May 8, 2014 - Skywriter

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer

Greg Kuntz Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Club Trilogy Renovations

NAF Atsugi Spring Festival

Courtney Pollock Editor -in-Chief MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

Skywriter Staff MC2 Kegan Kay 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

Remembering Dr. Jo

Let's Learn

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

Important phrases to know when you head out the gate:

I’m planning on taking leave this summer.

Kotoshino nastu ni kyuuka o toru tsumori desu.

Mada wakari masen ga, tabun, amerika ni iku to omoi masu.

Where are you going?

Doko ni iku yotei desu ka?

Where are you from?

Anata no shusshin wa doko desu ka?

I don’t know yet, but maybe back to the States.

I’m from Houston, Texas.

Tekisasu-shu, hyu-suton no shusshin desu.

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ON THE COVER

Lt. j.g. Cary Lawson, of HSM 51, poses for a photo with local Japanese guests during the annual NAF Atsugi Spring Festival. The event included food, entertainment, and sales of memorabilia from the tenant squadrons of NAF Atsugi. Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Japan Think Tank Visits George Washington

Photo by MCSN Brian Sloan

Story by MCSA Oscar Albert Moreno Jr. USS George Washington

The Japan Society for Security and Crisis Management (JSSCM) visited the U.S. Navy’s forwarddeployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), April 30.

The purpose of JSSCM is to deepen the research about national security and crisis management, and to nourish competent personnel and send such personnel to universities, organizations, and local municipal governments.

They conduct educational seminars four times a year, give consultation, support public qualification for National security and crisis management, research, and others.

“We try to visit all U.S. military stationed in Japan to attain

knowledge from everyone,” said Tatemi Tsukui, director of plans, JSSCM. “This is our second military base; our first visit was at Yokota Air Base.”

The group was given a comprehensive tour of the ship’s hangar bay, flight deck, and navigation bridge, and discussed how the George Washington Strike Group contributes to the defense of Japan and its regional partners.

“The ship was much bigger than I expected,” said Hiroyoshi Ishizu, a JSSCM member. “I felt that I needed special training just to go on this tour.”

The JSSCM will pass along the information attained from this tour to the Japanese public to give its citizens a better awareness of national security.

“We are grateful that the U.S. 3

Navy and George Washington are here in Japan,” said Ishizu.

Future plans for the group include a visit to a U.S. Army base for a broader viewpoint of the U.S. military in Japan.

“We had numerous people who wanted to visit George Washington; however, we had to limit attendees due to space limitations,” said Tsukui. “Every part of this tour was amazing; my only regret is that I wish I had more time.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combatready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73) click here.

23 Nations to Participate in World’s Largest Maritime Exercise

Photo by MCCS Joe Kane

Story by U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs Pentagon

Twenty-three nations, 47 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Hosted by U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2014 will be led by U.S. Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd, commander of the U.S. Third Fleet (C3F), who will serve as the Combined Task Force (CTF) Commander. Royal Australian Navy Rear Adm. Simon Cullen will serve as deputy commander of the CTF, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Yasuki Nakahata as the vice

commander. Other key leaders of the multinational force will include Rear Adm. Gilles Couturier of the Royal Canadian Navy, who will command the maritime component, Air Commodore Chris Westwood of the Royal Australian Air Force, who will command the air component, and Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard Simcock, who will command the land component.

RIMPAC 2014 will also include a special operations component for the first time, to be led by U.S. Navy Capt. William Stevens.

Two nations, Brunei and the People’s Republic of China, will participate in RIMPAC for the first time in 2014.

Also new at RIMPAC this year are two hospital ships, USNS Mercy and PLA (N) Peace Ark which will participate in the exercise.

The theme of RIMPAC 2014 is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.”

The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime 4

security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training syllabus includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises as well as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Details of RIMPAC activities and imagery are available here.

Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the C3F Public Affairs officer at (619) 7674387. Contact information for the RIMPAC Combined Information Bureau will be made available prior to the beginning of the exercise.

NAFA Club Trilogy Receives $3.3 Million in Renovations Story by MC3 Ryan G. Greene NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Public Works Department began a $3.3 million overhaul of Club Trilogy in December 2013, expecting for it to open within the next calendar year.

According to the Club’s Facebook page, the establishment was originally created in 1993 as a way to allow junior Sailors to drink and enjoy their off time responsibly on-base.

Since the facility began operations more than 20 years ago it’s been a hub of activities for junior Sailors.

Trilogy has also hosted many concerts over the years, most recently Far East Movement, boasting crowds of more than 200 people.

The complex was renovated in early 2004 as a part of a base wide upgrade to all MWR facilities.

“Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is putting 3.3 million dollars into the renovated complex, to see a more modernized and contemporary location for our junior Sailors,” said NAF Atsugi Public Works Site Supervisor Lt. Justus O’Connor. “The funding has been something that’s been in the works for a while, but was finally approved for fiscal year 2014; which means that 2014 is the first year we’ve been able to break ground and start the renovations.”

According to O’Connor, the money is part of a greater move by 7th Fleet to bring more Sailors back to the onbase facilities.

“The renovated facility will be something along the lines of a sports bar, with televisions all over,” said Club Trilogy Manager Brett Dunn. “Everything from floor to ceiling is getting a facelift.

The biggest changes the customers will see are the bathrooms, bars and kitchens.”

Dunn added the renovated kitchens are slated to be open for as long as the bars are serving customers, much like it is now at Skymasters. The bars will experience

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

the biggest changes moving away from the old 90’s theme to a modern, sleek sports bar.

According to O’ Connor what is now Bar None is being expanded, and rebranded into Bar First-in-Ten. Along with the planned flooring changes, ceiling, wiring and so much more, the ballroom and the bars are going to be totally different from the old facility.

“With everything we’re adding to the facility, I can honestly say that this will be the nicest and most modern place on this base,” said O’Conner. “I hope that our guys can get out here and make the most of the complex, it was literally built from the ground up just for them.”

“I can honestly say that this will be the nicest and most modern place on this base.”

- Lt. Justus O’Connor

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Layout created by MC Ryan G. Gr

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reene, photos by MC2 Kegan E. Kay and MC3 Ryan G. Greene

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More than 55,000 local Japanese community members flooded Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s gates to attend the installation’s annual Spring Festival for a day of food, fun and friendship.

NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. Steven Wieman kicked off the day’s events, delivering opening remarks for the festival alongside Ebina and Ayase city mascots.

“Springfest provides the citizens of our local community the opportunity to see our beautiful base, learn about U.S. customs and most importantly, gain an understanding about the critical role that Atsugi plays in the self defense and security of Japan,” said Wieman. “Seeing our aircraft up close and personal and speaking with our highly trained aircrew gives our visitors invaluable insight into NAF Atsugi’s mission and the emphasis that we put on safety, training, and the importance of being good guests of the beautiful country of Japan.”

Multiple food and drink booths were displayed throughout Taylor field for visitors to enjoy including vendors with Japanese dishes, hamburgers and hot dogs, Texas barbecue and Mexican food.

Around mid-day, under the training of the Host Nation Relations Office, NAF Atsugi spouses held a time-honored Japanese tea ceremony in Alliance Park where visitors were able to enjoy traditional green tea Japanese treats.

Along the flight line, patrons were able to view a static display of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) aircraft.

Luckily enough, routine flight operations were scheduled on the day of the festival and aircraft enthusiasts were afforded the rare opportunity to view CVW-5 aircraft in action up close.

Remembering Dr. Jo

Recently Dr. Takeshi Jo, a pillar in the NAF Atsugi community passed away due to cancer. To honor Dr. Jo, the NAF Atsugi PAO has complied a few favorite memories from his over 40 years on Atsugi.

Dr. Taishu Terry: Our father, Takeshi Jo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 23, 2014 in his 82nd year. Beloved father of Taishu Terry and his wife Monamie, Robert Taijun and his wife Megumi, and Taishin and his wife Yumi. Proud grandfather of Mitsuaki, Akichika, Mitsuhiro, Akihito, Teruyoshi, Hikari, and Mirei.

He is survived by his brother Eiji and Akira. Fifth of eight children of late Shonen Jo and Kun Chin Su. He was born in Shaghai on May 12, 1932. He enjoyed classical music, traveling, and photography.

Capt. Steven Wieman:

Capt. William Koyama:

Dr. Jo was a wonderful supporter of NAF Atsugi and the Navy in general. What he loved more than anything else was to have his picture taken with friends and military personnel. He was proud of the many military personnel he met and became friends with.

I think I’ll remember most fondly how he loved to share photos of past events with friends.

What i’ll miss most about Dr. Jo is the passion and the wonderful way he engaged service members to thank us for what we did for the US and Japan. He was always so kind to me and to those he met. He was always so focused on just being happy, and bringing that happiness to those around him.

Dr. Jo, he was always so good with people, he remembered me from 12 years ago. He always wanted to do something for someone, whether it was to set someone up for marriage, or just relieves pain through acupuncture; he was always there to lend a hand.

I think the big thing about Dr. Jo was that he was so interested in people’s lives, making them better. This led him to join JUGS (Japan & United States Goodwill Society), where he spent the remainder of his life devoted to promoting positive relations between the Japanese and Americans.

He was truly an amazing man and one I’ll miss dearly.

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Fri., May 9:

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

Mon., May 12: Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

ICR: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Cap Stone: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Breastfeeding Support Class: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. (220)

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens addresses members of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi AIMD during his visit aboard NAF Atsugi. Stevens’ visit to NAF Atsugi is part of a two-week fleet engagement to the Western Pacific.

Tues., May 13:

AOB: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Cap Stone: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Welcome Coffee: 10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge)

Wed., May 14:

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

Thurs., May 15:

Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

Fukishima Ladies Hawian dancers perform during the Fukushima Tomodachi Picnic held at Ranger Park on Naval Air Facility Atsugi. The event was held to honor and celebrate the U.S.-Japan friendship.

Resume Writing: 9 - 11 a.m. (216) Volunteer Appreciation Picnic: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Ranger Park) Dads 101: The Basics 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. (129)

Fri., May 16:

ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129) Prepared Childbirth: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (216)

Mon., May 19:

AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) SAPR POC Training: 8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Rm) SAPR DCC Training: 1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Rm)

Tues., May 20:

Space A Brief: 9 - 11 a.m. (Air Terminal) Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Wed., May 21:

Sponsorship Class:

Commander, Navy Installation Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Bill French, 9 - 11 a.m. (216) right, answers a question from Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Derrick Ragland, DV VA Refresher Training: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Conf. Rm) of Branch Health Clinic Atsugi.

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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

on the look-out for the NEW “E4 & Below Blue Jacket Liberty Seal” Special E4 & Below Be discounts at various MWR facilities, FREE Trips and much more! “Like” us on

Facebook at NAF Atsugi Liberty today!

Volunteer Opportunities

MWR Recreation Division is looking for motivated and outgoing individuals to volunteer in upcoming community events. Open to SOFA sponsored and active duty personnel. Must be 18 years old. Email kris.atsuginaf@gmail.com us for a free Golf Clinic at the driving range every Friday Free Golf Clinic Join 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. for adults and on May 3 and 17 from 9 - 10 a.m.

May 13 at Ranger indoor pool, complete your 1K swim at Ranger indoor Luau 1K Swim Tues., pool anytime during pool hours!

May 13 at 6:30 p.m. the ACC will Kier, Music Comedy Impressions Tues., be hosting a free show! Dinner will be an

Italian Buffet available for $13.95.

May 16 at 4 p.m. there will be a free run for all children Armed Forces Kids Run Fri., ages 3 - 13! Sign-ups are on site 30 minutes prior to the run.

Summer Employment Applications available! Must be ages Atsugi CYP & Youth Teen 14-18 years old and a NAF Atsugi military/civilian dependent ID card holder. Application deadline is Fri., May 23. Contact the MWR Personnel Office at 254-4677.

Flea Market Registration

Reserve your spot for the Sat., May 24 Flea Market. To sell, sign at the Corner Pocket: $7 per table & .50 per chair.

Those selling food must have a food handlers certificate from the Health Department.

Upcoming Free Shows

14 May free basketball camp 3 - 5 p.m. in Ranger Gym. Open to the first 50 Youth Camp Wed., kids ages 7-14 who sign up with Central Registration, 264-3588.

May 14 Atsugi Sea vs. Shore All Star Atsugi Sea vs. Shore All Stars Wed., Game 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Ranger Park. One Streetball vs Atsugi Flyers Autograph session post-game. For more information call 264-3619.

May 14 3 - 10 p.m. at Ranger Gym, This tour showcases unique and Streetball Live Wed., extraordinary playground-style basketball to families and youth of all cultures.

Since the beginning, street ball tours have only been exposed within the major cities.

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NAF Atsugi Commmissary Store Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Mondays

DECA Opens New Commissary Story by Kevin Robinson

DeCA Public Affairs

Not even nature could deter sailors, retirees and their families from attending the April 16 grand opening of the Defense Commissary Agency’s newest store.

In less than a day before the store’s unveiling at Naval Submarine Base New London, the local community experienced heavy rains, snow, ice, frigid temperatures and finally sunshine.

The new $14.5 million commissary replaces a store built in 1981 at the installation known historically as the Navy’s first submarine base.

With a significantly larger sales area, the commissary represents a much anticipated boost in New London’s quality of life, said Capt.

Carl A. Lahti, base commander.

“The commissary offers a peace of mind that allows Team New London members to focus on their duties and make a difference for our Navy and nation,” Lahti said. “It’s a peace of mind that I value immensely, and that sailors here have enjoyed since 1918, when SUBASE’s first commissary store opened in the Supply Department’s Building 17.

Lahti’s speech preceded remarks from members of the Connecticut congressional delegation:

Representative Joe Courtney, Sen. Chris Murphy and Sen. Richard Blumenthal. They each mentioned the value of the commissary benefit to the New London community.

During his remarks, DeCA Executive Director of Store Operations Keith Hagenbuch noted that commissary patrons helped make the new store possible when they paid the 5 percent surcharge at the register.

“Sometimes I’m asked, ‘Where does the surcharge money go?’

Well, it goes right back into the stores,” Hagenbuch said. “It builds new stores and renovates old ones.

You can see that here today!

“I want you to know that it’s our goal in the Defense Commissary Agency to make your shopping something you look forward to.

It’s not enough just to have a new facility and low prices. Our goal is to provide great customer service.”

The new commissary includes the following features; a sales area expansion of nearly 2,000 square feet, new bakery and rotisserie chicken services, larger produce department and chilled and frozen product sections, and enhanced refrigeration, lighting and climate control systems that help make the store more energy efficient and 11

a more environmentally friendly facility.

Moving from the old store to the new one took a lot of hard team work said, New London Store Director Mary Bocchino. “We had manpower in two stores. We were still accommodating and serving the patrons while we worked to open the new commissary.

“We couldn’t have done this without the base,” Bocchino added.

“They gave us sailors to help us transition – anything we needed – they went above and beyond in helping us open this store.”

Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Frank Bennett, veteran of the submarine service from World War II and Korea, and his wife, Helen, shop at the commissary once a week. “This new store is amazing,” the Navy veteran said.

“We didn’t expect it – it’s very good. Everything is out so you can see it, the produce looks great.”

Throughout the grand opening and for days beyond, DeCA industry partners and vendors will be giving away commissary gift cards and other prizes.

For more information about the Commissary Rewards Card, go here. To reach a customer service hotline, call 855-829-6219.