, Security

- RSSN Miguel Alonsorodriguez, Post Office

“I love to travel and maybe Japan, will eventually become

Chief Master Sergeant Hellenic Air Force, Greek

“Travel more and see more of my family. After COVID-19, we haven’t seen each other for two years.”

- Eleni Kataki,

NEX

“Although it will probably be expensive, I need to better look after my olive trees this year. They need more fertilizer and more pruning.”

- Jerry Glover, UMGC Program Coordinator

maybe my dream of visiting Tokyo, become a reality this upcoming year.”

“I want to complete the military professional accredited program I have been working on and take the Supply Corps Commander Milestone Screen Board before departing Souda Bay.”

- Lt. Cmdr. Dale Lessner, NAVSUP

Sergeant Manolis Gkagkaoudakis, Greek Representatives Office

“I would love to travel to Bali, Indonesia, for my 30th wedding anniversary.”

- Kathy Kotsifakis, Finance

“I would like to travel more with my siblings. Anywhere around Europe to start with, then I’ll venture further as time goes on.”

- Chrysanthi Spantidaki, NEX

“My New Year’s Resolution is to enjoy the company of my loved ones for one more year. That is more than enough to keep me happy.”

- Maria Mavromati, Air Ops

“I

“To

“I have been running at least one mile a day every day in December. I want to keep up my cardio and make sure that I run a mile at least 3-4 times a week for all of 2023.”

-

“Convince my wife that we have enough dogs.”

- YNC Henry Yau, Admin

travel more and to get back to working out. I’d like to get into the habit of running every morning before work.”

- Angela Buenrostro, Fleet & Family Support Center

- NCC Megan Steffy, Admin

“To rescue two dogs from Crete before my husband and I PCS.”

MAC Tia Yau, Security

am a climber and I would love to climb the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland.”

- Nektarios Livanos, Fire & Emergency Services

“I hope to travel to five different country in 2023. Turkey, Scotland, Switzerland, Croatia and maybe the Azores or Canary Islands.”

- Deanna Detwiler, Finance

“To keep a low profile.” - Anonymous

“My New Year’s Resolution is to replace the X3 BMW that I own with an X7.”

- MA2 Elise Cardenas, Emergency Dispatch

“I want to work harder, exercise more and learn to communicate better with everyone.”

- MM3 Dominic Vilmorne, Port Ops

“I am building a house in Souda. Hopefully I will be able to finish it and move in with my two beautiful children. Maybe I will even adopt a pet.”

- Eleni Trachalaki, Liberty Center

“I want to achieve more and do better. Career wise, I want to rank up in 2023.”

- MASA Renia Hicks, Security

“I want to focus on providing tutoring classes for my three children, so they have the best grades.”

- Stelios Ikonomakis, Minoan Taverna

“I really want to be able to provide for my children and cover all their needs, whether small or the more important ones.”

Dimitra Kalitsounaki, NEX

“For this New Year, I wish to spend more time with my family and friends and visit a place I’ve never been before.”

- Kyriaki Fragioudaki, Emergency Dispatch

“Looking to purchase the best available house in Chania for me and my wife. It’s not an easy task, but I hope I can get it done.”

“I’m going to exercise more and lose weight.”

- Jackie Manos, Navy Federal Credit Union

- Konstantinos Sfakiotakis, Post Office

“Focus on passion and kindness starting with keeping up with school, caring for others and doing the right thing.”

- CE2 Jeromy Harris, Public Works

“I hope to graduate from my university and get my degree.”

- Stavroula Gkelti, IAP

“Find a better job than this one. I’m just being funny, but I am looking at things like Skill Bridge and making sure that I am prepared to retire.”

- LSSN Chandon Harris, Post Office

“I want to get stronger, both mentally and physically.”

- HM3 Jaqueline Reyes, Branch Health Clinic

“I want to work towards achieving my associates degree in Internal Technology.”

- ABH3 Raul Flores, Air Ops

“To live life to the fullest! To spend more time with family and friends, just like before COVID-19, and to read more books.”

- Chrisa Paidaraki, Port Ops

“My New Year’s Resolution is to do the washing up of my dishes before I go to bed every day. I’m not optimistic I’m going to hold up, but I’m going to give it a go.”

- Cmdr. Beth Kitchen, Royal Navy U.K. Defense Liaison Officer

“My resolution is to get over the psychological hurdle of knee surgery and to exercise more.”

- Chris Williams, Air Ops

“To be as healthy as I can possibly be!”

- Tina Moutsou, Personal Property Office

“I

-

- CS1 Wes Riggs, Housing Office

“I

-

“I would love to go to Paris and take my daughter to Eurodisney.”

- Stefania Kargaki, Human Resources

“I want to get back in shape and complete my bachelor’s degree.”

want to be more like Lt. Fleming.”

Lt. Joshua Matias, Port Ops

want to commit to a better sleep routine this year.”

AC3 Trevor Barrett, Air Ops

“I really like sweets, but I am trying to cut back on them. I also would really like to volunteer more and I know they have a lot of events going on here that I can be a part of.”

- CECA Sean Lassiter, Public Works

“Even though I don’t believe in resolutions, I try to be a better person than I was the day before. So I want to be a better person than I was in 2022.”

- Audrey Champagne, Training & Readiness

“I need to buy a new car. Preferably an SUV.”

- Nikos Zaharakis, MWR

“I would like to have better patience in general and be a more caring husband to my wife.”

- CWO3 Jeromy Mott, Air Ops

“I want to find a new apartment to rent to accommodate family needs.”

- Stefanos Adamou, Public Works

“I hope that I will be able to travel to Canada and meet my family members.”

- Lena Nempavlaki, SPA Tours Travel Agency

“I want to cook more and eat out less this year.”

- YN2 Michael Thompson, Admin

“Stop lying to myself and start following my New Year’s resolutions…and get rid of my mustache.”

- BU2 Luis Garcia, Public Works

- Timothy Dias, Fire & Emergency Services

- LN1 Sasha Blair, Legal

“I don’t like to limit myself to one thing, so I’d like to reaffirm that I will continuously look for new things to learn.”

“I need to focus on my diet and fitness program and lose some weight.”

- Kostas Anetakis, MWR Fitness Center

“To be less stressed! I think I can achieve this by focusing more on my hobbies and to read more.”

“I would like to be able to finish building my village house.”

- Vangelis Ornelakis, Port Ops

- Lt. j.g.

“I am looking forward to coming to work more often with my bicycle. I live in Chania and it’s a pretty long ride, but it is a fitness goal of mine. Plus it’s easier to find a parking space.”

- Yiannis Mandrabazakis, NCTAMS

“They have a local challenge where I am from to swim a mile straight, and I really want to complete that goal.”

Alexander Wagner, Military Sealift Command

“I really hope that I will be able to buy a new car. An Audi A4 Quattro.”

- Mike Bouzounieraki, Transportation

“In 2023, I want to be the best U.S. Navy recruiter there can be. Hooyah!”

- IC1 Derek Alfaro, AFN Souda Bay

The Parting Shot...