December Landmark by USS Emory S. Land

The Official Newsletter of USS Emory S. Land

December 2016

EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) play softball during a command “Sports Day” at Polaris Point.

LANDMARK DECEMBER 2016 • VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9

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Sailor in the Spotlight

PO1 Wommack shares his life and what it takes to be a boatswain’s mate.

Holiday COMREL

Sailors help decorate at the Agana shopping center.

Audiogram Ready For Action

Medical gets vital tool back online.

CO’S CALL

Capt. Bradley shares his thoughts.

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NAMTS Provides NECs to ESL Sailors The NAMTS program continues support of submarine tender Sailors.

Thanksgiving 2016

MSC food service personnel provide holiday classics for dinner.

INTERVIEW WITH CMC

Master Chief Greene answers some questions.

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Frank Cable Returns

Sister ship is back after five-month deployment.

Sports Day!

Sailors show off their athletic prowess.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Lt. Jefferson is back with her piece titled ”Be Thankful.“

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PO1 Lee paints a wall with protective measures.

ESL SAILORS ASSIST AGANA FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Below - PO3 Leonard paints a wall with a roller.

Above - PO3 Reilly goes over some plans for the display.

Below - PO2 Escobar helps set up decorations.

Right - SN Terry makes designs in styrofoam.

Below - SN Davis fixes a model cabin.

Landmark DECEMBER 2016

EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

By Seaman Daniel Willoughby

Opportunities

NAMTS Provides ESL Sailors he Navy Afloat Maintenance Training Strategy (NAMTS) program continues support of submarine tender Sailors by providing opportunities for them to earn Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) with on-the-job training. The contractor support team from the NAMTS program has been providing Sailors aboard USS Frank Cable (AS 40) NECs since 2005 and has recently started the program aboard USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) following the ship’s change of homeport to Guam. James Heffelfinger, the afloat NAMTS coordinator in Guam and a retired senior chief petty officer who has served on the Frank Cable, said the program is vital to Sailors and the Emory S. Land is fully behind it. “What we are doing is bringing the maintenance training out to the fleet,” said Heffelfinger. “Instead of having a brick-and-mortar school, Sailors can earn NECs while aboard the ship and doing actual work. We have all the equipment and material for Sailors to train and earn NECs. The Emory S. Land has about 66 Sailors “Instead of having participating. The repair leadership really took the a brick-and-mortar program on board.” Petty Officer 1st Class Elvin Ermitanio, a Job school, Sailors can earn Qualification Coordinator aboard Emory S. Land, NECs while aboard the said the NAMTS program is intuitive and a great ship and doing actual opportunity for Sailors. “The process is easy to understand,” said work. We have all the Ermitanio. “Sailors take a pre-test, attend an equipment and material indoctrination brief, receive a Job Qualification for Sailors to train and Requirement (JQR) book, get the book signed by subject matter experts, take a post-test and then, earn NECs.” finally, an oral board. Once complete, they will receive a NEC in a particular trade skill they are pursuing.” “It’s a self-paced program,” said Heffelfinger. “We try to get a Sailor at least 1 NEC in a 3-year tour. It’s more like a basic JQR. You have 3 sections, the 100 series, which is basic safety, and then you have the 200 series, which is all the shop equipment. The sailor knows the equipment and how to use it. The 300 series is when the Sailor puts hands on different types of equipment and learns how to maintain it. The program currently provides 12 NECs, including ship fitter, outside machinist and valve repair, to name a few. The NECs give Sailors increased professional value and an improved ability to meet advancement requirements. “It helps provide qualified individuals the skills needed to making sure first time quality is met,” said Ermitanio. Heffelfinger said he looks forward to working with more Emory S. Land Sailors and hopes to see more Sailors sign up. Emory S. Land is one of two forward deployed expeditionary submarine tenders homeported in Guam, conducting maintenance on submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

TEAM TENDER!

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

Emory S. Land Gets Audiogram Booth Back Online By Seaman Daniel Willoughby

The USS Emory S. Land (AS 39)

Military Sealift Command mariners to get

Medical Department increased overall

their annual audiogram,” said Gambrell.

readiness earlier this month by getting its

“If they are in the Hearing Conservation

audiogram booth in operable condition with

Program, instead of going to the hospital,

assistance from Naval Hospital Guam.

they can do it here.”

The system gives Emory S. Land the

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brett Holmes,

capability to test hearing for Emory S. Land a member of the medical department, said Sailors and tended-unit submariners.

hearing loss is an injury often overlooked.

Lt. Justin Gambrell, Emory S. Land’s

“I went to a class for running the

undersea medical officer, said getting the

booth and software,” said Holmes. “They

booth working is vital to the crew, as

pulled up this slide and asked what we

hearing loss is one of the leading medical

thought the biggest injury related to the

issues in the military.

service was. Everyone was saying PTSD,

knee problems and other things. It wasn’t

“The audiogram allows Sailors and

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brett Holmes sits at the desk where the audigrams will be monitored.

even close. Once hearing is gone it’s gone for good. Being preemptive and tracking people before a problem gets to a point to where it can’t be helped, helps personnel, the ship and the entire Navy.” Holmes said Naval Hospital Guam gave the medical department the

final piece to getting the

audiogram booth back online.

“The equipment has been on the ship for a while,” said Holmes. “The problem was

that the software that the audiogram uses is not allowed to be hooked up to the computer network. The hospital loaned us a standalone system to run exams. After we upgraded all of our computers on board, we got the system up and running.”

Emory S. Land, homeported in Guam, provides maintenance, hotel services, and

logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. Seaman Dat Truong tests the audiogram booth.

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

Sailor in the Spotlight Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Wommack

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Years in Navy: 11 Favorite food: Steak Favorite hobby: Fishing Favorite TV show: Arrow Favorite movie: The Matrix

“I will excel to the best of my ability, to my furthest potential.”

What is your average day like? What was the busiest day you’ve had on the ESL? “I show up early in the morning every day. I’ll scrub paperwork before quarters. Then I’ll have a departmental meeting before quarters. Then we have quarters. I give the guys a good “hooyah” speech, and then give them the work that has to be done. A lot of my day consists of talking to people. I run around to different offices. I give a lot of training day-to-day. That’s one of my favorite things - giving training. Whether it’s indoc or boatswain’s mate training. I’m really intimate with the SAPR program. I give training especially at indoc. If I’m lucky, before the days over, I’ll get to take one of the boats out or do a diving operation. Just put some hours on the engines.” “My busiest day was during exercise Heavy Thunder, when we retrieved torpedoes. I took out a good crew of deck Sailors. It was a super fun exercise. We got to do some fun stuff that day. Some boat operations at sea, which is something we don’t get to do too often. Very exciting stuff. We got help from MSC deck. Everyone here knows that mission was a success, and everyone in our division felt good about it.”

Wommack speaks to an indoc class about mentorship.

EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

What do you miss most about home? How has your time on the ESL been so far? “I’m very proud to be a Texan. Really it’s the people. We all make friends growing up. I can tell you right now, three people who I wish I saw more of are George King, Eric Smith and Trey Towers. They were my three best friends growing up. Of course my family as well. I love them very much.” “When I initially got here, I was kind of bummed out. I didn’t think I’d have a lot of room to grow. That was incorrect. Success in the Navy is always up to the individual. I’ve had a very successful tour here. I’ve met a lot of great people. I think this crew is amazing. I’ve learned a lot of things here that will make me successful for the rest of my Navy career and my life.”

Wommack shakes a can of paint during a community service event.

What motivates you?

“I had a BMC when I was about 6 years in the Navy. He was 110% all the time. I didn’t understand it at the time how he could come to work and be such a hard charger. Now my name is what motivates me. When someone says, “Hey what do you think of that Wommack guy?” I want them to say, “He’s a good guy to go to for help.” or “What do you think of deck division?” I want them to say, “Deck division is on point. They know what they’re doing.” It’s that recognition and pride in what you do. That’s what motivates me.”

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

“I would have to say my father, James Wommack. Strictly speaking, if we are talking time invested, he’s been there my whole life. He taught me how to fish, one of my favorite hobbies to this day. He spent 26 years in the Navy. When I need advice, he’s still there for me. I got a lot of love for him. He’s taught me almost everything I know. “

Who has been the most influential Sailor in your life? What are your plans for the future? “BMC Spikes as I mentioned earlier. He is a commissioned LDO now. He’s had an extremely successful career in the Navy, and he shared with me how to do that; By giving 110% every day. He was a go-getter, and I bet he still is to this day. He is one person I will never forget, and a person I’m still in touch with to this day.” “This Navy gig is not bad. I have a lot of fun here. I have a lot of fun being a boatswain’s mate. I plan on staying in the Navy as long as I can. I will excel to the best of my ability, to my furthest potential. Whether that be MCPON, CWO or LDO, I’ll get there and hopefully I can bring everyone with me.”

Wommack marches with other ESL Sailors during the Guam Liberation parade.

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A Time to Give Thanks And Eat Well 16

Top Left - Eddie Alaysa, chief cook, cuts beef in preparation of the Thanksgiving meal served aboard the ship. Left - MSC mariners enjoy the Thanksgiving meal.

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

Chief Stewart and his family enjoy the Thanksgiving meal. 18

Seaman Perry and Seaman Ignao share a laugh during the meal.

Chief Santiago and his family enjoy the Thanksgiving meal. Landmark DECEMBER 2016 19

EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

Sports Day Emory S. Land Sailors participated in a command sports day Nov. 23 at Polaris Point, Guam.

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

What’s going on around the ship? YN1 Alikhan will represent the Emory S. Land and Guam as CSP’s Sailor of the Year nomination. Emory S. Land’s food service department is a finalist for the David Cook Award. Admin continues shift work to process Sailors’ travel claims. Supply is working to get brown command caps for the type III uniforms

Congratulations to our newest petty officers! 3RD CLASS HT3 Adachi GM3 Andrews ND3 Arnold EM3 Bertram IT3 Bjornson IT3 Bonilla MC3 Cote LS3 Dasig EN3 Davis IC3 Gonzalez HT3 Green EN3 Kerr HT3 Kirby PS3 Lourenco BM3 Manilag MM3 McGinnis PS3 McCloyd MM3 Morrissey LS3 Muna HT3 Nero MM3 Paramore LS3 Pickens HT3 Roberts EM3 Roberts MM3 Smith MC3 Willoughby HT3 Wilson 2ND CLASS IT2 Arnest EN2 Ashton LS2 Burciaga EM2 Carder SH2 Daniels EM2 Malcolm PS2 Seger PS2 Smith HM2 Smoot 1ST CLASS HT1 Proctor MMA1 Valles MMW1 Wild HT1 Willson

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

CAPTAIN’S CALL

Capt. Douglas A. Bradley

Can you name someone that has made a significant impact on you as a leader? There are many people – I’ve been fortunate by having a lot of great mentors. One of my all-time favorites is my father. I have immense respect for what he’s done in his life, and how he’s led his family and workplace. In the Navy, I’ve had a number of key mentors and have looked up to and learned lessons from many commanding officers. Rear Admiral Douglas McAneny, who was my first CO on USS Philadelphia, and Rear Admiral Phillip Sawyer, who was my CO when I was a department head, were two of my principal mentors. They were particularly inspiring for me, and they showed me how to enjoy the job while completing the missions we were sent to do. They were great examples for me. With the newly advanced petty officer stepping into leadership roles, what is one trait they should have? It’s hard to nail one trait down, but I would say they need to set the example for what they expect and want. They should maintain high standards, communicate expectations and hold their people accountable. What is the biggest challenge you face, and how do you overcome it?

How was your Thanksgiving? It was great. The weather was great. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. We had to flex a little bit. We got a notification the night before that we might have to support a unit alongside on Thanksgiving. We made all the preparations and were ready to go, but ultimately they were able to make the repairs in the outer harbor. This gave me an opportunity to meet families that came onboard the ship to have a Thanksgiving meal with our duty members. I saw some of the preparations for the meal too – there was definitely some impressive handiwork. I was able to go home and enjoy a small gathering at our house. My desire was for everyone to be able to be with family or friends for Thanksgiving, and we were able to do that.

There are a number of challenges involved with leading any organization. The things that I talk about on a regular basis are the things that form the bedrock of what we do in accomplishing our mission. Safety of the crew is vital. Honesty and integrity of the command is important no matter the problem. Being ready and preparing Sailors at work and at home is important as well. Being respectful day-to-day while working in a professional manner is another one. I count on our senior leadership to emphasize and communicate these things to our crew. It definitely is a big challenge. As I look back at each day, I try to make sure that I haven’t missed an opportunity or let our ship down in any aspect of our goals. What are some of your goals as commanding officer? Our short term goal is to maximize our support capabilities to the submarines and surface ships here. A medium to long-range goal over the next year is to continue our transition from expeditionary tender to fully-capable tender. Every department on this ship is transitioning to be fully capable. Longer range goals are to build the expeditionary capability, develop at-sea proficiency, and eventually deploy.

Any plans for the upcoming holidays?

Do you have a favorite book?

The ship is going to have the holiday party December 15. Other than that, I will probably spend time with my family.

It’s hard to pick a single book. I am currently reading Malcolm Gladwell’s “David and Goliath”, but I also like to read histories and biographies. I am currently reading a book that is a compilation of short stories about submarines, entitled “Crash Dive”.

What are your thoughts on the work for the Topeka? Our crew did an excellent job. We were able to support her final preparation efforts, and get the last couple things she needed before leaving port. We completed a couple of important jobs for the boat, and assisted with a few of their key systems. There were a few things that popped up towards the end that we didn’t know about, and we were able to exercise our full capability and support her with our supply department. What are your thoughts on the upcoming CMAVs (Continuous Maintenance Availibity)? This is a big undertaking for us as we continue to grow into the lead tender role in Guam. Having two concurrent CMAVs and possibly supporting additional tended units will be difficult. The holiday timing may also make it challenging. We definitely want to make sure folks have time off for the holidays, but our priority is and will continue to be supporting submarines. I believe we will continue to do that.

How about a favorite movie? Star Wars (Original trilogy, not Jar Jar). It’s an all-time classic that I watched as a kid. My kids watch it now, and I am very excited about the newest Star Wars movies. Anything you would like to say to the crew? To the remaining members on one-year unaccompanied orders leaving soon, I want to thank them for their service. There are members just arriving who may be spending their holidays without their family. I want them to know that they are not alone and that there are many great opportunities here. To the families, I want to say they are also not alone. They can get in contact with the Emory S. Land Family Readiness Group (FRG) – they plan lots of activities and it’s a good way to get to know other people who are connected to our ship. For everybody, this is a great time of year to reflect and celebrate. Enjoy the holidays, get out there and see Guam, and do it safely.

INTERVIEW WITH THE CMC

CMC William L. Greene How was your Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving was great. I got to fly home and see all my kids and my wife. It was definitely short but good. Any plans for the holidays coming up? I will be here with my older two kids in preparation of my wife having a baby. I will probably come in and check up on the duty section, and see what I can do to help out. For Thanksgiving, we provided food to the barracks with the Frank Cable chiefs. I will see if we can do something like that again. What are your thoughts on the upcoming CMAVs? They are always challenging. We will try to get people some time off. We will make sure we get the right people here to conduct the maintenance, and still get people time off. At the end of the day, the battle goes on even through the holidays. How do you cultivate the core values within the command? The CNO has expressed his four tenants, which are integrity, accountability, toughness, and initiative. I think these are great. Our CO has be ready, be safe, be respectful, and be honest. I think you have to lead by example, hold people accountable, and train people on doing these things better. I think it starts from the top down. I think you should just assess your day-to-day operations and making sure your Sailors are taken care of.

What are some challenges you face as CMC, and how do you get passed them? You never know what the phone call is going to be or what is going to come through the door. The biggest part of my job is taking care of Sailors. Unplanned things are the hardest to deal with. You may have to cancel other things you are doing to deal with this Sailor. Every case is unique, and sometimes people just want someone to talk to.

What advice would you give the newly advanced petty officers?

What is your favorite book?

First of all, rank matters. The authority has always been there for the 3rd and 2nd class petty officers. Especially here, a 3rd class has a lot of responsibility. Each rank prepares you for the next rank. As you move up in rank, you are now getting ready to be a chief. You have to ask, “How am I doing things differently?” Look for challenges, and see how you can make yourself, your command, and the navy better.

I would say The Hunt For Red October. I could not put it down. Now I usually just read children’s books to my kids.

Who has had the biggest impact on you as a leader in the Navy? There’s really two. One was Capt. Andy Hale, the former commanding officer of the Ohio, and Master Chief Mitch Erhart. At the time, I really knew the technical side of my rate, but I wasn’t too good with people. I really thought it was my way or the highway. They really sat me down and said, “Hey you’re a chief now, and if you’re going to operate like this, that’s fine, but you’re not going to make it here.” That was a real turning point in my career, and it made me reflect on how I needed to treat people and my Sailors. As far as leadership goes, that really got me on the right direction. I had a different perspective after that.

What is your favorite movie? I don’t really think I can name a favorite. I am a movie buff, and a lot of times people don’t get my references. Anything you want to say to the crew? I just want the crew to be safe and enjoy what Guam has to offer. I also want to make sure we get the maintenance done. Mainly, I want Sailors to be safe. Don’t go and fry the frozen turkey and blow up the house. Use some operational risk management, and we will get back to work after the new year.

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EMORY S. LAND Public Affairs

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Lt. Takana Jefferson

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Many times, the ability to act on this scripture is very difficult

for us to accomplish because we find ourselves focusing on all of the negativity in our lives and we neglect the positive. If life seems to keep handing us that proverbial box of lemons, it is easy to become cynical and self-centered. When this occurs, it is very important to change our focus.

One way to move past the negativity in our lives is by the

company we keep. If we are constantly surrounded by Scrooge with his or her bah humbug mentality in time it will affect us as well. Where one used to see the glass as half-full, he or she will now see the glass as half-empty, and eventually, entirely empty. The saying is true that birds of a feather do flock together. If we find ourselves unable to change our environment, then we may want to reconsider the company we keep.

The second way to find the beauty in life and becoming more thankful is to move beyond ourselves and begin to help others.

When we do this it begins to change our whole outlook on life. We will begin to realize there are other people who are more grateful and have far less or in worse situations than ourselves.

Bruno Mars gave an interview and he brought a reporter to a place he spent many nights with his family as a child. His father

worked in some sort of bird sanctuary. At night, after the sanctuary closed, Bruno’s father had the family stay in a one room abandoned building on the property. Sometimes he did not have electricity, running water or food. When the reporter asked what his happiest memory was, he stated, “It was the time he spent living in the abandoned house.” When she asked why, he replied, “Because we were together as one family, and that is all that mattered.”

The third way to become more thankful is to look at what the real important things in life are. I am not talking about stuff

because stuff and things can be lost at any time as well as acquired. What can’t be regained is the time spent or not spent with loved ones, friends and family. Investing in relationships sometimes, while it may seem difficult, it yields the best returns. Creating special and fond memories with friends and family helps in realizing how thankful for life and living we should be. During this holiday season, which is quickly approaching upon us, let us be grateful for all the blessings that we have received and remember those who have less. In all things (even our bad situations) let’s give thanks.

THE OFFICIAL USS EMORY S.LAND NEWSLETTER

USS EMORY S. LAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Brad Newsad

Publication POIC PO3 Jason Amadi

Commanding Officer Captain Douglas A. Bradley

Photography & Journalism SN Daniel Willoughby

Executive Officer Commander Robert J. Lopez

Photography & Journalism SN Josh Cote

Command Master Chief CMDCM (SS/NAC) William L. Greene