Skywriter- 1 August, 2019

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Sam Samuelson Deputy Public Affairs Officer Briana Baglini Leading Chief Petty Officer

Rev Up Your Workout

MCC(SW/AW) Ben Farone

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Editor MC3(SW) Jacob Smith Skywriter Staff MC3 (SW) Jacob Smith MC3 Olivier Clement Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka

Another Year of Education Page 6

Facebook.com/naf.atsugi Youtube.com/NAFAtsugi

Obon Origin

@NAFAtsugiJP

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW CAPTAIN’S CALL VIDEO

www.issuu.com/nafatsugi

ONLINE

ON THE COVER

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NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT. LLOYD B. MACK, RIGHT, AND COMMANDER, FLEET AIR WING FOUR, JMSDF REAR ADM. KOJI KANESHIMA, POSE FOR A PHOTO PRIOR TO THE YAMATO AWA ODORI FESTIVAL. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST BEN FARONE/RELEASED)

CMDCM CORNER With Command Master Chief Daniel Irwin

Shipmates, We l c o m e b a c k t o C M D C M ’s C o r n e r.

First and foremost, congratulations to all of our new CPO selectees! The next several weeks will be both physically and mentally challenging for this group.

I’d like to ask for everyone to show their support as our selectees progress through the training that comes with CPO Initiation while still executing their dayto-day duties as first line leaders within their work centers.

Speaking of advancement, our Navywide advancement exams are right a r o u n d t h e c o r n e r, s o I w a n t t o r e m i n d all of our eligible Sailors to make sure you complete your Professional Military Knowledge Eligibility Exam (PMK-EE).

The PMK-EE completion deadline for the fall exam cycle is September 1st, but your c o m m a n d ’s E S O m a y h a v e s e t a s u s p e n s e date earlier than that. Regardless, make sure you’re getting your exam done sooner rather than later to ensure you remain eligible to take the advancement exam next month.

Yo u o n l y h a v e t o c o m p l e t e t h e P M K - E E once for each paygrade and there are a few options available to do so. The first,

and more conventional w a y, i s t h r o u g h M y Navy Portal, which requires your CAC card.

Knowing most people prefer the ease of access that comes w i t h m o b i l e t e c h n o l o g y, the Navy has created an app available in the Navy App L o c k e r a t h t t p s : / / w w w. a p p l o c k e r. n a v y. m i l / . Vi s i t t h e w e b s i t e , d o w n l o a d t h e PMK-EE app and complete the course anytime, anywhere. Once you finish your PMK-EE, you’ll need to upload your certificate in NSIPS, verify your evals and awards and route your Enlisted Advancement Wo r k s h e e t ( E AW ) b a c k t o y o u r E S O t o c o m p l e t e the process. If you have any questions, contact your ESO or chain of command f o r a s s i s t a n c e . F i n a l l y, i f y o u h a v e n ’t s t a r t e d h i t t i n g t h e b o o k s , t h e r e ’s n o time like the present!

T h a t ’s a l l f o r t h i s m o n t h . T h a n k y o u f o r a l l y o u d o , a n d r e m e m b e r, i f y o u have any questions, ASK THE CHIEF!

August 5, 1832

August 15, 1944

August 10, 1920

August 25, 2017

USS Potomac becomes the first U.S. Navy ship to entertain royalty, Operation Dragoon begins, which is the Allied invasion of Southern France. Western Naval Task Force, commanded the King and Queen of Sandwich Islands.

by Vice Adm. Henry K. Hewitt, USN, lands the Allied force

Hurricane Harvey Strikes the Texas Gulf Coast. The The Bureau of Aeronautics is established by General Order.

Medal of Honor recipient, Rear Adm. William Moffett is the first Navy responds by sending 10 aircraft to provide humanitarian assistance that lasts until Sept. 4.

Bureau Chief.

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REV UP YOUR WORKOUT

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT According to Nicole Galloway, a group fitness instructor and the Recreation Assistant, people should give the class a try. “I would say it’s really fun and everyone has a good time. The music is always good. So just come in and give it a chance,” said Galloway. “If you don’t like it, we have plenty of other classes that we offer. But if you like it, you’ll be hooked. Keep coming and bring a friend. I think that also helps to make it more fun. Just give it a shot. You never know, you might love it.”

Military bases unto themselves are selfsustaining small towns. They offer plenty to accommodate not only the personnel living and working there but also their dependents.

One of the benefits open to everyone are the exercise facilities. Staying in shape is not only beneficial, but a requirement for those in the military. Sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated with the same routine.

To assist with this, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) located here at Naval Air Facility Atsugi (NAFA) offers a variety of workout classes to change up your routine.

One of those is spin class. Spin is a highintensity group indoor cycling workout, invented in the late 1980’s. On Atsugi, spin is offered four times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

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It’s not hard to see why the class can become addictive. Lights in the studio are dim, bikes are bright silver, and Beyoncé and Macklemore boom from the surround-sound speakers. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors line the wall behind the instructors which in turn face rows of evenly spaced bikes.

Their unified motion as the instructor calls out commands and inspiration, all over the thumping of the blasting pop music, resembles a choreographed orchestra.

Not only do students come out of the class with physical gains, but also with mental positivity.

“I think people learn that they’re stronger than they think,” said Killian. “People realize no matter what level of fitness they begin with, they are able to do it. They see how they can get through a full hour or 45 minute class.

And every class that they come to is a little bit more of that goal being chipped away.”

“Annetta Killian another group fitness instructor for MWR. was my instructor and I just loved her energy and I loved coming to the class,” said Galloway. “Cardio can sometimes be challenging for me, but being in a group setting made it more enjoyable.

So after seeing her and how awesome she is, I decided to give it a try too. So I went and got certified.

This positive and exciting atmosphere has helped the class grow from two sessions a week to four. According to Galloway all are welcome. “We get a full range, beginners just want to try it out having heard that the class is fun. I get people who have done it in the past or other locations. We get a good mix of men and women as well as active duty, dependents and civilians and even some of the Japanese nationals come in.”

So for Sailors or their dependents stationed at NAFA looking to get in shape, have a fun and challenging environment in where to do it, the spin class offered by MWR is something to consider. If, however, this is not something that draws their interest, the instructors want to remind everyone that MWR also offers body combat, yoga, pilates, zumba and much more.

For additional information please contact Ranger Gym at 264-6160 and ask for Annetta

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ANOTHER YEAR OF EDUCATION

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 JACOB SMITH

The first day of the 2020 school year is August 26th, so parents and guardians should head over to the Little Theater across from Shirley Lanham Elementary School to pick up all the necessary paperwork and forms in order to register their children.

Department of Defense Education Activity ( D o D E A ) s c h o o l s a r e d i ff e r e n t f r o m t h e school districts in the civilian world in many facets. While each public school has its own set of requirements for graduation, curriculum, and necessary classes, DoDEA schools are the same no matter where in the world the student attends. This is beneficial for the growth of a military child and allows them to stay on track with their education no matter how often or far across the globe they move.

passport and a copy of their immunization records. If a parent needs assistance with the registration process or any other i s s u e s , S c h o o l L i a i s o n O ff i c e r ( S L O ) , H a n n a h M c C a r t h y, i s t h e r e t o a s s i s t .

“I wish for the parents to come to me for any support they might need, whether i t ’s b e f o r e t h e y a r r i v e a t t h e c o m m a n d , during their stay here on NAF Atsugi or as they’re transitioning to a new area,” said M c C a r t h y. “ H e l p i n g t h e f a m i l i e s c o n n e c t with the schools, being able to support and provide the resources for the parents and helping them connect with the SLO at t h e i r n e x t d u t y s t a t i o n s , t h a t ’s w h a t I ’ m h e r e f o r. ” M c C a r t h y u n d e r s t a n d s t h e d i ff i c u l t y students and their families face, moving from command to command, valuing every d a y a s i m p o r t a n t t o a c h i l d ’s e d u c a t i o n .

To r e g i s t e r, m i l i t a r y p e r s o n n e l w i l l n e e d to bring a copy of their Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, a Family Entry A p p r o v a l o r C o m m a n d S p o n s o r s h i p L e t t e r, “ I n t o d a y ’s N a v y t h e f a m i l i e s m a t t e r t h e i r c h i l d ’s s c h o o l r e c o r d s f r o m p r e v i o u s a n d t h e r e a r e a m a z i n g r e s o u r c e s t o h e l p schools, a copy of their birth certificate or support them both when they are home 6

T h e D O D E A d i s t r i c t o ff i c e i s r e c e i v i n g new members and will be hosting a town hall meeting at the Little Theater on August 13th to introduce the new Superintendent D r. A l l e n , A s s i s t a n t S u p e r i n t e n d e n t D r.

B a i l e y a n d t h e C h i e f o f S t a ff M r s . C o o l e y.

This will not only provide them the chance to introduce themselves to the families but to also inform them of upcoming changes for both Shirley Lanham Elementary There are a few age requirements for school and Zama Middle High School. e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l s t u d e n t s . Yo u n g c h i l d r e n going into the Sure Start program must While the students are enjoying the final b e a g e f o u r, k i n d e rg a r t e n e r s a g e f i v e , a n d d a y s o f t h e i r s u m m e r v a c a t i o n , t h e n e x t first-graders must be age six by September stage of their life will soon arrive, whether 1 s t . E x c e p t i o n s t o t h i s r u l e c a n b e m a d e f o r i t w i l l b e a f i r s t d a y o f k i n d e rg a r t e n o r s t u d e n t s w h o h a v e a l r e a d y a t t e n d e d c l a s s i n s e n i o r y e a r, p a r e n t s a r e e n c o u r a g e d t o h e l p t h e m b e p r e p a r e d f o r t h i s j o u r n e y. a d i ff e r e n t s c h o o l d i s t r i c t . a n d o n d e p l o y m e n t , ” s a i d M c C a r t h y. “ A t N A F A t s u g i t h e S a i l o r s a r e d e p l o y e d a l a rg e percentage of the time so being here to assist i s c r i t i c a l . I c o - h o s t a c o ff e e w i t h S h i r l e y Lanham Elementary School principal each month and cohost the Zama Atsugi Parent (ZAP) meeting. Both of these meetings are ‘no agenda’ based, allowing families to come and speak directly with the administration.”

Another important step parents need to take in registering their child for school is setting up a school lunch account, as this will be the only way for students to pay for their lunch.

A f t e r o b t a i n i n g t h e i r s t u d e n t I D n u m b e r, the parents may go to the AAFES on Camp Z a m a o r o n l i n e a t w w w. M y P a y m e n t P l u s . com. From here or through the app available in both the App Store and Google Play store, you can view the balance of the account, see what the student is purchasing, and set up alerts for when the account is getting low and make payments /add funds. While doing this, they can apply for reduced or free lunches for their children at https:// freeandreducedapps.aafes.com/, something that McCarthy recommends.

“For students who are graduating from high school and planning to move onto the next phase of their life, whether that be going into the workforce or pursuing higher education, I w i l l b e w o r k i n g w i t h C a m p Z a m a ’s S L O and the guidance counselors at Zama Middle High School to hold workshops and educational college/career prep events,” s a i d M c C a r t h y. “ T h i s y e a r w e a r e g o i n g t o h o l d f o u r d i ff e r e n t e v e n t s t h r o u g h o u t t h e s c h o o l y e a r. ” 7

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O B O N

O R I G I N

S T O RY B Y M C 3 S M I T H P H O T O S B Y M C C FA R O N E

F a c i l i t y A t s u g i ’s ( N A FA ) H o s t N a t i o n Relations Office. “There are not many opportunities for annual leave, so having this time is special across the c o u n t r y. ”

For over 500 years, the people of Japan have come together during the summer months in order to celebrate Obon.

Regardless of time period or place,the reasons have remained the same: honoring the passed and reconnecting with the living.

The first Bon festival is known as Shichigatsu Bon (Bon in July) and takes place around the 15th of July for those in the Kanto region. The second is Hachigatsu Bon (Bon in August). The most commonly celebrated Bon, this takes place around August 15th. The last is Kyū Bon (Old Bon) which takes place on the 15th day of the 7th month i n t h e l u n a r c a l e n d e r, t h u s c h a n g e s e v e r y y e a r.

Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom lasting approximately three days where people return to their hometowns to visit with family and honor their deceased ancestors, cleaning their graves while their spirits visit the alters in the household.

“Japanese people hold a high respect f o r t h e i r a n c e s t o r s . We w o u l d n o t b e here if they weren’t here in the first place, so we do all this to honor them.” said Sumie Maruyama of Naval Air

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During the week the family members offer food and drink to their ancestors, and perform a dance known as the Bon

Odori as a moving tribute to celebrate the legacies of thier passed family members. There are many dances practiced around the nation; cities and prefectures typically have dances unique to their local area.

“Due to my pregnancy I wasn’t able to p a r t i c i p a t e i n l a s t y e a r ’s B o n O d o r i , so I’m looking forward to getting the o p p o r t u n i t y t o t h i s t i m e , ” s a i d Ye o m a n 2 n d C l a s s D a i s h a Va z q u e z , f r o m J a c k s o n v i l l e , N o r t h C a r o l i n a . “ I t ’s exciting to see everyone come out and h a v e f u n t o g e t h e r, d e s p i t e h o w d i f f e r e n t w e m a y b e c u l t u r a l l y o r a s a s o c i e t y, s o I’m thankful I’ll have the opportunity to experience this.”

Since its establishment, in the mid20th century NAF Atsugi has hosted an open base Bon Odori event.

“While the Bon season is Japanese tradition, the locals enjoy American c u l t u r e a n d d a n c e s a s w e l l . We t r y to incorporate both cultures into our Bon Odori here on base to show that we understand and respect Japanese culture, to let them see us embrace their cultures and traditions in order to help build community relations,” said Maruyama. “The interaction is very important, unlike some other events like the Spring Festival where we show off American culture, this is our chance to merge and blend our cultures i n a p o s i t i v e w a y, i n s t e a d o f j u s t a o n e sided event.”

The origin of Bon Odori comes from M a h a M a u d g a l y a y a n a , o n e o f B u d d h a ’s closest disciples, who used his powers to look upon his deceased mother who was suffering in the realm of Hungry Ghosts. Disturbed by this, he asked Buddha for advice who told him to make offerings. He did this on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. Upon seeing h i s m o t h e r ’s s p i r i t r e l e a s e d f r o m i t s torment, as well as the selflessness of her life and sacrifices, Maha began d a n c i n g w i t h j o y. T h i s e m b o d i e s t h e spirit of Obon, appeciating the efforts and sacrifices of ancestors.

The Bon Odori celebration last year welcomed more than 20,000 visitors between service members,families and off-base visitors. As Maruyama mentioned, this is one, if not the best opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate as one.

While the Bon season may not be an American custom, the meaning behind it–honoring our deceased and spending time with our living relatives–is a shared sentiment for all of us.

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MOUNT FUJI: A BREATHTAKING CLIMB

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 ANGE OLIVIER CLEMENT

On a brisk midsummer morning a group of 106 Sailors and Marines met in the parking lot of Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station to begin their trek far above the base of the mountain. While confronting the serenity of nature, you ascended into the stark wasteland. Then in a sudden and swirling haze, clouds engulf the path and gnarled pines rise out of the fog like twisted, gesturing spirits.

through the volcanic wilderness leads to the hallowed ground of the summit, the very altar of the sun. ***** For Sailors stationed in Japan there are plenty of places to visit, however there is one that towers, both literally and figuratively above the rest. Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano with a 12,388-ft. peak is the most iconic location in all of Japan.

Its snow-capped heights have inspired artists through the centuries from Edo period woodblock prints to photographs of modern Tokyo, where on clear days the mountain can be seen looming over the Shinjuku district skyline.

You’re channeled up a trail cordoned off by ropes, chains and concrete embankments.

Hikers are so bunched up that, from above, they look like a human train. To the east, you see the palest smudge of light. To the west, hardened lava flows envelop the base of boulders, some of the In June of 2013, UNESCO, the United rocks as big as houses. Hours of trudging Nation’s cultural arm, designated the 12

clothes fail to dry from rain or sweat thus becoming heavier with time.

“I would also suggest bringing a windbreaker because the temperatures will drop as you go higher and higher in altitude,” said Mozilo.

mountain a World Heritage site— recognizing the peak as a defining symbol of the nation’s identity and essentially solidifying the climb as a bucket-list experience.

With that in mind, Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s (NAFA) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), in coordination with MWR centers from bases around Japan organized a once in a lifetime opportunity for their service members; a joint climb of Mt. Fuji.

On this climb the advice that Mozilo provided came in handy as the climbers encountered a tropical storm. Due to dangerous wind conditions they were told to turn around two stations from the summit. However, according to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Watson from Every year over 300,000 people make the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron trek during the climbing season of July and in Okinawa every moment was worth the August, despite the physical and mental conditions. challenge. Barring any natural incidents like rock slides, there are four trails “This was definitely a once in a lifetime available to climbers, each with varying experience,” said Watson. “It was a great levels of difficulty and terminating at experience and I am glad I did it.” different altitudes.

For anyone looking to experience According to Jay Mozilo, the NAFA MWR something new and challenging climbing Liberty Program manager, a great deal of Mount Fuji is an adventure worth preparation must go into getting ready for undertaking. this climb. Those who registered received information on the type of clothing that is recommended as well as details on what to expect as they make their ascent.

During the information session Mozilo said, “We highly recommend bringing snacks and drinks that you can munch on while you’re climbing to replenish the calories that you’re losing so you don’t feel lightheaded or pass out.” He continues “The things I recommend are items such as trail mix and high protein snacks, like beef jerky and granola bars.”

Registrants are told to make sure to stay away from cotton based clothing as the

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