COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. David M. Oden EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Christopher C. Westphal COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (SW/SS) Neal Olds PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Emily Wilkin DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MCC (SW/AW) Rosa Paschall MEDIA LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1 (SW) John Hetherington LAYOUT DESIGNER MC2 (SW/AW/IW) Devin M. Langer STAFF MC1 (SW/AW) Andrew Gordon MC2 (SW) Eric Zeak MC2 Asher Allen MC3 (SW) Austin Breum MC3 Jeremy Laramore
AROUND THE ISLAND is an authorized publication for the crewmembers of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of MAKIN ISLAND. ATI is edited, prepared and provided by the MKI media division. All news releases, photos or information for publication in AROUND THE ISLAND must be submitted to the PAO. All submissions are edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity and conformance to style. The staff reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.
Nov. 20, 2018 - Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) stand by as the guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) returns to port following a family day underway. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Devin M. Langer)
Makin Island Sailors and their families celebrate Thanksgiving with a holiday meal.
TABLE of CONTENTS Making Your Qualifications Work Harder for You..............................................................................5 Chaplain Confidentiality Q&A................................................................................................................8 Manage Your Holiday Stress..................................................................................................................9 Holiday Safety Tips..................................................................................................................................10 Meet Your Makin Island Sailors of the Year......................................................................................11 Veteran's Day: Bells of Peace Ring Aboard Makin Island............................................................13 Remembering Pearl Harbor...................................................................................................................14 Navy News.................................................................................................................................................15 Winter in Review......................................................................................................................................17
Upcoming COMREL Event
Noah Homes “Enchanted Village” Volunteers needed to work event activities Dec. 21, 2018 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. OS2 Dylan Shephard rings the bell aboard Makin Island to commemorate the 100year anniversary of the end of World War I
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For more information or to sign up, please contact the Chaplain’s Office
Don’t Forget to Complete your
HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT Click the RED link on the intranet to get started
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Making Your Qualifications Work Harder for You by MC3 Austin Breum
D
o you ever worry about your future career? Maybe wonder what you’ll be doing next when your time in the Navy is over? You may be anxious to think about how you’re going to find a job in the civilian world. You may think, “I have gained so much experience, but no civilian employer knows what I did in the Navy.” Many companies require you to have years of experience in order to land a job. What if you could keep track of everything you’ve done and have some proof to back up your knowledge and experience? Thankfully, there’s a tool to help give you some peace of mind when it’s your time to leave the Navy. The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is designed for service members to provide tangible proof of how much work they’ve done. “This is a service for any Sailor who intends to continue what they are already qualified to do in the Navy in the civilian sector,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Isaac Christopher, the USMAP manager aboard Makin I. “It allows Sailors to not let their PQS [Personnel Qualification Standard] training, studying and day-to-day work
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experience go to waste once they leave the Navy.” Logging your hours into USMAP can also give you an edge during the evaluation cycle. Keep in mind, you don’t have to do any extra work, go to a temporary assigned duty or go above and beyond to get this credit. All you have to do is make an account and log your work hours. Whether you do 4 years or 24 years, this service can help make finding your next civilian job a little easier and you’ll be one step ahead of other applicants who may not have job experience. You can show proof to potential employers your knowledge and experience you have gained while serving in the military. Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed.
How to Apply For USMAP Step 1 Go to My Navy Portal and select the USMAP link. Once on the main Home Page, select Enroll or Reinstate in the top right corner.
Step 2 Read the USMAP disclosure and continue to the next page. There are two pages to fill in your information. Be sure your address is up to date. This is the address USMAP will send your completed certificate to.
Step 3 If your rate doesn’t automatically populate, select your rate and the civilian certificates specific to your rate will show. There may also be certificates available to you that are not rate specific. Select the one you would like to work on and USMAP will send you a verification email when the registration is complete. ATI 6
AO3 Morgan Huff “2019 will be my fittest year. I’m goint to set attainable goals for myself each month and progress at a steady rate. The next PRT will be my best yet.”
Word
ON THE NON-SKID New Year’s Resolutions
MA3 Sheldon Limehouse “My New Year’s resolution is all about my Navy career. I’m going to get all my qualifications, get better at my job, get that EP and make the next rank.”
BM3 Halie Kocherhans “I will be focused on college this year. I want to set myself up for success both in and out of the Navy.”
START NOW T
by MC2 Asher Allen
he start of each new year is met with millions of resolutions. Motivated individuals show up at the gym, start reading more, create new budgets and so on. Then, as well-intentioned as the goals were, thousands fall away each day as the new year goes on. What happens? Time. An overabundance of it. Very often, it’s the fact that we have plenty of time to accomplish our goals for the year. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves. This month might not have been so great, but we still have next month, and the months after. Right? We are lulled into complacency by the comfort of a time buffer on our goals. Maybe we want to look like The Rock by the end of the year, but what does that mean for this month? What do our short-term goals look like? Often, we don’t even have short-term goals. We look to the end of the year and dream of where we want to be
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by then. But where do we want to be by the end of each month? Each week? We feel good having goals for next year, but are we being honest with ourselves? If we are making no effort right now, it will be very hard to suddenly start making an effort when January rolls around. If it is our habit to waste away our free time now, we are going to be sorely tempted to fall back into that habit no matter what the date on a calendar says. Resolutions for the new year can be a wonderful thing, but only when they have the support of the months, weeks, and days that make up a calendar year. Start now, if at all possible. And later, you find yourself in the middle of a year, chiding yourself for not having accomplished more, and you start planning what you’ll accomplish next year—stop. Don’t wait. Start where you find yourself. Start now.
Chaplain Confidentiality Confidentiality can be defined as being able to trust someone when discussing personal or sensitive topics. Chaplain confidentiality is a service that’s offered to every service member. We sat down with Cmdr. Rob Wills to discuss the details on exactly what that is.
Q. A.
Q+A with Chaplain Rob Wills
Do chaplains maintain complete confidentiality?
The main thing that we want everyone to understand is the confidentiality that they would have when they come in and talk to a chaplain. Confidentiality, per SECNAV 1730.9A, is complete. It doesn’t matter what the service member comes to talk to us about, we can’t share that information. The person that owns that information is the service member. We can’t report self-harm or harm to others unless the service member gives us permission to.
Q. A.
Why is confidentiality important?
The service member needs to have a place that they can go without worrying about reprisal or worrying that the information they have is going to leaked and come back to hurt them. We consider the confidentiality a sacred trust between the chaplain or RPs and the service member. That sacred trust cannot be broken.
Q. A.
What’s the difference between a chaplain and JAG/medical?
Q. A.
Can you do anything to stop a Sailor from self-harm or harm to others?
In general, they [JAG/ Medical] will maintain confidentiality up until harm to self or others. In those cases, they have to report it. When it comes to chaplains, we do not have to report it. Not only do we not have to, we cannot. That’s the strict confidentiality that we have.
If someone comes in and warns a chaplain that they’re going to kill themselves or somebody else, it is incumbent upon that chaplain to stay with that Sailor. It is our responsibility to care enough not to let them out of our sight. We’re going to stay with them because we care. Now, that being said, we still can’t share that information.
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From
STRESS to
SUCCESS By MC3 Jeremy Laramore
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L
onger lines at stores, dragging decorations out for an entire weekend of holiday chores, annoying in-laws asking what the war is like; the holidays can be a stressful time for Sailors. It’s important to know how to relieve this added stress. Hobbies, talking with a loved one, or even exercising are just a few ways to let off that extra pressure. Hobbies can distract your mind and offer a sense of accomplishment. Hobbies can be anything you want. They range from painting rocks all the way up to the adrenaline-pumping madness that is skydiving. Completing a mission on your favorite video game or placing the final nail in the new book shelf you just built, releases dopamine in the brain and gives you a sense of satisfaction and completion, according to betterhelp.com. Find the thing you love to do in life and do it to the fullest. Who knows, it could even turn into a lucrative business for you. Loved ones can make a huge difference in a person’s stress level. Eager ears can be found all around you. Think of it as free therapy. Significant others, parents, siblings, children, friends, your dear old grammy... all of these people are more than willing to hear from you and if they aren’t, you always have a shipmate to talk it out with. Part of the chaplain’s job is to listen to your complaints in confidence. Take advantage of these invaluable resources. Pent up anger and rage is toxic in a person’s mind. Let it out. Try letting off that steam in a gym, set a fitness goal or train for one of those shiny medals they give away at the end of marathons. If running until your knees are numb isn’t your thing, no worries, grab some arm floaties and head down to the local pool. You’ll be surprised at how good you will feel after a couple laps. Use stress to your advantage. Don’t take stress for granted, it pops up at the most inconvenient times and has the potential to wreck lives. At the same time you can use it to your advantage as fuel to progress yourself in life, use that stress as motivation. Stay safe and always remember that you are important in this world.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255
HOLIDAY SAFETY : STATISTIC
DON’T BECOME A
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ith the hustle and bustle of the holidays comes lots of opportunity for accidents to rear their ugly heads. The time is meant for visiting with family, putting up Christmas lights and enjoying free time away from work, but with these fun things also comes danger. Fires, cold weather injuries and travel during the holidays all pose a risk to Sailors. Here are a few of those risks and how to participate in them safely. by MC3 Jeremy Laramore
HOLIDAY FIRE HAZARDS
From the lights on the Christmas tree to the turkey in the oven, life-changing fires can start up in the blink of an eye. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to more than 200 home fires each year involving Christmas trees. To combat the risk of a fire burning up your home, along with that new pair of fuzzy socks your spouse bought you, make sure to water your tree daily. In addition, don’t overload your outlets with lights. Three plugs is the maximum number you should use for each outlet. Also be sure to keep your tree at least three feet from any heat source.
COOKING
COLD WEATHER HAZARDS
Broken limbs from flying down a ski slope isn’t the only cold-related danger. Hypothermia can set in if the body temperature dips below 95ºF causing shivering, drowsiness and lack of coordination. Another danger is frostbite. If capillaries shut down from cold weather, the tissue becomes deprived of oxygen and dies. Most cold-related injuries can be prevented by bundling up with the proper winter gear. Adequate planning is also necessary. Don’t go sliding down the double black diamond slope when you know you belong on the bunny slope.
TRAVEL
When cooking, the best offense is a good defense. Stay present in the room for the duration of cooking. If a fire sparks up while you’re present, it would take minimal effort to diffuse the situation. Smother out any pan fire by simply placing a lid on the pan thus removing the oxygen. A fire extinguisher or a bowl of baking soda near the stove couldn’t hurt either.
The time is now to endure your yearly dose of traffic chaos or delayed flights. Rule number one: under no circumstance should you consume alcohol and drive. The roads are packed with families. No matter the distance you are traveling you could ruin not only your life but the lives of innocent people. If you are drinking, always make sure to have a ride.
Call a taxi or call a friend. Don’t drink and drive!
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Blue Jacket of the Year
SN Gabriela Passmore She joined the Navy out of San Diego over two years ago and she is your 2018 Makin Island Blue Jacket of the Year. "I have always wanted to break stereotypes and be someone who doesn’t fit the “normal” mold. I’m always working on becoming the best version of myself so I keep pushing myself forward and try achieving new goals."
Junior Sailor of the Year
2018 Sailors ABH3 Jennifer Lebron She joined the Navy out of Guayama, Puerto Rico, over three years ago and she is your 2018 Makin Island Junior Sailor of the Year. "My son is my ultimate motivation. He sees me as his hero and I want to show him that I will work hard and go above and beyond. I want to be better every day."
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Sailor of the Year
BM2 Liana Washington She joined the Navy out of Hinesville, Georgia, six years ago and she is your 2018 Makin Island Sailor of the Year. "I never want to be overlooked when it comes to my work. I always strive to stand out and I want to make a real difference here at Makin Island "
of the Year
Senior Sailor of the Year
AT1 Jimmie Carter He joined the Navy out of Milwaukee, Wis., over 11 years ago and he is your 2018 Makin Island Senior Sailor of the Year. "I try to set the example for all my junior Sailors. Everyday I want to show them all the things they can accomplish and prove that they too can be successful."
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BELLS OF PEACE RING ABOARD MAKIN ISLAND
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akin Island rang 21 bells to commemorate the ending of World War I. Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World
War I. On the quarterdeck aboard Makin Island, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Dylan Sheppard, the petty officer of the watch, rang the ships bell slowly every five seconds. “It’s a great honor to be the one who rings the bell,” said Sheppard. “The ringing of bells is the Navy’s way of showing respect to those who went before us. Their sacrifices played a huge role in shaping today’s Navy and I am proud to be a part of the ceremony.” Bell ringings were held throughout the Department of the Navy to remember the brave men and women who served and paid the ultimate price in the Great War. “It gives me chills when I hear those bells, said Culinary Specialist Seaman Marquette Price Jr., a supply department Sailor. “It’s a reminder to me that I’m part of something bigger than myself.” The ceremony also gives senior leadership the opportunity to teach junior Sailors the Navy’s history and how we learned from mistakes made to become the world’s greatest Navy. “I hope the junior Sailors take away a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate Randy Griffeth Jr. “It’s important for Sailors to know they are carrying on the Navy’s heritage and that they understand how important World War I was, for not only our country but for all of those involved.” by MC3 Jeremy Laramore
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Pearl Harbor
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Blended Retirement Enrollment Ends Dec. 31 by USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs
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ailors eligible to opt-in to the Blended Retirement System (BRS) have until Dec. 31 to enroll in the program, per NAVADMIN 280/18. Opt-in eligible Sailors who decide not to enroll in BRS will remain in the current "legacy" retirement system. Service members can enroll in BRS via MyPay. “It’s a great new program for Sailors who aren’t interested in a 20-year career,” said Chief Yeoman Christopher Valma, assigned to Makin Island. “If they decide to get out before
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremy Laramore
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then, the Navy still provides a retirement plan for them.” Command leaders are responsible for ensuring eligible service members are prepared to make an informed financial decision prior to the closure of the opt-in window. Once a Sailor elects to enroll in BRS, that decision is permanent. NAVADMIN 280/18 provides instructions for command career counselors or command pay and personnel administrators to generate a BRS Eligibility report from Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS). This report can help the command in reaching out to eligible Sailors, to ensure they have the information they need to make their decision. According to the NAVADMIN, not all Sailors who have opted into BRS are making contributions to their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account, so they are not receiving government matching funds. Sailors are encouraged to talk with the command financial specialist or a financial counselor to review their budget options to maximize their TSP contributions. Sailors can find complete BRS information on the Department of Defense BRS web page at https://militarypay. defense.gov/blendedretirement/.
My PCS Checklist - Taking Stress Out of PCS by USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs
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n the latest system upgrade, MyNavy Portal (MNP) introduced a new checklist to guide Sailors and their families through their next PCS move. “My PCS Checklist” allows Sailors to easily create their own personalized move checklist, and can be found in the “Assignment, Leave, and Travel” section of MNP. “Instead of every command having a specific checklist, it’s now on MyNavy Portal,” said Chief Yeoman Christopher Valma, assigned to Makin Island. “It’s convenient and easy for people to remember things like scheduling flights, taking care of household goods, etc. It has a calculator to determine what’s due 30 days in advance, 60 days in advance, and so forth. It’s just a better tool to help Sailors actually understand the PCS system, instead of finding themselves transferring in two weeks and wondering what they need to get done.” PCS moves can be very challenging, whether it's a single Makin Island Sailor heading to a command elsewhere in California, or an entire family moving to Japan. The process of relocating can be a source of personal, financial and family stress, and it requires a great deal of logistical planning. “My PCS Checklist” makes it simpler. Sailors can now create a personalized checklist by using the intuitive, web-based program to guide them through the PCS process and help eliminate unnecessary stress. “Creating the checklist is easy,” said Capt. Chris Harris, the director of Navy Personnel Command distribution management division, . “Sailors answer a few questions in the online checklist, starting with their official detachment date, which automatically generates a personalized, step-by-step checklist that calculates the number of days to complete each item until their move from their current command. Sailors can print out their checklist at work or email it to a spouse, parent, or anyone with whom they want to share the information.” The checklist is broken down into four categories— shipping household goods, family move, money, and Sailor admin. Based on the detachment date selected, the checklist outlines necessary activities, due dates and includes tips and sources of support for each category. The program includes a taskbar that indicates how far along Sailors are in completing their activities and they will receive alerts to remind them to complete the tasks to stay on their PCS timeline. Makin Island Sailors should work with the command pay and personnel administrator if they have any questions concerning PCS policies and procedures.
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Eric Zeak
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8 1 0 2 E I V E R INTER IN
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Happy Holidays
Team Raider!