Skywriter-April 2021

Command Master Chief Irwin Retires After 25 years NAF Atsugi CPOs Celebrate 128 years Month of the Military Child Observance

NAF Atsugi

April 2021

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Deputy Public Affairs Officer Greg Mitchell

Get The Facts About The Covid-19 Vaccination Page 04

Editor Greg Mitchell Skywriter Staff MC3 Olivier Clement MC3 Rafael Avelar Public Affairs Staff Ikumi Tanaka Maika Fujisaki

NEXCOM Celebrates 75 Years Of Service

Facebook.com/naf.atsugi

Page 07

Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi @NAFAtsugiJP

NAFA CMC Daniel Irwin Retires After 25 Years

www.issuu.com/nafatsugi

Page 08

CHECK OUT OUR LATEST LEADERSHIP GUIDANCE VIDEO

2

ONLINE

On The

Cover

Front Cover: Graphic featuring retired Master Chief Irwin Saluting as he departs.

Back Cover: Graphic featuring retired Master Chief Irwin and his family

CMDCM CORNER With Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin Shipmates, This is my final message as your Command Master Chief. By the time you will read this, I will have gone ashore for the last time on active duty, as I will retire from the United States Navy. I want to say THANK YOU to each and everyone of you for what you all do every day. The last two and half years have been absolutely awesome being part of a team like this.

I know this past year has been trying on all of us, but the team rose up and did things never done before...ever!! YOU all made this happen and I think just how impressive it is on what we have accomplished as a team. Keep doing what you are doing and making things better.

I wish I could have had an open door at my retirement ceremony and all hands to go, but unfortunately due to COVID-19 it was limited to only a certain number in attendance. It has been an absolute honor and privilege being your Command Master Chief. Miho and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing NAF Atsugi grow.

That’s it for this month. Thank you for all you do. Remember, if you have any questions...

ASK THE CHIEF!

April 20, 1944

April 6, 1917 Following the sinking of U.S. merchant vessels

by German U-boats, the U.S. declares war on Germany, entering World War.

USS Seahorse (SS 304) torpedoes and sinks Japanese submarine RO 45 off the Mariana Islands.

April 14, 1969 A North Korean aircraft shoots down an unarmed EC-121 propeller-driven Constellation, killing all 31 crewmembers on board.

April 29, 1961

3

USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63), an oil-fired aircraft carrier, is commissioned at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

4

Get the Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccination The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, has launched a program to provide COVID-19 vaccines to service members, retirees, and their families. Under this program, the DoD will distribute the vaccines through a series of phases.

Who is getting the vaccine first?

The first supply of the vaccine is limited.

The first vaccines will be given in phases.

The first phases will be for: • Individuals providing direct medical care • Individuals maintaining essential installation functions • Deploying forces • Individuals at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19 • Adults age 75 and older Vaccines will be offered to other TRICARE beneficiaries as more vaccines are available and after priority individuals have been vaccinated. Learn more about the first phases of DoD COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Why should I get the vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool in stopping the pandemic. It may be an effective way to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. And it may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do catch the virus. Getting vaccinated also protects the health of the people around you—especially those who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Where will I get the vaccine when offered?

The availability of the vaccine may vary by location. The DHA is developing several options to assist military hospitals and clinics in reaching out to you. You can also visit your military hospital’s website, news media, or social media to stay informed about vaccine updates. You should contact your local military hospital or clinic for their vaccination process and

availability. The vaccines will be more broadly available in the coming months.

When can I get the vaccine?

Once the initial phases of the vaccine distribution are completed, the vaccines will be more broadly available.

You’ll eventually be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at: • Your local military hospital or clinic.

• Your civilian provider.

• TRICARE network pharmacies.

• TRICARE non-network providers or TRICARE non-network pharmacies.

The vaccine itself is offered at no cost, but there may be a cost based on your plan for an office visit or if you require followon care. Wherever you eventually receive your vaccination, please remember you need to check availability before showing up.

COVID Vaccine Safety (Red letters)

The Pfizer, Moderna, and other COVID-19 vaccines in development prevent infection from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if COVID-19 enters our bodies.

• • •

mRNA vaccines:

Don’t contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. You can’t get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Don’t affect or interact with our DNA in any way.

Have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines produced through

5

the years. There is a system in place that allows the CDC to watch for safety issues and make sure the vaccines stay safe.

Are there risks?

The vaccines may cause side effects in some people, like sore muscles, feeling tired, or mild fever. For most people, these side effects will last no more than a day or two. Having these side effects doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. If you have questions about how you’re feeling after your shot, contact your provider or call the MHS Nurse Advice Line. It’s rare, but if you have a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the vaccine.

Have you received your vaccine?

If you’ve already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can sign up for v-safe. V-safe is a smart-phone based tool developed by the CDC, that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. V-safe will also remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one.

Be Ready and Informed

We want you to be ready when you’re offered the vaccine. Sign up for email alerts to get the latest TRICARE news and information. We’ll provide more information here as it becomes available.

Website information:

www.tricare.mil/COVIDVaccine

6

The Navy Exchange Service Command Celebrates 75 Years of Service

NAVY.MIL April 1, 2021

virtual 5K race, its first of 2021.

The #RunforFamily Virtual 5K, in partnership with MWR Navy Fitness, takes place April 8 - 11. Registration is now open at NEXtLevel5k.com and is free for all authorized patrons. The first 1,500 participants will receive a commemorative race medal by mail.

In celebration of its birthday, NEX customers will find special sales throughout the store and on myNavyExchange.com. At the end of April, patrons can enjoy a 3-day music series featuring artists such as Aly & AJ, Jake Miller, Allie Sherlock, Walker Hayes, Conner Youngblood, Lily Rose, Craig Wayne Boyd Track45, The Atsugi Navy Exchange provides authorized customers with quality goods Tigirlily, Allie Colleen and more. and services at a savings while supporting Navy Quality of Life programs

T

he Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) celebrated its 75th birthday on April 1.

NEXCOM can trace its roots back to the 1800s when Sailors had to depend on “bumboats” that moored alongside their ships to buy personal items. The Navy officially established the Navy Ship’s Store Office in Brooklyn, New York, on April 1, 1946. The command was renamed NEXCOM in 1991.

“NEXCOM’s legacy over the past 75 years has been our dedication to our deserving military members and their families around the world,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “Throughout these past 75 years, we’ve learned to adapt and evolve as the needs and roles of the U. S. Navy and our patrons have changed. That was never more apparent than over the past year with all the changes and new programs we put in place to support our Navy and our patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEXCOM is and always will be here to offer assistance wherever and whenever it’s needed.”

In honor of its 75th birthday, NEXCOM will be hosting a

7

“The mission of NEXCOM is vital to our Navy community,” said Bianchi. “We are committed to progress and ingenuity to remain an essential resource for our nation’s most deserving patriots for another 75 years!”

NEXCOM encompasses six business lines including NEX stores, the Navy Lodge Program, Ships Store Program, the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Uniform Program Management Office and the Telecommunications Program Office.

Its mission is to provide quality goods and services at a savings to its authorized customers and to support Navy quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists, Veterans and families.

NAFA Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin retires after 25 years of service NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Office April 6, 2021

A

TSUGI, Japan – Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan Command Master Chief (CMDCM) Daniel J. Irwin retired from the Navy after 25 years of dedicated service during a ceremony conducted aboard the installation Apr. 6.

Family members, friends and shipmates attended the ceremony to honor and bid fair winds and following seas to Irwin, whose naval career began in June of 1996.

Irwin, a native of Colorado, began his military career at Great Lakes, Illinois, in June of 1996 and went on to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, Millington, Tennessee where he attended Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) (AME) ‘A’ School.

In December of 1996, Irwin reported for his first duty assignment with the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) Three Zero Det. Five forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan. The very hangar which Irwin held his retirement was in the very same hangar he began his Naval career in.

During his tour, he completed numerous deployments in the Western Pacific aboard USS Independence (CV-62), where he qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class.

After an assignment consisting of maintaining aircraft for COMPACFLT at Executive Transport Detachment (ETD), Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Irwin reported back to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Three Zero (VRC-30) Det. Five in Atsugi,

U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Rafael Avelar & MC3 Ange Olivier Clement Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi’s former Command Master Chief, now retired Master Chief Daniel J. Irwin (center), poses for a photo with Capt. Manning Montagnet (right), NAF Atsugi’s Commaning Officer and Cmdr. Dave Orlosky (left), former NAF Atsugi Executive Officer, after his retirement ceremony held onboard the installation.

Japan in January of 2004.

Making several deployments while serving aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV63) in the Western Pacific theater, he served as the detachment Leading Petty Officer, qualifying as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Safefor-Flight and was then advanced to Chief Petty Officer.

Capt.

Manning Montagnet, the ceremony’s presiding officer, presented Irwin with the Meritorious Service Medal for superior performance as NAF Atsugi’s command master chief from July 2018 to present date.

Irwin was also presented with a traditional shadow box filled with personal awards and military

8

memorabilia that will serve as a remembrance of his naval career.

Command Master Chief Weba Roberts, who hails from Jamaica and grew up in Massachusetts has now assumed the senior enlisted position from Irwin. Roberts reported to NAF Atsugi after serving as command master chief on USS Porter (DDG 78) in Rota, Spain.

During these operational tours, Roberts completed deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf, South America, Western Pacific, Black Sea, and Barents Sea. Roberts served previously in Japan at Commander, Fleet Air, Western Pacific (COMFAIRWESTPAC) Detachment Atsugi, Japan.

9

Happy Birthday

128

th

Chief Petty Officers U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Rafael Avelar

Naval Air Facility Atsugi Chief Petty Officers celebrated their 128th birthday with a cake cutting ceremony in the Far East Café Galley and a burger burn outside of Davy Jones’ Locker, providing lunch for Sailors and families onboard the installation.

10

11

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Branch Health Clinic Atsugi For Appointments: 264-3959 or 0467-63-3311

12

NAF Atsugi Month of the Military Child Observance 2021 April is designated as Month of the Military Child. It stands as a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas.

Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Commanding Officer Capt. Manning Montagnet along with other guest speakers attended an assembly held at Shirley Lanham Elementary School in observance of the “Month of the Military Child” April 7, 2021.

U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Rafael Avelar

The Naval Air Facility Atsugi Branch Girl Scout Service Unit 835 decorated the installation’s roundabout garden with pinwheels to raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

13

do your part,

WEAR A MASK.

14

The Final Word WITH NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICER

CAPT. J. M. MONTAGNET NAFA Atsugi Community,

By now everyone on the base should be aware we are in the final stage of inoculating our community and achieving our final goal of reaching majority immunity. As we approach the finish line, I want to remind everyone that — like completing a marathon — the final strides often seem the most challenging.

We are getting there; but it is still vital we get across that finish line. Fortunately, our Branch Health Clinic team remains ready to usher through the final steps. As you can see, we were able to alter the schedules to accommodate almost every schedule for people to get their vaccines as well as complete the vaccine regimen for those who await their second doses: Wed. 12 May: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Fri. 7 May: 0830 - 1130 I understand that there remain questions and concerns regarding the vaccine, vaccine brands, and health concerns. It’s been well documented that the vaccine is safe and very effective. But some concern is perfectly understandable and I encourage anyone with these concerns to consult with their doctors and medical professionals.

However, for those who have elected to accept the vaccine — and in those cases where the brand is either Moderna or Pfizer — it’s vital that you complete the regimen as indicated. And it is equally critical that you advise both your sponsor as well as you chain of command the status of your vaccination program. We are not — repeat, not — documenting individual names beyond documenting vaccination acceptance counts.

Your privacy remains vital and safe.

Bottom line: if a member of the community receives the vaccine, and we are not aware of that addition, then we can’t accurately assess a baseline immunity and ultimately explore lifting many of our travel and activity restrictions. So, for sponsors with family members who have been vaccinated, it is in yours — and everyone’s — best interest to let us know through your chain of command that you’ve initiated and, ultimately, completed the schedule.

I know everyone joins me in achieving our final restoration of our normal lives, schedules, and activities with family and friends. It remains in our hands to reach that goal together as soon as possible.

CAPT John M. Montagnet Commanding Officer U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan

15

Fair Winds & Following Seas