July 1, 2015 - Skywriter

What’s Inside...

Public Affairs Officer Howard Samuelson Assistant Public Affairs Officer Mrs. Natalie Stamey

Inaugural Base -Side Festival

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Leading Petty Officer MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley Editor MC3 Jason C. Bawgus

CNIC VISITS ATSUGI

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Skywriter Staff MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley MC3 Ryan G. Greene MC3 Jason C. Bawgus Host Nation Relations Masako Takakura Sumie Maruyama Ikumi Tanaka Webmaster Noriko Yamazaki

HSM 51 Hosts 3rd MOHC

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CAPTAIN’S CALL AT AIR OPS

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

@NAFAtsugiJP

ONLINE

ON THE COVER In this week’s episode of “Captain’s Call” NAF Atsugi Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey and Command Master Chief Mike Wilkins join special guest AC3 Joseph Hilt at Air Ops to bring the latest community updates.

To watch this episode and more visit us at www.youtube.com/NAFAtsugi.

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MASTER AT ARMS 2ND CLASS LUKE ALVAREZ AND MILITARY WORKING DOG SITA TAKE A BREAK DURING TRAINING TO POSE FOR A PHOTOGRAPH FOR THIS EDITION OF SKYWRITER. (PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS)

Turning the Page

A look back at Skywriter news from past decades and what’s happening today.

Right, is a 1968 article featuring Mrs. Shirley Lanham, the wife of Rear Adm. Harvey Lanham, COMFAIRWESTPAC, and the namesake of NAF Atsugi’s Shirley Lanham Elementary School.

Below, students from Shirley Lanham Elementary School are recognized during an award ceremony held June 9 to mark the end of the 2014-2015 school year.

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summer festivals around kanto

July 3-5: Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata All Day, free JR Hiratsuka Station Mall North Exit July 5: International Festival 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., free Kawasaki International Center July 25: Sumidagawa Fireworks 6-8 p.m., free Around Asakusa Station

Late July: Shinjuku Eisa (Okinawan dance) Festival 12-8 p.m., free Shinjuku Early August: Jingu Gaien Fireworks 6-10 p.m., free Gaienmae August 8: NAF Atsugi Bon Odori 5-8 p.m. This is an open base event.

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August 8: Tokyo Bay Fireworks 6-10 p.m., free Tokyo August 15-16: Fukagawa Hachiman Festival All Day, free Tokyo August 15-16: Summer Sonic All Day, Prices Vary Kaihin-Makuhari Station

Base-Side

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

BIG Success

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

Festival a

The U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band performs at the inaugural Ayase Base Side Festival held in Koryo-koen Park in Fukaya-kami, Ayase City.

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

Story by MC3 Ryan Greene NAF Atsugi Public Affairs The Executive Committee of Ayase Base-Side Festival hosted its first event on May 30, 2015 at Koryo Park just outside the West Gate of

Musician 3rd Class Brandon Britt, of the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet Band, welcomes the crowd before a performance at the Ayase Base Side Festival.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi.

The event was supported by groups from the local community, as well as base organizations to generate positive community relations. The festival organizers had hoped the event would attract 10,000 local residents, but it exceeded that goal with more than 25,000 people attending from the local community.

“We began with the idea of increasing tourism,” said Ayase Executive Committee representative Takanori Saito. “But clearly it became something so much more than that. With the participation of several on-base groups, this truly has become a community project.”

Off-base festivals are not uncommon in Japan, but it is unusual for American groups to attend or sell their products at such events. This was the first of several upcoming events where American and Japanese vendors and 5

community members come together in the interest of building a stronger and more clearly defined sense of community, Saito added.

“When I heard about this opportunity, I knew I had to sign-up,” said NAF Atsugi Supply Warriors Treasurer Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Kalia Vang. “I love Atsugi, and for my family, the times we get to share in the local culture are treasured memories.”

According to Saito, that is what this festival is all about, strengthening meaningful and lasting ties on both sides of the fence.

“This was just the first of what we expect to be many more festivals and events to be held in the future,” Saito said. “I appreciate the base’s participation in this event; it makes the base feel approachable. I hope the visitors enjoyed the festival and all of the 48 different vendors, light show and U.S. 7th Fleet Band.”

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

The Bond that Keeps Atsugi Safe

detection. Military working dogs are typically either German Shepherd or Belgian Malinosis because these breeds display a superior ability to perform these tasks.

Most of the Dogs come from the DoD Puppy Program or they are brought in from Germany,” said Master at Arms 2nd Class Zachary Lyons. “They are chosen through a process where they test on different abilities that they show when they are still young puppies.

They go through required training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas through explosive, drug or patrol training. Once they pass their certification, they are sent out to the fleet.”

Although the career of a military working dog begins with basic training, the real training begins at their first command.

“Once we get a new MWD from Lackland, they are just like a new Sailor out of A-school. They have the basic knowledge but they are a long ways away from being ready,” said Lyons. “We are constantly training the dogs.

Every day we take an MWD out and work on detection or obedience. A lot of the training is really about strengthening the bond between a MWD and the handler, they both have to be able to know what the other is thinking in any situation.”

A typical day for an MWD and their handler begins early in the morning, ends well into the evening and usually contains plenty of patrols and extensive training in between.

“The dogs are extremely important to NAF Atsugi’s security force,” said Garcia. “Not a lot of people see what we do on and off base, but they feel the benefits in added Security.”

Story by MC3 Jason Bawgus

NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Military working dogs (MWD) and their handlers are deployed worldwide in support of global operations and play a significant role in safeguarding military bases.

Currently, six military working dogs are serving aboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi at Naval Security Forces (NSF).

“The purpose of having military working dogs here in Atsugi is to ensure that we provide the base and the fleet safety when it comes to vehicles coming on board and to ensure that no type of suspicious activities are being performed here on the base,” said MWD Leading Petty Officer Master-at-Arms 1st Class Mark Garcia.

“We also do Barracks inspections and search for any narcotics that may have been brought on base and try and stop them from spreading.”

For the MWDs on NAF Atsugi, tasks can include patrolling the base perimeter internally and externally, conducting random inspections in bachelor and family housing, and even giving just doing a demonstrations at an event or for a group of school children.

Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell which aides them in this specialized field. A canine’s nose contains up to 225 million scent receptor nerves, compared to the five million receptors in the human nose.

This means that military working dogs can detect narcotics, explosives, illegal currency, gas leaks, arson accelerants and illegally imported food, according to the Department of Defense (DoD) Puppy Program Website.

At NAF Atsugi, the role of the military working dog can range from patrol to drug detection or explosive 6

NAFA Volunteers Bring American Food, Culture to Local Orphanage

Story by MC1(SW/AW) Barry Riley

PHOTOS BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

Atsugi Officers’ Spouses Association, NAF Atsugi NAF Atsugi Public Affairs Ombudsman, Fleet and Family Support Center and Supply Warriors donated American food and drinks for A group of Naval Air Facility Atsugi community the event. members recently paid a visit to Misono Children’s Volunteers from the NEX served cookies and goodie home to volunteer at their annual festival. bags full of American snacks and drinks while the Nearly 500 guests including children, local elementary First Class Petty Officers’ Mess served more than 300 and junior high-school teachers and supporters of the grilled hamburgers and hot dogs at the festival, which orphanage attended the event, which featured several according to Maruyama are always a big hit with the free food booths serving traditional Japanese dishes like children. yakisoba and yakitori, treats like ice cream, popcorn “The last time I visited the children’s home, people and cotton candy, and game booths. There were also seemed very excited to know that there would be singing and dance performances from the children.

American hamburgers at the festival,” she explained.

According to NAF Atsugi Host Nation Relations “Hamburgers are always the most popular food at this Office representative Sumie Maruyama, the festival is event.” held to give the children a chance to interact with each NAF Atsugi FCPOM Secretary Information Systems other, and to let them experience a little bit of American Technician 1st Class Bridgett Broussard enjoyed serving culture. the children and said the event was a great opportunity “These kids don’t often have a chance to communicate to fellowship with local Japanese counterparts. with each other across the different age groups or even “Something like this is important because we definitely communicate with Americans,” she said. “It’s a good want to build a bond and a unity between Americans opportunity to have interaction between the kids, and and Japanese nationals,” she said. provide a chance to invite the supporters of [Misono “It breaks the barrier and helps us all be united.”

Children’s Home] out to enjoy the festivities.”

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Ardis Finely, a FCPOM The Navy Exchange (NEX), First Class Petty Officers’ member, said he enjoyed taking time out to learn a little Mess (FCPOM), Atsugi Enlisted Spouses Association, about Japanese culture and hopes to participate in next year’s event.

“My favorite part was giving back to the children and learning how to talk to them,” he said.

Maruyama said the event was a successful one, and that the Misono children and staff thanked the volunteers’ for their contributions.

“The Misono staff said they really appreciate our support, not only for the festival but we visit them at least once quarterly,” said Maruyama. “It’s something that the kids don’t get a chance to experience every day.

If we can provide a happy and fun atmosphere along with good food then it’s great.”

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TOUR THE SHORE, SUSTAIN THE FLEET PHOTOS BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

STORY BY H. SAM SAMUELSON

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Commander Naval Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Admiral Dixon Smith combed through as much of Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s 1,250 acres of land and infrastructure as possible June 12, advancing CNIC’s role as the global provider of effective shore capability to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family.

CNIC is the ultimate administrator of the Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO) Navy shore investment guidance to ensure Above, Vice Adm. Dixon Smith asks Lt. Allison Islin a question during a tour of NAF Atsugi. shore infrastructure is mission- Left, CNIC Vice Adm. Dixon Smith asks Capt. John Bushey, commanding officer of ready, resilient, sustainable and in Naval Air Facility Atsugi a question during a tour of the installation. synch with the fleet.

“As our warfighting missions evolve, the Navy’s shore as support the alliance with have with our host nation.”

During CNIC’s tour, Smith first paid courtesy calls on installations must continue to provide the platform to train and prepare our Sailors, deploy our ships and key Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force leaders, Fleet aircraft, and support our military families,” The CNO, Air Force Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Morita Yoshikazu Admiral Jonathan Greenert, stated in presenting his shore and Commander, Fleet Air Wing 4, Rear Admiral Tatsuya Futakawa. investment guidance strategy for 2015.

As the day progressed, most key NAF Atsugi facilities During the CNIC official visit, NAF Atsugi leadership, Sailors, employees and even residents were treated to an and service areas, open parks and vital flight line locations opportunity to showcase the base’s alignment with its were toured. Few locations were overlooked and only then region (Commander Naval Forces Japan) and, ultimately, due to a packed CNIC calendar limited by a commitment to take in as many regional bases as possible. fulfilling CNIC’s “quality from the shore” vision.

Management and employees from such locations as Adm. Smith was accompanied by CNIC staff leadership including Force Master Chief Andrew Thompson. Locally, the entry gates, Security, Branch Health Clinic, MWR Smith was hosted and escorted by Commander, Naval facilities, fire department and firefighting training center, Forces Japan, Rear Admiral Matthew Carter and CNFJ housing and barracks areas, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Command Master Chief Joseph Fahrney. Smith also Center Yokosuka, Det. Atsugi fuel facility, and the Shirley toured CNFJ bases in Yokosuka, Sasebo, Misawa and Lanham Elementary School – to name just a few locations Okinawa, as well as paying a visit to the U.S. Embassy in – prepared walking brief tours. There were few corners, hallways, offices, public spaces – even bathrooms, that Tokyo.

In just six short months, Adm. Smith has now visited Smith didn’t hope to scrutinize, to demonstrate his all overseas regions and a majority of bases in the CNIC commitment to quality, clean and squared-away base enterprise beyond the shores of the United States. In Japan, facilities.

“This base is your home,” Smith said during a CNIC NAF Atsugi’s Commanding Officer, Captain John Bushey, said he was proud to showcase the people and facilities on presentation. “Good housekeeping, sharp and squaredAtsugi and demonstrate everyone’s commitment to CNFJ away main gates, building entries, greetings areas enhances the base appearance and show your customers – fleet, and CNIC guiding principles.

“I am confident that the leadership, Sailors, Civilians, and fighters and families – that you care about the customer Japanese civilian MLC’s onboard NAF Atsugi are mindful service you provide.”

Ultimately, Smith lauded the leadership, Sailors, of the critical role we play in support of naval aviation and operations within the 7th Fleet area of operations and civilians and MLCs at NAF Atsugi.

“You should be proud of what you’re doing here at NAF enhancing our alliance with Japan,” Capt. Bushey said.

“We must continually demonstrate our understanding Atsugi, especially in this strategic area – to not only serve that the best quality fleet support starts with customer your primary customers – but in enhancing the great service. But with that customer services goes being relationship you have with your neighbors in your host ‘brilliant on the basics,’ making smart business decisions, nation,” he said.

CNIC is headquarters to 11 Navy Regions around fostering a culture of continuous improvement and being good stewards of the environment. Our commitment in the world, 70 shore installations and more than 52,000 these areas will enhance our mission effectiveness as well Officers, Sailors and Civilian employees.

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CLOSING THE

GAP

HSM 51 AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA NAVY AIR GROUP 62 MEET AT NAF ATSUGI FOR 3RD ANNUAL

MARITIME OPERATION HELICOPTER COMMITTEE

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

The third annual Maritime Operation Helicopter Committee (MOHC) convened this week between U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) helicopter squadrons, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and Squadron 629. Representatives from the Republic of Korea Navy Air Group 62, Squadron 629 traveled to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi for the joint U.S. Navy and ROKN conference.

After a successful first meeting of the MOHC at NAF Atsugi in 2013, both squadrons met again as representatives of U.S. Navy Commander Task Force (CTF) 70 and ROKN Air Group 62 to sign a memorandum of understanding in 2014, strengthening personal and professional relationships within the allied maritime helicopter community.

“I’ve enjoyed spending time and hearing the insight that our Korean counterparts have to offer,” said HSM-51 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Steve Froehlich. “This is the first year I’ve been able to participate in this event. It was an honor to host Cmdr. Lee and his team from Squadron 629. The continued relationship and exchange between our squadrons strengthens understanding and bonds important for effective operations.”

Last year, the conference was held in Chinhae, Korea. The trip to NAF Atsugi was the first for Squadron 629 Commanding Officer Cmdr.

Lee Moon-Ki and his team.

“I had the pleasure of hosting then-Commanding Officer Cmdr. Thaddeus

Johnson, and it was a real honor,” said Lee Moon Ki. “This year we were very excited to get to come to Japan to see how the U.S. Navy operates on the ground level. Ultimately, that’s what this committee is all about, increasing the ground level awareness and learning how we can best complement one another in peacetime and war.”

The Committee met for four days discussing a range of topics including shipboard take-off and landing procedures, interoperability and future goals and missions.

“This whole event has been an amazing opportunity to work with our Korean counterparts and to improve personally and professionally as we compare best practices,” Froehlich added. “Cmdr.

Lee and I have observed many commonalities in the way we carry out our missions and responsibilities and it’s impressive to those of us who have had the opportunity to work with Squadron 629.”

Lee added that it’s events like these that help set apart militaries and squadrons but most importantly people. This committee was created to help boost not just military power, but to better and to grow the people that participate. For that purpose alone Squadron 629 will forever be grateful to participate.

With the event coming to a close, and many newfound friends parting ways, the lessons learned during the MOHC will continue to play a significant role in the U.S. Navy and ROKN team, enabling the maritime helicopter community to fly together safely and effectively.

HSM 51 Lt. Ji Hong tests night vision goggles during a tour with Republic of Korea Navy Officials.

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NAF Atsugi’s MWR is announcing the realignment of restaurant operations, as it balances continuing the quality of the base restaurant

LITY ACI IR F PAN JA AL A NAV UGI,

ATS

services it provides while adjusting to new budget constraints.

ACC

The ACC’s last lunch and dinner will be Tue, Jun 30. The last Sunday brunch will be Sun, Jul 19; brunch will then move to Trilogy starting Sun, Jul 26.

CATERING

ACC and the Golf Course Restaurant will still be available for events, but most catered functions will be in the Trilogy ballroom—and the catering reservation office for all facilities will be at Trilogy.

GOLF COURSE RESTAURANT The Golf Course Restaurant’s last dinner will be Tue, Jun 30.

Breakfast and lunch will continue.

TRILOGY

Trilogy will reopen Fri, Jul 24 with Skywriters Bakery Café (featuring Starbucks coffee), Bombers Fresh Mex and a brand-new enlisted sports bar named First & Ten.

Keep an eye out for a grand reopening celebration with opportunities for free food!

E S B MBERS

SSKKYYWWRRIITTEERRSS BAKERY CAFE

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5682

Construction is almost complete at the newly renovated Club Trilogy. Featured restaurants will include: Skywriters Bakery Cafe, Bombers Mexican Grill and the new First and Ten Bar.

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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Fleet and Family Support Center How do you describe your department’s primary How do the services you provide support the command’s mission? mission?

Our primary mission is to provide quality customer service through information, resources, and programs which support and enrich the lives of our military members, civilians, retirees, and their families. This supports Naval directives, combat readiness and retention of service members while fostering healthy lifestyles.

We ensure unparalleled support, services, programs and events for our uniformed service members, families and other community members, as a contribution to the overall combat readiness of CVW 5, tenant commands and forward deployed forces.

What can you tell us about your department that others may not know?

What primary services do you provide and who are your Our FFSC was selected as the OCONUS pilot for primary customers? the CNIC certification process. We achieved our We offer something for the entire NAFA community.

We offer everything a wide range of learning, such as: how to make your money work for you, improve family dynamics, play group to network with other parents, stress management strategies, how to have a smooth move, sponsorship, orientation for spouses (also in Japanese), pre-marital seminar, all about employment readiness and an exceptional inter-cultural relations program. Your FFSC team will help you meet your Japanese neighbors, learn the proper way to accept someone’s business card, and a host of craft classes to make personal souvenirs such as washi paper crafts, OBI wall hangings and Hina dolls. Lastly, we also offer services for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.

Certification which is now valid for four years.

What are your department hours?

With the exception of Wednesdays, when we close at 1300 hours to conduct trainings, we are open from 0730 until 1700 hours.

“The Fleet and Family Service Center supports NAF Atsugi’s commitment to the quality of life for our community of Sailors, Civilians, and Families regardless of command. They stand ready around the clock to deliver the highest quality personal, social, cultural and volunteer services to make all of our jobs and lives better. They often provide support that goes unseen and unrecognized. Their efforts enhance our community immeasurably.”

Capt. John F. Bushey

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CO, NAF Atsugi

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

SAVED ROUNDS

PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE NAF ATSUGI COMMUNITY

PHOTO BY MC3 JASON BAWGUS

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS WHO OFFERED THEIR TIME TO CLEAN UP THE YAMATO TRAIN STATION DURING THE MONTH OF MAY

CFAF

CAPT. GARY DEAL RYAN DEAL STEVEN AJLUNI GAVIN CROSS IAN MORELL ELLIOT GHORAYEB YN1 BENJAMIN MCCRAY

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Juniel Daniel of Air Operations cleans the welcome gate in front of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi as part of a base beautification project.

ASD

LS1 DARREN HALL LS2 ACEY MATEO LS2 KYLE MAYO LS2 ROMMEL RODRIGUEZ LS2 GUI ZHOU

NAVSUP

ABF1 JUNNEL CARANDANG ABF2 PETER LUMAWAG

From Left: OS3 Kevin Marr, DC2 Ashley Perez, AC3 Joseph Hilt, ABH2 Fransisco Naval and MA3 Rokeya Duarte pose after a promotion ceremony held at NAF Atsugi’s Cinema 77.

AIMD

AS2 MIGUEL CARRILLO AS2 CHRISTIAN BORROMEO

HSM51

LSSR DERIS BENAVIDES HM2 STEVEN LEE

PHOTO BY MC1 BARRY RILEY

PHOTO BY MC3 RYAN GREENE

CNATT

ETC MARK LOVE ATCS WILLIAM REXROTH AD1 JORGE CARRILLO AZC ROBERTO SALAS AZ1 MICHAEL J. HARRISON

NAFA CAPT. JOHN BUSHEY SAM SAMUELSON

THANK YOU!

Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Stacey Holmes and his wife Tina present their son Malik with an Eagle Scout certificate at the base’s chapel.

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