“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company” ~George Washington
Inside this issue:
Captain James Gibson, NSA’s Commanding Officer, lays a wreath at the German War Cemetery in Maleme, 26 May (left) and at the Allied War Cemetery in Souda on 25 May.
Battle of Crete
P1
Serving the Fleet
P2
Flightline
P3
Welcome Aboard
P4
Reservists at Souda
P5
Awards/ Promotions P6 Reenlistments
P7
SAPR Training
P8
Advocate Training
P9
Comedian
P10
Radiiothon/ Earthday P11 NSA’s Commanding Officer, Captain James Gibson and Executive Officer, Commander Demetries Grimes attend a flag raising ceremony on 24 May (left) at Firkas fortress in Chania and greet Battle of Crete Veterans (right) .
Battle of Crete Veterans (left) and a British Army bagpiper (right) participate in a remembrance ceremony at the Souda Allied War Cemetery.
MWR Focus Groups P12 NADAP
P13
Navy Ball Car Wash
P14
Produced by NSA Souda Bay Public Affairs
NSA SOUDA BAY-THE BEACON
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SERVING THE FLEET On any given day, at NSA Souda Bay, our team of more than 900 professional Sailors, Airmen and Civilians are working together to perform our mission: To extend Joint and Fleet war fighting capability through operational support to U.S., Allied and Coalition Forces deployed within the EUCOM/CENTCOM/AFRICOM AOR by providing, operating and sustaining superior facilities and services dedicated to combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel. With the imagery on these pages we intend to offer you a glimpse of the recent activity both on the airfield and at the nearby NATO pier facility.
USS Barry ( DDG 52 )
USS Georgia (SSGN 729)
USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58)
USS Robert G. Bradley( FFG 49)
USS Florida (SSGN 728) WARFIGHTING FIRST, OPERATE FORWARD AND BE READY
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FLIGHTLINE ACTIVITY The Sailors, Airmen, US, and Local National civilians assigned to “Team Souda” have a long history and a stellar reputation of providing 24/7 sustained superior support to the fleet, NATO and partner nations.
DC9
KC135
MV22
C130J WARFIGHTING FIRST, OPERATE FORWARD AND BE READY
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WELCOME ABOARD TEAM SOUDA NEW ARRIVALS!
COMMAND INDOC CLASS 22 APRIL 2013
COMMAND INDOC CLASS 6 MAY 2013
COMMAND INDOC CLASS 20 MAY 2013 WARFIGHTING FIRST, OPERATE FORWARD AND BE READY
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Navy Reserve Supports NSA’s Mission
NSA XO, CDR Demetries Grimes, right and CMDCM Todd Prayner, join Navy Reserve (NR) NSA Souda Bay support unit, and their Commanding Officer, LCDR Cliff Allen, left. LCDR Cliff Allen The mission of the Navy Reserve is “to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team and Joint forces, from peace to war.” One of the primary Reserve units delivering operational capabilities to NSA Souda Bay is the Navy Reserve (NR) NSA Souda Bay support unit, which drills in the Bronx, New York and is composed of Sailors from the MidAtlantic and New England areas. NR NSA Souda Bay provides year-round detachments of reserve Sailors to NSA Souda Bay. Each detachment includes Sailors from a variety of ratings to augment base functions such as air operations, port operations, admin and medical. The reservists generally spend two to four weeks of “annual training” each year at the base, and the time allows them to support the base mission while benefitting from the training and experience of their active duty counterparts. For AS2 Josh Gibson, the April Support Detachment Leading Petty Officer, FY13 marks his sixth year in Souda Bay for his annual training. AS2 Gibson works with Air Operations Department on the Transient Line, helping to maintain the ground support equipment while also receiving hands-on training. “I transferred to the Reserve in 2005 after five years of active duty, and I’m proud that I can continue serving and applying the skills I’ve acquired in both the Navy and in my civilian career.” The unit’s Senior Enlisted Leader, LSCS Rob Grube is on his fourth annual training, and remarked, “Our Sailors enjoy Crete during their off-time, but they also know that they are out here to work and learn the knowledge and skills critical to their Navy careers.” When not on annual training in Crete, NR NSA Souda Bay Sailors meet for their “drill weekend” once per month at Navy Operational Support Center New York City, which is located on the State University of New York Maritime campus in the Bronx. In addition to managing the extensive administrative demands of supporting detachments to Souda Bay, reserve Sailors spend their drill weekends completing the training, admin and medical requirements necessary to remain mobilization-ready. Like many of the reserve Sailors, LCDR Cliff Allen, who assumed command of the NR NSA Souda Bay unit in January 2013, has deployed multiple times, receiving three Iraq Campaign medals and the Global War on Terror Expeditionary medal. “Our mission as a unit is to support NSA Souda Bay, but our mission as reservists is to be ready to support the active duty forces whenever and wherever needed,” he commented. “This is my first trip to NSA Souda Bay, but I immediately recognized the tremendous support this command gives to its reservists. Active duty sailors appear enthusiastic for the opportunities to both utilize and train reserve Sailors, and the reserve Sailors are eager for the active duty experience.” Occasionally, reserve Sailors support NSA Souda Bay for longer periods as well. LS1 Stephen Mitchell, a reservist with the NR NSA Souda Bay unit, is currently serving on six-month orders to the NSA Souda Bay Air Operations Department. “During my annual training periods at NSA Souda Bay, I received training and earned certifications that qualified me to fill a critical but gapped long-term active duty billet.” To meet the increasing manpower demands of NSA Souda Bay, the NR NSA Souda Bay reserve unit is rapidly growing through recruiting efforts within the Navy Reserve. LCDR Allen noted that the unit has tripled in size in just four months with the goal of maintaining a highly-effective cadre of qualified and motivated reservists supporting NSA Souda Bay throughout the year.
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NSA SOUDA BAY-THE BEACON
CDR Ellis is pinned by sons Jacob and Tyler during his promotion ceremony on 1 May .
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Rob Ellis, father of LCDR David Ellis, delivers his son's permanent appointment to the rank of Commander during his promotion ceremony on 1 May.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING AWARDEES: NCM AMC HAMMOND MA1 MARTINEZ
NAM MA1 LANIER BM1 WRIGHT MA2 PATRICK ABH2 SEARS MA3 ONES
JSAM MC1 FARONE
US CIVILIAN OF YEAR MR. GEORGE KSIRAKIS
LN CIVILIAN OF YEAR MRS. KATERINA DELIGEORGO
US CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER MR. BRYAN GRIEBEL
LN CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER MR. DIMITRIOS MAKRAKIS
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MA3 Britlyn Neary reenlists on 20 May.
IC2 Patrick Maxwell reenlists on 1 May.
YN1 Tim Burns reenlists on 3 May.
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13 to 16 May found NSA Command leadership and Sailors focusing on Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) and Suicide Prevention. This year’s annual training could not have come at a more crucial time for the Navy. Due to recent headlines that have brought to light some weaknesses in the SAPR program and the military’s response to sexual assault as well as a steady increase in military suicides, the training team was able to heighten awareness based on a few recent incidents stateside involving various branches of service. Ms. Jill Vines Loftus, Director, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) met with Command leadership and SAPR program task teams to provide updated training and to discuss the recent headlines and what sexual assault and suicides have in common. They both impact readiness, unit cohesion, and morale and distract everyone from performing the mission. Ms. Loftus stated that these elements FORCM (IDW/SG/SW) Steven Giordano, Force Master were counter to the Navy’s core values and diChief, Navy Cyber Forces asks “Am I My Shipmate’s rected the staff that, as leaders, they can make Keeper” during SAPR and Suicide Prevention Training. a difference. While Ms. Loftus was meeting with leadership, a team from Fleet Forces Command provided training to Sailors on sexual assault and suicide prevention. The team covered such topics as SAPR program updates, “What Makes a Good Command” and “Every Sailor is a Sensor”. According to Ms. Marie Parker, SAPR Program Manager, Fleet Standards and Conduct Officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, the purpose of the training was to update Sailors and leadership on policy changes and to “enhance current Navy training and continue to raise awareness and empower Sailors to take care of each other as we work together to eliminate sexual assault from our Navy and get help for our Shipmates who may need it” Ms. Parker went on to state that the NSA Sailors were engaged and took part in “some of the most interactive sessions we have had so far this year. 98% of our Sailors do the right thing every day…if there was someone sitting on the fence between making a bad decision or the right one. I hope we gave them enough information to make the right one.” Thank you Mr. Eric Hipple, Outreach Coordinator at the University Souda Bay, for doing the right thing.
of Michigan and former quarterback for the NFL’s Detroit Lions engages Sailors in “How to Treat A Shipmate”.
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Every Installation has to have a 24/7—365 response capability to reports of sexual assault. Due to the recent departure of NSA’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Ms. Kathleen Dougherty, and only three trained Victim Advocates, the Command determined the necessity of Victim Advocate Training to better prepare themselves for a quick response in the event a sexual assault does occur. Each of the Victim Advocate trainees were volunteers, each completed an application and were interviewed by the training team from NSA Bahrain. Ms. Ann Wilson, SARC, NSA Bahrain and Ms. Enid Murphy, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocacy Support Specialist, NSA Bahrain educated the attendees on providing crisis intervention, assistance and support. Ms. Wilson stated “Victim Advocates need to be clear on what their role is and realize they are Ms. Ann Wilson, SARC, NSA Bahrain, the heart of the advises the advocates of their ’support’ role SAPR program. on 22 May. They give informaOn 22 May, Kevin Mulligan, Special Agent, NCIS Souda tion overload with what resources are available, i.e.: Bay briefs on the investigative portion of a Sexual Assault. chaplain and/ or medical assistance. The Victim Advocates need to let the victim know who they are, how they can assist and what their rights and options are in the system so the victim can make the right decision” Ms. Wilson was excited about how engaged the Command leadership was. Souda Bay’s CO, CAPT Gibson, welcomed the group and expressed his gratitude to those that volunteered. CMDCM Prayner dropped by to see how the training was going and the XO, CDR Grimes continually worked issues that arose.
NSA Souda Bay’s newly certified Sexual Assault Victim Advocates.
LT Adam Inch, Staff Judge Advocate, NSA Souda Bay, discusses the legalities in sexual assault case on 22 May.
Ms. Murphy was very pleased with the class participation and stated that the “group was cohesive, had very specific concerns and were not afraid to ask questions. With a group that had a wide range of ages, ranks and services, the very diverse team had intense/ graphic discussions.” Wilson summed up the week stating that she was “more than pleased with the training and comfortable that if they got the call, the newly trained advocates could handle it.” Ms. Wilson went on to say that “this was a great group . They get it. They are sensitive, focused, they understand and we are confident that we are leaving the Skipper in great hands”.
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Billed as the #1 military requested risk-reduction and prevention training program in America, Comedian Bernie McGrenahan brought his “HAPPY HOUR” show to NSA Souda Bay as part of the annual Sexual Assault and Suicide Prevention training program. Mr. McGrenahan started Bernie McGrenahan, Comedian each of his two shows with a 30 minute standup comedy routine that had the whole audience roaring with laughter then followed by his more serious ‘Personal Testimony’ message that targeted several areas of concern for today’s miliMr. McGrenahan thanks MMFA Unangst for attending the show on 17 May. tary: Alcohol, Drug, and Suicide Prevention, Safety/ Risk-Reduction/DUI Prevention and Sexual Assault/Domestic Abuse Prevention. His message was clear, he had made some bad decisions in his past that he was open and honest about in regards to repercussions and owning responsibility. His goal was to encourage Sailors to seek help when needed and recognize that asking for help is a sign of ‘Courage’ not weakness.
NSA Souda Bay enjoys the ‘comedic’ portion of Mr. McGrenahan’s ‘Happy Hour’ show on 16 May.
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26 April 2013 found NSA Souda Bay’s airways abuzz with pleas for donations to support the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). The idea for the radiothon was to have callers pledge money to hear a song. Another caller could ring the phone line to ‘bump’ the song if they pledged $1.00 more than the donor paid to play the song.
MC1 (SW/AW) Rosa Van der loo mans the airways and spins the requested songs
The goal was to raise $1000.00 in pledges after the 12-hour radiothon. However, once the final tally came in, the hard work of AFN Souda Bay’s staff and the personnel around base pledged $2,254.00, far exceeding the goal set.
MC1 Vanderloo stated “The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a very important organization for the Sailors and it’s really meaningful for me personally to be able to host this event for them and for the Sailors and Marines they support. I’ve seen the great work that NMCRS does and I’m so proud that we had the great amount of participation from the base to make it such a great event.” “We actually raised more, per capita, than any other base who hosts a Radiothon because we have such a small base. Luckily for us, though, the people here are very gen- LS1 (EXW) Stephen Mitchell takes call-in erous and I’m grateful for that.” Thank you very much Souda Bay for helping to support YOUR Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society!
pledges in support of the AFN NMCRS Radiothon.
NSA Souda Bay Sailors, Airmen and civilians celebrate Earth Day 2013 by organizing a local beach clean-up on April 26th. Sponsored by NSA’s Environmental department, the 70+ volunteers collected more than 20 bags of trash from the beach area. Bravo Zulu to all that participated.
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MWR SAYS ‘YOUR OPINION MATTERS’
MWR Club Focus Group participants from 15 May.
Morale Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR) recently held three separate focus groups for feedback on how to better serve the base population. In each group session, after a brief kickoff by NSA’s Commanding Officer, CAPT James Gibson, MWR’s Director, Mr. Bob Woodruff, started out by asking everyone to give feedback or suggestions, good, bad or indifferent. His approach was to not say ‘No’ but to say, ‘How can we make this happen?’
MWR focused on three of their high traffic facilities, the Fitness Center, the Liberty Center and the Club, in order to try and find fresh ideas from the patrons that use the facilities regularly. With participation that far exceeded Mr. Woodruff’s expectations, he said the suggestions were “well thought out” and that many will be fairly easy to implement as they fall within current resource limitations while others may take more time to research and seek funding. Mr. Woodruff went on to say that MWR’s responses on all suggestions will be posted in the near future at each of the facilities where the focus MWR Fitness Center Focus Group participants from 13 May. groups were held. Managers from all three of the MWR program areas participated in their respective focus group and were actively engaged in the open discussions about what their facilities had to offer and what suggestions their customers had to help make it better. MWR appreciated everyone who participated in the focus groups for taking the time out of their busy schedules to help make the MWR program at NSA Souda Bay the best it can be.
MWR Single Sailor Center Focus Group participants from 14 May.
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2013 Navy Ball Committee gets busy by raising funds with a car wash 17 May!
Chaplain Cameron endorses and promotes the car wash
MA3 Serrano tackles the wheels.
MA1 Bonham kicks off the car wash by spraying down the first vehicle.
MMFA Unangst shows her artistic side
MA3 Bernier assists in washing the first vehicle to stop by.
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