January 30, 2014 - Skywriter

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer

You’ve Got Mail See Page 4

NIPPI Repairs See Page 5

Battle Time See Page 6

The NAFAtsugi Spolight

Greg Kuntz Editor -in-Chief

MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

Skywriter Staff MC2 Kegan Kay PS3 Vivian Blakley MC3 Ryan G. Greene Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki Contributors

MWR Marketing Fleet and Family Support Center Commissary Public Affairs Navy Exchange Public Affairs NAF Atsugi Tenant Commands

We want to spotlight people who are doing good things for NAF Atsugi, if you have someone you’d like to recommend or to submit a photo, please e-mail: at-pao@fe.navy.mil Or click the links below!

Click the images to watch the videos!

In the Japanese culture, people are considered adults at age 20. More than 22 thousand local 20 year-olds gathered at Yokohama Arena to participate in the city’s annual Seijin no Hi, or Coming of Age ceremony.

Captain’s Call is a weekly broadcast. This week’s show featured special guest Yeoman 2nd Class Christopher L. O’Neal from VRC 30 Det. 5.

-2-

ON THE COVER: Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Justin Nixon, of HSM 77, conducts maintenance inside the tail frame of a MH 60R Seahawk helicopter.

HSM-77 is part of Carrier Air Wing FIVE and responsible for maritime security operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kegan Kay.

Adm. Gortney Unveils New Optimized Fleet Response Plan Story by Defense Media Activity U.S. Navy Public Affairs Office

The Navy’s new Optimized Fleet Response Plan (O-FRP) was unveiled in a keynote address delivered at the 26th Annual Surface Navy Association National Symposium in Crystal City, Va., Jan. 15.

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Bill Gortney explained the changes to the new O-FRP, addressing Quality of Service and blending both Quality of Work and Quality of Life efforts by providing stability and predictability to deployment schedules over a 36 month O-FRP cycle. One of the highlights from his address was the Navy’s efforts to lock in eight month deployment schedules for Sailors. These changes are intended to return a sense of normalcy to a Sailor’s schedule by evening out the Sailor’s family life and increasing retention rates and Quality of Work for their command.

“What’s happened here is that over time ... we lost predictability in the way we generate readiness,” said Gortney.

His address began by naming the problems with the current Fleet Response Plan, placing an emphasis on readiness through training.

“It doesn’t matter how good the stuff is if people aren’t there and they aren’t properly trained,” said Gortney. “Not only do they need to be on the ship ... they have to be there at the right time. If they show up after the training occurs just

before deployment it’s not going to work.”

The plan aims to streamline predeployment inspection requirements and increase readiness by putting all the members of a strike group on the same maintenance and deployment schedule. Starting in fiscal year 15, all required maintenance, training, evaluations and single eight-month deployment will be efficiently scheduled throughout the cycle in such a manner to drive down costs and increase overall fleet readiness.

“The band is put together at the beginning of the maintenance period,” said Gortney. “It’s underneath a single chain of command for that entire 3-year period. It’s got a stable maintenance plan.”

The plan puts a strong emphasis on training crews correctly.

“We’re going to be training a lot of ships at the same time through that -3-

Photo by Capt. Jane Campbell

cycle,” said Gortney. “A resource they need is trainers. We have to synchronize it so the trainers are there and everyone gets their reps and sets with the proper oversight that happens to be there and they’re assessed at the right time.”

The O-FRP is set to roll out implementation in 2014 with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group after its current deployment.

It will initially be focused on Carrier Strike Groups and eventually will roll out to all U.S. Navy assets from the ARG/MEU to submarines and expeditionary forces.

The Surface Navy Association was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business and academic communities who share a common interest in Naval Surface Warfare and to support the activities of Surface Naval Forces.

You’ve

Got Mail

Photos by PS3 Vivian Blakley

“Through wind and rain, sleet or snow . . .” These Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka Sailors participate in a latenight offloading of mail for NAF Atsugi’s community and personnel. Usually done in the mornings six days a week, this offloading was done at night by a seasonal night crew due to the heavy holiday deliveries.

The process of offloading includes scanning the newly arrived mail, separating it between commands and then distributing it to their proper boxes and mail bags. An average package load can weigh approximately 2,000 pounds and can take one to five hours to sort. But rest assured, these Sailors will do their best to deliver the mail, night or day.

-4-

NIPPI Takes Growler Under Wing Story by MC3 Ryan G. Greene NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific (FRCWP) recently inducted its first EA-18G Growler aircraft at NIPPI Corporation’s repair facility in Yamato, Japan.

The aircraft, which is flown by Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 Shadowhawks, is the first EA 18G inducted for scheduled depot level maintenance outside the United States, a first for NIPPI and FRCWP, said U.S. Government Program Aircraft Maintenance Division Assistant Manager Ide Takashi.

“By having a depot level repair facility so close to the base, we’re able to save both time and money by not having to take the planes back stateside for repairs,” said Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific Production Officer Lt. Cmdr. Terence Mejos. “These types of contracts require a lot of work, and it’s good to see all that work now bearing fruit.”

There are three levels of aviation maintenance: O-level where small

fixes and repairs can be made to the aircraft by squadron personnel, intermediate maintenance which includes streamlined parts like engines and landing gear, and depot level maintenance which repairs whole systems.

Because of its proximity to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi NIPPI has been the primary provider of depot level maintenance for the U.S. Navy in Japan since the 1950’s.

Though this is the first time the EA-18G has undergone scheduled depot-level maintenance in Japan, it is not new to the Fleet. The Growler was first tested in 2004, flying first in 2006 with five squadrons being declared ready and fit for flight in 2010.

The Shadowhawks were the first operational EA-18G Growler squadron to be rotated outside of the United States to 7th Fleet.

The Growler is based on the Fighter Attack (F/A) 18 airframe to help reduce cost of parts and labor for upcoming models, said Integrated Maintenance Concept

-5-

Manager Scott Davis. This means that our Sailors will have more planes to fly and less down time while the planes are being overhauled.

“In 2013 it took roughly 200 days for some older model aircraft to be turned over to NIPPI and returned to the squadron, however, for the EA-18G it’s expected to take less than 45 days,” said Davis. “This reduction in time has huge benefits for both the efficiency of the squadron and money saved for the Navy.”

Because of this type of interoperability, Takashi feels the U.S. and Japanese governments are able to strengthen ties through their work in aviation maintenance.

“Working on these aircraft is a great chance for us to be able to interact with our American counterparts across the fence,” said Takashi. “It truly has been a privilege to work alongside the American military, and it is something I will always be proud of having the chance to do here at NIPPI.”

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

-6-

-7-

Fleet and Family Support Center Monthly Calendar 3 AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

10 AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Higher Education Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Premarital Seminar: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (TBD)

4 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Higher Education Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Anger Managment: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) 10 Steps to Federal Employment: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220)

11

17 U.S. Federal Holiday: Presidents Day

24

5

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Anger Managment: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)

12

18 NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Anger Managment: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)

25

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) CONSEP 1st Term Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Anger Managment: 1:30 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room)

3

4

26 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) CONSEP 1st Term Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

5

7 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129/217) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216)

ICR: 8 - 9 a.m. (129)

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129/217)

Spouse Orientation: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Navy Lodge)

14

13

Resume Writing: 9:45 - 11:45 a.m. (216) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) Planning Your Retirement: 1 - 2 p.m. ( 129)

19 Sponsorship Class: 9 - 11 a.m. (216) NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) DV VA Refresher Training: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Conf Rm)

AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) CONSEP 1st Term Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Military Saves Week: 24th - 28th of Feb.

6 ICR: 8 - 9 a.m. p.m. (129) GPS/TAP Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) How to Manage Your Credit: 1 - 2 p.m. ( 129)

20

Savings and Investings: 1 - 2 p.m. (129) Washi Craft Class: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.(129) Ombudsman Assembly Meeting: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (216)

27

ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) CONSEP 1st Term Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Conv. Japanese Class: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (217)

6

21 No Classes Scheduled for this day.

28 ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129)

7

Voting Best of the Pacific Vote for your favorite places in the Pacific Theater restaurants, travel destinations, on-base services, and more – and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $300, $200 or $100 Exchange gift card!

This is your chance to recognize all of those great places you’ve found that have helped make your

experience in the Pacific a memorable one. You can even make a comment with your votes to tell us why you selected those places, and we may feature your comments in the Stripes 2014 Best of the Pacific magazine or on one of our Stripes community websites. Check it out here!

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Promotion open to U.S.Government ID cardholders or authorized dependents, see the official rules. Winner will be selected at random from all qualified entries.

-8-

NAF Atsugi To Offer VITA Tax Services Story by MC2 Sean Hurt All Hands Magazine

Tax time can be a stressful and confusing time. With credits, deductions, itemizing, returns and a federal tax code spanning more than 70 thousand pages, it can be a daunting task for any Sailor to navigate. Follow these helpful hints to ensure your tax season goes smoothly.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Centers: There are two types of Navy Tax Assistance Centers (TACs). The first type is operated by Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) and administered by JAG Corps personnel. The second type of sites are called “fleet sites,” which operate independently of the JAG Corps at shipboard or remote sites and are run by fleet commands or support centers.

For tax year 2013, NLSC sites will completely transition to the self-service model. This allows customers to prepare their own returns using free, online programs on TAC computers with assistance from trained volunteers. Full-service VITA services, where volunteers specifically prepare individual returns, will no longer be offered at NLSC-operated sites. Fleet sites may choose to offer self-service tax assistance, run a full-service VITA site, or provide a combination of both.

You can find your local Tax Assistance Center by clicking here.

Same-Sex Marriage: This year is the first time same-sex partners will be eligible to file joint federal returns. Some states may also allow joint filing. The U.S. Department of Treasury has announced that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes, regardless

of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage. This means legally-married same-sex couples must file their 2013 federal income tax return using either the “married filing jointly” or “married filing separately” filing status. For state returns, the rules and requirements will vary by state.

For guidance on filing state returns, the State Tax Guide can be used as a reference. The updated version for tax year 2013 will be available in February and posted here.

Predatory Lending: Beware of Refund Anticipation Loans! Short-term loans are not covered by the same laws governing most loans. This means lenders can charge anywhere from 50 to more than 700 percent! Plus, if you get a smaller return than you anticipated, you still have to pay back the initial amount you were loaned, along with your interest! Some common examples of these loans are “use your loan as a down payment” sales at auto dealerships, rent-to-own electronics and furniture stores, and “cash-inhand” tax filing centers.

Deferral of Tax Payment: If you are a member of the Armed Forces, you may qualify to defer payment of income tax that becomes due before or during your military service. To qualify, you must be performing military service, and notify the Internal Revenue Service that your ability to pay the income tax has been materially affected by your military service. You will then be allowed up to 180 days after termination or release from military service to pay the tax. If you pay the tax in full by the end of the deferral period, you will not be charged interest or penalty for that period.

Tax Tips for Newlyweds:

-9-

Social Security Information: It is important the names and the Social Security Numbers that you place on your tax return exactly match the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) records. The SSA updates the IRS database every 10 - 15 days.

Therefore, report a name change to your SSA as soon as possible for all changes to be made prior to tax season. To do so, file form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. Additionally, notify your employer and all of your financial institutions of your name change. This will ensure that your information at tax time is reported to you correctly.

Changes in Withholdings: If you and your spouse are both employed, you may want to estimate and review your Federal and State payroll withholdings. Your combined incomes may move you to a higher tax bracket. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool at the IRS.gov website to help you complete a new W-4.

Change in Filing Status: If you are married as of Dec 31, you are considered married for tax purposes for the entire calendar/tax year. You may choose to file a Married Filing Joint return, which is generally the most beneficial, or you can file a Married Filing Separately return.

You may want to calculate your taxes both ways to determine which is most advantageous for your family.

Change in Standard or Itemized Deductions: If you did not qualify to itemize deductions before you were married, that may have changed. You and your spouse may save money by itemizing rather than taking the standard deduction on your tax return. You will need to use tax return form 1040 when filing and complete a “Schedule A” that details the itemized deductions.

NAF Atsugi

Morale, Welfare, & Recreation

Ranger & Halsey Hours: Sunday & Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Liberty Center Hours: Sunday & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - Midnight

Superbowl Bash

Join us at the ACC on Mon, Feb 3 to enjoy the big game!

Everyone is welcome and you can watch for free, but for $5 you’ll be invited to enjoy breakfast, lunch and entry into the drawings and contests. We’ll open the doors at 6:30 a.m. and kick off is at 8:15!

Valentines Day Dinner There will be a Valentines Day dinner served at the NAF Atsugi Golf Course starting at 5 p.m. There will be a four course meal served consisting of an appetizer, soup, main course and dessert. There will be wine, coffee, and tea served.

The cost is $32.95 per person and you can reserve your seat today by calling MWR at 264 - 3572

Cupid’s Red Pin Bowling

Friday Feburary 14 there will be a special red pin bowling offered at the Atsugi Lanes from 11 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.

Whichever lucky bowler throws a strike when the head pin is red will receive a free game! Begining at 8 p.m. the bowling alley will be changed over to cosmic bowling! There will also be game and shoe rental discounts all day!

-10-

NAF Atsugi Navy Exchange Main & Home Store Hours: Sunday & Holidays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Minimart Store Hours: Sunday & holidays: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Monday - Saturday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Navy Exchange to Offer Online Payment Option for School Lunches

Story courtesy of NAF Atsugi NEX

NEXCOM Public Affairs

Navy Exchanges (NEX) in Atsugi, Sasebo and Yokosuka, Japan, now offer parents and guardians the convenience of making secure, cashless payments online for their children’s school meals through MyPaymentsPlus, an online payment system that also offers mobile apps for smartphones and tablets.

“MyPaymentsPlus gives our students and their families a secure and convenient system to manage their child’s pre-paid school lunch account 24/7,” said Dave Ensor, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM)

District Vice President, Japan.

“We look forward to providing this new service to families within the community, and hope to help make the lives of busy parents a little simpler.”

Starting in February 2014, with MyPaymentsPlus, parents can: Manage their child’s Horizon pre-paid school lunch account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check account balances and receive reminders and email notifications when an account balance is low. See what food selections their children are making in the cafeteria to help instill healthy eating habits while at school. Securely make one-time payments or auto-payments via -11-

Screenshot courtesy of NEXCOM

a MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit or debit card* for meals through MyPaymentsPlus.com, as well as the MyPaymentsPlus app for Apple iOS and Android devices (*transaction fees apply).

Parents will still be able to add money at no charge to their child’s account by visiting the NEX. For more information or to set up an account, visit the NEX Cash Cage or Customer Service with your child’s DoDEA student ID number, found on a report card or transcript.

Be sure to click here to check out the Navy Exchange page online!

For more information head to the NEX!