Team Kearsarge, Welcome to the latest issue of Landing, the official magazine of LHD-3. In the spirit of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, this issue focuses on your advocates, policy and prevention information. A 20-page magazine cannot provide all of the information regarding sexual assault and how to prevent it, but we hope we give you enough information to stop it, report it and avoid it. I am also proud to announce the launch of a monthly photo contest, a joint venture by Kearsarge MWR and the Public Affairs Office. All of the rules and requirements will be put out shortly (if they haven’t been already), but here’s some info to whet your appetite: -Each month will have a theme or requirement (i.e., angles, a certain color element or subject). -Voting will take place on Facebook by your friends and family. -Monthly prizes with a grand prize at the end of deployment. -Finalists included in this very magazine each month. -Any camera or device with camera can be used, but no filters. The photo must be representative of what can be seen with the eye. Other details are still being ironed out, but the ones above are set in stone. I don’t want to steal MWR’s thunder, but the grand prize is pretty awesome. More details to come, but get your cameras ready today. MC1(SW/FMF/AW) Chad V. Pritt Editor
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THE SAILORS OF THE YEAR ARE HERE! >> INTRODUCING THE PEOPLE YOU NEED TO BE MORE LIKE
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BEYOND THE CRIME OF SEXUAL ASSAULT >> KSG SAILORS STAND UP TO SEXUAL ASSAULT
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WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A STEEL CHEF? >> THIS AIN’T YOUR MAMA’S COOKIN’
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FLAT STANLEY GOES ON DEPLOYMENT >> DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY ENLISTS PLUSH TOY AID
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AD1 FOSTER AND BM2 GARLAND >> GIVING A VOICE TO THE VICTIMS
Landing Magazine is published bi-weekly by USS Kearsarge Public Affairs. The Commanding Officer has determined this publication operationally necessary. The use of a name of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Navy. Any opinions herein are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commanding Officer, the Department of the Navy, or the Department of Defense.
April 2013 is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and will be recognized as such throughout the Department of the Navy. No form of sexual assault is ever acceptable anywhere in the Department of the Navy. I am personally committed to a department-wide culture of gender respect where sexual assault is completely eliminated and never tolerated, where sexual assault victims receive compassionate and coordinated support, and where offenders are held accountable. Every Sailor, Marine and Department of the Navy civilian share dual responsibility of their own actions and for protecting each other from harm. Our core values demand nothing less. Our 2013 theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month is “We own it… We’ll solve it… Together” and conveys the principle that it is the duty of every Sailor, Marine, civilian and leader to combat sexual assault and support sexual assault victims. Take every report of sexual assault seriously, insist on thorough criminal investigations, and actively protect sexual assault victims from retaliation or re-victimization. Complete elimination of sexual assault is the goal. Department of the Navy victim support efforts involve hundreds of sexual assault response coordinators and thousands of victim advocates working under service operated programs in coordination with medical resources, criminal investigators, legal assistance, and command leaders. As a community, we seek to help sexual assault victims heal as individuals and succeed in their careers. I pledge to all victims of sexual assault our department-wide commitment to your support and healing. I encourage you to seek the support; your local victim advocate, uniformed victim advocate, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or civilian employee assistance specialist are excellent initial points of contact. In addition, live confidential assistance is available anywhere 24/7 from the Safe Helpline toll-free at (877) 995-5247 or by chat at www.safehelpline.org. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is an annual reminder of values and commitments we hold dear all year. I encourage you to organize or participate in local and regional events. Together, we can eliminate this crime. Nothing less is acceptable. Ray Mabus Secretary of the Navy
2011 SAPR FACTS Unrestricted reports 436 Restricted reports 174 -Service member on service member -Service member on Non-service member -Non-service member on service member -Unidentified subject on service member
Location
383 55 61 83
-On military installation 225 -Off military installation 285 -Unidentified location 72
Time of assault
-Midnight to 6 a.m. 142 -6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 25 -6 p.m. to midnight 92 -Unknown 323
Day of assault
-Monday 44 -Tuesday 34 -Wednesday 35 -Thursday 45 -Friday 73 -Saturday 105 -Sunday 84
Fleet Forces 2012 Sea, Shore Sailors of Year Navy News Stand NORFOLK – The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command announced the 2012 USFF Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony hosted by the Hampton Roads Navy League at the Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, March 27. Adm. Bill Gortney announced Electronics Technician 1st Class Cheyenne N. Shasky, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), as the 2012 Sea Sailor of the Year, and Cryptologic Technician (Networks) 1st Class Shanon N. McQueen, stationed at Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Maryland, as the Shore Sailor of the Year. “Today is a great day,” said Gortney. “Sherry (Mrs. Gortney) and I say every night that we had a ‘stay-in day’ or we had a ‘getout day.’ Some days are harder than others, but what really makes my ‘stay-in day’ is when we get to do one of two things; promote somebody and when we get to recognize excellence. And today we get to do that. Today is a ‘stay-in day.’” He congratulated all 12 candidates for their outstanding performance and the support of their family and friends. “I’d like to walk some people in the audience through the magnitude of what these Sailors – these great examples of what’s
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Rafael Martie
Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF), presents Electronics Technician 1st Class Cheyenne N. Shasky, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), with a helmsman clock after announcing her the 2012 Sea Sailor of the Year. The Chief of Naval Operations will meritoriously promote Shasky to chief petty officer in May.
right about the youth of America today – had to do to get here,” said Gortney. “For the Shore Sailor of the year within Fleet Forces Command, we have more than 19,000 Sailors and 70 commands, and these five Sailors are the professionals that have gone through the rigorous selection process to
stand before you today.” “For the Sea Sailor of the Year, these are seven out of the 52,370 Sailors of Fleet Forces Command who represent 210 sea commands,” Gortney said. “They are here not for what they did this year, but what they have done for our Navy their entire careers.”
U.S. Pacific Fleet announces Sea, Shore Sailors of the Year Navy News Stand PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – U.S. Pacific Fleet announced the selection of the 2012 Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year during a ceremony held at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki, April 12. Competing amongst 10 petty officer first class finalists, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Joseph Santos, from Saipan the largest island of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was named the 2012 Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/EXW/IDW) Cassandra Thompson, from Trinidad, was named the 2012 Pacific Fleet Shore Sailor of the Year. Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Cecil D. Haney, recognized the 10 finalists for their individual accomplishments in the
Photo courtesy of Navy.mil
Fleet and for their consistent and superior performance to reflect the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. “This is a very special day to recognize these outstanding Sailors
and their contributions to the warfighting readiness of the U.S. Pacific Fleet,” Haney said. “Their dedication, professionalism, and outstanding leadership are vital to our mission success, and we cannot thank
and congratulate them enough for their work on behalf of our Navy and our Nation.” From U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Santos will be meritoriously promoted to chief petty officer. “No words can explain the amount and different kinds of emotions are going through me right now,” said Santos. “The junior Sailors and my mentors have worked so hard and they are the reason I am here today. I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am for their support. Special thanks to my mentors, my amazing family and the Sailors and Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 24. I am more than excited to use their lessons in becoming a new deck plate leader and share my knowledge to other Sailors so they can have this experience as well.”
FBI confirms letters to Obama, others contained ricin
CNN The FBI said Thursday it confirmed the presence of the deadly poison ricin in letters sent to President Barack Obama, a U.S. senator and a judge. Earlier, an Elvis impersonator charged in the case appeared in federal court in Oxford Mississippi. During a four-minute hearing, Magistrate Judge S. Allan Alexander ordered Paul Kevin Curtis – who appeared in court with attorney Christi McCoy – to remain in custody until a grand jury issues an expected indictment
Illustration courtesy of WXOW
and a preliminary and detention hearing on April 29. In confirming the letters tested positive for ricin, the FBI said it was “not aware of any illness as a result of exposure to these letters.” Further tests were being conducted, the FBI statement said. Curtis, 45, a resident of Corinth, Mississippi, was charged with sending a threat to the president. Curtis’ attorney, Christi McCoy, told CNN in an e-mail that “Mr. Curtis vehemently denies the allegations against him.”
A criminal complaint charged Curtis with “knowingly depositing for conveyance in the mail and for delivery from any post office any letter, paper, writing or document containing threats to take the life of or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States.” The federal complaint further charges him with sending “communications addressed to other persons, and containing a threat to injure the person of others.” Curtis was to appear Friday in U.S. District Court in Oxford, Mississippi, for a detention hearing. An affidavit in support of the criminal complaint cites the mailing of envelopes containing typewritten letters and “a suspicious granular substance” to Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, the president and Sadie Holland, a Justice Court judge in Lee County, Mississippi. According to the department, all three letters were typed on yellow paper and read as follows: “No one wanted to listen to me before. There are still ‘Missing Pieces’ Maybe I have your attention now Even if that means someone must die. This must stop. To see a wrong and not expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance. I am KC and I approve this message.”
U.S. military step up presence in Jordan in light Syriacivil civil war war U.S. to steptoup presence in Jordan in light ofofSyria CNN Washington (CNN) WASHINGTON – --InIn a critical indication of growing critical indication of growing U.S. U.S. military military involvement involvement in in the the civil civil war war in in Syria, Syria, Defense Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the deployment of ordered the deployment of more American troops to more American troops to Jordan. Jordan. Hagel announced the Hagel announced the deployment, which was deployment, which first reported on CNN, was in a statement Senate first reported toonthe CNN, in Services Committee aArmed statement to the Senate on Wednesday. Armed Services Committee on He said the troops will work Wednesday. alongside forces to He said Jordanian the troops will work “improve readiness and prepare alongside Jordanian forces to for a number of scenarios.” “improve readinesswhich and prepare The troops, will for a number of scenarios.” number up to 200, are from troops, which theThe headquarters of the will 1st
Armored Division at Fort number up to 200, are Bliss, from Texas, two Defense Department the headquarters of the 1st officials CNN.at Fort Bliss, Armoredtold Division Thetwo deployment “creates Texas, Defense Department an additional capability” officials told CNN. beyond what has been there, The deployment “creates an one official said, and will give additional capability” beyond the United States the ability to what has been there, one official “potentially form a joint task said, and will give operations, the United force for military States the ability to “potentially if ordered.” form jointdeployment task force will for The a new include communications and military operations, if ordered.” intelligence The new specialists deployment who will will assistcommunications the Jordanians and include and “be ready for military action” if intelligence specialists who President Barack Obama were will assist the Jordanians and to order it, the official said. “be ready for military action” if There have been several President American Barack Obama were dozen troops, to order it, the official said. mainly special forces, in There for havethebeen Jordan pastseveral year
Photo courtesy of CNN
Syrian and Kurdish rebel fighters walk in the Sheikh Maqsud district of Aleppo on April 14.
assisting Jordanians.troops, dozen the American But special that group been mainly forces,has in Jordan very ad hoc, the official for the past year assistingsaid. the This new deployment makes Jordanians. the U.S. military presence Butofficial that group more and is has the been first very ad hoc, the official said. formalized ongoing presence
of an new American militarymakes unit This deployment in Kingdom in recent years. thethe U.S. military presence Thisofficial comes and as theis Pentagon more the first has recently reviewed military formalized ongoing presence options for Syria although of an American in Obama has not military ordered unit any to the Kingdom in recent years. be put into action.
Second annual ‘Girls Night Out’ promotes SAAPM Navy News Stand MONTEREY, Calif. – Military and civilian men and women within the Monterey community participated in a ‘Girls Night Out’ celebrating Women of Worth aboard the Presidio of Monterey (POM), April 12. The purpose of the event was to raise sexual assault awareness and prevention by helping women and men focus on the value of who they are as individuals. Topics that were stressed to those in attendance were: respect yourself by dressing appropriately, properly exercising and eating right, and providing self-defense techniques and new ideas on how to protect oneself in a hostile situation. Chief Cryptologic Technician Interpretive Stephanie McCrosky, the Center for Information Dominance Unit Monterey (CIDUM) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) victim advocate, encouraged CIDUM Sailors and other attendees to learn about the resources available to them. “Besides their [service members’] immediate chain of command, SARCs and SAPR victim advocates, service members also have the Monterey Rape Crisis Center and the sexual assault nurses available to them if they should need it,” said McCrosky. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Shaffer, the POM installation SARC, is responsible for all SAPR victim advocate training for all service branches on the installation. When speaking with sexual assault victim’s, Shaffer explains that one of the most important things victims should know is that the assault was not their fault.
“Most victims I see tend to blame themselves, as if they did something wrong, and they feel that some people are going to think they are bad,” said Shaffer. “Some victims think, ‘Well, how is this going to look on my senior’s rating or evaluation?’ So, what I ask them is, ‘What if you were walking down the street and a crazy person riding a bicycle comes by and knocks you down - are you bad? Are you guilty? Did you do anything wrong? If someone was to punch you right now, are you at fault? No, the aggressors are the ones that did something wrong and they are at fault. Were you drinking too much? Maybe, but that doesn’t mean you deserved to get raped. Nobody ever deserves to get raped, sexually assaulted or sexually harassed. It doesn’t matter what you were doing. Rape is not your fault. What you’re wearing is not a ‘yes’ to rape. What you were drinking is not a ‘yes’ to rape. The fact that you got separated from your friends is not a ‘yes’ to rape.” Air Force Capt. Elbert Laza, Air Force SARC representative aboard POM, who worked with Shaffer to put on the event, wanted to bring men and women, throughout the Department of Defense, together to raise awareness for all service branches and to give them the opportunity to learn about other supporting agencies, besides the military, that they have access to. “This event is not only to explain the SAPR program for the military,” said Laza, “but also to involve the civil community, so that they understand that if they don’t feel comfortable talking to the military, for whatever reason, they have access to resources outside the
military.” U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Chelsea Robinson from the 311th Training Squadron attended the first Girls Night Out event in 2012 and was happy to see that this year’s event was open to both men and women. “It was nice that this event was open to everyone, including friends,” said Robinson. “I think it’s really important for everyone to be aware that sexual assault is actually out there, and even if a person doesn’t see it or become a victim of sexual assault, it’s important for everyone to know where to go for help if they are ever a victim of sexual assault.” The evening consisted of door prizes, Zumba dancing, food, numerous guest speakers discussing different resources available to victims of sexual assault and personal accounts of sexual assault. In addition to the resources available to sexual assault victims, the Center for Information Dominance Unit (CIDU) Monterey conducts conversations with newly reported personnel on the Mentor’s in Violence Prevention-Navy Bystander Intervention program, which is a leadership program that focuses on preventing violence against women by encouraging Sailors to speak out when they witness an act of violence against women. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Sailor self defense course aboard USS Carter Hall Navy News Stand GULF OF ADEN – Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) participated in a self-defense course April 12 as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. According to Gunnery Sgt. Michael Connors, a self-defense course can help individuals learn how to effectively react if they are ever assaulted. “Today we’re teaching Sailors basic self defense
against an attacker,” he said. “The goal was to teach these individuals how to quickly react when surprised by an attacker and techniques the Sailors could use to fight back and get away.” Several Sailors learned how to react to a surprise attack from behind, to the sides and from in front of them using methods of self-defense. “This teaches Sailors the mindset of an attacker,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Griffith. “Understanding that you have the ability to fight
back and how to quickly react if ever an attacker were to grab you can be very powerful tool.” Sailors learned how to defend themselves using off balance techniques, joint manipulation, counter attacks and vocal methods. “It’s important to know the basics of how to defend yourself,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Magri, a command victim advocate. “These techniques could end up saving your life or give someone you know the courage to learn how to
defend themselves as well.” “The more training you have the greater the chance you have to create the opportunity to get away,” said Connors. In 2011 there were 582 reported cases of sexual assault in the Navy. Carter Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
Photo courtesy of Reuters
Boston marathon bombing suspect caught after manhunt Reuters WATERTOWN, Mass. – A 19-year-old suspected of carrying out the Boston Marathon bombings with his older brother was captured by police after a day-long manhunt on Friday that closed down the city and turned a workingclass suburb into a virtual military zone. The capture sent waves of relief and jubilation through Boston and the suburb of Watertown, where armored vehicles roamed the streets and helicopters flew overhead through the day. Residents and police officers cheered and clapped when the suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, was taken alive after a gunfight. Bleeding and in serious condition, he was admitted to a Boston hospital, a Massachusetts State Police spokesman said. It was not yet clear when he would face initial charges. Tsarnaev had been hiding in the stern of a boat parked in the backyard of a house in Watertown, police said. A resident called police after spotting blood on the boat. The brothers, ethnic Chechens who once lived in Russia, are suspected of setting off bombs made in pressure cookers and packed with ball bearings and nails at the crowded finish line of Boston Marathon, killing three
people and injuring 176. The older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was killed on Thursday night in a shootout with police less than a mile from where Friday night’s capture took place. After combing through a mass of pictures and video from the site in the minutes before the bombing, the FBI had publicized pictures of the two men on Thursday and asked the public for help in identifying them. Just hours later, events began to unfold fast with the fatal shooting of a police officer on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and finally the Watertown firefight, during which police say the brothers threw bombs at officers. Tamerlan suffered fatal wounds, while Dzhokhar escaped on foot. The brothers had not been under surveillance as possible militants, U.S. government officials said. But the FBI said in a statement on Friday that in 2011 it interviewed Tamerlan at the request of a foreign government, which it did not identify. “The request stated that it was based on information that he was a follower of radical Islam and a strong believer, and that he had changed drastically since 2010 as he
prepared to leave the United States for travel to the country’s region to join unspecified underground groups,” the FBI statement said. The matter was closed because interviews with Tamerlan and family members “did not find any terrorism activity, domestic or foreign”. The hunt for Tsarnaev emptied Boston’s streets as the city went into lockdown for most of Friday. Public transportation was suspended and air space restricted. Famous universities, including Harvard and MIT, closed after police told residents to remain at home. The hunt focused on Watertown, where police officers went door-to-door and searched houses. Two Black Hawk helicopters circled the area. SWAT teams moved through in formation. Police were alerted to Tsarnaev’s whereabouts by a Watertown resident who went outside after the order was lifted. Police moved in. “There was an exchange of gunfire, and I don’t know if he was struck,” Davis said of the suspect. Authorities, using a bullhorn, had called on the suspect to surrender but he refused to give himself up. Tsarnaev was taken into custody after authorities rushed the boat.
E
very two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Sexual assault is a crime of motive and opportunity that can broadly be described as anything from unwanted touching to rape. Victims can be male or female from any race, age or background.
“It’s a heinous crime that affects us all. We are the first line of defense for family and friends.”
“It shouldn’t be tolerated at all under any circumstances.”
“It’s not in line with the values of our Navy, nor the Chief’s mess.”
T
his month, the Navy continues its campaign to prevent sexual assault by recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and by promoting the theme of courage throughout the month. “This month is, for us, a way to amp up awareness for our Sailors and Marines so everyone knows they have options, so those who are suffering in silence may understand that there is a program with people who are there to support them and it’s not just them against the world,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Naqita Foster, a sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) advocate aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). A SAPR advocate acts as a point of contact for any victim of sexual assault. Foster describes her role as, “an advocate that doesn’t take sides because our job is to support the victim, to be there for their needs and to remind them that it’s not them against the world, because we are their support system onboard.” Most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, with most incidents taking place over the weekend or when alcohol is inovolved. Sailors who are E-1 to E-4, ages 20 to 24, are among those at the highest risk. In the event of a sexual assault, the
victim has two options for reporting the crime. If the victim chooses a restricted report, he or she may confidentially share what happened with a SAPR advocate, a medical staff member and the chaplain. In an unrestricted report, the victim may request an investigation and the SAPR advocate will notify the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, who will begin an investigation. “It’s not easy for the victims or the witnesses to go to investigations and courts martial,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Marquita Culley, the SAPR point of contact aboard Kearsarge. “Everything gets looked over like a microscope down to every little indiscretion they have, and they are re-victimized and re-live that trauma again.” The effects of a sexual assault are lasting. Victims of sexual assault are three times more likely to suffer from depression, six times more likely to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs and four times more likely to contemplate suicide. “People always associate PTSD with war-fighting and combat, but if you’re attacked, no matter where you are, either on a ship, at home or even out in the street, the victim still has to deal
“Sexual assault...a destruction of our own kind, but the power is in our hands to make the change.”
with that,” said Culley. “We want to make sure that people know that they can get help in dealing with that.” “Hurts one, affects all” is the Navy’s slogan for sexual assault prevention. “An individual has been perpetrated and wronged, and it affects all because people will take sides with maybe even the perpetrator if they’re a popular person or a Sailor who has earned a lot of recognition,” said Foster. Because a victim can be transferred from their command within 72 hours, their shipmates and co-workers have to fill that void and take on those extra responsibilities. In an effort to increase awareness about sexual assault, the Navy has conducted training for 97 percent of Sailors E-6 and below. The training includes what sexual assault is, how to guard yourself and your shipmates and how to intervene should they see someone being assaulted. The theme this year from the Department of Defense is “We own it. We’ll solve it together.” “We know that sexual assault is a crime and that it happens in our Navy, but together we are going to look out for each other and intervene when something is not right, our goal as a team is to put stop to the heinous crime of sexual assault,” said Culley.
“There’s no room for it in our society and violators should be held accountable.”
“It’s a crime that no one should ever commit.”
MC3 Karen Blankenship
A
s you walk down the passageway toward the wardroom galley, you start to hear the clamor of pots being stirred, vegetables being chopped and meat sizzling on the grill. Your mouth instantly starts to water as soon as you smell all the delicious foods. But once a month, if you peek into the galley, you won’t see the regular culinary specialists. Inside are Sailors and Marines from all different rates, ranks and jobs battling to create the tastiest dishes. This is Kearsarge’s Steel Chef competition. Each month, two three-person teams battle it out in the galley for the title and prestige to be called Steel Chefs. The competition began during Kearsarge’s last deployment in 2010. At first, several cooks competed against each other and then decided to expand the competition to include the whole ship. “The rest,” as Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Marco Phifer said, “is history.” Four teams have competed so far, and each team has entered the competition with a different strategy. “We wanted to provide a taste of our last liberty port so we chose to do Greek style food,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Clarke, a member of the Batio Broilers who competed in the second competition. “Our strategy was to take some fresh local things that we picked up back in port and prepare those in a way that we thought our judges would enjoy.” After the teams came up with a strategy, they then had to prepare for the competition. “It was kind of challenging,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Tajudeen Smith, a member of the Blue Executives who won the most recent competition. “It was not only physical preparation but also mental preparation. One thing is, when you have three people of different diversified backgrounds trying to come together as a team, initially it’s a little bit rough to come together but, as time goes by and was approaching the competition, we jelled. We came together and we came up with a plan and every one of us had a role to play.” During this deployment, Phifer said that there has been a lot of interest to compete in the competition. He already has more than 15 teams lined up and is still taking
applications for additional teams. “My goal is to give everyone who wants to, the opportunity to compete,” said Phifer. Even though a team may end up competing against a team with more experience, there is always a chance to win. “We were definitely the underdogs, but it feels really good to win,” said Lance Cpl. Mallorie Adams, a member of team No Mercy who were the winners in the first round. “Going into the competition, I had my doubts but while we were preparing and cooking, my confidence started to rise, especially when I noticed they were a little more behind than us.” Prior to each competition, Phifer reveals the secret ingredient to the teams. He said that he tries to make sure the ingredient relates to the area or ports where Kearsarge has visited. For example, the last competition was just after the port visit in Limassol, Cyprus and the secret ingredient was sage. The competitors are only limited by their imaginations. They can use anything on the ship and can even pick up local ingredients while on liberty. “I think Senior Chief Phifer, by bringing us Steel Chef has not only made a window available to the crew
and participants to see what being a CS is is like; having to deal with substitute ingredients or lack of ingredients, time management, presentation and deadlines; he has swung open the oven door and let them feel the heat!� said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Ronald Mills, a member of Safety Ates who competed in the first competition. After the cooking has ended, the dishes are then judged and enjoyed by various guest judges each month. The judging is based on a points system, so even if a team doesn’t win the monthly competition, they still have a chance to stay in the competition and compete in the final cook offs. Phifer said that each month’s winners received an autographed Steel Chef jacket, signed by the senior members of the judging panel. The grand prize for the winning team will be announced closer to the end of deployment and, as a consolation prize, the team in second place will receive a professional knife set. Next month, Los Conquistadors and the S-5 Kings will meet in the galley to find out who will be the next Steel Chef.
Cpl Kyle N. Runnels 26th MEU Public Affairs Small, joyous and colorful stuffed animals and toys are appearing all over the world in the most unusual and exotic places due to a handful of Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit adopting the idea of the Flat Stanley Project. The idea helps the Marines keep connected to their friends, families and loved ones during their 2013 deployment. Flat Stanley is a book written by Jeff Brown in 1964. The main character, Stanley Lambchop, is flattened during his sleep by a fallen bulletin board. He takes advantage of his paper-thin state and begins traveling by mailing himself to his friends. “My best friend that lives in Utah has four children, and I wanted to have a way to involve them in the deployment,” said Capt. Jared D. Blake, 26th MEU assistant communications officer from Montevallo, Ala. “They are curious about what I do in the Marine Corps and where ‘Uncle Blake,’ as they call me, goes on trips. I suggested that my friend have them color some Flat Stanleys since they are small and can be taken anywhere. Each one of his children selected a Flat Stanley, colored it for me and sent them to me in the mail. I laminated them all so that they will last the whole deployment.” According to www.flatstanley.com, Dale Hubert began the Flat Stanley Project in 1994 where students would craft their own Flat Stanley cut-outs and mail them to other participating classrooms around the world where the recipients would take pictures
with the crafts and then exchange the photographs. Through this project, children are exposed to different cultures and lifestyles. In a more popular turn of events, a new trend is taking the Flat Stanley idea and making it more personal by using sentimental objects. “This allows me to show my son a little glimpse of what I am doing,” said Cpl. Christopher Q. Stone, a Myrtle Beach, S.C., native, and combat cameraman assigned to the 26th MEU. “I take an Elmo stuffed animal with me wherever I go and take photographs of him whenever I get the opportunity. It helps my son understand, or at least see, what I am doing and he knows I am somewhere out there, and I am not absent from his life. This helps keep a bridge between us in our lives.” “Since I have his toy he knows I have to come back, sooner or later.” ~Gunnery Sgt. Michael Kropiewnicki
“I do this to keep my son involved,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Kropiewnicki, 26th MEU combat camera chief, and Queens, N.Y., native. “He is only four years old, so it is hard to communicate with him when I say ‘daddy is going away or mommy is going away for a long time.’ It is easier to incorporate what I say with photographs and video to keep that bond. It is nice for them to see their favorite characters running around with mom or dad in all these foreign places in the world.”
Bringing a toy that a child easily recognizes helps keep a connection between a deployed parent and child, helping the youth understand their parents time away from home. “I took my son to see the USS North Carolina,” said Kropiewnicki. “I told him I was going to be on a ship like that so he thinks I am off with the Marines in faraway lands fighting pirates. He chose a Jake the Pirate toy for me so it fits the theme of daddy going away.” The Marines who participate have different ideas on what they want to do with the pictures. Some are immediately displaying the photos while others have bigger plans when they get home. “Right now I have an album on Facebook where I post all the pictures,” said Stone. “I plan on making a book when I get back for my son. With each picture I will incorporate a lesson on the area I was in when I took the photo. For instance, I can give a brief lesson on diving for the photos I took with Elmo underwater at Souda Bay.” “When taking the photographs I usually like to do two things,” said Kropiewnicki. “I like to take portraits or do a ‘Where’s Waldo.’ The Jake the Pirate toy I have is pretty small so I can hide it somewhere in the photograph and make a game out of it. When my son only sees Jake he thinks it is the greatest thing ever. When he only sees me in the picture he says ‘daddy is being silly,’ but when he sees Jake and I together in the photographs he knows I am out there working, and since I have his toy, he knows I have to come back, sooner or later.”
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and have an interview with two of the command’s sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) advocates. Since April is sexual assault awareness and prevention month, our conversation was solely to inform you and help you understand how to deal with this matter. After speaking with these two Shipmates, I found out that they are truly passionate about this issue and I feel confident that they will help out any Sailor who needs the help!
AD1 (AW/SW) Naquita Foster Hometown: Pickering, La. Time in the Navy: 11 years Occupation: Aviation Machinist’s Mate. BM2 (SW/AW) Marshannon Garland Hometown: Clearwater, Fla. Time in the Navy: 7 years Occupation: Boatswain’s Mate.
JV: So, how long have you been an advocate? NF: I have been a SAPR advocate for the past 6 years. MG: I’ve been an advocate for 8 months now. JV: OK, so what inspired you to become an advocate? MG: Um, for me it was just from past experiences, both personal and close friends and family. NF: There are times throughout our lives where things happen and where you wish to have that person or somebody to fall back on and lean on, and I think that is what ultimately made me want to become a SAPR advocate.
Family services. Outside of those people, if there is anyone else who gets the privilege of knowing, it’s no longer restricted and becomes unrestricted. For example, If I were to go to my chief and say, “hey I think something happened” then my chief is not in that circle of trust so therefore it’s unrestricted. JV: So, then from experience, would you say that most people would rather report restricted opposed to unrestricted? MG: From experience, I find that most people tend to go restricted because they are afraid of it, you know, their business getting out and afraid of their identity being revealed, details of the case and embarrassment. So just all of the above.
JV: Is it more common for a male to not report a case compared to a female? NF: Statistically, females tend to report incidents more. The stigmas and stereotypes that are placed on a man if he was sexually assaulted, automatically someone may say JV: In your own words, what is the he is homosexual. That may not difference between restricted be the case and if he is why does it and unrestricted reporting? matter. If he was assaulted it was NF: The main difference with wrong regardless of their sexual restricted and unrestricted preference. What’s wrong is wrong. reporting is the notifications that MG: I absolutely think so. I think are made if you decide to report. If because of how society perceives you choose to go restricted, you’re them, males are very hesitant to still entitled to medical help, and you say something. I think a lot has to still have that backing and support do with pride as well. from your advocate. I encourage anyone who was assaulted in any JV: Do you think some people hold way to report the incident so you off on reporting a case? can get the help. NF: Yeah, some people do hold back MG: Restricted reporting is on reporting. I think society has restricted to only a handful of something to do with that. I can see individuals that includes the it. And that’s the same case with chaplain, medical, SAPR advocate woman as well who choose not to of course and also the SARCs which report. Society has a big play on that. are the ones located at Fleet and MG: Yes. I definitely think so. People
are afraid to report it, they are afraid of getting someone in trouble. Even bystanders, they see something happen and they don’t want to get involved. JV: So you mentioned bystander intervention. How big of a role does that play? MG: That’s very big and I think that if it happened a lot more often, then a lot of cases would not have happened or gone as far as they did if people would step in and prevent it. JV: So if something were to happen on the ship, would the victim and the accused be separated? MG: The victim has the option to be removed from the command. So they have a choice and they have to voice that. Then the command has a certain amount of time to make it happen. JV: OK, so if a Sailor approached you and wanted to report an incident, what would be the process that would take place in that situation? NF: First off, I’m going to make sure that the Sailor is ok. I’ve been doing this for a while so I know that I must make the individual feel comfortable. We need to take care of basic necessities first. MG: The Sailor came directly to where they’re supposed to go to, a SAPR advocate. From there I would take them to medical and get them checked out to make sure everything is ok. Then I would assist them to the chaplain. There would also be a form to fill out saying that they want the report to be restricted or unrestricted. From there, they get counseling services. Then my role as a SAPR advocate would be to become their closest point of comfort. I will be there solely for that Sailor.
Matt Harrison likely out thru all star break CNN ARLINGTON, Texas – Matt Harrison, the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers, will have back surgery on Tuesday to repair a herniated disk and is likely out until after the All-Star break. Harrison, who hasn’t pitched in two weeks, was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of an inflamed nerve in his back. He was hopeful treatment and two epidural injections would get him back on the mound. They didn’t work. “Any time you have an injury, it’s frustrating,” Harrison said. “[The surgery] was the last resort to get it right. Hopefully, this works. I have to do what I have to do to get through it.” The Rangers will turn to rookie right-hander Justin Grimm. Grimm will make his fourth career start Sunday against the Seattle Mariners. He went four innings in his first start this season, allowing two runs
on five hits April 11 at Seattle. Another rookie, Nick Tepesch, is scheduled to make his third major league start Saturday. Tepesch was brilliant in his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing one run in 7 1/3 innings. He pitched into the sixth inning Sunday in Seattle, allowing four earned runs. “That’s where we have them now [in the rotation],” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “It’s important that they pitch well.” Harrison said he felt pain down to his foot after running recently. Before that, the pain and numbness had gone only down to his left knee. He had his second injection last weekend. The Rangers were hopeful Harrison could work through a rehabilitation program to improve his back, but once the injection wore off, the numbness started going down his left foot, Harrison said Friday. Harrison went to get a second
Photo courtesy of CNN
opinion from Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles, returning Thursday to see Rangers spine specialist Dr. Drew Dossett. “The symptoms are not reacting or responding the way we hoped they would to the injections,” said Rangers general manager Jon Daniels. “We’ll have a better idea on the timetable after the surgery.”
Daniels said the percentages on this type of surgery are very good. Harrison is confident he can return this season. He’s had surgery before for thoracic outlet syndrome in 2009, and has won 34 games the past two seasons. “I know what I have to do to get back,” Harrison said. “That’s one thing I have on my side.”
Derek Jeter disappointed CNN TAMPA, Fla. – Not wearing a boot and walking without a limp, Derek Jeter spent 45 minutes at the Yankees’ training complex Friday while he awaits more rehab for another ankle injury. The 38-year-old shortstop was wearing sneakers when he left the minor league facility, where he talked with the training staff. When asked about his disappointment, he said: “Of course.” Jeter plans to fully address his latest injury in New York next week when the Yankees return from a road trip that ends Wednesday night at Tampa Bay. The New York captain learned Thursday he had fractured his left ankle for a second time in six months. The team expects Jeter to resume rehab when the new crack heals, in four to eight weeks. Surgery will not be required. He is expected to return after the All-Star break. Jeter was hurt last Oct. 13 in the AL championship series opener against Detroit. He was limited to five spring training games and 11 at-bats. When the team left spring training he stayed behind
for rehabilitation in Tampa. After three straight days of workouts, Jeter went to Charlotte, N.C., and was examined Thursday by Dr. Robert Anderson, who operated on him last Oct. 20. Jeter said he will have a follow-up visit with Anderson. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly maintained the 13-time AllStar should be able to return to his previous level of play. “Clearly he hasn’t done anything wrong,” he said. “He was cleared to play.” Cashman stressed this is “a new fracture, but a small one. “That’s, I guess, the only good part. They kept saying the word ‘small.’” Jeter is among four regulars missing from the Yankees’ lineup, a group that totals 32 All-Star appearances. The defending AL East champions are 8-6 after Thursday’s loss. Outfielder Curtis Granderson broke his right forearm when hit by a pitch from Toronto’s J.A. Happ in his first at-bat of spring training on Feb. 24 and is expected back next month. When asked Friday when he will be able to start swinging a bat, he said, “hopefully soon.”
Derek Jeter
#2 SS Bats: R, Throws: R New York Yankees Birth Date: June 26, 1974 (Age: 38) Birthplace: Pequannock, NJ Experience: 18 years College: None Ht/Wt: 6-3, 195 lbs. Career AVG HR .313 255
RBI OBP 1254 .382
STANDINGS ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE W
L
5 4 2 1
0 1 2 3
CENTRAL 1. Chicago 2. Iowa 3. San Antonio
3 2 1
2 3 3
AMERICAN CONFERENCE SOUTH 1 . Jacksonville 2. Tampa Bay 3. New Orleans 4. Orlando
5 3 1 0
0 2 3 4
EAST 1. Philadelphia 2. Cleveland 3. Pittsburgh
2 1 1
2 3 3
EASTERN CONFERENCE 1 . Miami 2. New York 3. Indiana 4. Brooklyn 5. Chicago 6. Atlanta 7. Boston 8. Milwaukee 9. Philadelphia 10. Toronto 11. Detroit 12. Washington 13. Cleveland 14. Charlotte 15. Orlando
W 66 54 49 49 45 44 41 38 34 34 29 29 24 21 20
L 16 28 32 33 37 38 40 44 48 48 53 53 58 61 62
WESTERN CONFERENCE 1. Oklahoma City 2. San Antonio 3. Denver 4. LA Clippers 5. Memphis 6. Golden State 7. LA Lakers 8. Houston 9. Utah 1 0. Dallas 11. Portland 12. Minnesota 13. Sacramento 14. New Orleans 15. Phoenix
60 58 57 56 56 47 45 45 43 41 33 31 28 27 25
22 24 25 26 26 35 37 37 39 41 49 51 54 55 57
NATIONAL CONFERENCE WEST 1 . Spokane 2. Arizona 3. San Jose 4. Utah
Photo courtesy of ESPN
Phil Jackson reportedly wants to return to NBA in coaching or executive role ESPN Phil Jackson may never be the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers again, but he’s reportedly nearing a return to the NBA. According to a report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein, Jackson, who retired as the Lakers coach after the 2010-11 season, is “itching” to make a comeback. That doesn’t necessarily mean a return to coaching, though, as Jackson is reportedly intrigued by working in an NBA front office for the first time in his career. The legendary coach has won a record 11 NBA championships in his 20-year coaching career with the Lakers and Bulls, having never finished below the .500 mark or missed the playoffs. That astounding record of success and his ability to handle difficult personalities—from Michael Jordan to Dennis Rodman to Kobe Bryant and more—make him a top candidate for any opening across the league. In fact, Jackson very publicly was on the precipice of a return to the bench during the 2012-13 NBA season. When the Lakers fired Mike Brown after a 1-4 start, Los Angeles team executives made Jackson their top initial priority. He met with general manager Mitch Kupchak and executive vice president Jim Buss
about the opening and seemingly had the job if he wanted it. However, in a surprise move the Lakers passed over Jackson in favor of Mike D’Antoni. The decision drew the ire of many Lakers fans, who later exposed their displeasure with the decision by chanting “We Want Phil” at Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey retirement ceremony in April. Jackson was also sought after for the Brooklyn Nets’ opening, which eventually went to P.J. Carlesimo on an interim basis. While it’s not yet known if Carlesimo will return to Brooklyn full time, this report will undoubtedly spark the Nets’ and plenty of other teams’ interest. Jackson is arguably the best coach in league history, a bastion of brilliance in dealing with the modern NBA player. By sheer virtue of his name alone, Jackson turns a middling contender into a team with NBA Finals consideration. It’s questionable at 67 years old and after battling health concerns late in his coaching career whether Jackson will ultimately pull the trigger on a return. Jackson isn’t the type to bite on every opportunity; it has to be the right fit. But you can bet over the coming weeks and months plenty of NBA owners will try to convince the Zen Master their city is right for one last championship run.
NBA
PLAYOFFS EAST 1. Miami vs. 8. Milwaukee (MIA leads 1-0) 2. New York vs. 7. Boston (NYK leads 1-0) 3. Indiana vs. 6. Atlanta (IND leads 1-0) 4. Brooklyn vs. 5. Chicago (BKN leads 1-0) WEST 1. Oklahoma City vs. 8. Houston (OKC leads 1-0) 2. San Antonio vs. 7. LA Lakers (SAS leads 1-0) 3. Denver vs. 6. Golden State (DEN leads 1-0) 4. LA Clippers vs. 5. Memphis (LAC leads 1-0)
HURTS ONE. AFFECTS ALL.
NO SAILOR STANDS WATCH ALONE So we got our friend away from that guy pushing drinks.
PREVENTING SEXUAL ASSAULT IS EVERYONE’S DUTY. Your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC):