The Klaxon February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

THE CSG 7 COMMAND NEWSLET TER

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K L A XO N Inside:

2017 Sailors of the Ye a r

Holiday

Party Spread

Mississippi & Texas Visit Japan Outstanding

PRTscores

Celebrating African American

History

CS G 7

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COMMANDER

REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD CORRELL CHIEF OF STAFF

CAPTAIN HARRY GANTEAUME CHIEF OF THE BOAT

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF STEVEN BOSCO PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER LIEUTENANT PAH YIP

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS ELESIA K. PATTEN

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ard to believe we are already in the middle of February of 2018 – the year feels like it’s flying by. The plus side of a fast moving clock is that the winter should be over in the not too distant future. The highlight of the command for the past month was the Holiday Shinnenkai (Welcome to the New Year) Party – thank you for the unprecedented participation and support, and a big Bravo Zulu to our Recreation Committee for putting together a great event! The celebration provided us a great opportunity to reflect on our 2017 accomplishments and further the great comradery we enjoyed throughout the Group….

On the operational front, we are supporting the CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group as it operates in the Western Pacific. We are also preparing for several upcoming exercises to further develop our Theater AntiSubmarine Warfare (TASW) skills, and several key staff engagements with our regional allies and friends/ partners to improve interoperability and combined warfighting capability. Our deployed submarines executed two port visits, USS MISSISSIPPI spent about a week in Yokosuka, her second visit with us during her current deployment; and USS TEXAS visited Sasebo. Additionally, USS BREMERTON is currently in Singapore for rest and replenishment.

Across the region there are many ongoing and upcoming significant events, including the Winter Olympics in Peyong Chang, Republic of Korea; the Snow Festival in Sapporo, Japan and the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration (which is today). As many of us participate and/or enjoy these events, it is fitting to remember that they would not be possible without your hard work in support of regional security and stability. A good reminder that what you do each and every day matters!

I would like to publicly recognize, once again, a few of our top performing Sailors for their tremendous contributions to the command’s highly successful 2017:

- Blue Jacket of the Year, IT3 Siani Lynn Rivera

- Junior Sailor of the Year, YN2 Shawn Daniel

- Sailor of the Year, ETR1 Devin Clements

- Junior Officer of the Year, LT Alex Turco.

Bravo Zulu Shipmates!

On 30 Jan we also had the opportunity to recognize several CSG-7 spouses for their significant contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, including: Jill Warning Caroline Turco Nana Im Erica Reed Lisa Kopacz Laura Peter Thank you for your continued support and many sacrifices!

Keep charging!

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C FAY

A NOTE FROM THE OMBUDSMAN Hello CSG-7 Families, Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Laurel and I am your command ombudsman.

As you may know, Ombudsmen are here to provide assistance to all members of the navy family, whether that is to the service member, spouse, children, parents, or siblings back home. The ombudsman is the liaison and link to the command, as well as how the Commanding Officer distributes information to those supporting our service members.

I am in regular contact with the Chief of the Boat, and the Chief of Staff. I relay the information they provide me via the CSG-7 family facebook page, and through a monthly newsletter. Any and all family members are encouraged to join the facebook page to keep up with information about command activities and events in the area.

I am here to support the commands mission as well as provide a confidential ear and friendly voice to turn to in times of need. I am not a counselor but I can provide you with resources to point you in the right direction to come to a solution.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do for you. Your questions, comments and concerns will be held in the strictest of confidence within the guidelines defined in OPNAVINST 1750.1D which is the Navy Family Ombudsman instruction. You can reach me by emailing: CSG7OMBUDSMAN@gmail.com <mailto:CSG7OMBUDSMAN@gmail.com> or by messaging CSG Seven Ombudsman on facebook. I am also available for emergencies 24 hours a day by phone at 080-6784-9059, please call before 2000 for routine information.

In other news: CFAYRoad Tax Season is approaching: -One-Stop Road Tax completion will be held at Fleet Theater on the following dates: MARCH 19-20, 22-23 and APRIL 4-6.

-Hours: 0900-1200 and 1300-1530 -“Y” and “E” plates only.

-“A” (yellow) plates and Motorcycles need to complete Road Tax off base.

-For inquiries, please contact VRO(243-5011)

Effective Immediately: 115 Trouble Line 24-hour response has been restored for housing on Main Base and Ikego. Dial DSN 115 or 243-5555, or 046-816-5555 from cell.

CFAY Town Hall with CAPT Kim will be held on the following dates: Main base: Wednesday 28 February at 1800 Ikego: Wednesday 14 March at 1800 This will be an open topic town hall, so please come prepared.

RLSO (Region Legal Service Office)VITA tax is now open in the CRC building (across from the commissary), Room 220.

Hours: 1100-1900 on Mondays and Thursdays.

Powers of Attorney can be created via the JAG Navy website and brought in to PSD for notarization. This assists in streamlining the process and allows for less wait times. Please online to get started: http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/rlso/rlso_japan.htm <http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/rlso/ rlso_japan.htm> USOUSO Rug auction held at the Officer’s Club, February 25th (Preview at 1500; Auction Starts at 1600).

COMMISSARYPresident’s Day Holiday Hours: 1000-1800 I appreciate the opportunity to serve the families of CSG7.

Very Respectfully, Laurel Simpson CSG7 Ombudsman 080-6784-9059 241-4097 Request to join our private Facebook page by clicking here <https://www.facebook.com/ groups/400358170092484/> .

Photos from Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Luncheon Jan. 30

Mississippi Visits Yokosuka for the 2nd Time during Current Deployment Story by Lt. j. g. Jordan Hamilton, USS Mississippi Public Affairs Photo by MC1 Brian G. Reynolds

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LEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan- The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Jan. 22 for a routine visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia- Pacific region.

“It is great to be back in Yokosuka,” said, Cmdr. Eric J. Rozek, commanding officer.

After two months at sea, this port visit marks Mississippi’s 2nd time in Japan during its current deployment.

“Yokosuka is a great port to visit,” said Master Chief Machinists Mate (Auxiliary Equipment) Amanuel S. McMillan, Mississippi’s Chief of the Boat. “It provides an opportunity for the crew to get some great food and take in the sights.

I am always pleased to see a port visit on the schedule so that my Sailors can get the time to call family members, shop at local stores, and relax after a long underway because they have earned it,” Mississippi is one of the most technologically advanced and stealthiest submarines in the world and is capable of fulfilling a multitude of missions. Mississippi is home ported in Pearl Harbor.

Texas Visits Sasebo During Indo-Asia-Pacific Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten, Submarine Group 7 deputy public affairs officer

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ASEBO, Japan – The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775), arrived at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Jan. 17 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The visit strengthens positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crew’s interaction with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

With a crew of approximately 150, Texas will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiencies in the latest capabilities in the submarine fleet.

Measuring 377 feet long and weighing more than 7,900 tons, Texas is capable of executing a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and shallow water operations.

Bremerton visits Singapore during Indo-Pacific Deployment Story by Lt. Pah J. Yip, Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs Officer Photo by MC2 Class Michael Lee

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INGAPORE -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) arrived in Singapore Feb. 14, 2018 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

With a crew of approximately 140, Bremerton will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. For some of the crew, this is their first time visiting Singapore.

USS Bremerton, commissioned on March 28th, 1981, is named after the city of Bremerton, Wash. It is the tenth ship of the Los Angeles-class attack submarines.

The vessel is 362-feet long, displaces 6,900 tons and can be armed with sophisticated Mark-48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

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SEAS F U N J A P A N F A C T S

ETV2 PONDEXTER

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okaido is Japan’s largest prefecture. It is the northern most (about 27 miles south of Russia) and second largest of Japan’s four main islands. Hokkaido is separated from the island Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait but is connected by an undersea railway, the Seikan Tunnel.

In the summer Hokkaido doesn’t get as humid or hot as the rest of the country. Temperatures in August usually range from 62 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit and its winters include the most snowfall and coldest temperatures in Japan, averaging from 10 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and snowfall ranging from 6 to 36 feet.

LT MORGAN

ETNCS RUSH

IT2 BROWN

MS. KOSUGE

LT McKEEN

Hokkaido isn’t as developed as the rest of the country and is mostly covered by forest. It’s rugged interior and numerous volcanic peaks, attract many outdoor lovers to its preserved landscape.

IT2 Visitors come year round to BAJET explore and enjoy Hokkaido but one of it’s most famous attractions is the Snow Festival held in its capital, Sapporo, every February.

Sapporo is Japan’s fourth largest city and became famous worldwide when it hosted the 1972 Olympic Winter Games.

The island was settled by the indigenous people of Hokkaido, before recorded history. The Japanese began settling in the 1600s but the indigenous people of Hokkaido continued to outnumber the Japanese until the 1800s.

After 1869 the island was commissioned with its current name, Hokkaido and underwent major developments.

The goal of the development commission was to secure Hokkaido before the Russians extended their control of the Far East past Vladivostok.

BZ SHIPMATES

...OF THE YEAR IT3 Siani Rivera

YN2 Shawn Daniel

Blue Jacket

Junior Sailor

From Cinnamonson, N.J.

From Richmond, VA

2 years at SUBGRU 7

2 years 7 months at SUBGRU 7

2.5 years in the Navy

6.5 years in the Navy

Loves about SUBGRU 7: “Sub community is interesting. There’s never a dull moment!”

IT3 RIVERA NAM

LT TURCO NCM

Loves about SUBGRU 7: “The best chiefs mess in the Navy!”

Loves about living in Japan: “There’s a lot to see and a lot to do.”

Loves about living in Japan: “The food is bomb here and there’s always something to do!”

LT Alex Truco Junior Officer

From West Lafayette, IN 2 years at SUBGRU 7 7 years in the Navy Loves about SUBGRU 7: “The opportunity to work with such a talented group of Sailors” Loves about living in Japan: “The people and the culture.”

IS2 LYONS NAM

IT2 FERGELEC EIWS

Outstanding 2017 Cycle 2 PRT Scores

LCDR IM LT PETER LT MOSS LT YAPTINCHAY LT TURCO ITC WILKERSON

IT1 LALAND IT1 MALLY IS1 RODRIGUEZ YNS2 FERRANTI IS2 LYONS IT3 THOMPSON ISSN FLEER

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First Class Petty Officer

Navy Honors the Contributions of African Americans during 2018 African American/Black History Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy joins the nation in celebrating the history of African American Sailors and civilians during African American/Black History Month, Feb. 1-28.

This year’s theme is “African Americans in Times of War,” which recognizes the contributions African Americans have made to the nation during times of war from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts.

ALNAV 007/18 encourages commands to participate in heritage celebrations and special observances throughout the year that honor the contributions, unique histories and cultures Navy’s diverse Sailor and civilian team.

This month’s observance has its origins in 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Dr. Woodson and the association initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as National African American/Black History Month since 1976.

“We should celebrate our unique backgrounds because each Sailor brings something different to the fight and this makes us a stronger, more lethal team,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander of the Carl Vinson Strike Group and one of Navy’s African American flag officers. The strike group is currently deployed to the Western Pacific.

African American Sailors and civilians play an integral role in the success of the Navy as part of the One Navy Team. African Americans serve in every rank from seaman to admiral and perform duties in nearly every rating in the Navy. Currently, African Americans make up 17 percent of all Navy personnel, or roughly 64,000 Sailors. This includes more than 58,000 enlisted and 5,000 officers. Further analysis shows 17 percent of E-8 and E-9 Sailors are African Americans that hold a range of leadership positions. Nearly four percent of flag officers are African American Sailors.

A breakdown by gender indicates there are currently over 45,000 African American males and more than 18,000 African American females currently serving in the Navy.

“Those serving today owe our success to the veterans who transformed our Navy into a more diverse force,” said Fuller.

According to the September 2016 “One Navy Team” memo from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John M. Richardson, actively being inclusive and open to diverse perspectives will produce leaders and teams who learn and adapt to achieve maximum possible performance, and who achieve and maintain high standards, be ready for decisive operations and combat.

Diversity also influences various thoughts, ideas, skill sets, and experiences which ultimately helps increase the effectiveness of the Navy. Integrating Sailors and civilians from diverse backgrounds enables the Navy to recruit and retain the nation’s top talent from a wide pool of skilled personnel.

The Navy supports minority youth development and encourages the pursuit of careers in science and industry through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. The Navy also partners with organizations including the National Naval Officers Association, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in support of African American service members and civilians.

A complete educational presentation, including a downloadable educational poster on African American/Black History month, can be requested from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) by email at deomipa@us.af.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

The purpose of a First Class Petty Officer (FCPOA) is to lead and shape the future leaders of tomorrow, while continuing to learn and better themselves for today’s mission. We are fully engaged deckplate Leaders who drive mission accomplishment daily. We lead adherence to the Navy standard through personal example and commitment to teaching our Sailors. We must challenge, mentor, and measure our division’s and command’s success through team performance and deckplate results.

First Class Petty Officers have the responsibly to run the day-to-day operations while allowing leadership to see the bigger picture. We lead from within and set the example for all to emulate. As First Class Petty Officers we are developing experts who learn from our Chief and train our division.

We must demand consistent procedural compliance and accuracy from ourselves and those we lead.

Submarine Group 7 First Class Petty Officer Association is committed to the whole of Sailor; including the education and guidance of all junior Sailors, enabling personal and professional growth and providing the tools necessary to be successful within the United States Navy.

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.”

Arnold H. Glasow The First Class Petty Officer Association is looking for high preforming and dedicated First Class Petty Officers to join our ranks and mold the future of CSG-7. If you would like to join the FCPOA contact any of our cabinet members or come to our weekly meeting that is held Tuesdays at 1400 in the ACR. FCPOA President – YNS1(SS) Kenneth Scowden FCPOA Vice President – ET1(SW) Hector Galvan FCPOA Secretary – ET1(AW/IW) Rex SapaSap FCPO Treasurer –IT1(IW/SW) Paul Abalos

Kenneth.Scowden@fe.navy.mil Hector.Galvan@fe.navy.mil Rex.Sapasap@fe.navy.mil Paul.Abalos@fe.navy.mil

COB’S

CORNER

Team: As always, it has been a busy and challenging time here at Group 7; every members’ contributions to our missions and objectives is thoroughly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. That said, our challenges to successful mission completion, both on our operational staff and on board our ships at sea are only going to get more complex. Ensure that we’re seeking opportunities to recharge our batteries and more importantly, watching out for one another.

As the weather steadily improves, focus on healthy stress reducers – robust PT is always a significant stress reducer, particularly with the spring PFA right around the corner. Look ahead now for occasions to take leave and enjoy the March and April cherry blossom seasons as another way to reenergize yourself and your loved ones.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available for you as you prepare your taxes. For specific information, VITA FAQ are available at http://jag.navylive.dodlive.mil or stop by the Region Legal Services Office for assistance. Don’t forget that road taxes are also coming due, the Fleet Theater hosts a one-stop shop service for these taxes March 19th through 23rd (not available March 21st) and again April 4th through 6th. Motorcyclist and holders of ‘A’ plates will need to coordinate paying taxes off-base.

Keep up the terrific works. I’m truly impressed everyday with the dedication, resourcefulness and the can-do attitude from everyone on the team. As always, reach out if you’re ever in doubt.

CMC