July 3, 2014 - Skywriter

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What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer

Greg Kuntz Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Goodwill Visit to Singapore

See Page 4

What’s going on on the GW See Page 6

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

We want to spotlight people who are doing good things for NAF Atsugi. If you have See Page 8 someone you’d like to recommend or to submit a photo, please e-mail: at-pao@fe.navy.mil

4th of July on NAF Atsugi

Let's Learn Important phrases to know when you head out the gate: I’m going to see a movie this weekend.

Konshumatuni eigawo miru yotei desu.

That’s fun, which movie?

Omoshiro so desu ne. Dono ega desu ka?

It’s a science fiction movie.

Esu Efu eiga desu.

What other kinds of movies do you like?

Don na eiga ga suki desuka?

Action and romance.

Akushon Eiga, Ren-ai Eiga.

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ON THE COVER Capt. William Koyama, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, debarks an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Dambusters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 after making his 1,000th career arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Photo

by MC1Trevor Welsh.

The Driving Force of George Washington

Photo courtesy of NavalToday

completing the ship’s mission.

“I really enjoy the hands-on nature of my job,” said Rivera. “Just knowing that what I do as a profession makes the ship run really gives me a sense of pride.”

Many machinist’s mates also perform around-theclock maintenance. They anser trouble-calls, and make emergency repairs to a variety of essential machinery on board the ship.

“We’re always working, fixing or updating parts of the ship,” said Rivera. “There’s always maintenance to do on some level, and at times it’s difficult, but fun at the same time.”

During his off-duty hours, Rivera uses his time to study to attain his qualifications and prepare for the upcoming advancement exam.

“I really want to become a qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and become a petty officer second class by the time I leave Japan,” said Rivera. “It’s a pride thing. When I go home, I want to be able to hold my head up high and know that I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do.”

Whether it’s maintaining the smooth operation of George Washington’s propulsion plant or repairing vital systems, engineers ensure the ship is ready to carry out its mission and serve as the driving force of George Washington.

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-AsiaPacific region.

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

Story by MC3 Chris Cavagnaro USS George Washington Public Affairs

Engineers aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) work tirelessly to maintain and operate the ship’s propulsion plant during its demanding 2014 patrol.

Machinist’s Mate Fireman Brian-Kristopher Rivera, from Daily City, Calif., 19, joined the Navy in 2012 and for him, becoming a machinist’s mate had been ingrained since his childhood.

“Both of my siblings had previously served in the Navy, and my brother always told me stories about life as a machinist’s mate,” said Rivera. “When the recruiter told me I had the option to become a machinist’s mate, I had no doubt in my mind that’s what I would select.

It almost seemed like a right of passage.”

After graduating from Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, Rivera moved on to Machinist’s Mate “A” school and was selected for orders to the USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Yokosuka, Japan.

“Japan was definitely on my wish list and I was fortunate enough to get these orders for my first duty station,” said Rivera. “I knew coming in that being a conventional mechanic on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is not an easy job, but I really enjoy it and I think my experience here will help me in the future outside of the Navy.”

George Washington’s propulsion plant machinist’s mates support many operations. They operate and maintain the ship’s propulsion plants and associated equipment, distilling plants, hydraulic and potable water systems, as well as many others that are vital to 3

Story by MC3 Paolo Bayas

Specialist 1st Class Brandon Reed, from Seattle.

“I look forward to interact with Singaporeans and for our Sailors to do something meaningful.

Participating in COMRELs creates lasting impressions on the foreign nationals with whom our Sailors are able to meet, greet and create friendships with. I hope that the work we do will add to the rich Singaporean history.”

Singapore’s nickname “The Lion City” is derived from its Sanskrit name “singa” (lion) “pura” (city). The city has a rich historical record in the name of “Pu-luo-chung” ora “island at the end of a peninsula” and “Temasek” or “Sea Town” dating back to 1298. Singapore is a den rich with murals and landmarks that tell an abundant chronicle Sailors will have an opportunity to see firsthand.

“I look forward to having breakfast with orangutans and going to Singapore’s Universal Studios,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Armstrong, from Latrobe, Pa.

USS George Washington (CVN 73)

The USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group arrived in Singapore for a goodwill port visit, June 26.

This marks the fifth visit to the “Lion City” since George Washington relieved the now-decommissioned USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in 2008.

“This has always been a favorite port of mine and I’m sure the crew will share the same sentiments once they experience the rich culture this seafaring city has to offer,” said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington’s commanding officer. “I am excited to be here once again, and we all look forward to fostering relationships and building new friendships with the welcoming people of Singapore.”

During George Washington’s visit, Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s afloat recreation team arranged 14 tours and the ship’s command religious ministries department organized nine community relation (COMREL) projects.

“Our junior Sailors volunteer their free time to participate in these COMRELs,” said Religious Programs

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“I never thought I would be able to visit Singapore prior to enlisting in the Navy. It is good that we visit numerous ports because we are able to see their culture with our own eyes and we can give a true representation of American culture rather than what is perceived.�

The GWCSG consists of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Shiloh (CG 67), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100).

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What’s

been

Happening...

Port Call: Hong Kong June 17-19

Port Call: Singapore June 26-30 6

The U.S. Navy’s forwarddeployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed aboard Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 to begin its 2014 patrol, May 20.

George Washington and 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.

With two port calls completed so far during this deployment the CVW-5 has participated in more than 25 community relations (COMREL) projects and sports events.

These events included joint operations with the Royal Malaysian Navy,

in which Sailors from the George Washington Strike Group crossed decks to better integrate with their Malaysian partners. Along with all the interoperability training Sailors have been putting in thousands of hours training for various senarios like; a shipboard fire, shipboard search and seizure and man overboard drills.

All of which was capped off recently with Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five Capt.

William Koyama completing his 1,000th aircraft carrier landing.

ABOARD CVN 73 7

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

Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - Midnight Ranger & Halsey Hours: Sunday & Saturday: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

MWR Swipe Cards

MWR is currently issuing new bar-coded “Swipe Cards” for use in the following MWR facilities: Liberty, Outdoor Recreation, ITT, Cinema 77, Bowling Center and the Gyms.

This new card will replace your military or civilian I.D. card for “swiping” into MWR facilities.

This is a one-time registration only. Beginning Monday, June 23, our systems will only accept these new cards.

4th of July

We want YOU in the July 4th Parade! Show up with your festive wear, decorated cars/floats, and lots of cheer in front of Ranger Gym on Fri, Jul 4 at 3:15 p.m. to participate!

Parade begins at 4 p.m. This year we’re celebrating the Flags of America at Taylor Field starting at 4 p.m. There will be live music, games, arts & crafts, free food, and of course FIREWORKS! After the fireworks display grab a place on the lawn for Movies Under the Stars to watch Frozen (PG).

Lose 2 Win Challenge

Join us Jul. 7 - Sept. 4 to Shed some extra weight with great workouts and motivation in our Lose 2 Win Challenge. Win awards and prizes for the top male and female body fat loss!

Call Ranger Gym’s Health & Wellness at 264-3619.

Summer Reading at Your Library

Now through Aug. 6 join us at the library every Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for toddler story time!

Summer Pool Passes

Family & individual summer pool passes are now available at the Outdoor Pool! Family passes are $100 and individual passes are $40. The Outdoor Pool is open daily from 12 – 7 p.m.

2014 Summer Swim Lessons

Register at CYP Central Registration (Bldg. 3250) for summer swim lessons.

For more information, please call 264-3588. Swim lessons offered: Session 2: Jul 7 - 18 (Registration Dates: Jul 1 - 3 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Session 3: Jul 21 - 1 Aug (Registration Dates: Jul 16 – 18 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Session 4: Aug 4 - 15 (Registration Dates: Jul 30 – Aug 1 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Red, White & Glow Family Fun Run Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

Light up the Night and bring the kids & four-legged friends for a night of fun! Each participant will receive one glowing item, but we encourage you to wear your own because the person with the most glow wins a prize! We’ll start registration at 6 p.m. on Thu, Jul 3 at Ranger Park with the run kicking off at 7 p.m. The first 50 adults to register get a commemorative t-shirt!

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Voting Absentee While Stationed Overseas

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) encourages military Service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens to submit a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) every January to ensure they can participate in upcoming Federal elections.

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) states that any Service member, eligible family member or overseas citizen may be eligible to vote absentee. The FPCA (SF-76) allows you to apply to register to vote, request an absentee ballot and/ or update your contact information with your local election office. The FPCA is the primary method of communication between you and your election official.

The information provided on this form is all the local election office has to determine if you meet the State

voter registration requirements, which election materials to send you and where and how to send you a ballot.

FVAP.gov offers an online assistant to walk you through completion of the form, and provides a blank fillable PDF. Hardcopies of the form are also available at embassies and consulates, and military bases around the world.

Once completed, do not forget to print and sign the form before submitting it to your local election office. Contact information can be found at FVAP. gov. Don’t forget to follow up with your election official to ensure your registration was received.

Voting is a personal choice, but if you want to vote, voting assistance is available to help provide you with the tools and resources you need to successfully vote absentee if you want to.

NAF Atsugi Drinking Water Consumer Report

Annually by 1 July, the CNO requires all Overseas Installations to develop and provide to their consumers a brief annual water quality report on the water delivered by their system. Each report must contain data collected during, or prior to, the previous calendar year.

The 2013 NAF Atsugi Consumer Confidence Report provides the annual performance measure of the quality of water supplied by NAF Atsugi Drinking Water System as compared to the compliance standards established by the Japan Environmental Governing Standards and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This report describes drinking water sources, treatment techniques, and analytical results of testing conducted on the water during the past year. Analytical results include concentrations of detected compounds, bacteriological testing and Lead and Copper monitoring at military family housing, schools and childcare centers.

The 2013 NAF Atsugi Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report is available on the following sites: NAFA Intranet, here, and the NAFA N45 Team Site, here.

For more on this report, please contact Ms. Christine Ricafrente at NAF Atsugi Public Works Environmental Division at 264 - 4141.

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Fri., July 4: Independence Day Mon., July 7: AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) TAPS/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Tues., July 8: Summer Splash: 10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool) Welcome Coffee: 10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge) Wed., July 9: NPS Playgroup: 9:30 - 11 a.m. (220) Thurs., July 10: Assist Workshop 1/2: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Chapel) Spouse Orientation: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Navy Lodge) Fri., July 11: Assist Workshop 2/2: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mon., July 14: Cap Stone: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Tues., July 15: Cap Stone: 10 - 11 a.m. (216) Summer Splash: 10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool) Tummy Time: 11:30 a.m. - Noon (220) Wed., July 16: 10 Steps to Federal Employment: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (216) DV VA Refresher Training: 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. (Conf. Room) Thurs., July 17: Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

(129) Interview Skills: 1 - 3 p.m. (216)

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.

NEXCOM Gives $51.9 Million to MWR

Story by Kristine M. Sturkie

NEXCOM Public Affairs

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) released its fiscal year 2013 audited financial report which showed a $51.9 million contribution to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

“In addition to providing our customers with quality goods and services at a savings, NEXCOM’s mission is also to support Navy quality of life programs by contributing 70 percent of our profits each year,” said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, (Ret), Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “This year, we gave Navy MWR $51.9 million from our 2013 sales. So, in addition to saving our customers money when they shop at the NEX, the money they spend also ultimately supports their own quality of life.”

Navy MWR uses the dividends from the NEX in a variety of ways. Installations receive part of the funds for specific installation level MWR efforts. The remaining funds are used for MWR capital projects to improve facilities.

“Navy MWR provides world-class programs for Sailors as well as all other service members and their family members, whether stationed ashore or deployed. We are able to construct and repair many of our golf, bowling, youth, and food & beverage facilities because of the significant contribution provided by the annual NEX dividend. These Sailor-generated dollars allow us to build and operate outstanding recreation facilities throughout the Navy and thereby enhance the common thread of ‘Service to the Fleet’ from MWR in partnership with NEX,” said Edward J. Cannon, Director, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Fleet and Family Readiness.

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

NEXCOM operates on the retail fiscal year calendar, which in 2013 was Feb. 2, 2013 – Feb. 1, 2014.

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) oversees 101 Navy Exchange (NEX) facilities and nearly 300 stores worldwide, 39 Navy Lodges, the Ships Stores Program, the Uniform Program Management Office, the Navy Clothing Textile and Research Facility and the Telecommunications Program Office.

NEXCOM’s parent command is the Naval Supply Systems Command.

NEXCOM’s mission is to provide authorized customers quality goods and services at a savings and to support quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families.

NEXs and Navy Lodges operate primarily as a nonappropriated fund (NAF) business instrumentality.

NEX revenues generated are used to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. In FY13, $2.7 billion in sales were generated with $51.9 million in dividends provided to Navy MWR programs.

For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit here.

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Your

Commissary Sizzles with Summer Deals Story by Sallie Cauthers

DECA Public Affairs

Commissaries are offering military patrons extra savings on the products they’ll need for their grilling get-togethers, pool parties or ocean-side picnics.

“Summer savings can be found at your commissary all season long making life easier on your family budget and, at the same time, helping others who are not so fortunate,” said Randy Chandler, the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales.

“The commissaries are proud to work with our industry partners to not only provide patrons with great savings but also support our wounded service members and their families.”

Throughout July, DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings. Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs.

A number of commissaries worldwide are still scheduled to participate in the Your Healthy Lifestyle Festivals events, partnering with installation exchanges, MWR/Services programs, health clinics and local produce growers to offer community farmers markets, sidewalk sales, health and wellness screenings and fitness activities in June and July. Go to here for local dates.

Commissary patrons are also reminded to continually check the “Sales & Events” tab of the DeCA website here for the latest in promotional information. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for these in-store promotions: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Acosta Military Division and participating manufacturers worldwide are sponsoring the “Summer Savings Spectacular Sale” July 10-23, which focuses on making donations to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation that

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

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

Store Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

delivers new toys to children in need. The Marines sponsor the program, but it is active on most U.S. military bases, regardless of branch of service. Look for in-store displays for products on special. A portion of product sales will be donated to the Toys for Tots Foundation.

Bayer Consumer Care, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and Merck Consumer Care — are sponsoring this annual in-store sale. For every dollar spent on participating products from stateside stores July 10-23, the manufacturers listed above will donate 5 cents to The Fisher House Foundation. Participating brands include Aleve, OneA-Day Vitamins, Flintstones Vitamins, Aquafresh Toothpaste, Sensodyne Toothpaste, Tums and Claritin.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. S & K Sales Company and its participating manufacturers are sponsoring a “Project Healing Waters” promotion in stateside stores only ending July 23. This promotion supports the nonprofit organization that offers physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities. Look for in-store displays and a six-page flyer with money-saving coupons that will be handed out in the stores during the sale. Leading brands will be on sale at reduced prices, and a portion of the purchase price of each item will be donated to “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.”

“Our partnership with industry helps DeCA make the commissary worth the trip for more than just the patrons,” said Chandler.

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