August 14, 2014 – Skywriter

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What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer

Greg Kuntz Assistant Public Affairs Officer

Learning the art of Washi Craft See page 4

Liberty Climbs Mount Fuji

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

Teaching the Relief in the Far East

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 8 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

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Justin Hollis climbs Mount Fuji during the second biannual All-Japan Liberty Climb. The initiative aims to build camaraderie and a sense of community for junior Sailors stationed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene.

CNO Visits with Chinas’ PLA Navy

Story by MCC Peter Lawlor CNO Public Affairs Office

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert departed the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Friday after a successful fourday counterpart visit with military leaders, fleet units and leaders of the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).

Adm. Wu Shengli, commander in chief of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), hosted Greenert’s visit, which marked the fourth major interaction between Greenert and Wu in the past year and is a clear indication of each country’s desire to grow their existing relationship.

Directed by both the President and PRC Premier to improve military to military relations both Greenert and Wu have been focusing on identifying tangible measures that can build a better understanding and trust between each other’s navies and safeguard maritime peace and stability in the region.

“I’m here at the invitation of Adm. Wu to continue our agenda for improving cooperation of our navies,” said Greenert. “We are moving ahead in a series of steps to increase our confidence in each other.”

In meetings between the two leaders during the visit several actions were discussed that, if implemented over the course of the next year or two pending approval, will provide the cooperative opportunities mutually sought out by the U.S. Navy and PLAN. Creating additional port visits in the U.S. for PLAN ships and additional Chinese port visits for U.S. ships as well as extending more invitations to take part in each other’s exercises were two of the actions Greenert and

Wu discussed. These initiatives would help advance the relationship portion of the countries’ desires to militarily work more closely together.

Ensuring the full understanding and implementation of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) through the ranks was one of the more challenging proposals

by Greenert and Wu as it will take time to integrate CUES into the standard operating procedures for both navies; however, achievable and actually already in the works.

But the action proposed by Wu and Greenert that will present the greatest hurdle for each Navy to overcome is conducting personnel exchangesexchanges that if approved will mitigate any doubt as to whether or not trust exists between the two navies and will signify a huge relationship milestone. Greenert said that although personnel exchanges are on the table, it could take years to implement, but that the previously mentioned actions are a step in the right direction.

Wu said after the initial meeting with Greenert that a new type of naval relationship had positive significance for the “new type of great power relations” that China and the United States are trying 3

Photo by MCC Peter Lawlor

to build.

Greenert’s visit was not solely spent in meeting rooms with Wu, he also toured several PLAN ships pier side and got underway on a PLAN frigate interacting with PLAN sailors at each juncture.

Greenert even held an all-hands call as he would with his own Sailors but with aircraft carrier Liaoning crewmembers, who were eager to talk with the U.S. service chief about a number of topics ranging from his impressions of their first aircraft carrier, to port visits and chow, to his views on women in service. During the all-hands call, a female PLAN officer told Greenert she was inspired by the recent news of Adm. Michelle Howard’s fourstar promotion to vice chief of naval operations and that it gave her hope to aspire to great heights in her own organization.

When asked by a Liaoning crewmember during the all hands about how the U.S. and Chinese Navy can cooperate, Greenert highlighted that common interests and potential cooperation can take place in areas such as disaster relief, search and rescue, counter piracy, and counter smuggling operations.

For more on this, and other stories like it, click the link here.

NAF Atsugi FFSC Offers Traditional Craft Classes Story by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

“Washi is like Japanese paper mache, only more elegant.” said washi student Chelsey Waldridge.

In the class the students learn to make various Washi boxes, baskets, vases and eggs.

The boxes have various shapes such as the eight-point box, or an oval shaped box with the lid on it makes it look like a Japanese sandal.

One class takes about three hours because the projects are detail oriented and require some preparation work.

Every piece of material in the class is used to its maximum. Scraps of washi paper are used to decorate washi eggs, and the bases of boxes and baskets are made from milk cartons and other recyclables.

To make baskets, students use two milk cartons and thin pieces of cardboard shaped to make a handle.

The finished products are then lacquered to give the items an extra shine.

Most of the products made in the class are purely decorative items to display in the home or used an ornament like the washi egg.

The baskets, vases and small boxes with drawers can be used to hold smaller light weight items such as memo pads, pencils, flowers, or jewelry.

For the students, finished products are worth the time and work it takes to complete them.

“I love to do crafts,” said washi student Tran Vu. “I’ve attended numerous washi classes here and I love everything about it. It’s exciting to be able to measure, cut and finish a project.”

Beyond creating traditional artwork the students are given a chance to interact with one another and form bonds over crafts and the shared interest of learning Japanese culture.

“I hope that my students leave with a developed artistic sense that helps to unlock their imagination,” said Imamura. “Watching them leave the class with a smile and their artwork in hand makes me very happy.”

To sign up for the washi craft class or for more details please call FFSC at 264-3372.

Photo by MC2 Kegan E. Kay

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Japan is known for its rich artistic culture and Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC) provides opportunities for community members to try their hand at various traditional art forms.

One is a class where students can learn how to make washi crafts. The course is held every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the FFSC in building 949.

Washi, which means Japanese paper, has been a popular creation used in many crafts and products throughout the world such as fans, screens, shades, paper dolls and home décor.

Washi Instructor Mickey Imamura said that Washi paper was first created in Japan during the 7th Century when Buddhism first came to the country because monks used the paper for their manuals.

“It was made by hand and had many different patterns and colors,” said Imamura. “The paper was thicker like fabric and was worn by Samurai.”

The repetitive patterns on the paper, called Chiyogami, originated in the Edo period and created by people using woodblocks. Today the patterns are created using silkscreens.Chiyogami was traditionally used for paper dolls, origami and folk crafts.

The paper is shiny on the decorative side and plain on the other, similar to wrapping paper but not as waxy.

Students use chiyogami to create their products, providing an extra touch of tradition to the artwork.

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All

Japan

Liberty

Mount Fuji

Climb

Story and Photos by MC3 Ryan G Greene

For some Sailors coming to Japan climbing Mount Fuji, the highest peak on the island of Honshu, is near the top of a list of things to do.

Beginning in early November, Liberty Center Coordinators from all around Japan came together and began planning for their most ambitious trip yet; a climb to the summit of Mount Fuji.

“For me, I couldn’t be more excited about getting to host this trip,” said Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Liberty Center Event Coordinator Jay Mozilo. “This is the second trip and because the first was such a success, we’ve decided to go ahead and try it again. This trip we had around 100 Sailors total from four different installations, and with such a large number of participants, planning for lodging, feeding and moving that many bodies causes quite the logistical headache.”

Fortunately for Mozilo he wasn’t alone, with more than 10 volunteers and help from the USO Japan, Liberty Centers all around Japan have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone.

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“I was really excited to come to Okinawa and to see all that Japan had to offer,” said Master-atArms 2nd Class Jazmyn Hollis, of Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa Naval Station White Beach.

“But, I was upset to find out that because of the liberty policy, getting out to see much of the country wouldn’t really be possible. That’s why I jumped at the chance to climb Fuji, it’s been my dream.”

At 3:30 a.m. Aug. 2, the Sailors and Marines who were taking part in the largest pan-Japanese Liberty event left from NAF Atsugi and Commander, Fleet Activities Sasabo and made

their way up to the fifth station to begin their hike up Mount Fuji.

“I honestly slept the whole way here, but now that I’m standing here looking up, I’m kind of nervous,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Justin Gilmore, of NAF Atsugi.

“I really wasn’t thinking of just how big Fuji is. Now that I’m here, it’s pretty imposing.”

Gilmore wasn’t the only one feeling the pre-climb jitters, several in the crowd discussed the choice of returning to the busses and giving up the climb.

When it came time to start the climb at least one member of the climbing team had chosen to sit 6

it out and instead chose to wait for their companions at the 5th Station.

For the rest of the team, the climb began with relative ease, quickly climbing to above 2,400 meters.

For the roughly 100 Sailors who took part in the climb, almost all made it to the mountain summit and earned their coveted red stamp.

“This has been such a crazy experience,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Eric Mosey, of Branch Health Clinic Sasabo. “I did not anticipate that summiting Mount Fuji was going to be so difficult, especially around 8th Station.

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But, it was an absolute blast and I cannot wait to do this again next year.”

From Sailors who tried to leapfrog up the mountain and those who slid face first down the mountainside, few came off Fuji with anything on their minds other than when they could do it again.

“This was amazing, it was a perfect day and I’m honestly so glad that I decided to climb Fuji,” said Airman Cole Voeller, of NAF Atsugi.

“I wish we had done these every year, I’ll only be here for one more year and I’d love to go again with all the friends I’ve made from around Japan.”

NAFA CNATT Instructors Lead The Way in Far East Education Story by MC3 Ryan G. Greene NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office

Clocking in at a total of eight instructors at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, they’re tasked with a heavy responsibility, training every Sailor within the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Instructors at CNATT travel from NAF Atsugi to NAF Misawa in the north to Naval Base Guam in the south, responsible for training Sailors in the newest and most pertinent aviation rules, guidelines, and skills.

“I chose to come here, I love teaching and I know that when a student leaves my class, they’re going to do great things for themselves and the Navy,” said CNATT instructor Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class John Damm. “When we come to teach, we’re expected to be the SME’s [subject matter experts], and even after teaching for two years I still have people who challenge me to think about the same material in a different way, I love that.”

For the instructors of CNATT, before being selected for instructor status, they must take and pass a rigorous course covering information regarding Aviation Maintenance Administration and Management Training (AMAMT) to micro-miniature electronics repairs (2M).

“I love getting to teach the

AMAMT class,” said Instructor Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher McGuire. “Even though the material can be dry and something confusing to navigate through, when my students are done with their three week course, they’re some of the best prepared to deal with the logistical needs of their commands in the Far East; and I know that’s all because of the work that I’m able to do.”

According to Damm, CNATT Atsugi runs an average of two classes at a time, lasting from three weeks to two and a half months.

That also means that they’re able to train roughly 200 Sailors and Marines each fiscal quarter, which immediately impacts their effectiveness and workplace value and knowledge.

“The value of a training facility like this out here in Japan, means 8

Photo by MC3 Ryan G. Greene

that we’re saving the Navy money and Sailors time,” said Damm. “It could take someone the better part of a week getting to Pensacola, Florida to then goes through a five week training course, and then another week of travel to get back out here; with CNATT already being stationed in the 7th Fleet, we’re taking a huge part of that issue away.”

“Even though I don’t have the exact numbers in front of me, I know we’re saving money and exponentially increasing productivity,” said McGuire.

“At the end of the day, it’s important for me that the Navy benefits, but that our Sailors are walking away with skills and knowledge that will make them stronger and more competitive, for advancement and for work outside the Navy.”

A Reminder From Your Local Safety Office

As the “101 Critical Days of Summer” reaches past the halfway point of the season, heat safety remains key to responsibly enjoying vacations and recreation before September rolls around.

Whether on Mt. Fuji or swimming at a beach or in the pool, safety experts urge everyone to use common sense as a baseline.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Safety Director Thomas Beck highlighted alcohol use as one of the main factors leading to injuries and fatalities.

“Balance is one of the first things you lose when you consume alcohol, and when you combine this with the heat of Japanese summers, things

can get dangerous,” Beck noted in a safety presentation he provides to personnel at NAF Atsugi.

Alcohol consumption is particularly dangerous when combined with outdoor activities in the summer sun because perspiration removes water from the body while leaving the alcohol in, which can lead to quicker impairment and dehydration.

For those who prefer a dip in the pool or at the beach, the Navy Safety Center offers guidance for swimmers. When accompanying children, parents or guardians are advised to always have a designated watcher or lifeguard who knows CPR and has emergency supplies readily available.

Force Master Chief Johnson Visits NAF Atsugi

Recently Force Master Chief Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Anthony J. Johson visited Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi and spoke with first class petty officers during a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 round table discussion at Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department Atsugi. Photos by MC3 Ryan G. Greene 9

Fri., Aug. 15: Back to School Fashion Fair: 2 - 4 p.m. (Food Court) Mon., Aug. 18: AOB for Air Wing: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (TBD) Pre-Marital Seminar: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (216) Tues., Aug. 19: Summer Splash: 10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool) Tummy Time: 11:30 a.m. - Noon (220) Wed., Aug. 20: Sponsorship Class: 9 - 11 a.m. (Conf. Room) DV VA Refresher Training: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Conf.)

Thurs., Aug. 21: Washi Craft: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (129) Ombudsman Assembly: 5 - 6 p.m. (216) Fri., Aug. 22: ICR for Air Wing: 8:30 a.m. - Noon (TBD) Mon., Aug. 25: AOB: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (129) Tues., Aug. 26: ICR: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (129) Summer Splash: 10 - 11 a.m. (Outdoor Pool) Wed., Aug. 27: ICR: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (216) SAPR VA Refresher Training: 1 - 3 p.m. (Conf. Room) Thurs., Aug. 28: Developing your spending plan: 1 - 2 p.m. (129) Conv. Japanese Class: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (217)

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 on the 11th.

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

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

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

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

Bon Odori & American Festival

Sat., Aug. 16 at Taylor Field and Alliance Park NAF Atsugi MWR will be hosting the annual American and Bon Odori Festivals. There will be a hotdog eating contest, bands and a live electronica DJ. So, be sure to come on out and enjoy all Japan has to offer!

Following the American Festival, the Bon Odori Festival will begin with traditional dancing and taiko preformances by both local residents and JMSDF, as well as the NAF Atsugi Bon Odori Dancers. If you’re interested in learning more about the festival, stop on by the NAF Atsugi MWR office for more information.

Hawaiian Ribbon Crafts Fitness Conditioning Course* Every Tues., stop on by the NAF Atsugi Library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn how to create customized Hawaiian style ribbon crafts. A variety of projects are available. Fees range from $10 - $35.

Please call or email the instructor, Chiori Pyrett, to select and preorder your kit and reserve your seat at 080-3934-5056 or ribbonleimoakini@gmail.com.

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.

Late Night Liberty Movie Madness Tiny Tumblers 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

Fri., Aug. 22 swing by Ranger Gym between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m All kids ages 3-5 are welcome for some tumbling fun! Please ensure your children are in appropriate clothing. No jewelry, hard hair pieces, skirts, open-toed shoes, etc.

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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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.

NEX Gives Back to Students with Its A-OK Student Reward Program Story by Kristine M. Sturkie

NEXCOM Public Affairs

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) has been offering students a chance to help pay for college through its A-OK Student Reward Program since 1997.

The A-OK Student Reward Program offers all qualified students to participate in a quarterly drawing for monetary awards of $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or $500 for a total of $5,500 per quarter. The next drawing will be held at the end of August 2014.

Any eligible full-time student that has a B-grade point average equivalent or better, as determined by their school system, may enter the drawing. Homeschooled students can also qualify with acknowledgement that the student has a “B” average or equivalent record of accomplishment. Eligible students include dependent children of active duty military members, reservists and military retirees enrolled in 1st through 12th grade.

Dependent children without an individual Dependent Identification Card must be accompanied by their sponsor to submit their entry. Each student may enter only once each grading period and must re-enter with each qualifying report card.

To enter the drawing, stop by any NEX with a current report card or progress report and have a NEX associate verify the eligibility.

Then fill out an entry card and obtain an AOK ID which entitles the student to19 disc ount coupons for NEX products and services.

Along with the award, each winner will receive a lapel pin, certificate and medallion ribbon “In Honor of Academic Excellence.”

Since the program’s inception, NEXCOM has awarded over $640,000 to students with the help of its generous vendor partners.

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 non-appropriated 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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