July 31, 2014 - Skywriter

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What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer

Greg Kuntz Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Americans Dance in Awa Odori See Page 4

NAFA Leadership Learns Taiko See Page 5

Courtney Pollock Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

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

NAF Atsugi Holds

Change of Command

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 See Page 6 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

Let's Learn

Important phrases to know when you head out the gate: Mada wakari masen ga, I’m planning on taking leave tabun, amerika ni iku to this summer.

Kotoshino nastu ni kyuuka o omoi masu. toru tsumori desu.

Where are you from?

Anata no shusshin wa doko Where are you going? desu ka?

Doko ni iku yotei desu ka?

I’m from Houston, Texas.

I don’t know yet, but maybe Tekisasu-shu, hyu-suton no back to the States. shusshin desu.

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ON THE COVER Capt. John Bushey is piped aboard during the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Change of Command.

During the ceremony Capt.

Steven Wieman was relieved

by Capt. John Bushey as NAF Atsugi’s 31th Commanding Officer. Photo

by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

SECNAV Visits Japan

Excerpt courtesy of the SECNAV’s Official Blog:

The Navy will send new stealth destroyers, littoral combat ships and an amphibious ready group to the Pacific, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said Monday, reiterating the U.S. commitment to its military “pivot” to the region.

“The rebalance to the Pacific is real,” Mabus told sailors gathered at Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater for an all-hands call.

President Barack Obama announced plans for the Pacific pivot as the interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan were winding down. But conflicts in Syria, Ukraine and Gaza have since heated up, raising questions about the best use of forces amid dwindling military budgets. Obama reassured Pacific allies of his support during a recent visit against a backdrop of Chinese expansionism and North Korean threats.

“We are sending our newest and most modern platforms to the Pacific,” Mabus said. “What the Navy and Marine Corps give is presence … to reassure allies, deter potential adversaries and be ready for whatever comes over the horizon.”

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NAF Atsugi Leadership Prepare for Bon Odori

Story by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

CFAF leadership into our list of partners in the taiko drumming,” said Host Nations Relations Protocol Officer Ikumi Tanaka. “This is the first time that we’re able to incorporate other commands in this part of the event and that’s very exciting for me.”

Taiko is not the only place where different groups are able to come together to put on a show. The women’s Chidori-ren dancing will feature women from several JMSDF squadrons and two NAF Atsugi spouses.

“When I heard Americans could sign up, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance,” said Chidori-ren dancer Gaby Colindres. “The dances are difficult, but it really is a rewarding experience getting to be out here with all of the ladies.”

Her excitement was shared by many, especially the taiko drummers’ sensei.

“For me, having the chance to share my knowledge and love of taiko not only with other Japanese people, but with Americans as well makes me very happy,” said Taiko Sensei Sachie Koizumi. “When you get to be as old as I am, festivals and activities like this become so much more important. Even the simple act of engaging one another in something like taiko can send a loud message for all those present to hear.”

For more on NAF Atsugi’s Bon Odori Festival, expected to be held Aug. 16, be sure to stay tuned to the NAF Atsugi Facebook page here.

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

For many Americans and Japanese, open base festivals like Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s Bon Odori are a great time to come together to celebrate Japanese culture and tradition.

With taiko practices beginning in early June, those chosen to represent the American drummers at the annual festival in late August will play alongside their Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) counterparts.

This year NAF Atsugi’s Executive Officer Matthew Ligon and Commander, Fleet Air Forward (CFAF) Deputy Commander Capt. Gary Deal will join JMSDF Commander, Fleet Air Force Vice Admiral Makoto Sato and Fleet Air Wing Four Operations Officer Rear Adm. Yoshikazu Morita as taiko performers during the Bon Odori Festival.

“I am really excited to have a chance to play the taiko drums this year,” said Ligon. “It really is a great chance to take part in such a fun and important part of the Japanese culture.”

Ligon isn’t the only one excited about getting to play.

With the main part of the event each year being split between the women’s Awa Odori dances and the men’s taiko drumming, most of the base visitors will get to see more drumming than in past years.

“This year we’re really excited about adding 4

Two Women Experience Japanese Culture Through Traditional Dance

Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

Story by MC2 Kegan E. Kay NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

At dusk, the grounds during Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Bon Odori festival, a celebration of family and ancestors with food and dance, become alight with lanterns and filled with dancers.

One dance group that stands out is the Chidori-ren, a group made up of active duty female service members from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

They dance about in graceful harmony wearing their Awa Odori Costumes and Ami-gasa (hat, sometimes call a Taco Hat by Americans due to its similarity in shape to a taco shell).

Awa Odori is a festival that precedes Bon Odori and is considered to be a large dance party with many dance groups performing in city streets.

JMSDF Seaman Fumi Notsuka, of 51 Flight Squadron (51 FS), said the song “Awa Yoshikono” sums up Awa Odori perfectly by its lyrics.

“The dancers are silly, the watchers are silly, both are silly so why not

dance?” said Notsuka.

During Awa Odori and Bon Odori, Chidori-ren performs various dances requiring skill, grace and perfect synchronization amongst the members.

The preparation for this year’s Awa Odori festivals and final performance for Bon Odori began in mid-May, however, this year their practices included two new elements.

“When I found out it was a possibility for Americans to join I couldn’t pass it up,” said Gaby Colindres, one of two Chidori-ren members from NAF Atsugi.

While this is not the first time Americans have participated with the Chidori-ren, it is rare. Practice is held for three hours a day, three days-a-week.

“I would say it is a lot of work and a lot of dedication,” said Ashley Hoffman, the other Chidori-ren dancer.

“What you get out of it though is just amazing. I feel good about myself at the end of the day.”

While the band practices the songs 5

for the festivals, the ladies use the music to help them perfect their routines only taking breaks when the musicians do.

The ladies wear regular gym clothes with tabi (socks that separate the big toe from the rest of the toes) and geta (wooden sandals with two planks of wood on the bottom requiring the dancer to balance on the front and first plank) during their practices.

As she was wrapping her feet with extra cushioning and tape Colindres said, “During practice I ask myself ‘Why did I sign up for this?’ But after practice I say, ‘I love it’ and cannot wait for the next one.”

All of the ladies repeat the routines again and again, focusing on steps, hands movements and arm placements.

Each motion has a meaning and must be portrayed correctly to bring about the full effect of the dance, said the Chidori-ren members.

“When you first start practicing Awa Odori you are all sore and I am pretty sure Ashley and Gaby experienced that their first week,” said JMSDF Petty Officer 3rd Class Masako Ichimura, a Chidori-ren sensei (teacher).

For the ladies, Ichimura is an inspiration and true example of the dedication the ladies put forth.

The other ladies explained to Hoffman and Colindres how last year Ichimura taught all the practices even though on maternity leave and performed all the routines with one baby strapped to her back and one to her front all while wearing geta.

Ichimura said she enjoys working as team and knows how fun the Awa Odori Festival is and can’t miss it.

Naval Air Facility Atsugi Hosts don’t have to worry about how to stay focused on the mission and feed all their people too.

Q: With all the festivals like Bon Odori and cultural exchanges what were some of your most memorable experiences here last time and what do you most look forward to now?

A: Bon Odori was my absolute favorite. When I was here last time, we didn’t have the SpringFest and I was deployed for two of the three Bon Odori’s so, the one I was able to go to, was pretty special to me.

I think I’m most looking forward to working more Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi recently celebrated its’ 31st change of command, welcoming aboard Capt. John Bushey, for his third tour aboard NAF Atsugi.

After the change of command the NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office was able to catch up with Capt. Bushey and ask him a few questions.

Q: When CMC Wilkins came on board, we interviewed him and he said that for him being a squadron CMC helped better prepare him for his role now, how do you see similarities and differences between your time as a squadron CO and being the base CO now?

A: Well, they’re different levels of management. When you’re

working at the squadron level, you’re focus is maintaining the mission, working to ensure that it gets accomplished. But, as the installation CO I’m responsible for taking care of all the things that aren’t part of that mission, so for example that means we as NAF Atsugi take care of security, so that every squadron doesn’t have to have MA’s, and we take care of all the food at any of our three galley’s so that the squadrons

Welcome aboard 6

Change of Command closely with our neighbors outside the fence. Working on building the respect and cooperation of our local communities is very important to me.

Q: What are some of your favorite things about NAF Atsugi, in terms of command, geographic location, people?

A: It has to be the people.

NAF Atsugi is a little piece of Americana. I mean, everyone knows everyone here. It’s a huge sense of community and that’s a major reason for why I chose to come back to Atsugi.

Q: What do you want the Sailors stationed here to know

about you and your vision as the CO? A: Make a positive Difference.

I cannot stress that enough, and it really begins with respect.

If you can respect yourself, you’ll be able to respect your co-workers and the chain of command.

All of that leads back to having that strong community and an effective force for accomplishing our mission.

Q: In your recently released CO’s expectations, you list many great attributes, what for you is the most important one, and why?

A: Teamwork. We have to work together, every recruit going through boot camp is taught duty to ship-shipmateself.

I fully expect that we can fulfill that, but that goes back to being able to respect one another and carrying on our mission.

Q: If there were one major goal that you could accomplish while you were the CO for NAF Atsugi, what would you want that to be?

A: The mission comes first,

so I really want the transition for the airwing to go smoothly.

Q: If you could share one piece of advice to a junior Sailor, what would it be? And Why? A: Contribute meaningfully to the community. Please, feel welcome and be a part of our community, I welcome it.

For more on Capt. Bushey, click here.

To learn more about his recently released CO’s Expectations, be sure to check out the next episode of the NAF Atsugi Captain’s Call.

captain john F. bushey 7

2014 Maritime Operation Helicopter Committee A Success

Photo by MC1 Trevor Welsh

Story by Lt. Jack Reed HSM-51 Public Affairs Officer

The second annual Maritime Operation Helicopter Committee (MOHC) convened on June 25th, 2014 between US Navy and Republic of Korea Navy helicopter squadrons, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and Squadron 629. Representatives from forward deployed HSM-51 traveled to Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae, Korea, a joint US Navy and ROK Navy installation near Naval Base Jinhae, home of ROK Navy Air Group 62.

After a successful first meeting of the MOHC at NAF Atsugi in 2013, the two squadrons met again as representatives of US Navy CTF-70 and ROK Navy Air Group 62 to sign a memorandum of understanding and strengthen personal and professional relationships within the allied maritime helicopter community. Coupled with cultural

tours led by Squadron 629 to Nurimaru Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) House and Haedong Yonggung Temple, the MOHC concluded on June 28th.

The concept of the MOHC was developed from a similar committee between US Navy CTF-72 and ROK Navy Air Group 61, the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Committee Meeting (MPACM).

As US Navy and ROK Navy relations deepen and combined exercises become more intricate, such as Field Training Exercise (FTX) Foal Eagle, debriefing past exercises and standardizing interoperability enable both countries to operate at maximum effectiveness. The MOHC facilitates a forum for open discussion regarding US Navy and ROKN helicopter tactics tactics while also creating an opportunity to leverage best practices in maintenance, training, and operations.

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hospitality with a welcome dinner hosted by ROKN CDR Lee, Commanding Officer of Squadron 629, capability and limitation briefings kicked off the official committee meetings to refamiliarize each other with the two distinct aircraft.

Squadron 629 took to the podium the first day leading discussions with heavy emphasis placed on ASW operations, Hawklink functionality, dipping SONAR emergencies, and shipboard landing techniques and procedures.

The briefings fostered healthy discussions capped off by an impressive tour of squadron spaces and the Lynx. Notably, a separate maintenance squadron, much more closely following the US Air Force model of aircraft maintenance than the US Navy model of integrated maintenance, supports the two ROKN Lynx squadrons, 627 and 629. An overarching theme of the MOHC’s second day’s briefings was the ROK Navy’s recent contract to acquire the AugustaWestland AW159 as their next generation maritime helicopter, replacing the Lynx.

With HSM-51’s recent transition from the SH-60B to the MH-60R, all aspects of a transition-in-place served to guide the discussion.

The MOHC has and will continue to play a significant role in the US Navy and ROK Navy team, enabling the maritime helicopter community to fly together safely and effectively.

NAF Atsugi Takes Part in Yamato Awa Odori Festival Fri., Aug. 1: ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129) Mon., Aug. 4: AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Tues., Aug. 5: Summer Splash: 10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool) Welcome Coffee: 10 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge) Wed., Aug. 6: ICR: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Thurs., Aug. 7: Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129) TAP/GPS Workshop: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Fri., Aug. 8: ICR: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (129) Mon., Aug. 11: SAPR POC Training: 8 a.m. - Noon (Conf. Room) SAPR DCC Training: 1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room) Tues., Aug. 12: Summer Splash: 10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool) CAP STONE: 8 - 11 a.m. (Navy Lodge) Wed., Aug. 13: ICR: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) Thurs., Aug. 14: SAPR Bystander Intervention: 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Chapel) Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129) 9

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

Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - Midnight

Summer Tournaments

Want to get into a summer sports league?

Good news, there’s still time!

Basketball rosters are due: Aug., 1 with a team meeting on the 5th and the event being held Aug., 11.

Softball rosters are due: Aug., 15 with a team meeting on the 19th and the event being held Aug., 22.

Flag Football rosters are due: Sept., 5 with a team meeting on the 9th and the event being held Sept., 15.

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

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

Fitness Conditioning Course*

Trying to get fit? Or want to learn basic fitness guidelines? Then head over to Ranger Gym to spend 4 weeks with our personal trainers for resistance, cardio-vascular, and flexibility training.

There are two course options. Option A: Mon., and Thur., 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Ranger Gym. Option B: Mon., and Thur., 5 - 6 p.m. at Ranger Gym. *The course fee is $50 and is limited to 8 people per course. To sign up for the course, please stop by Ranger Gym.

Summer Swim Lessons ITT Photo Contest

Register at CYP Central Registration If you’ve been on an MWR trip while stationed here at NAF Atsugi, (Bldg. 3250) for summer swim lessons. then we’re looking for your photo! Call MWR at 264 - 3770 to For more information, please call submit your photo and enter to win a $25 tours gift certificate!

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 NAF Atsugi Tours office is looking for enthusiastic, (Registration Dates: Jul 16 – 18 • 9 a.m. - 5 well-experienced Japan tour guides.

If you’re p.m.), Session 4: Aug 4 - 15 (Registration interested in applying for a position, please call Dates: Jul 30 – Aug 1 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

264 - 3786

Wanted: MWR Tour Guides

Late Night Liberty Movie Madness Paradise Pool Party Every Fri., and Sat., at Cinema 77 MWR is putting on a free movie and mini combo for the 10 p.m. show! Sign up at the Corner Pocket Cash Cage or call 264 - 3750

2014 Sprint Style Triathlon

Come out and join us at the Outdoor Pool Sat., Aug. 9 from 4 - 9:30 p.m. There will be a free BBQ, games, contests and door prizes.

There will also be a poolside feature film, Madagascar begining at 7:30 p.m.

Early Closure Notice

Sat., Sep. 6 NAF Atsugi MWR will host the annual sprint style traithlon. Registration is now open through Tue., Sep. 2 at Ranger Fri., Aug. 22 the ACC and Golf Course Gym. Registration is; $25 for SOFA/MLC/IHA/JMSDF, $20 Per Restaurant will close early due to large Team Member (Max 3), $35 Guests. private events.

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

Closed Mondays Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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

The Commissary Senior Enlisted Advisor Retires

Command Sgt Maj. John Gaines

Story by Kevin L. Robinson DECA Public Affairs

Army Command Sgt. Maj. John M. Gaines Jr. is closing the loop on a military career that had roots in a commissary and finishes as the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor.

Gaines is preparing to retire from the Army on Aug. 31. In the meantime, Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison, former superintendent for the 509th Mission Support Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is the new senior advisor to DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu effective July 1.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Gaines knows from first-hand experience what it’s like to work in a commissary,” said Jeu, referring to Gaines’ brief store

career stocking shelves as a young Army private at Fort Campbell, Ky. “And, as our senior enlisted advisor, he understood what this benefit means for our military and their families,” Jeu added. “Throughout his tenure with DeCA, Gaines fought hard to ensure our patrons knew it, too.”

Serving as the agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the director since Feb. 1, 2011, Gaines was DeCA’s uniformed advocate, representing the questions and concerns of the commissary’s enlisted customers and helping the agency raise awareness of the benefit and its savings.

In recognition of his service, Jeu presented Gaines with the Defense Superior Service Medal during his retirement ceremony at Fort Lee on July 18.

From their travels across the DeCA landscape, Gaines and Jeu had a unique view of the commissary benefit, whether it’s meeting the thousands of commissary employees who deliver it or interacting with many of the service members and their families who receive it.

“One aspect of this benefit that often gets overlooked is that commissaries provide a safe, secure and clean shopping area for family members while their spouses are deployed somewhere down range – that is huge for our military,” Gaines said.

“DeCA people understand what

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it means to take care of a service member and their family, whether they’re serving at places such as Naval Station Norfolk [Va.] or Twentynine Palms [Calif.] or Ramstein Air Base [Germany] or Yongsan [South Korea],” he added.

“We have an amazing workforce: the cashiers, who are the face of our commissaries, the folks in the different store departments, our people behind the scenes doing the heavy lifting in the warehouses and our people in the headquarters.”

As Gaines prepares to exit the military for civilian life in Northern Virginia, he said he’s confident that DeCA’s senior enlisted advisor positions are in good hands because “both men are very passionate and understand the importance of the commissary benefit.”

“Being with commissaries was a wonderful experience, and I want to thank the entire DeCA team for their dedication and service to our patrons,” Gaines said.

Stay connected with the latest commissary news here.

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